Saturday, October 25, 2008

Camera Critters: In Loving Memory


SMOKEY
1990-2008
18 1/2 years
Rest In Peace Gentle Friend

It is with a heavy heart that I make this post today. Smokey has been a member of our family for so many years. These past few days haven't been easy and it is so hard to let go. From kitten to wandering Tomcat who loved to explore his surroundings to the affectionately called "Old Guy" he was a loving and loyal companion and will be missed.
I wasn't sure I could post his picture today; but his longevity and loyalty deserve a little place in the spotlight one last time.
I thank all who come by today and share in his remembrance.
If you have a pet and haven't hugged them today give them a gentle hug for me and Smokey.

Be sure to click the badge at the top of my post to visit Misty and all the other Camera Critters participants today.

53 comments:

b13 said...

He looks like he has many stories to tell at the bridge as he waits to be reunited with his master.

judi/Gmj said...

He deserves the best! his longevity is a testament to your love of a valued member of your family. Farewell Smokey.

Gattina said...

Oh, that is very sad ! But 18 years is a good long life. I know it leaves a big hole in the house and you will miss him for a while. My Max was almost 20 when he died 3 years ago, but he is still there with us.

Re my supermarket. Yes you find everything in there from food to bicycles, little furniture, cloths, household stuff etc !

Michele said...

Aw... so sad indeed. I can only imagine the emptiness you must feel.
I promise to give my Tomba cat a big hug for you and for Smokey as soon as I leave here.
{Hug}
~Michele~
Mountain Retreat- Canada

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear...

Anonymous said...

Hi to you and Smokey from me and my Autumn Eve that I lost three years ago.

Rose said...

I'm all teary eyed now...my last cat I had before the current ones was 17 when I had to have him put to sleep. So I sure feel for you.

Melli said...

Awwwwwww... (((Hugs Carletta)))... I'm so sorry! 18 years is a long long life for a kitty - and I'm sure he was WELL loved!

Anonymous said...

:-(

Ramblings of a Villas Girl said...

I am soo sorry. Your Smokey was a very handsome cat and I am sorry for the loss of such a beloved family member.

My cat is 18+ and not a day goes by that I don't give her hugs, kisses and tell her I love her.

Again I am very sorry. Hugs. Lisa

Juliana said...

oh...it is sad..

thanks drop at my cc post

Anonymous said...

That's a long time so it must be a terrible wrench. So sorry.

Lapa37 said...

I am so sorry for your loss hugs to you and your family.He sure looks handsome in the picture.

ratmammy said...

you gave me leaky eyes with your post........ i often go back and remember my old friends long gone, and think about the good memories they left behind. We just lost Alice in January but our new kitties have helped us get past the loss. She was a little younger than your Smokey, almost 17 years. The only mamma and pappa she knew was my husband and i am sure he misses her so very much.

Smokey will be truly missed by all.

Anonymous said...

What a handsome fellow. My condolences on the loss of your friend. (((hugs)))

juliana said...

i hope smokey is happy wherever he's gone to. and i'm sure he had a caring family while here. hugs to you...

Dina said...

Sorry you had to say farewell to Smokey. But 18 is an auspicious number; the Hebrew letter equivalents of 1 and 8 form the word chai, meaning life. Your cat had a good and long life thanks to you.
May you be comforted in your loss, Carletta.

Dar's Foto Faze said...

You have many wonderful memories of a beloved family member.My best and take care. He was very handsome.

JunieRose2005 said...

Aww, Carletta,


I'm so sorry for your sadness! I've been through this so many times and know how hard it is.

Hugs))


Junie

Shelly said...

Oh Carletta, I'm so sorry for your loss.

Reader Wil said...

I am so sorry that you should miss him now. The problem is: no matter how old our pets grow we survive them, and we have to take leave of them. It's so said. One of our cats was 19, the others were much younger when they died. They were loyal company and very sweet. So I hope you will deal with the empty place in your house.

i beati said...

What a fabulous life??do you have other cats ??

Wva had a great win on my sister's birthday ..

It's an honor to know someone who would give Smokey such a special life..sk

Brad Myers said...

So sorry for your loss, I to have cats and have had to put some to sleep in the past and it like losing a member of the family.

Anonymous said...

Oh, what a precious, furry child. My heart aches for you.

Misty DawnS said...

Awwwwwww my heart goes out to you, my friend. He was beautiful and obviously enjoyed a long life, while being loved so much.

Sending you a virtual (((((HUG)))))

Anonymous said...

So sorry for your loss! What a great companion.

Anonymous said...

My heart aches for you...

Jeanne said...

My heart goes out to you Carletta. We lost our beloved furbaby not that long ago and although we've gotten another kitty there's no filling the spot she has in our hearts. Beautiful tribute and {{HUGS}} to you and your family on your loss.

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear your loss. The picture is great tribute. hugggsss to you!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Goodbye Smokey, rest in peace.
Carletta: Take solace in the fact that he lived for so many years and shared your love.

Twisted Fencepost said...

Sorry to hear about Smokey.
That's a long life for a kitty!
Here's a virtual hug from me!!!

Linda said...

so sorry about your pet. They do become a member of the family and its hard to let them go. Sounds like you'll have lots a memories. Just hold on to them.

Anonymous said...

My sympathies, Carletta, I know how hard it is to lose a furry loved one. Smokey would be proud of the beautiful tribute you gave him. Each of my "kids" got extra hugs for both of you.

dot said...

He had a long life and sounds like he was greatly loved. I know it still hurts tho.

marLou said...

I'm sorry to hear that. Smokey looks like he had a good life. Blessings to him and you.

Neal said...

Sorry Carletta. Our little dog is 10 years old and slowing down a lot and I hate to think of the day she leaves us. I didn't want to get another dog after the last one died because I didn't want to go thru the pain again but I let my wife and daughter talk me into getting another one. Some people just can't understand how much a person can get attached to a pet. They love you unconditionally as long as you treat them fairly well. We can be gone for 10 minutes and our little dog acts as though we been gone forever. When my wife started packing to come to TN our little dog knew something was up and followed every step my wife made. Hang in there, the pain will gradually become less.

Raven said...

Oh, Carletta, I'm so sorry about Smokey. I know my kitties are my children and my family and 18 plus years is a long time. It sounds like he had a long, good life full of love and adventure. Tara Grace doesn't do hugs, but I will hug Angel a little extra in Smokey's honor and I'll give Tara an extra head but or ear scratch. I'm sending you and yours a cyber hug too.

Janice Thomson said...

It's tough losing a family pet but you gave him a home and wonderful care and love for 18 long years - he'll be waiting when it's your turn way down the road. Hugs Carletta.

Anonymous said...

Hello Carletta - I feel for you for losing this faithful companion of so many years.

What a beautiful cat!

May his memory and great times always live on in your heart!

Jane Hards Photography said...

Very special and personal image and lovingly written narrative.

Lilli & Nevada said...

My deepest sympathy to you and your family it is so hard to lose our fur families.

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Leora said...

I'm sorry. I lost a cat when I was about twelve, and I cried and cried and cried. So hard to lose a beloved pet.

Gemma Wiseman said...

What a sweet and beautiful tribute to your Smokey! My Sebastian was my best friend! He could even hug me! I too felt a great loss when finally he found some peace from old age pains! It was tough letting him go gracefully!

But the memory of him now is not one of tears, but smiles at all the little things we did together!

Anonymous said...

jolie petit chat

Tootie said...

There's just nothing like the loved family pet. :-)

Jientje said...

I'm sorry to hear about Smokey. That must have been so difficult.
I remember my first cat, she was seventeen when we had to put her to sleep.
I can still cry over this.

Rambling Woods said...

Oh I am so sorry...I had two senior cats before the two I have now. It is so difficult...Michelle

Willard said...

It's always sad to lose a favorite pet. I think it is good that you posted the picture and shared your thoughts about him.

Heidi said...

*hugs* I hope with every passing day it gets easier. I know what it's like to lose such a dear friend as well. The memories you must have over the 18 years! Hold them fast :)

Shannon said...

Love and wonderful memories always to you and your family. "Old Guy" was very special indeed.

Anonymous said...

Rest in peace, Smokey.

Hugs,
Paz

Mary said...

I'm so sorry about Smokey. I have lost several very much loved cats so I know how hard it is to lose someone you loved deeply. 18 years is a great life span! He's very beautiful and I know you must have some great memories. "To live in hearts we leave behind, is not to die".

Anonymous said...

My sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved Smokey. You will never forget him. May he rest in peace . . . and perhaps be a person in his next life?

Also, thanks for visiting my blog.