GA Bronx is gone. Added some old photos .

Heartbroken ... Saw your post last night and just couldn’t respond. I didn’t want to believe it. I am so sorry that it was Bronx’s time to leave you. I’ve always felt a special connection to Bronx. Maybe it was the shared acro diagnosis or that Gizmo and Bronx had to be long lost brothers. Before the diabetes diagnosis and finding this group, I would have never believed I could feel so much for cats I’ve never met, but Bronx was just one of those kitties that I loved to see an update on. Thank you for sharing the story of how Bronx came into your life. You and him were meant to be together. He chose wisely. May time heal your pain and may Gizmo and Bronx meet and catch up with each until we can be with them again. :rb_icon:cat_wings>o
 
It was a cold February morning in 2006. I had a van parked in front of a housing complex in a bad section of the Bronx for a week and was picking it up to get it back to NJ. As I started to drive, I heard a cat screeching loud. I was like oh no, a cat must've got under my hood for warmth and it is stuck or hurt. I pulled over on the Grand Concourse (a very, very busy street) and looked around for the cat. Nothing under the hood so I looked around under the van. There was a tiny gray kitten wedged up above the spare tire that is attached under the van. He was looking down on me and meowing loudly. He looked pretty wedged up there and I was afraid to take him down on this street because he would just get hit by a car. So I drove into an alleyway to see if I could get him unwedged. I went underneath and he did not fight me at all and let me grab him and put him down. He was shivering and would not move from under the van. I kept saying to him, go back to your home but he wouldn't move. So I decided to put him in the van and drive him back to NJ and give him to the good folks of START (an animal rescue where I got my civie Poochie that was about 6 at that time). As I am driving on the George Washington Bridge 5 minutes later, he jumps in my lap and just stares at me and purrs for the entire trip home. Maybe it was the warmth of my lap or that I saved him from a rough, short life on the streets in the Bronx, but he was the happiest kitten ever. I didn't want 2 cats since I knew Poochie would not accept a 2nd cat after being an only cat her whole life. So I contacted START and they took him and said he would find a home easy since it is rare to find a kitten in the winter. My live-in GF at the time insisted that I get him back and that he belongs with me. So after one night of her hounding me, I called START back and said I would take him. Poochie, who was more of my GF's cat, was not very happy! But Bronx was mine. He followed me everywhere, greeted me at the door every day, slept with me and was always by my side. He was always a big talker, probably knowing his loud crying was what save him. We were made for each other and he made my life so happy. I am devastated right now but I know time heals. The next few days will be hard, so many reminders of him in here. His beds, his meds, water fountain, pet feeder, etc... Waking up this morning and no Bronx here kills me.
What a beautiful story. Thank you so much for sharing it. I agree with Wendy: take care of yourself, honor your grief, remember all you did for him and the great love you two share. May you find peace knowing he’s still with you and always will be.
 
...The next few days will be hard, so many reminders of him in here. His beds, his meds, water fountain, pet feeder, etc... Waking up this morning and no Bronx here kills me.

The reminders are haunting for a while, no bones about it. But eventually they will be very comforting. You'll have to decide if if feels best to leave them all where they are, or tuck them away for now, but aside from the meds if you can find someone to sell or donate to, be sure that you keep all of his stuff. When my second cat (ever) passed, we left the blankie that I found him on at home and rushed him to the ER in at the vet. I couldn't touch it, I couldn't look at it. I would give anything to have that blankie back now.

Your care of Bronx was truly inspiring. Please know that. And know how sad I am for you. :bighug:
 
CarStuff 003.jpg
 
I didn't realize that he had really faint stripes until I saw that pic of him on the purple-y plaid blankie, I always thought that he was solid grey. He's very regal. So handsome.
 
I don't know what's worse, being loved by such a gorgeous creature and having to say goodbye or just having them love you so much while they're here with us...and having to let go of that love. These little heartbreakers...we're all with you Paul...sending thoughts your way. You were the best daddy bean and I'm sure he knew that when he chose you that day in the Bronx. :bighug::bighug:
 
Thank you all so much for your words, I have read each and every one of your thoughts over and over and am overwhelmed how much Bronx was loved here. I wish I could thank you each individually.

When I open shades in the bedroom every morning I will be looking down on his final resting place in my yard. Right now that makes me cry every morning, but I know over time it will make me smile.
 
Thank you all so much for your words, I have read each and every one of your thoughts over and over and am overwhelmed how much Bronx was loved here. I wish I could thank you each individually.

When I open shades in the bedroom every morning I will be looking down on his final resting place in my yard. Right now that makes me cry every morning, but I know over time it will make me smile.
❤️
 
Thank you all so much for your words, I have read each and every one of your thoughts over and over and am overwhelmed how much Bronx was loved here. I wish I could thank you each individually.

When I open shades in the bedroom every morning I will be looking down on his final resting place in my yard. Right now that makes me cry every morning, but I know over time it will make me smile.
❤️❤️ He’s not far- he’ll forever be in your heart. ❤️❤️
 
Thank you for sharing your story of how you and Bronx got together. It was meant to be. By the way, there was one other acro kitty similarly found in a truck. That was Tracy and Leo, well before your time. Tough kitties those acros, and they pick their beans well.

I also love seeing your pictures of Bronx and his fur family. Such a cutie! I found looking at pictures helped bring back all the good memories.

:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Dear Paul,
Bronx was such a wonderful kitty: so brave, so devoted to you, so much loved by everyone here. I am immensely sorry that it was his time to fly free. But you know that he is "in good paws" at the Bridge with all of our GAs. And he lives on forever in that special place in your heart that belongs only to him.
Thank you for telling us his story and for the pictures of your handsome boy. What a lucky kitten he was to have chosen your van for safety! What a fine home you gave him and such good care! Bronx was one tough kitty. His life is an inspiration for so many of us. Fly free, dear Bronx. You are much loved. cat_wings>o

Take care of yourself, Paul. Grieving must take its course. Remember that Bronx is surrounded by his pals at the Bridge until that wonderful day when you will be reunited.

:bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Last edited:
Dear Paul - I am so very sorry it was time for Bronx to leave you. Reading this news has left me crying with you and for you during this very difficult time.

You have been his devoted daddy for basically his entire life. We all know how hard this is and share your grief for such a special guy.

Thanks for sharing your story, photos, and so many very helpful learnings from your journey together. You have been a mentor to many of us. Please take some comfort in knowing he has so many friends to greet him while he waits very patiently for you to find him once again - carol
 
I have only been a forum member for a short while, and your tribute and 'gotcha' story of how you and Bronx were there for each other from the beginning was very special to read. I wanted to share something with you that has comforted me when I have lost a beloved and share it in hopes that it may help your heart heal...
 

Attachments

  • IMG_4232.JPG
    IMG_4232.JPG
    94.5 KB · Views: 95
Back
Top