Fletcher ...1994-August 8, 2010

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Carolynn FletcherGA & RobbieGA

Carolynn FletcherGA & RobbieGA

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I first met Fletcher in May of 2002...

I had gone to the shelter to find a kitty for my oldest daughter, Megan's, 6th birthday. I crouched down on the floor, and an orinch kitty with amazing green eyes came over, jumped on my lap, started to purr and licked my nose. Right then and there I knew he belonged with my family, but little did I know the road he and I would travel together.

We got the diabetes diagnosis May 20, 2006 and Fletcher went off insulin a month later. Three months after that, his blood sugar was high again so we started him on insulin. After a couple months, it was becoming apparent that something was drastically different with my boy... his insulin needs kept going up along with his weight. On January 27, 2007 Fletcher became a confirmed acrocat. Little was known at that time about this disease... the lifespan and prognosis were poor. I tried to prepare myself for it, but that really isn't possible. If it weren't for the support of those who came before... Snuggles, Orion and Olivia... and those who were part of the "Original 5"... Beth & Pickles, Steph & Phoebe, Lara & Paddy, and of course Patti and our Merlin... the road would've been even harder.

Then Fletcher decided to show that he was a very unique acrocat-- he went off insulin again. This happened several times over the past three and a half years... despite being on increasing doses of Prednisone to combat the soft tissue growth that was impeding the airway in his throat. Fletch had headaches, arthritis in his spine and paws, CRF, and an enlarged heart. But through it all, his beautiful soul shone through... there were many times I thought I would lose him, but he fought back... for me... for my daughters... because he loved us so much.

Today, Fletcher lost his fight. I couldn't put him through anything more. By the time we got to the ER he was already leaving... his organs and system were shutting down... his temp was only 91 degrees... his heart was struggling and he was having a hard time breathing. I held him one last time and he knew I was there... he gave me a quiet purr... and left me.

Fletcher is my one in a million... the kitty who taught me more than I could have ever thought possible... the kitty who brought me some of the dearest friends I've ever had... There will never be another like him... there couldn't be.

Until I see again, my Bubby... take my love with you...

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I didn't get a chance to "know" Fletcher but he sounds like an amaizing friend. I am so sorry for your loss.
 
Fletcher will live forever in our hearts... He, one of the most beautiful and loving examples of catdom... I'm just home from my trip... my heart is breaking with yours... Oh Carolyn... Think of all the cats that ran to him, to show him how well and wonderfully healthy he has become. I just know that he and Charlie are racing each other from one end to the other of Rainbow bridge.... yelling look at me, look at me.... Charlie passed one year ago on the 5th.... he would have been glad to wait for Fletch... however your dear boy must have been tired of fighting... and when the angels came... I'm sure he asked to have you hold him as he left.....

A Rainbow Path
© 2010 (by Carol Notermann)

I could hear you saying Fletcher, in your very gentle way.
You told me that it was all right, I didn’t have to stay.
I was getting very tired, and the pain was leaving too
I closed my eyes a second, and a field came into view.

I still could hear you talking, but you seemed quite far away
Though I longed to be beside you, I just couldn’t seem to stay
For one moment I was with you, and the next I’m running free
I turned my head and there was Charlie, running next to me.

We ran together through the field, and birdies filled the sky.
We chased and played together, then I turned and wondered why?
Why were you not behind me? I wondered where you went.
Then someone was beside me, and He had a lovely scent.

He petted me and told me that I simply had to wait.
That before I‘d time to miss you, you’d be coming through the gate.
He said that very loyal pets, were granted special space
To wait for those who loved them, to see again their face.

So please, know I am waiting with dogs and cats, and many more
For the day that I can see again the faces I adore.
It’s really such a lovely place, there’s no sickness and no pain.
I’ll be so very filled with joy when I see you once again.

Thank you for setting me free.

Fletcher

1994 – August 8, 2010
 
(((((Carolynn)))))
Words cannot express how deeply sorry I am for your loss. My heart is breaking for you.
I only "knew" Fletcher through your posts, but he will be sorely missed by so many.
*Tears* and hugs.

wings_cat Fly free, dear Fletcher...
 
(((Carolynn))) I remember when Fletcher was diagnosed with Acromegaly. I didn't know you then because I had just recently joined the board but I do remember. I hadn't known before I joined FDMB that cats could have Acromegaly. Watching you and the other acro-moms over my years here has been a truly humbling experience. You and all of the others before and after you have done so very much studying, experimenting and providing of a knowledge base for those dealing with this awful tumor that I stand in awe.

Fletcher's life has been a testament to your love and care when others might have just given up. He was a beautiful cat with a beautiful spirit. I can't tell you how much I have always loved hearing about him and seeing those stunning eyes of his. Truly you could see his deep and loving soul in them.

Bless you for loving him and sharing him with all of us here, Carolynn. He truly was one of a kind and I am sure that as sad as today is for you and your girls that the welcome party at the Bridge is a sight to behold.
 
oh Carolynn,
My heart aches so badly for you. The holes they leave behind in our lives seem so huge at this time. Fletcher - such a beautiful, handsome, loving, amazing, incredible kitty. The same can be said for you. And I am soooo lucky to have both of you in my life. My time and pictures with both of you will always be priceless to me!
 
(((Carolyn))), I'm so sad and so sorry. There are no words. You sound so brave and yet I'm sitting here howling.

I looked up to you and Beth so much when my Tom was dx in October 2007 - you were so focused and in control, I was a helpless wreck who didn't have a clue what I was doing. During the six months after Tom's acro dx, we lost Pickles, Pheobe, Paddy... and then Tom. Others came along later who I didn't know - my pain was and still is too strong to be able to get involved - but I do know that you and Fletcher have been the constant for many, an example of what is possible. There is no doubt that you and Fletcher were chosen to be that shining light. Your work, and Fletcher's legacy, will live on.

Diana
And God asked the feline spirit
Are you ready to come home?
Oh, yes, quite so, replied the precious soul
And, as a cat, you know I am most able
To decide anything for myself.

Are you coming then? asked God.
Soon, replied the whiskered angel
But I must come slowly
For my human friends are troubled
For you see, they need me, quite certainly.

But don't they understand? asked God
That you'll never leave them?
That your souls are intertwined. For all eternity?
That nothing is created or destroyed?
It just is....forever and ever and ever.

Eventually they will understand,
Replied the glorious cat
For I will whisper into their hearts
That I am always with them
I just am....forever and ever and ever.

Author Unknown​
 
(((((((Carolynn))))))))))))

Fletcher is so special.
He is a shining light of what is possible with love and a courageous spirit.
You have been such a fighter, with love for him and he in turn fought so hard with you.
A brave, loving guy who we all feel we know now.

I know Abby will be just one of a large legion of kitties welcoming him with whisker kisses and nose spooches.

(((((((((squishes))))))))
I imagine today just feels really really horrific. I hope in time the pain eases and the lightness of his wonderful soul stay with you to see you smile.
 
I read your very lovely tribute through tears Carolynn. I am so very sorry for you and for your family that you have lost your sweet boy. May he run fast and pain free with all the other guardian angels that have gone before him. (((hugs Carolynn)))
 
Carolynn, I'm so sorry for your loss. I don't know you or your Fletcher, but there are tears just the same. It is clear how much you love him and how lucky he was to have found you. You and your family will be in our thoughts. :cry: :cry:

s
 
((Carolynn)) The board is a sad place today - and many tears are falling - we're having to say goodbye to your sweet boy. But not sad for handsome Fletcher - he's gone on to his reward for the battles he fought here. And he fought them so bravely and won so many of them - none of which he could have done without your love and care.

I truly believe that these special little beings with these special problems are placed in the gentle arms and homes of moms like you and the other acro moms who work so hard to keep them going with a quality of life that would be impossible otherwise. I too stand in awe of each of you - and admire you so much for what you give.

Your experience and that of the others has led to diagnoses that would not otherwise be known - to treatments that work that might not otherwise be tried. You are indeed to be commended for what you've done for the future of other acro-kitties who will come along.

All of this, though, doesn't lessen the horrible sadness that is surrounding you today - my heart goes out to you - please know that many, many others here on the board are feeling that sadness because we too saw the soul in those beautiful little eyes - and we too loved him. Fletcher's name will long be remembered - and spoken with much love.

The treasure of memories he's leaving with you and your girls are so special and I hope that special love and memories will sustain you through your sadness.

Sending many hugs and much love to you across the miles - on this sad day.

Emmy & Dude (& Mittsi too)
 
It's hard to type through these tears...Carolyn I'm so sorry. Fletcher is and always will be one of the greats from this site. Just like Merlin, I know I will never forget him.

Sending prayers of peace and comfort,
jeanne
 
Oh Carolynn what a sad sad day it is. I am struggling for words, what to say about such an amazing acrocat and his human?

I know the biologist (!) in me was always puzzling over Fletcher's 'on/off' approach to acromegaly! I loved the fact that even though we are fond of saying there is no such thing as a 'normal' acrocat, Fletcher had to push the point just that bit further. Why? How? I don't think we will know any time soon why Fletcher's acromegaly was different to others but he certainly taught us so much. He truely kept you (and us) guessing and you kept on caring, providing, learning and loving.

He could not have picked a better human to own that day in the shelter all those years ago. He knew his new human would be strong enough to cope with what lay in the future. And strong you are Carolynn, so strong. Your heart is breaking right now but that strength is still there and Fletcher is watching and loving you, never far away.

Beth
x
 
very sad for you, carolynn. none of us ever wants this day to happen but it does eventually to all of us. it's a nightmare but it's not the sum total of his life. he brought love, warmth, and happiness to your family, and that will always stay with you.
fly free, sweet fletcher. you were a valiant warrior, but now god has called you home.
 
I am so sorry for your loss.

Truly -- one in a million.

May all your wonderful memories of Fletcher comfort you,..

...'til you meet again.
 
Carolyn,

I'm so sorry to hear about your sweet, sweet Fletcher. The tears are rolling down my face as I type this. May the wonderful memories of your time together with Fletcher carry you through this difficult time.
 
Carolynn,
What an achingly beautiful post and tribute to your boy with the haunting green eyes. Please accept my sincere condolences. My thoughts are with you and your family as you mourn the loss of your sweet Fletcher.
 
CArolyn,
I am very sorry for your loss. Fketcher was certainly one of the board's best known kitties. I have always been mesmerized by his eyes.

He will be welcomed to the big red guy club at the bridge by my Sparky and many others.
Fly free, Fletcher!
 
(((Carolynn))) I was one of the lucky ones that got to spend time with Fletcher and got to feel his love that he shares so easily. I remember when you first started posting, and I remember when the test results came back for acro. I also remember knowing that if any one person could take this on and treat it, that would be you. And if any one cat could handle life as an acro, that would be your gentle little man. The one who never balked at any treatment, who the vet and techs love because he was the purrfect patient, the one who not only received love graciously, but gave it back two-fold.

Because of the two of you a wealth of knowledge and support for hi-dose kitties became common place. What was once a scary unknown is now a little bit brighter for Fletcher having a paw in leading the way. He was and is truly remarkable, a brave little man with a heart as big as they come. I think he loved you and the girls before he even met you. Your family was meant to be his.

I hope in time that the pain eases and the memories of Fletcher can come to you and bring you comfort. I hope that when the tears subside, the joy that Fletcher is feeling now, happy and healthy at the Bridge, can be felt by you, even if just a little bit, enough for you to know in your heart that Fletcher is still with you, surrounding you each day with his love and his joy, until someday you can look back at your life with Fletcher and know it was good, it was happy and it was love, and that knowledge will make you feel whole again, because you were lucky enough to be his mom.
 
((Carolyn))
I am so sorry for your loss of Fletcher. Of course I know of the 2 of you being
friends with some acromoms.
Tears are in my eyes for the loss of your sweet Fletcher.
Until the 2 of you meet again.

Fly free Fletcher.
 
(((Carolynn)))

I am so sorry. I have often watched with admiration as you have helped Fletcher through his health issues . . . the two of you have been an inspiration to many, not only medically, but spiritually as well.

He leaves behind him a legacy love, and good memories, and precious knowledge that will help cats and people that you may never meet.

If there is a Bridge, there is surely an honor guard for Fletcher today, welcoming him back to youth and good health.

I grieve with you, Carolynn. Farewell, brave warrior; we salute you.

Many hugs,

Janet
 
Oh Carolynn, I am so very sorry for the loss of your sweet Fletcher! He is an angel watching over you now from Heaven, but he was an angel on earth as well.
 
Carolynn,
I am so sorry for the loss of your Fletcher. I pray the lord will give you peace!
Hugs,
CJ
 
Fly Free Fletcher!!! Your soul spoke volumes through your beautiful green eyes. You taught us all so much about too many things to mention. You have earned your wings, use them well. May your spirit surround Carolynn, Megan and Kelly and guide them through their grief until they see you once again.
 
Godspeed and Angelwings sweetest Fletcher...(((Carolynn)))

I am so very sorry for your loss and the loss to us all of such a great Feline. Thank you for sharing him with us.
 
Fletcher with the beautiful emerald eyes and raccoon tail! You have blazed the way for so many of us to learn from, thanks for that. ((((Carolynn))) I'm sooo sorry for your loss...
 
Carolynn,
I'm so sorry for your loss. At some point we all might have to make that hard decision to let go. My heart truly breaks for you. He will be forever healthy now.
Jan
 
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((CAROLYNN)))))))))))))))))))))))))

I am devastated that Fletcher has left us. He was a very special board cat, and I know Merlyn will look out for him over the Bridge. Many tears are falling for you, and your brave orinch boy.

Fletcher is flying free now, whole and healthy over the Rainbow Bridge. Sending many many cyber hugs.
rb_icon

wings_cat
 
I am so very sorry for your loss .I am new here so I did not get to know you or your special Fletcher.But I want you to know my tears fall for your little gentle guy.I know how hard it is to loose them so young My Mick was only 5 loss him to FIP.God bless you and know that he is pain free now..He was so lucky to have you and your family and recieved the special care you gave him. Your story sound so much like when we found Mick he came over and got on my knee and enough said..I just thank God that I had him.even if only for the short 5 years and when he got sick he knew we did everything we could for our little guy. Just like you. I often thought what would have happen if we did not take him that day. "I have send you on a journey to a land free of pain not because I did not love you but because I loved you too much to force you to stay" Sorry to go on but we will never forget them and one day we will have our beautiful little love ones back with us and then it will be forever...Hugsss to Fletcher`s wonderful family.....my thought & Prayers are with you Kath
 
The brightest star, the biggest heart and the most beautiful soul. You know, it was only yesterday I was talking about Fletcher to a new acro mum - his legacy will live on forever, what a legacy he leaves. Such a spirit and a shining example to all our acro mums. Fletcher was always that beacon of hope for me, for Pheobe, and for all us. You too - who could have asked for a better mum than you. He was one very smart kitty! And now, he has joined his friends at the bridge and I am convinced he is holding you close and watching over you.

This is really one of those times that I just can't find the right words to express just how very much both Fletcher and you are loved. he will always, ALWAYS be in our hearts and he will ALWAYS be in yours. He was one very VERY special kitty.

with all my love Carolynn, to you and to the girls
Steph
xxx
 
((((((( Carolynn ))))))))

I have watched/read Fletchers journey since you guys came aboard. I have nothing but the upmost admiration for the wonderful care and love you have given to Fletcher. and the learning you have shared w/ us all.
What a lucky guy.

I'm so sorry for the pain you must now go through w/ his crossing.

with sympathy,
 
(((Carolyn)))

Step just contacted me and told me.....I'm so so sorry for you.
The Gorgeous Fletch was so special, even to those of us who never had the priviledge of meeting him and I think you know how much I fell in love with him and his gorgeous "I've just sucked on the wrong end of an ink pen" mouth and nose!
The longest standing by far of the 'original crew', his on/off insulin needs always made us (well, certainly me!) very jealous. You and he have given so many people so much help and hope.

He definitely picked the right Mom when he picked you all those years ago......you've given him an amasing long life. Cherish the good times and be proud of yourself for the care and love you've given him.

Fly free Gorgeous Fletcher

Lara
xx
 
Carolynn,
I've only been on these boards for a couple of months but you were the first person to speak to me and reassure me that everything was going to be ok for Bodmin & I, I know your heart must be breaking right now and I'm truly sorry for your loss. He sounded like the most amazing friend.
Fletcher and you have paved the way for the rest of us that are following and are an inspiration to all of us.
Remember the good memories you have and he'll always bring a smile to your face......gone but never forgotten

xxx
 
I am so sorry to read this, Carolynn. Fletcher was one of our legendary cats. You and he educated so many people, including many vets, and your spreading that knowledge has brought peace and hope to more families than you will ever know.

I grieve with you on this sad day.

Gia & Quirk (GA)
 
Carolynn,

I am so very very sad to see that Fletcher has earned his wings. He was the most special of special boys. I will never forget the guidance and support that you and Fletcher gave to my Dylan. Fletcher was the hero of all acromoms, me included. I always admired your wonderful care of him and his lack of desire to follow the play book. His memory will live forever, I have no doubt about that. I am so very sorry . . . .

Jennifer (and Dylan in spirit)
 
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