We live in the U.K.and until Sunday,3rd July,2005 a lovely young lady named Jodie also lived there until her tragic,violent and painful death on that date.
The lovely lady to whom I refer happened to be a cat but the fact that she was not human does not detract in any way,shape or form from the tragedy,violence and pain involved in her death.
Jodie died as the result of a tragic accident by becoming trapped between a small opening in a cellar window and the window frame at a neighbouring house
We appreciate that every household,without exeption,will more likely than not have open windows at some time or other and we have no issue with that.
Our issue is with the specific setting the open window was on combined with the position of the window caused Jodie’s tragic and painful death and we are greatly concerned that other cats may suffer a similar fate to Jodie if this problem is not remedied.Thus the reason for us bringing all of this to your attention.
Jodie approached the open cellar window at ground level.The top of the window begins just above ground level so most of it is below ground level.She will inevitably have been drawn there by the air coming from the cellar being different from the open air around her and in true cat style could not resist exploring it for a closer sniff.She evidently leaned over too far and fell forwards causing her head and neck to land in the narrow end of the small triangular gap that was the windows opening and her back feet to be over a foot from the ground.
Some may believe this to have been a freak accident that consequently will probably not happen again but this is not the case because in this case the householder had only just placed her open cellar windows on that particular tilt and turn,narrow setting and within hours Jodie was dead.This indicates just how high the risk of that setting combined with the position of the windows is.
Jodie had lived in the area for 5 years unharmed and died only as a result of the new setting.
Even in view of all of the above the householder is flatly refusing to remedy the risk currently being posed to cats in the area which are many due to the areas high cat population.Consequently Scamp is not only grieving but also housebound.
We are not singling that one household out but respectfully ask that ALL households with a similar cellar window set-up be aware of the life-threatening risk it poses and rectify that risk accordingly.
The trauma now suffered by her human family should not be underestimated because their loss is every bit as great as the loss of a human family member.
Jodie also leaves behind a 5 year old son Scamp who had not spent a single day apart from her since his conception and who is now lost and bewildered without her(see attached pic).We do not want other families suffering a similar fate!
All that is required is a simple mesh/grill to be placed over the cellar window area allowing fresh air into the cellar without posing a life-threatening risk to cats.
If the household where Jodie died continue to refuse to allow mesh/grills to be put in place despite us offering to raise funds for the same,we will be forced to draw up a petition which you will,if you live locally or else happen to encounter us while petioning, respectfully be asked to sign.
Thank you for reading this important warning.
Jodie's grieving family.
Full Version: Life-threatening Risk To Cats!
We have also now applied to our housing association for a transfer as we are currently unable to look out of our window or leave our home without seeing the very place where our beloved girl died staring us right in the face.
The following is a copy of the letter I sent to the household where Jodie perished.Our letter and our grief have been completely ignored by them so we have now begun a friendly petition.
To the lady at number 15,
These words and the thoughts and feelings behind them come straight from my
heart and are aimed directly at your own heart and I therefore respectfully
ask that they be read by you in precisely that context. I trust you will
therefore read them with an open mind and hopefully with an open heart.
I have taken time out from my mourning/grieving to compose this extremely
important letter and I therefore trust it will be read and regarded with
the respect it deserves for which I thank you in anticipation.
The need for this communication has arisen as a result of you appearing to
have failed to appreciate the enormity of the tragedy involving the violent
death of Jodie the cat at your home on Sunday 3rd July 2005 and the urgent
need to prevent the risk of any further, similar tragedies occurring.
I understand that her death was as the result of a tragic accident, which I
realise you are not responsible for in any way. I believe that at the time
you opened your cellar windows at the particular setting they were at when
Jodie died, you could not have imagined or anticipated the tragedy that
would follow very soon after. Please rest assured I am fully appreciative
of that. Jodie’s death was as the result of an oversight and was therefore
an unpreventable tragedy.
My issue with you, which I now reiterate, is that you currently appear to
fail to appreciate the enormity of the tragedy resulting from Jodie’s death
and the urgent need to prevent the risk of any further, similar tragedies
occurring. Therefore it is my hope that as a result of reading this letter
your perspective will change.
The following is not written to evoke feelings of guilt in you. I have
already sincerely stated that I appreciate you are not responsible for
Jodie’s death. It is however written in the great hope that you will gain
insight into the enormity of her death and consequently act upon that
realisation by cancelling out the risk to other cats that your cellar
windows currently pose.
Jodie, as you are already aware, was a cat, but her role in her human
family was that of an equal. She was not loved or respected any less
because she was not human. The depth and nature of our intense love for her
was on a par with the love we have for those humans in our life that we
love. I am unaware of whether that concept is an unusual one to you but the
fact remains that she was in fact loved and regarded in exactly the same
way as the humans that we love. To appreciate this important point is to
appreciate the enormity of her death for us and I therefore respectfully
request that you endeavour to do so.
We are currently enduring an emotional hell due to the violent nature of
her death, the loss of her life, our loss of her and last but by no means
least the loss of a mother to her son Scamp who had not spent a day apart
from her since his conception 5 years ago (the enclosed recent photograph
of Jodie and Scamp will indicate to you the intensely close bond that
existed between them). Please endeavour not to underestimate the degree of
our suffering.
Similar suffering is likely to occur in the event of any further, similar
tragedies which is the very reason you have been asked by myself and also
by another neighbour to consider preventing the risk of further tragedy.
I am aware that you responded to our neighbours concern and request that
the current risk be remedied in a similar fashion to the way you responded
to my own similar request. You told her that the cellar windows have been
open for 20 years and that Jodie’s death was as the result of a freak
accident. What you failed to tell her is the all-important fact that at the
time of Jodie’s death, the cellar windows were open at a particular setting
that they had not been opened at previously. The fact that Jodie’s death
occurred so soon after this new setting was used is indicative of the level
of the risk it poses.
As you will be aware, the cat population in this road and the
neighbouring roads is high in number and it is only a matter of time before
another curious cat snoops around your cellar windows area and leans
forwards and downwards to sniff at the air coming from the cellar, placing
themselves at great risk of over-leaning and consequently falling forwards,
the rest you already know. Similarly the small area below ground level next
to the cellar windows is appealing to curious cats as an area of
exploration, who may jump down and in their struggle to jump back up to
ground level face the same fate as our beloved Jodie. Please do not think I
am asking only you to remedy this risk because I will be doing everything
in my power to alert, via the media and the internet etc., other cellar
owners with a similar set up of the risk and the easy remedy to that risk.
I repeat, I appreciate it was a risk you were not aware of, but one, even
with hindsight, you are currently choosing to minimise which is why I am
drawing your attention to it via this letter.
In conclusion I am requesting that in view of all of the above, you now
reconsider your current decision to leave your cellar windows as they are.
The risk of further tragedy could SO easily be eradicated by mesh/metal
grills being placed in front of the cellar windows/the cellar windows area,
allowing fresh air into the cellar without any risk to cats being involved.
· I understand that your cellar windows open inwards so this would not
cause a practical problem for you.
· I understand that you take a great pride in the appearance of your home
but the mesh/grid, would for the main part be obscured due to the sub
ground level position of the windows/window area meaning no eyesore would
occur.
· I understand you may be unwilling/unable to finance such mesh/metal
grills and in that event we would be willing to seek funding for it
ourselves.
· I understand you may not be an animal lover, but even if that is the
case, I trust that would not detract from your wish to be a responsible,
caring citizen.
Jodie is dead.
We are bereft.
Please help?
Jodie's grieving family.
Scamp using his mommy as a pillow.
The following is a copy of the letter I sent to the household where Jodie perished.Our letter and our grief have been completely ignored by them so we have now begun a friendly petition.
To the lady at number 15,
These words and the thoughts and feelings behind them come straight from my
heart and are aimed directly at your own heart and I therefore respectfully
ask that they be read by you in precisely that context. I trust you will
therefore read them with an open mind and hopefully with an open heart.
I have taken time out from my mourning/grieving to compose this extremely
important letter and I therefore trust it will be read and regarded with
the respect it deserves for which I thank you in anticipation.
The need for this communication has arisen as a result of you appearing to
have failed to appreciate the enormity of the tragedy involving the violent
death of Jodie the cat at your home on Sunday 3rd July 2005 and the urgent
need to prevent the risk of any further, similar tragedies occurring.
I understand that her death was as the result of a tragic accident, which I
realise you are not responsible for in any way. I believe that at the time
you opened your cellar windows at the particular setting they were at when
Jodie died, you could not have imagined or anticipated the tragedy that
would follow very soon after. Please rest assured I am fully appreciative
of that. Jodie’s death was as the result of an oversight and was therefore
an unpreventable tragedy.
My issue with you, which I now reiterate, is that you currently appear to
fail to appreciate the enormity of the tragedy resulting from Jodie’s death
and the urgent need to prevent the risk of any further, similar tragedies
occurring. Therefore it is my hope that as a result of reading this letter
your perspective will change.
The following is not written to evoke feelings of guilt in you. I have
already sincerely stated that I appreciate you are not responsible for
Jodie’s death. It is however written in the great hope that you will gain
insight into the enormity of her death and consequently act upon that
realisation by cancelling out the risk to other cats that your cellar
windows currently pose.
Jodie, as you are already aware, was a cat, but her role in her human
family was that of an equal. She was not loved or respected any less
because she was not human. The depth and nature of our intense love for her
was on a par with the love we have for those humans in our life that we
love. I am unaware of whether that concept is an unusual one to you but the
fact remains that she was in fact loved and regarded in exactly the same
way as the humans that we love. To appreciate this important point is to
appreciate the enormity of her death for us and I therefore respectfully
request that you endeavour to do so.
We are currently enduring an emotional hell due to the violent nature of
her death, the loss of her life, our loss of her and last but by no means
least the loss of a mother to her son Scamp who had not spent a day apart
from her since his conception 5 years ago (the enclosed recent photograph
of Jodie and Scamp will indicate to you the intensely close bond that
existed between them). Please endeavour not to underestimate the degree of
our suffering.
Similar suffering is likely to occur in the event of any further, similar
tragedies which is the very reason you have been asked by myself and also
by another neighbour to consider preventing the risk of further tragedy.
I am aware that you responded to our neighbours concern and request that
the current risk be remedied in a similar fashion to the way you responded
to my own similar request. You told her that the cellar windows have been
open for 20 years and that Jodie’s death was as the result of a freak
accident. What you failed to tell her is the all-important fact that at the
time of Jodie’s death, the cellar windows were open at a particular setting
that they had not been opened at previously. The fact that Jodie’s death
occurred so soon after this new setting was used is indicative of the level
of the risk it poses.
As you will be aware, the cat population in this road and the
neighbouring roads is high in number and it is only a matter of time before
another curious cat snoops around your cellar windows area and leans
forwards and downwards to sniff at the air coming from the cellar, placing
themselves at great risk of over-leaning and consequently falling forwards,
the rest you already know. Similarly the small area below ground level next
to the cellar windows is appealing to curious cats as an area of
exploration, who may jump down and in their struggle to jump back up to
ground level face the same fate as our beloved Jodie. Please do not think I
am asking only you to remedy this risk because I will be doing everything
in my power to alert, via the media and the internet etc., other cellar
owners with a similar set up of the risk and the easy remedy to that risk.
I repeat, I appreciate it was a risk you were not aware of, but one, even
with hindsight, you are currently choosing to minimise which is why I am
drawing your attention to it via this letter.
In conclusion I am requesting that in view of all of the above, you now
reconsider your current decision to leave your cellar windows as they are.
The risk of further tragedy could SO easily be eradicated by mesh/metal
grills being placed in front of the cellar windows/the cellar windows area,
allowing fresh air into the cellar without any risk to cats being involved.
· I understand that your cellar windows open inwards so this would not
cause a practical problem for you.
· I understand that you take a great pride in the appearance of your home
but the mesh/grid, would for the main part be obscured due to the sub
ground level position of the windows/window area meaning no eyesore would
occur.
· I understand you may be unwilling/unable to finance such mesh/metal
grills and in that event we would be willing to seek funding for it
ourselves.
· I understand you may not be an animal lover, but even if that is the
case, I trust that would not detract from your wish to be a responsible,
caring citizen.
Jodie is dead.
We are bereft.
Please help?
Jodie's grieving family.
Scamp using his mommy as a pillow.
I was urged to post on this forum by a lady who said I was guaranteed to recieve some compassionate responses to the very horrific and traumatising death of my beloved feline companion Jodie.I am therefore left wondering why no less than 20 people have viewed this thread so far and not one of them has expressed the compassion I was told to expect
Im sorry that people havent responded as quickly as you have hoped. Some people who read the thread may not feel comfortable in responding as they may only be looking for solace or guidence at this point. And when you are reaching out for solace yourself and get none, I imagine it hurts. Jodie's death, was tragic and horrific. I cannot imagine what it would be like to find one of my babies like that. Your letter to your neighbor was very specific in your grief. You put a face and an emphasis on what she ment to you. To many of us, our pets are our children or members of our family and when they are gone, it is a loss that many of us have difficulties bearing because we have lost a bit of ourselves. Unfortunately that is a bond that many don't appreciate or understand. Bringing attention to how Jodie died is a valid concern for you and for other pet owners as well. Hopefully others will feel the same way. Many probably won't, especially if its inconvenient or costly for them. The addition of mesh grills is a good idea. Not only would it protect animals from straying into that situation, but what if that were a child? Perhaps you should consider writing an editorial to your local paper? Bringing awareness to this accident might help bring a sense of closure to you and your family. Espsecially if this could be prevented from happening again. I am so sorry for your loss. When you lose something that you love so much, it hurts. I know.
Take Care
Cynthia
P.S. That is such a cute photo with Jodie and Scamp!
Take Care
Cynthia
P.S. That is such a cute photo with Jodie and Scamp!
Lewcynt,
Your much-appreciated compassion is priceless.
I only hope that time will prove that others here feel able to do likewise
Your much-appreciated compassion is priceless.
I only hope that time will prove that others here feel able to do likewise
Reading your story broke my heart! I cannot begin to imagine your grief, losing your baby in such a tragic way. You are absolutely right in your request of your neighbor to take notice of what was a potentially dangerous situation, which has now become a reality for you and yor family. I can only hope that what you have written will sink in and do some good.
I totally relate to how you are feeling your loss, as I feel that my furbabies are as human, if not more human, than most people I know. I actually feel sympathy for people who do not see animals that way because they are missing out on unconditional love, and consequently, cannot give or receive that kind of emotion. What a horrible life to live without these precious souls.
On a happier note, your photos were adorable. It is easy to see the bond your babies shared, and I know how much grief you are feeling especially watching your beloved Scamp try to go on without his mommy. Losing a baby that is loved that much, is a long, heartbreaking road to be on. I can only hope for you and your family that more time will help you to heal and move forward.
For me, it has been 4 months today, and my heart is broken still. No, the grief is not as fresh, and the tears flow for less time than they once did, but I miss my boy more than I could ever say. I know you feel and sadly, will feel, this intense pain for some time to come- I am so sorry for that.
I just wanted to express my sympathy and sorrow for you at this time, I haven't been to the forum much in the last 2 weeks, and it is sad to come back and see that more people have lost their precious babies. It is true that this forum is a place of great comfort and compassion, but sometimes, all of us here, have a hard time finding the words to express our sadness and love, especially since we are all going through ( or have gone through) the emotional trauma of losing a baby that we love(d) so much.
Please know that my thoughts are with you and your family, and I pray that your efforts in preventing a future disaster such as this, will not go unnoticed or unattended.
Peace, Love, and Prayers,
Michelle
I totally relate to how you are feeling your loss, as I feel that my furbabies are as human, if not more human, than most people I know. I actually feel sympathy for people who do not see animals that way because they are missing out on unconditional love, and consequently, cannot give or receive that kind of emotion. What a horrible life to live without these precious souls.
On a happier note, your photos were adorable. It is easy to see the bond your babies shared, and I know how much grief you are feeling especially watching your beloved Scamp try to go on without his mommy.
Losing a baby that is loved that much, is a long, heartbreaking road to be on. I can only hope for you and your family that more time will help you to heal and move forward. For me, it has been 4 months today, and my heart is broken still. No, the grief is not as fresh, and the tears flow for less time than they once did, but I miss my boy more than I could ever say. I know you feel and sadly, will feel, this intense pain for some time to come- I am so sorry for that.
I just wanted to express my sympathy and sorrow for you at this time, I haven't been to the forum much in the last 2 weeks, and it is sad to come back and see that more people have lost their precious babies. It is true that this forum is a place of great comfort and compassion, but sometimes, all of us here, have a hard time finding the words to express our sadness and love, especially since we are all going through ( or have gone through) the emotional trauma of losing a baby that we love(d) so much.
Please know that my thoughts are with you and your family, and I pray that your efforts in preventing a future disaster such as this, will not go unnoticed or unattended.
Peace, Love, and Prayers,
Michelle
I have just read your post and am horrified at how your poor cats life ended. I lost my own cat just over a week ago to a road accident and was absolutely gutted. Only animal lovers can truly appreciate the grief and pain that is endured when our animals die. To me, i would not have suffered anymore had it been a human that had died, my cats mean that much to me. You must be so angry at the lack of compassion shown by your ignorant neighbour, sadly there are too many people out there who have no great love for animals and would never for one second understand your grief or the pain that your family are going through. Not to mention your cats son who must be missing his mum immensely. As you have offered to pay for these changes to be made, I cannot see nor understand why she will not agree to them. I am sorry that you have been disappointed by the lack of response you have received, but you must remember that everyone on this forum is going through their own personal tragedy and some might not feel ready to offer support as their pain is still to raw. However, if it comes to it, that you need to raise a petition against your neighbour, I am certain that you would have the full support of everyone here and it would be signed by everyone who sees it. As you say it was a tragic accident, but one that could be avoided in future. I hope your neighbour sees sense and does the right thing, otherwise you will take her the full road - and good luck to you ! Not only post the petition on this forum, but there are many other pet support websites that can be used also.
Keep us updated.
Catherine
Keep us updated.
Catherine
I'm so sorry that you feel you did not receive a reply quickly enough. I was here on the site at 1pm yesterday but did not see your post then or I would have replied to it at the time.
Many people who come here may just have arrived at the site that day, having lost a beloved animal within the last 24 - 48 hours and they are too upset to post even about their own loss and may just be reading others posts. It may take them several days even to come back and make a first post about their own loss, and then even longer before they can begin to perhaps thinking of writing words of support for others. So although you saw 20 views, many of those people may well not have felt able to post.
So please, I hope so much that after seeing the caring posts that I see are here now that you feel that people do care about what happened to your little girl Jodie. I know it broke my heart when I read what had happened to her.
It was a terrible tragedy and I hope so much that all your good work in trying to make sure it doesn't happen again to another little kitty, comes to fruition.
The pictures of Jodie and Scamp together are wonderful, and I can see how much they meant to each other ... it must hurt so very much for you and for Scamp that Jodie is no longer with you. I am truly so very sorry for what happened to your beautiful little girl. It was a real tragedy .....
with love
jilly
Many people who come here may just have arrived at the site that day, having lost a beloved animal within the last 24 - 48 hours and they are too upset to post even about their own loss and may just be reading others posts. It may take them several days even to come back and make a first post about their own loss, and then even longer before they can begin to perhaps thinking of writing words of support for others. So although you saw 20 views, many of those people may well not have felt able to post.
So please, I hope so much that after seeing the caring posts that I see are here now that you feel that people do care about what happened to your little girl Jodie. I know it broke my heart when I read what had happened to her.
It was a terrible tragedy and I hope so much that all your good work in trying to make sure it doesn't happen again to another little kitty, comes to fruition.
The pictures of Jodie and Scamp together are wonderful, and I can see how much they meant to each other ... it must hurt so very much for you and for Scamp that Jodie is no longer with you. I am truly so very sorry for what happened to your beautiful little girl. It was a real tragedy .....
with love
jilly
I'm so sorry for your tragic loss of Jodie. The pictures you've posted of her and Scamp together are so very cute. I know he must miss her terribly.
Please know you're in my thoughts as you deal with this extreme sadness.
Hugs,
Kathleen
Please know you're in my thoughts as you deal with this extreme sadness.
Hugs,
Kathleen
I'm so sorry about the loss of Jodie!!! The heartbreak (to you and Scamp) must be just about unbearable. There is nothing like this kind of pain.
Somewhere on this site are some tips for helping a surviving pet through the loss of their beloved companion (in this case, his beloved mother!!). Let me know if you look and can't find the tips.
Through your tears, please know that Jodie is experiencing no emotional or physical pain in the realm she's in. She's 100% spirit and I believe she's at peace and in bliss. I know that sounds odd because of the violent nature of her death, and because of the fact that she leaves behind a son and a Mom. But the cir%%stances of her all-spirit environment are different from the ones we live with while we're in these physical bodies.
I have no doubts that you will be fully reunited some day. And for Jodie, it will happen instantaneously because I believe there's no time barrier for those who've already crossed over. For Scamp and especially you, it will take longer before you get to see her again---although her spirit is with you even now.
This pain does lessen, but right now that seems just about impossible, I know!!!!
Good for you, for writing that letter.
You are in the process of saving other precious lives!!
Keep in touch.
Love,
Kathy
There is nothing like this kind of pain. Somewhere on this site are some tips for helping a surviving pet through the loss of their beloved companion (in this case, his beloved mother!!). Let me know if you look and can't find the tips.
Through your tears, please know that Jodie is experiencing no emotional or physical pain in the realm she's in. She's 100% spirit and I believe she's at peace and in bliss. I know that sounds odd because of the violent nature of her death, and because of the fact that she leaves behind a son and a Mom. But the cir%%stances of her all-spirit environment are different from the ones we live with while we're in these physical bodies.
I have no doubts that you will be fully reunited some day.
And for Jodie, it will happen instantaneously because I believe there's no time barrier for those who've already crossed over. For Scamp and especially you, it will take longer before you get to see her again---although her spirit is with you even now.This pain does lessen, but right now that seems just about impossible, I know!!!!
Good for you, for writing that letter.
You are in the process of saving other precious lives!!Keep in touch.
Love,
Kathy
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