I met Simba 4 years ago at the local cat sanctuary, he has been dumped outside in freezing cold snowy weather by a couple who has done a flit from a flat because they did not want to face the Landlord for some reason. A neighbour of theirs could only feed him but he had to stay outside because she had an allergy to cats but she had the charity to phone the sanctuary to find a place for him as soon as they could. In march 2009 i lost Chunky to hyperthyroidism, a few weeks later after this devastating loss I went to the sanctuary to take a donation in his memory & met Simba who approached me, ever so friendly & passive. We bonded immediately, I think he could sense I was grieving, but as much as I took a liking to him I thought it too soon & we parted. As weeks passed I could not get this calm friendly big soft ginger tom out my mind & decided to take a chance he was still there & so he was. As soon as he saw me it seemed as though i had made an impression too. I filed out the forms & arranged an appointment for the sanctuary to do home check which I made sure I did extra housework for, just hoped the woman coming around did not think I was too desperate!! Having passed the home inspection & questions with flying colours I eagerly took the cat carrier to collect my new friend, got in new dishes, good cat food for Simba ready for his arrival. Obviously when he arrived I took him to the kitchen where his food was laid out in waiting, he was very shy, but made the effort to fully inspect the new premises where up to his standard, walking around he noticed the french doors he noticed the garden, he looked so gobsmacked as though he had never seen 1 before & it was now his, can understand if he had been kept in flat most of his life. Anyway when shyness & hiding under the beds finished we got on swimmingly & settled into a nice quite domestic life together as a family of 4 (inc.myself, my hubby, & my son) only retaining a hatred of closed doors which he never fully got over.

When we sold the house in the town he was frightened he was going to be left behind when removers took the furniture to storage but we were still there with which confused him, the day arrived loaded up what was left, Simba in the cat carrier & set off to our new house in the country. He meiowed all the way there only stopping when he realized he definitely NOT going to be dumped. So we settled into our new home I kept him in for few weeks so he could find his favourite spots & explore his new surroundings, me only being away from him to take my son the daily college run. Coming home to be greeted by that chubby furry ginger face as i walked through the door, he was all mine for the day. We settled into the daily ritual of me getting my breakfast & he following as i made it, sitting down eating it & sat very attentively waiting for his cat milk which i lovingly poured into same bowl for him. Then we get on with the usual household chores then he went out & sat as still as could be waiting to by home his contribution for the household (ie a mouse) from 1 of edges so patient so calm.

After 3 years of daily ritual, being included on father Christmas's present list, he became listless he already had arthritis, took him to the vet who run some tests, then he was diagnosed as being diabetic, we took it in our stride with twice daily injections which made him brighter for a while & also some hope he would get better, the he started to fail again so back to vet we went, Simba becoming increasingly distressed at the continual blood test but were needed, the vet confirming Cushing's disease. I was devastated!!! especially after what i read on the internet & seen animals suffer so much with that condition, Simba's only option was to have not only increased doses of insulin but vetoryl pills which are for dogs 1 a day, but as there was nothing suitable for cats it was his only option. This regime helped only for a while, his back end became thinner, he slept most of the time & looked so weary, then he seemed to be gasping for breath. He looked at me as if to say its time - it was so heat breaking!!! So I called the vet & told her the least i owed him was to was to be sent to his happy hunting ground at home. My son came home from Stafford on the morning of the 27th February 2013 & hubby came home from work at lunchtime & we all spent that last special time together before the vet came to the house where he passed away with those who loved him most of all or ever did, quietly as a lamb.

Always a sweet & gentle big lad, Simba needless to say has left a massive hole in our lives, the house has lost the furry heart beat of house, the routine & ritual is broken, my supervisor, companion, my boss cat, everything seems so empty & pointless, struggling to cope with sound of silence in the house, no greetings, no more cuddles or little chats we had, no more walks together in the garden chasing butterflies or going down the drive to collect the post from the postbox, no more opening his Christmas presents for him, no more being directed to the fridge at feeding time, no more seeing is happy content face when he is snuggled in front of the fire. Only a pile of disturbed earth where his mortal remains are along with his special toys & one of his favourite blankets & a sheepskin from his basket. He left us with cherished memories & the unconditional love that will never fade. Feel so desperate for any sense of him around the house, any kind of sign to know he is okay in his new beginnings, can understand the bereaved when all they want is to be with the one who left them behind, feel as though my heart could burst & so sick with grief without him & falling apart for him. So wish I could be with him now, just so hope he is there waiting for me when my time comes never to be separated ever again, why do we humans have to live so long its not fair, sooner would be with them both. It going to be desperate days for quite a while, still sobbing for him he was so brave my sweet Simba!

Hi, gravessa, please permit me to offer you my sincerest sympathies in the physical loss of your beloved Simba. Losing a companion is never easy regardless of the circumstances or how long we are blessed with the privilege of their company. Euthanasia is the last gift of love we can give to our companions at great sacrifice to ourselves so that they can be restored to their former youthfulness in the company of the angels.

Gravessa, as you all too well know, this grief journey is one of the hardest experiences you will know on this side of eternity. It is a journey that can only be traveled one day at a time, sometimes one moment at a time in your own way and in your own time. It is a journey that is filled with many different emotions that can overwhelm us all at one time - - it is a journey frequently referred to as a horror roller coaster ride. It is a journey of adjusting to the physical absence of your beloved Simba, and it is a journey that cannot be reconciled in an hour, a day, a week, a month, or even 6 months - - for you are now on a journey that is filled with all the "first withouts" and the memories of "this time yesterday, last week, last month, last year" to endure.

I can so understand the silence that is in your home now, gravessa, and the sound of silence is deafening. It is as if the house structure itself is mourning the physical loss of your beloved Simba. Scientific studies show that every living being has an "energy" that becomes a part of the family unit - - whatever that family unit may be. When a member of that family unit is no longer physically present, the continuity of the family unit changes - - it goes through a period of re-establishing a "new normal" with the remaining family members. And so this is the case now with the physical absence of your beloved Simba, for during his earthly journey he became the center of your universe, and now you are faced with the enormous painful task of re-defining a "new normal" for your daily routines.

From what you have shared with us, gravessa, you gave Simba the best life he could ever want during his earthly journey -- a safe home filled with love. The good news in the midst of your deep sorrow is that the love bond you and your beloved Simba share is eternal - - it is not restricted to the physical laws of time and space. Your beloved Simba's sweet Living Spirit continues to share your earthly journey now as he always has and always will, for he is always and forever a part of your heart and memories - - he is always and forever a heartbeat close to you.

I know there are no adequate words in any language that can soothe the seering pain of sorrow that is in your heart, gravessa. I can only hope the words I share with you will be able to offer you some measure of comfort, support, encouragement, and hope as you travel your grief adjustment journey. One of the many things you need to remember is that you are not alone - - each of us here do understand what you are going through, and we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us.

Thank you so much for sharing your beloved Simba with us, gravessa. Perhaps sometime you will feel up to sharing a picture(s) of him with us - - but only when / if you want to. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, gravessa, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank so much Moon Beam being early days it comes in waves. As I was reading your very kind message "Moon River" was being played on the tv blinding me with tears, words so apt at the moment as to how I am feeling for Simba, hardly ate or slept since last Wednesday never mind knowing what do with myself. I have gone out but the journey home has been difficult knowing Simba is not there I have never met such a gentle attentive animal until I met Simba who never ever tried to bite or scratch me, jobs around the house seem a chore more than ever & more so. I know grief will be a roller coaster for quite a while but reading the other post has helped as well showing much we all take our hearts & wear them on our sleeves for them unconditionally. Sometimes I needed him more than he needed me but that was when Simba was here, now wanting more than ever to ensure he is not scared - not very good at being on my own these days but at the moment not even sure I could cope loving another cat at the moment only to face another loss at some point either in time, suppose time will tell.
Would to show the world Simba but my photos are in megabytes & the upload size is 400k & dont know how to reduce the photo byte size to fit.
Thank you so much again
g


Thanks to DannyMom for helping me with resizing my beloved's photo

gravessa, you can resize your photo at http://www.picresize.com/

It is very easy to use. Just upload your photo, resize as you wish, and then save it back to your computer.

Hi DannysMom
Thank you very much appreciated
g

Hi, gravessa, thank you so very much for sharing with us how you're doing and your wonderful picture of your beloved Simba. What a handsome little man he is!!

I'm so glad DannysMom was able to help you with your picture. She is a computer specialist by profession, so she is very knowledgeable about these, and many other, things.

I know how you feel when you share with us: "I have gone out but the journey home has been difficult knowing Simba is not there." This is one, among many, of the hardest adjustments we endure after our companions transition home to the angels. It is important that you just focus on taking one day at a time, gravessa, even one moment at a time as you feel the need. And don't even think right now about embracing another companion into your heart and home - - give yourself some time. Some people do adopt quickly after experiencing a loss while other people find it better to wait until their deep grief has eased. Some people fill the empty void by pet sitting for family members or friends, or fostering a homeless waif until a permanent loving family can be found. And some people never adopt another companion again - - for whatever reason. Whatever you decide, gravessa, will be the right decision for you both now and in the future.

Thank you again so much for sharing your beloved Simba with us, gravessa. It is obvious by his posture and the expression on his face that he knows he is loved. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, gravessa, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

gravessa

Please allow me to also express my deepest condolences on the loss of such a special, gentle handsome man kitty. I know all too well what the ravages of diabetes can wreak on our feline companions. My Sir Thomas as well as my current ginger Tang have/had ro deal with it. Simba sounds like such a lovely man, and while I can never hope to have the eloquence of moon_beam and others on here. I still wanted to let you know you are in our thoughts in this difficult time that hits all to close to home for me. Know Simba knows how much he was loved in his earthly journey with you as is his living spirit that will be with you always. Thank you for sharing your story and his lovely picture.

Tracy, Theresa and Tang

Tracy, Theresa & Tang

Thank you so much for you lovely message of condolence & understanding & so heartfelt sorry you are having to go through the same yet again. Yes Simba was a lovely man in all aspects of his being they all have. Like us they are individuals with feelings. Feeling dazed today as to how fast those 4 too short years were, also going through feelings of anger on his behalf knowing how his formative years he got such a crud deal with folk who could not care less for such a lovely gentle man who more than deserved better but bless every day Simba was in my life being given unconditionally the love we had for him. Now the house as well as ourselves has going into mourning even though Simba 's presence is still felt not being able to see him to properly acknowledge him is heartbreaking thinking every wisp of a draft maybe Simba trying to make his presence felt to us, him not understanding & getting upset wondering why we cannot see or feel him .

We could, & Simba dealt with the diabetes in his stride, he would he would come to me when it was time for his injection without hesitation he never needed a clock. The vet said that felines are the only known species that can cure themselves of diabetes so there was hope until he started to fail again. When he confirmed as having Cushings I saw horrid pictures on the internet of cats with this cruel condition, it was then I then I decided that we would let carry on until he let me know he had had enough but not to the stage of those photos with fur falling out in great lumps & lesions on the body that did not heal, & he did with the look that does not just see you but pierces your very soul - & Simba did a few weeks ago. Felt as though & I was signing his death warrant when vet came last Wednesday but it was not about me it was about Simba it, was over so fast & so quietly it was beyond belief. We wore our heart on our sleeve for them only for it to be torn off.

I pray with my very being & everything I hold dear that he & Chunks will be waiting for me with when its my time we will cross over together the rainbow bridge just wish it could be now.

Gravessa

Dear Simba,
It has been 3 weeks now since you shed your physical form, we are missing stroking your lovely ginger fur & missing you daily gentle guidance that made any day bearable whatever life threw at us & looking after your needs. I do know you are here in our home with us & hope that you will continue to do so as this is your home as much as ours. Miss more than ever our cuddles & chats not to mention the ear rubs on those lovely ears of yours, & watching you sleep by the fire. When I went to the Cat Sanctuary where we met that glorious day, I went to take your unopened food you had left for the cats in need there along with a donation in your memory, the volunteers there remembered you clearly with great affection, that large sweet gentle ginger pusscat who had touched everyone's hearts especially mine where you left your beautiful paw prints across my heart forever.

I could not bear to have that final goodbye chat with you before the vet came to the house to make love's greatest sacrifice & stop your suffering, I dont want to say goodbye to you Simba. I never said thank you for for all those precious days together again I dont want them to end even it means waiting until the afterlife to continue those happy days which will never end. All i know is this silly clumsy human loves you Simba with all her heart & is finding it so hard being without you.

Please send me a rainbow so we can walk the bridge together soon.
with fondest love & affection
for my Simby ***

It was my mum in law's funeral yesterday, it just brought the hurt & grief of the past 4 weeks flooding back with losing Simba & 9 days later my mum in law. I was not just saying prayers for her but for Simba as well. Find it so difficult that their physical presence has gone from our lives we are now down to a family of 3 thats it - no siblings etc thats it!!!!! Find it so hard that we have to get used a new normal when we were content with the old - why did it have to change? I know change happens but it seems to happen for the sake of it - it did not seem necessary, just so wish I could be with my Darling Simba it breaks my heart i cannot see him.

Spent all day in a deep depression, sick to the stomach & in tears of sorrow pining for Simba my gentle ginger puff ball. I hope he sends me a dream with him talking to me or giving some indication that he is okay, I know I cannot force it - it is up to Simba to initiate it. Really hating the thought of having to wait so long when I shed this human mortal coil when theirs seem so cruelly short compared to ours - love's separation seems so cruel, & if God could see we loved each other why did he separate us by calling Simba to his side?

My mum in law had 85 years on this earth in the end she had Alzheimer's & her lungs were shot to pieces she had a good long life even so, otherwise I would not have my husband or my son. But I don't understand why He had to take Simba as well from us? My first cat Chunky died 4 years ago within less than a year my father in law died it just seems as though our precious boys Simba & Chunky are being taken from me for the sake of it & its breaking my poor heart slice by slice the pain is becoming unbearable!!!

Yet another bad day so choked up I cannot breathe not just because of you going to sleep 5 weeks today my sweet baby Simba but also because of the thought of being left behind in the physical mortal world for such a long time before I am able to be by your side again. This is worse than torture. I hope you know I loved you so much Darling Simba. Its just so lonely without you no matter what others try to say or do. I loved & still do so much your little ways, sharing breakfast especially, watching you sleep rolling over on your back, you have left such a massive hole in lives Sweetie! & the days are so dreadfully long. The vet did all she could the odds were stacked against you but I still desperately fought for you my darling because you were the sunshine in our lives in feline form, we love every bit of you. My poor heart is aching so much for want of you, forgive me for any wrongs i did & thank you so much for choosing us to be your family I hope we were deserving of your unconditional love & trust & so glad beyond words can say we have felt your presence in house that you made a home my Darling Simba, all I ask is that you still consider it your home until we are joined together again forever. Love you forever Simba ***

Gravessa

My heart aches for your loss and grief. That is a beautiful picture of Simba. He looks so much like my boy Tang who is also diabetic (insulin twice a day) Beneign tumor (Thank God) in his left ear that's grown back from the first removal and can't be again until BG under control. He's also positive for heart worms for which there is no treatment for cats (but does not seemed troubled by it, also Thank God). But with the deck stacked against him, like your Simba, he has such a positive attitide and outlook on life. I can tell by looking in your Simba's eyes he is such a kind and gentle soul.

Your loving tribute to Simba is very heart warming. I know I have not posted to your thread in a while, but when I saw that picture, I just had to post. Your are in our thoughts and prayers. Take care.

TTT (Tracy, Theresa, and Tang)

Thanks so much TTT, they are words from the heart which is breaking a day does not go by when I cry for my dear sweet Simba. My prayers are with you & Tang too.
hugs
Gravessa

Dear Simba,
It is such a lovely day here at your home, the kind of day you would be wandering about in your garden exploring the hedges & bushes looking for treats to bring home to us, supervising the gardening in the kitchen garden as well as relaxing in the sun in your favorite places including the conservatory which we called your "day room" lying on your back dreaming your sweet dreams out of the breeze. Just hope your are there now doing the same even though I cannot see you because I know you enjoyed doing that so much. I continue to look there in your spots for any chance I can see you or even have chance of feeling your presence in a place which is still your home. I look at the place where your mortal remains lie with a sad sinking heart with your favorite blanket you used to cover your chair along with your toy snake, the mouse I bought for you as your first toy when first arrived to be with us, & your toy fish which you loved so much to play with but had stopped doing so when you became ill but they were always yours & no one else. The sun may be shining outside just seems so pointless with out you Simba, I am still crying for you my dear Simba, I remember sitting on the wall in the garden, you came & sat beside me & as you did so I said to you "I hope heaven is like this!" meaning you & me will be there together in contentment as we both sat & watched the sun set together before going inside the house side by side walking together as two soulmates. Who needed to win the lottery when I had you by my side, all that mattered was our love, food for your bowl, warmth to keep you warm & a roof & 4 walls to keep you safe & sheltered, help when you needed it.

A few minutes after writing this Peter was looking around the garden & found Harriet the pheasant had passed to the spirit form as you, beneath one of the hedges, we were yet again upset. I remember she would come up to you knowing that she could trust you when she came to feed where i had left bird food, she never minded either of us because she knew we would not attack her only feed her especially when it got cold, she would stay whilst the others ran - she knew she would be okay with us.

Yet another week nearly over since took on your spirit form Sweet Simba, another week not being able to see you especially getting up in the morning when my senses say Simba is on the bed, I open my eyes & there is an empty space where you regularly lay & sat my heart sinks every time. Just very thankful beyond words that you brush yourself up against my legs or paw my leg at mealtimes when I am around the house confirming to me you know you are very much loved even now as you will be forever. As I have said to you I trudge through each day with a heavy heart & tears in my eyes for you, clinging to the hope that as each day passes it is day nearer to being with you it is just so heart breakingly hard but we will get there Sweet Simba for all of us. People who come to the house that met you always say what gentle lovely friendly cat you were on Earth.

I keep your photograph that seems to change with your mood letting me know how you are feeling, with your lovely ginger fur in the back of the frame near to me all day expect when I go out only so I do not lose it, & I take it to bed with me every night without fail. I have told Walker to keep very close to you so I know you are safe & not getting shut out of the house which would upset me if that should happen, just paw my leg or brush up against me as God does not allow those that not left the Earth yet to see those that have. Apart from your toys which you took with you, your large basket that i bought for you so you could relax better is still in its normal place & your little house is in the corner which I bought for you so you could sleep out of any drafts in the house when it is cold I have kept the house familiar to you. The rekki master says your energies are around the house & traced them around the house & outside where you walked & played which was comforting as they are quite strong. I always tried my best to make you happy sweetie & will always try to do so. I have told the bees of your passing so they can tell God. God bless you & I am looking forward to seeing you again soon as the Good Lord will allow.

Great pictures, Gravessa. Simba was obviously a cute and lovable kitty. I can certainly see why you miss him so much. Sorry about the pheasant, too, and liked the story about her and Simba. My heartfelt condolences to you for your loss.

Hi Jake's Grandpa,
You bet i miss Simba just like the flowers miss the sun & the rain as I sure we all do our respective fur babies. Thank you your kind words they are very much appreciated.
kind regards
Gravessa

The weeks, days & hours keep passing since you left your physical form my sweet darling Simba nearly 2 months now. I know you are around because i have felt you padding down on the back on my shoulder on Sunday night, it is so blissfully noticeable it was as if you were in the physical form. I am so glad beyond words you do let me know you are around you obviously know how much I want you here & waiting for me to shed my physical form too. I have still cried for you Simba only because I love you so much my heart is broken because I cannot be with you just yet so we can cross Rainbow Bridge together. That is a day I look forward to so much for your sake as much as mine.










T

Gravessa, it is so apparent how much you loved and cared for your sweet Simba, as he did for you. As someone who is currently dealing with a sick pet and who lost a beloved pet in Oct 2010, I know how painful such a loss can be (as does anyone who posts here). I truly believe that these special creatures are brought into our lives for very specific reasons, even if we have them in our lives for 2 weeks, 2 years or 2 decades. It seems obvious to me that Simba was put on this planet to help you cope with the loss of your sweet Chunky and to remind you that you can forge new relationships even as you have to let go of old relationships, at least from a physical standpoint as we never stop having relationships with fur balls who leave us. The sudden absence of the physical presence of our pets is perhaps the most difficult thing to deal with. These beautiful creatures become constants in our lives who unconditionally love us regardless of anything. That constant physical presence becomes so comforting, so "right" that when it's taken from us it leaves an indescribable void. It's been nearly two months since Simba left this world and I am sure that void has closed up some since then. Rest assured that as each day passes you will be able to cope with his loss a little bit more. While we never forget our fur balls or ever stop loving them, we gradually come to accept that our lives were made more complete, more enriched by the time we spent with them on this planet, regardless of how much time we were together. The pain we feel when they leave us is greatly over-shadowed by the joy and happiness they brought us while they were a part of our lives.

When we lost our Reggie back in October 2010, I was blessed to find this site and all the people who post here. While painful at first, sharing all the special memories and pictures I had of Reggie ultimately helped me cope with his passing and to better understand why he was put on this earth and how truly blessed I was to have known him. I never say that we "get over" our pets' passing, as that never happens. We get over things like losing $20, seeing our favorite sports team lose or having to work late. Instead we are able to cope with their passing and eventually we can truly focus on the enrichment they provided us rather than focus on their passing. Each time we cry, or share a memory with someone else or we feel their presence near us, that takes us a little bit closer to being able to cope with their passing. Only time can help us get closer to that point.

Please continue to let us know how you are doing.