GA 4/16 Farewell my sweet Fistuk

[Fistuk & Shelly]

Oh Shelly, I am so sorry you lost your sweet boy Fistuk. We all know you went above and beyond to help him to have his best life possible. You gave him such a peaceful passing. I am glad he spent his last moments facing the sun, being surrounded by love. Please take your time to digest this experience and heal. I send you much love!

Thank you for your kind words, Heike. I did the best I could. I'm slowly trying to accept the condolences that at least he's not suffering anymore

 

[Fistuk & Shelly]

((((Shelly))))
I am so sorry for your loss. Cats seem to know when it's their time and do their best to help us weather their crossing. Fistuk will always be nestled in your heart -- never wholly gone. Your memories will be a tribute to his presence.

Fly free little one and land softly. Many of our kitties are there waiting with you at the Bridge.

It's so true, Sienne, that cats have a way of helping us in their crossing. The night he passed away the vet took him for the night to give him to th crematorium the next day. But the next day I found myself calling her, I didn't have any thought planned, and I asked that if it's not too late I'd like to take him back.
I was able to take him back and he spent the night with us. We were able to give him the night to unravel the connection wit his, with our home and with Prince. At night I saw my spirit going to the balcony many times to meet his spirit. We said goodbye to him this morning at the crematorium. It was hard but it felt like th e right way and I'm certain that Fistuk orchestrated all that

 

[Fistuk & Shelly]

Such a beautiful send off, Shelly . Bask in the eternal sunlight, Fistuk and eat all the butter your heart desires.

You'll surely be missed around here. Thank you for being here and sharing this part of the journey with us.

Thank you for your company, Laurie and for your beautiful farewell

 

[Fistuk & Shelly]

Oh no! Shelly your post brought tears to my eyes. Your live and commitment to Fistuk was always conveyed in your updates. He was special and so are you! I did not see this coming. Sending hugs and love from California to you and Robert.

Thank you, Elise. We wouldn't have been able to make it thus far without your guidance and wise advice. I thank you from the depth of my heart for everything you have given us for the past nearly two years

 

[Fistuk & Shelly]

This is such a beautiful tribute, Shelly. Both your pain and your love are overwhelming in your words and bring tears to my eyes. Thank you for giving us a glimpse into those incredibly special last moments with Fistuk. Laying in a sunbeam, being cuddled and told how loved he is. I know there can't have been any question for him.

I am so very sorry for your loss. I know that nothing we say can ease it for you, but your sweet Fistuk had such a peaceful last day with you and now he gets to soar pain-free and spend every moment in a sunbeam.

Thank you for giving us all the opportunity to get to know Fistuk from afar.

Thank you, Brianna. I must say to your words and everyone else's bring some comfort. It's good to know he is appreciated and it's a good affirmation to hear that I did everything I could.

Fistuk was my everything and I always knew it would be terribly hard to say goodbye but I was expecting him to give a few more years before I had to face it

 

[Fistuk & Shelly]

I'm so sorry, Shelly. That was such a beautiful tribute.

Thank you, Seth. I'm honoured that you were touched by our farewell

 

[Brianna & Xander]

Thank you, Brianna. I must say to your words and everyone else's bring some comfort. It's good to know he is appreciated and it's a good affirmation to hear that I did everything I could.

Fistuk was my everything and I always knew it would be terribly hard to say goodbye but I was expecting him to give a few more years before I had to face it

I'm so glad they bring some comfort to you, I know you need it! I'm so sorry that we can't do more for you.

It's been clear in every post that Fistuk was your whole world and I have no doubt that he knew he was too! It's completely understandable that you felt like you'd have more time, even if you were aware of how difficult it would be. I think we all feel or have felt that.

Sending you so much love.

 

[Fistuk & Shelly]

Shelly, what a beautiful tribute to your Fistuk. It brought me to tears. I am heartbroken for you all. Sending lots of love, hugs, and prayers.

Thank you for holding us in your heart, Madeline

 

[Fistuk & Shelly]

Shelly, I have tears in my eyes from reading your beautiful tribute. Cats know things that we don’t, and Fistuk knew he was destined for you even before you met. The strands of life and love that you wove together can be stretched but not broken. How lucky he was to live in your care, until he was ready to earn his wings.

Fistuk was a special soul. Thank you for sharing him with us in words and pictures. I’m heartbroken for you and Robert and Prince, and I pray that you’ll find comfort in your memories. Sending love and all healing thoughts

Karen, I'm so touched by your words. You were there to try and help us survive that last stretch. Fistuk and I appreciated your gift that arrived right when he needed it.

This evening we heard the door of my cloths closet make a sound as if it's moving. It's a wooden closet so it may have expanded/contracted from the temp. But for a moment it sounded like Fistuk trying to open the door and settle on the pile of my scarf on the first shelf. No matter how many years passed, not matter how sick he was he never gave up trying to get in there, never lost an opportunity to sneak in when I'd forget the door ajar.

I'm visintg many memories, trying to go to those that bring a laugh and and a smile. Other memories are just too hard. Too heartbreaking

 

[Deb and Tiger]

Shelly I’m so sorry. What a beautiful tribute you have written to such a beautiful baby. You have so many wonderful memories that will come to mind for years to come and somehow the sad ones will gradually disappear. Such a special bond you had will never be forgotten. Sending you hugs …..

 

[Kobe (Dean and Lesley) MO]

Oh, Shelly. Thank you for sharing that touching tribute to Fistuk. My heart is broken. I am so sorry for your loss. The ones we love don’t really go away, they stay with us, cherished, missed, and so very dear. Give Robert and Prince lots of hugs.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

(((Shelly))) words are never enough at a time like this. I wish we could all give you a hug.
You have been an amazing Mom to Fistuk. He was such a beautiful boy. And you had a great love between you.
Thinking of you
Fly free Fistuk

 

[Karen and Chispa (GA)]

Karen, I'm so touched by your words. You were there to try and help us survive that last stretch. Fistuk and I appreciated your gift that arrived right when he needed it.

This evening we heard the door of my cloths closet make a sound as if it's moving. It's a wooden closet so it may have expanded/contracted from the temp. But for a moment it sounded like Fistuk trying to open the door and settle on the pile of my scarf on the first shelf. No matter how many years passed, not matter how sick he was he never gave up trying to get in there, never lost an opportunity to sneak in when I'd forget the door ajar.

I'm visintg many memories, trying to go to those that bring a laugh and and a smile. Other memories are just too hard. Too heartbreaking

Shelley, thank you for all of this, but I have to give credit where credit is due: it was Cecile who sent theondansetron from France. I had hoped to FedEx her my supply to add to it before she left on her trip, but there wasn’t time. I can take credit only for good intentions – Cecile and angel Bella were the real heroes of this international rescue mission.

I’ve thought of you often this week, and I’m glad to know that Fistuk has already paid you a visit. Could it have been your imagination, or just the creaking of the house? Sure… but I doubt it. I’ve heard too many stories of angel pets visiting, and I feel Chispa’s presence too often, to doubt that it’s true. There is so much more that we don’t know than what we do. So please, next time he comes to call, blow him a kiss from me.

 

[Fistuk & Shelly]

Shelly I’m so sorry. What a beautiful tribute you have written to such a beautiful baby. You have so many wonderful memories that will come to mind for years to come and somehow the sad ones will gradually disappear. Such a special bond you had will never be forgotten. Sending you hugs …..

Thank you, Deb. The mommies are all mixed now but more and more comforting ones are coming in. It does help

 

[Fistuk & Shelly]

Oh, Shelly. Thank you for sharing that touching tribute to Fistuk. My heart is broken. I am so sorry for your loss. The ones we love don’t really go away, they stay with us, cherished, missed, and so very dear. Give Robert and Prince lots of hugs.

Thank you for your comforting words, Dean and Lesley. My heart is broken. It'll take time to feel his present absence without the pain

 

[Fistuk & Shelly]

(((Shelly))) words are never enough at a time like this. I wish we could all give you a hug.
You have been an amazing Mom to Fistuk. He was such a beautiful boy. And you had a great love between you.
Thinking of you
Fly free Fistuk

Thank you, Bron. Your words and everyone else's are the hug and I really appreciate it.
He was a very beautiful boy, inside and out. I love him so much it burns. I wish I had him for a little longer.
Thank you for all the support and care you've given us and the guidance that carried us through the first stages of our diabetes. We wouldn't have made it without you.
I remember how you stayed late into the night when we hospitalised Fistuk for ketones, waited for news to know that he's ok and well treated.
I will carry your love and care for Fistuk forever

 

[Fistuk & Shelly]

Shelley, thank you for all of this, but I have to give credit where credit is due: it was Cecile who sent theondansetron from France. I had hoped to FedEx her my supply to add to it before she left on her trip, but there wasn’t time. I can take credit only for good intentions – Cecile and angel Bella were the real heroes of this international rescue mission.

I’ve thought of you often this week, and I’m glad to know that Fistuk has already paid you a visit. Could it have been your imagination, or just the creaking of the house? Sure… but I doubt it. I’ve heard too many stories of angel pets visiting, and I feel Chispa’s presence too often, to doubt that it’s true. There is so much more that we don’t know than what we do. So please, next time he comes to call, blow him a kiss from me.

Oh I didn't get that.... Nevertheless I cherish your intentions and thought of reaching out at those crucial moment.
And a big thanks again to @cecile & bella for being our angles and heroes.

When he comes again I will for sure blow a kiss for you. I feel him all the time and I feel he's guiding me a lot. I receive many messages from him and I pray it continues

 

[cecile & bella]

It was @Karen and Chispa (GA) 's idea, my husband's prescription, and the perfect timing of my mom's surgery. I am glad I could help Fstuk and you a little bit.
I am happy he visited you already. The memories will come back, take good care of yourself, you've had a dfficult time, you took such good care of him and you were so close. I think of you often

 

[Fistuk & Shelly]

It was @Karen and Chispa (GA) 's idea, my husband's prescription, and the perfect timing of my mom's surgery. I am glad I could help Fstuk and you a little bit.
I am happy he visited you already. The memories will come back, take good care of yourself, you've had a dfficult time, you took such good care of him and you were so close. I think of you often

Everyone gathered to help Fistuk. That's really touching.
Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts xx

 

[Jason - Kona's Dad]

Absolutely beautiful tribute, Shelly. I started crying when you mentioned you and Robert took him from the bedroom to the balcony for his last moments in the sun. That's exactly how I remember him over the years. Seeing the photos of him loving it out there.

Thanks for sharing Fistuk with us. I know he was your heart, he was such a sweet sweet boy.

Over the years, you never cease to amaze me by the level of care you and Robert provided to him.
I'm going to miss Fistuk dearly. Fly high sweet boy!

Love,
Jason & Kona, and Cleo

 

[Marje and Gracie]

(((Shelly and Robert)))

Thank you for sharing this journey with us and for sharing Fistuk. You’ve been a very dedicated mom and I promise you these soulmate bonds will never leave or change. You and Fistuk will forever share them and the love you have. I know in the quiet moments, you will see and hear him for many years to come as I have experienced this with my soulmate Gracie. He will always know your love and be thankful you knew when it was time to make that difficult and selfless decision to let him fly free.

We have lit a candle in memory of Fistuk.

When Gracie crossed and ever since then, this poem has brought me great peace and I hope it will bring it to you, as well. It was written by a former FDMB member.

The Ridge
© 2004 By Carol Notermann


It’s been such a lovely summer, I’ve been napping in the sun.
This morning, other cats and I enjoyed a long long run.
We chased butterflies together. I climbed high into a tree.
And now I think what woke me up was that small bumble bee.

I’ve yawned and stretched, and still I feel that something has begun.
He’s standing there in robes of white, and telling me to come.
I always run to Him you know, when He comes across the bridge
To see if we’re all having fun and if we’ve checked the ridge.

He gives tummy rubs to all of us and pets and cuddles too
I’m glad to see Him every day, when He comes into view.
Each day He takes a different cat, and chats with them a while
Then off that kitty starts to run. I swear they seem to smile.

But now He’s stopped in front of me. He’s said a name I know.
He said to look out towards the ridge. The sun is setting low.
I start to walk out toward the ridge, and then what’s that I see.
IT’S YOU! IT’S YOU! It’s really you. You’ve come to be with me!

My goodness you are running and I am running too!
You stop to bend, but I can jump and now I am with you.
I feel your kisses on my head, as I did in long off days
You’re holding me and hugging me, and into your eyes I gaze.

And now He’s walking with us, as you carry me once more
We’ve crossed the bridge together. We’re here at Heaven’s door.
And He has held it open, and told us to walk through
That from now on and forever, I can always be with you.​

 

[Heather & Shooter]

Oh Shelly! I'm so very sorry for your loss! Big hugs!!!

 

[Jodey&Eddie&Blue]

https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/4-15-fistuk-amps-185-3-180-going-er.300084/


Dear friends

Yesterday at 6:30pm Fistuk gifted me his last breath.


I’m grateful for every word you’ve shared with us yesterday. I don’t know much about you but I know quite a lot about the love of your life and you about mine. This journey would have not been possible without you and it will not be complete without you. So in respect of Fistuk’s memory and our friendship I want to share with you our last words.


It was clear on Sunday that Fistuk started to depart. When I look at it now I can see clearly the kind of vomiting he had as a sign of dying. But at the moment I couldn’t acknowledge that. And I’m sure many of you here saw what is happening. And we’re ever so grateful for you being with us unconditionally, providing advice, care and encouragement as if every breath counts, no matter the odds.


Fistuk just wanted to be in bed next to me. At times he allowed me to scratch his belly at times he was fighting excruciating pain.


With each vomit he dwindled a little more. With each breath he took I held to his life like ….


In so many ways, Fistuk’s arrival into our life has defined us and shaped us to the core. He taught us so many lessons. And I’m not just saying that as a thing to say. I knew at each time what he asked of me and how his presence asked of me to grow and move beyond my limits and my comfort zone.


Fistuk has a great sense of humour and a powerful spirit. Many of you said that caring for diabetes creates a strong bond. But we had an undeniable soul connection from the moment we met. He chose me, us, and for that I’m grateful beyond words.


He loved to climb on my legs when I prepared his food, to sit in the old enemal pot we had and be turned around and around and around and he wouldn’t get dizzy. He loved basking in the sun until he was so hot, I hardly touch him and it brought out of him an amazing sweet smell that I’ll forever miss.


On Monday morning I woke up from the one hour of sleep I had to the sound of his breath. I knew he was telling me it’s the end. I knew that if anyone could save him it would be Marigin, the clinic that took care of him since he was diagnosed and triumphed gloriously through two ketones episode and a pancreatitis bout. I had to take him and give is a try. I had to.


When I brought the box we use for his travel, even though he was extremely weak and could barely turn from one side to another, he walked straight in and I knew he was telling me he needed help, more than the one I could have provide.


In the car, he turned to me at one point as he did- his head in the other direction, turning towards me from backwards in a slant and giving a soft meow of ‘cuddle me’. I knew he was telling me “it’s our last goodbye”.


The vet who accepted us checked him and said he was in critical condition and wanted to rush him in to start with IV. Afterwards she came back and said they did an ultra sound and his intestines were full of fluid. He had anaemia that would have needed blood infusion just as a start to see if it would even worked. And there was the question whether the mass that was noticed in the head CT scan before surgery was tumour. His kidneys state weee not a suspect for the sever anaemia so if was more likely than not that he had cancer.


I knew what she was telling me and when we realised that if we left him there we will have never see him again we knew we had to take him home and assist him in this last moments, surrounded by the sights, smalls and company he loved and knew.


At home, Robert suggested we take him to the balcony and as I carried him from the bed towards the sun he wanted to leap out of my hands and walk even though he couldn’t stand on his feet. We both held him from below to let his leg tell us where he wanted to go, doing our best to decipher his intentions.


He was settled in his favourite boat, under the beaming sun and we started our goodbyes.


We lit an incense and played Om Namo Narayanaya for him. When he was born I always chanted for him and we danced together.


Slowly he turned more and more inwardly, becoming weaker, losing more consciousness.


When Antke our vet arrived we all knew it was time. I asked him one last time if he wanted assistance in dying and he said yes. He was just there on the threshold, his breath fast and shallow, releasing and trusting.


He was held by the two of us, Prince at our side, looking sad and lost. For the last act, he was cradles in my arms and he gifted me the more precious gift—his last breath.


I held him for a while, wanting my body to remember his body weight on mine, his total surrender to our love.


It started as a cloudy spring day and as we travelled home the sun came out, just to shine a light for our Fistuk. The fields lash green, the flowers decorating the trees, the cherry blossom enveloping earth in pink. It was bursting with new life and still, life was always more beautiful with Fistuk living in it.


I don’t have any regrets. We respected his rhythm of living as well as his rhythm of dying.


Tomorrow we’re taking him to the crematorium for our last goodbye.


I can see my grandmother waiting for him and I know he’ll be spoiled as should be. And if she has butter there I have no doubt she’ll give him a bite every morning.


Fistuk,my heart is in pieces without you.


So if you come here last time to say goodbye. I won’t tag anyone since I’m afraid of directing someone in my hazy state. There are dozens here who journeyed with us in the past nearly two years. I will not visit here probably for a while as it takes tremendous effort right now to bring my pieces together.



Much love from Fistuk me Prince and Robert



Fistuk,my heart is in pieces without you. Even after I’ve assembled, one piece will always be with you.



Namaste

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Fisruk Norris-Sharon August 2014 - 16 April 2025

Oh, gosh, I am so sorry for your loss of Fistuk. I haven't been here for awhile I always felt Eddie and Blue somehow were sharing a journey with him and me with you. I trust they welcomed him across the Bridge. Godspeed, Fistuk. You were so loved.
All my best thoughts to you.

 

[Fistuk & Shelly]

Absolutely beautiful tribute, Shelly. I started crying when you mentioned you and Robert took him from the bedroom to the balcony for his last moments in the sun. That's exactly how I remember him over the years. Seeing the photos of him loving it out there.

Thanks for sharing Fistuk with us. I know he was your heart, he was such a sweet sweet boy.

Over the years, you never cease to amaze me by the level of care you and Robert provided to him.
I'm going to miss Fistuk dearly. Fly high sweet boy!

Love,
Jason & Kona, and Cleo

Thank you for your touching words, Jason.

I'm happy we were able to give Fistuk a proper goodbye, happy I wasn't too driven to save him that I would have missed what he really needed. As much it hurt me to say goodbye to my sweet sweet boy he told me clearly that it was his time.

Much love to you, Kona and Cleo

 

[Fistuk & Shelly]

(((Shelly and Robert)))

Thank you for sharing this journey with us and for sharing Fistuk. You’ve been a very dedicated mom and I promise you these soulmate bonds will never leave or change. You and Fistuk will forever share them and the love you have. I know in the quiet moments, you will see and hear him for many years to come as I have experienced this with my soulmate Gracie. He will always know your love and be thankful you knew when it was time to make that difficult and selfless decision to let him fly free.

We have lit a candle in memory of Fistuk.

When Gracie crossed and ever since then, this poem has brought me great peace and I hope it will bring it to you, as well. It was written by a former FDMB member.

The Ridge
© 2004 By Carol Notermann


It’s been such a lovely summer, I’ve been napping in the sun.
This morning, other cats and I enjoyed a long long run.
We chased butterflies together. I climbed high into a tree.
And now I think what woke me up was that small bumble bee.

I’ve yawned and stretched, and still I feel that something has begun.
He’s standing there in robes of white, and telling me to come.
I always run to Him you know, when He comes across the bridge
To see if we’re all having fun and if we’ve checked the ridge.

He gives tummy rubs to all of us and pets and cuddles too
I’m glad to see Him every day, when He comes into view.
Each day He takes a different cat, and chats with them a while
Then off that kitty starts to run. I swear they seem to smile.

But now He’s stopped in front of me. He’s said a name I know.
He said to look out towards the ridge. The sun is setting low.
I start to walk out toward the ridge, and then what’s that I see.
IT’S YOU! IT’S YOU! It’s really you. You’ve come to be with me!

My goodness you are running and I am running too!
You stop to bend, but I can jump and now I am with you.
I feel your kisses on my head, as I did in long off days
You’re holding me and hugging me, and into your eyes I gaze.

And now He’s walking with us, as you carry me once more
We’ve crossed the bridge together. We’re here at Heaven’s door.
And He has held it open, and told us to walk through
That from now on and forever, I can always be with you.​

Marje dear, Thank you for visiting us to say goodbye. Thank you for your wise guidance and gentle, loving care all throughout this time.
I feel touched knowing you lit a candle for us, for my sweet Fistuk.

I felt his guidance very close since the moment he started to depart and beyond. I feel like he's in between the worlds now and I do hope that will continue to see and hear him clearly as I do now.
I cry a little less with each day passing. But I have a big bulb of sorrow at the centre of my chest. I feel his love filled every cell in my body and so is the grief for the moment. I know that there will come a time that I will be joyful like in this beautiful poem you shared with me. I'm moving through the motions of grief.

Thank you for sharing with me this beautiful and hopeful poem.
Much love
Fistuk & Shelly forever

 

[Fistuk & Shelly]

Oh Shelly! I'm so very sorry for your loss! Big hugs!!!

Thank you, Heather

 

[Ti-Mousse (GA) Pepe (GA)]

What a beautiful post full of so much love !!!
I'm so sorry for your loss, it's always so hard when they go... Because you were there, Fistuk had the best life he could have had and I'm sure he'll keep an eye on you now ....

 

[Jack & Mopem'sMom]

https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/4-15-fistuk-amps-185-3-180-going-er.300084/


Dear friends

Yesterday at 6:30pm Fistuk gifted me his last breath.


I’m grateful for every word you’ve shared with us yesterday. I don’t know much about you but I know quite a lot about the love of your life and you about mine. This journey would have not been possible without you and it will not be complete without you. So in respect of Fistuk’s memory and our friendship I want to share with you our last words.


It was clear on Sunday that Fistuk started to depart. When I look at it now I can see clearly the kind of vomiting he had as a sign of dying. But at the moment I couldn’t acknowledge that. And I’m sure many of you here saw what is happening. And we’re ever so grateful for you being with us unconditionally, providing advice, care and encouragement as if every breath counts, no matter the odds.


Fistuk just wanted to be in bed next to me. At times he allowed me to scratch his belly at times he was fighting excruciating pain.


With each vomit he dwindled a little more. With each breath he took I held to his life like ….


In so many ways, Fistuk’s arrival into our life has defined us and shaped us to the core. He taught us so many lessons. And I’m not just saying that as a thing to say. I knew at each time what he asked of me and how his presence asked of me to grow and move beyond my limits and my comfort zone.


Fistuk has a great sense of humour and a powerful spirit. Many of you said that caring for diabetes creates a strong bond. But we had an undeniable soul connection from the moment we met. He chose me, us, and for that I’m grateful beyond words.


He loved to climb on my legs when I prepared his food, to sit in the old enemal pot we had and be turned around and around and around and he wouldn’t get dizzy. He loved basking in the sun until he was so hot, I hardly touch him and it brought out of him an amazing sweet smell that I’ll forever miss.


On Monday morning I woke up from the one hour of sleep I had to the sound of his breath. I knew he was telling me it’s the end. I knew that if anyone could save him it would be Marigin, the clinic that took care of him since he was diagnosed and triumphed gloriously through two ketones episode and a pancreatitis bout. I had to take him and give is a try. I had to.


When I brought the box we use for his travel, even though he was extremely weak and could barely turn from one side to another, he walked straight in and I knew he was telling me he needed help, more than the one I could have provide.


In the car, he turned to me at one point as he did- his head in the other direction, turning towards me from backwards in a slant and giving a soft meow of ‘cuddle me’. I knew he was telling me “it’s our last goodbye”.


The vet who accepted us checked him and said he was in critical condition and wanted to rush him in to start with IV. Afterwards she came back and said they did an ultra sound and his intestines were full of fluid. He had anaemia that would have needed blood infusion just as a start to see if it would even worked. And there was the question whether the mass that was noticed in the head CT scan before surgery was tumour. His kidneys state weee not a suspect for the sever anaemia so if was more likely than not that he had cancer.


I knew what she was telling me and when we realised that if we left him there we will have never see him again we knew we had to take him home and assist him in this last moments, surrounded by the sights, smalls and company he loved and knew.


At home, Robert suggested we take him to the balcony and as I carried him from the bed towards the sun he wanted to leap out of my hands and walk even though he couldn’t stand on his feet. We both held him from below to let his leg tell us where he wanted to go, doing our best to decipher his intentions.


He was settled in his favourite boat, under the beaming sun and we started our goodbyes.


We lit an incense and played Om Namo Narayanaya for him. When he was born I always chanted for him and we danced together.


Slowly he turned more and more inwardly, becoming weaker, losing more consciousness.


When Antke our vet arrived we all knew it was time. I asked him one last time if he wanted assistance in dying and he said yes. He was just there on the threshold, his breath fast and shallow, releasing and trusting.


He was held by the two of us, Prince at our side, looking sad and lost. For the last act, he was cradles in my arms and he gifted me the more precious gift—his last breath.


I held him for a while, wanting my body to remember his body weight on mine, his total surrender to our love.


It started as a cloudy spring day and as we travelled home the sun came out, just to shine a light for our Fistuk. The fields lash green, the flowers decorating the trees, the cherry blossom enveloping earth in pink. It was bursting with new life and still, life was always more beautiful with Fistuk living in it.


I don’t have any regrets. We respected his rhythm of living as well as his rhythm of dying.


Tomorrow we’re taking him to the crematorium for our last goodbye.


I can see my grandmother waiting for him and I know he’ll be spoiled as should be. And if she has butter there I have no doubt she’ll give him a bite every morning.


Fistuk,my heart is in pieces without you.


So if you come here last time to say goodbye. I won’t tag anyone since I’m afraid of directing someone in my hazy state. There are dozens here who journeyed with us in the past nearly two years. I will not visit here probably for a while as it takes tremendous effort right now to bring my pieces together.



Much love from Fistuk me Prince and Robert



Fistuk,my heart is in pieces without you. Even after I’ve assembled, one piece will always be with you.



Namaste

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Fisruk Norris-Sharon August 2014 - 16 April 2025

Ohhhh Shelly, I am so so sorry about Fistuk. Your post is so touching and beautiful. I am crying so many tears for all of you. Know you will be in my thoughts and prayers, always

 

[kitten68]

 

[SmallestSparrow]

Shelly

I’m so sorry for your loss. A cat as magnificent as Fistuk must leave a giant hole in your heart with his absence. You and he did all you could possibly do, and then some. You both were true warriors but it was his time to move on, and I know he was grateful for your care and comfort as he started that new journey. I’m sure he will be back to visit from time to time, in the glitter of sunbeams, or the shimmer of sunlight on water, or twinkle of stars in the sky.

wishing for peace and healing as you move forward in this new phase
Colleen

 

[Marje and Gracie]

Marje dear, Thank you for visiting us to say goodbye. Thank you for your wise guidance and gentle, loving care all throughout this time.
I feel touched knowing you lit a candle for us, for my sweet Fistuk.

I felt his guidance very close since the moment he started to depart and beyond. I feel like he's in between the worlds now and I do hope that will continue to see and hear him clearly as I do now.
I cry a little less with each day passing. But I have a big bulb of sorrow at the centre of my chest. I feel his love filled every cell in my body and so is the grief for the moment. I know that there will come a time that I will be joyful like in this beautiful poem you shared with me. I'm moving through the motions of grief.

Thank you for sharing with me this beautiful and hopeful poem.
Much love
Fistuk & Shelly forever

Dearest Shelly

It was always my honor to help in any way I could.

I have found with grief that we all experience it in our own way and that’s fine. Cry every day if you need to for as long as you need to.

It helped me to make a memory box for Gracie t-shirt from when she was spayed, her dishes, her favorite toys, everything I had associated with her. And I also did a journal where I listed every single thing I could remember about her so I would never ever forget a single thing. So many years later, it makes me smile when I read about some of her silly antics.

May your shared love bring you peace.