A few months after one of our other kitties passed away many years ago, we decided to adopt another cat. None of our local pet supply stores was holding pet adoptions that day, so we ended up driving a few miles to the nearest place that had some kitties available. My husband instantly fell in love with a huge orange tabby named Mo that was in a cage tucked away in the corner. It seemed as if the adoption organizers were trying to keep him somewhat hidden, so we asked why since it was obvious Mo was such a lovable cat. It turned out Mo was a package deal, meaning that if we wanted Mo we had to also adopt his best friend Teddy, a special needs cat. My husband was completely smitten with Mo, so one of the adoption people drove us to out to meet Teddy. They never brought Teddy to the adoptions since he had chronic diarrhea, trouble with his balance, and he had licked off quite a bit of his fur due to stress. Teddy and Mo had been adopted a couple of times before, but Teddy's condition was more than most families could handle so they had been returned each time. After we met Teddy and saw how miserable he was, we decided to give the boys a forever home. That was 18 years ago. (Over time, Teddy recovered from most of his symptoms, such as his fur growing back and much better balance, and although he still has chronic diarrhea, it's not nearly as bad as it used to be.) As I mentioned before, Mo was a pretty big cat. He weighed nearly 20 pounds his entire life, that is until now. A couple of months ago, he rapidly began losing weight, and since he's fairly old for a cat, we knew time was short for Mo. At the moment, he's still with us, but it's likely he won't last another day. Mo's favorite place in the house is the bathtub. He loved drinking water directly from the faucet and would often demand it with loud meows. I layered some soft sheets in the tub and placed him in there to await the inevitable. My husband had a special connection with Mo from the first time they met, so he's quite devastated. We have dealt with the loss of many of our animal babies over the years (one of the worst for me personally was the passing of my beloved parrot Boogie after 27 years), so I felt like I was prepared for this, but now I'm in tears. It always hurts when they leave us.

Mo finally passed away. I wanted to keep an eye on him, so I moved him from the bathtub to the couch. After about an hour or so, he simply stopped breathing. We're glad he went so calmly and peacefully. Tomorrow I have to take him to vet's office for cremation. We always called him our Little Lion. We miss him already. We hope he loved living with us as much as we loved him.

Hi, Pamela, please permit me to offer you and your husband my sincerest sympathies in the physical loss of your beloved Mo. Losing a companion is never easy regardless of the circumstances or how long we are blessed with the privilege of their company. How wonderful it is that he was able to make the transition journey in the surroundings he loved the most - - his home surrounded by the love of his Forever Mom and Dad and his best buddy Teddy.

It is soooo wonderful that you and your husband gave Mo and Teddy a loving home where they could live their lives together. No one else could have helped Teddy through his many medical challenges, and they are so blessed to have you and your husband for their Forever Mom and Dad.

I know so very well what you and your husband are going through now, and I can imagine your precious Teddy also knows his best buddy is no longer physically with him. He will need you and your husband even more now to help him adjust. I also know so very well that the physical loss of a beloved companion is one of the most painful experiences we can know in this earthly journey. From what you share with us there is no doubt that you and your husband did everything in your human and humane power to give your beloved Mo a happy and healthy earthly journey, and hope somehow you will be able to find comfort in your hearts that your beloved Mo's sweet Living Spirit is always and forever a part of your heart and memories - - he is always and forever a heartbeat close to you.

Pamela, I know so very well from firsthand experience that when our hearts are entrenched in deep sorrow there are no adequate words in any language that can soothe the searing pain of sorrow. Still I hope the words I share with you will offer you and your husband some measure of comfort, support, encouragement, and hope as you travel your grief adjustment journeys.

Thank you so much for honoring us in sharing your beloved Mo with us. Please know you and your husband are in my thoughts and prayers, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam