My baby girl Tashie......

[BorisV]

Thank you all for all the kind words. I'm really not up for posting but wanted to thank Marje especially for all the things she's done for me - above and beyond. I want to thank Kelly for being a great pal and I will still open Tomcats SS everyday to cheer him on. To Carl, who I've just met so recently that always had great words of wisdom and I know he knows all too well how I am feeling. To Dara, take care of Bob, he will be fine while you are gone, just get in on a regulation when you return. And to all others that have offered kind words and advise. Thank you.

My heart is broken in pieces. I go in and out of tears. I see big blue eyes and a sweet little face and the house is so so very quiet, yet she never made a peep. Nataschia was always a "special" girl, from the very beginning. She needed a special home due to an eye issue and because she was so shy. I was able to get her eye fixed and she blossomed into a little beauty. She & Boris came to be just over 15 years ago, 4 days after losing my Princess Abra to CRF.

Boris has stuck to Tashie like glue these last few months, he hasn't left her side. I am so worried about him now, he just isn't himself today. I am TRYING not to cry around him but he is my "biological" son and is very deep and sensitive. I now worry for him - all day I have thought of KITTENS! Should I get Boris a little baby girl to "shake up his world" and give him a "reason"? I can see him as being such a god big brother. I just can't let anything happen to him - I only have one baby left and can't risk losing him.

Should I just throw caution to the wind and find Boris a step sister? And maybe I need a baby to fuss over because so much of my time lately has been as almost a full time caregiver ...... or, am I completely lost in grief?

Thank you all.
Love, Bern

 

[Onyx & Klepto]

Oh, Bern...I am so sorry for your loss. This is a pain that can only be described as losing a "family member". And nothing is worse.

You mentioned poor Boris, and the one thing I will say is, when Mylan died 2 years ago...Onyx was DEVISTATED!!! She moped around so miserably for months. He was the love of her life for almost 10 years. But one thing I will be honest about is: I regret adopting a kitty who was so much younger (I love him dearly, but she doesn't). Klepto was 2 and had soooooooo much more energy and has literally driven her nuts these 2 years. Getting a new kitty is definitely something that helped me get through my loss, so I say go for it! Its natural, and it helps heal the pain. Just be careful of the age. If he has tons of energy, a kitten might be okay. But older kitties tend to be easily annoyed by the little bundles of joy. I'm sure other folks here have had great luck integrating a kitten and older cat into their home, but mine didn't go so well. So I ended up grieving my loss--and feeling guilt for making it harder on Onyx.

You are in my thoughts and prayers today.

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

(((((Bern)))))

Just like you have listened to Tashie, listen to Boris. Cats speak to us. We just need to be smart enough to listen. And listen to your heart, as well. As much as you want to do what is right for Boris, you need to do what is right for you.

I have seen many kitties here cross the Bridge. I've also seen many of those kitties' caregivers see a cat who captures their heart not all that long after their cat has traveled across the Bridge. When the time is right and a kitty reaches out to you, you'll know.

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

Oh Bern...what sad news and I know your heart is broken. We all know that horrible hole left when one of our furbabies leaves us. You have my deepest sympathies, and when you get a chance, I hope you'll read this. The official title is "The Loving Ones"...but I've always preferred this title instead:

You have chosen the tears

Let your heart tell you when it's time to consider another kitty. Boris will need some time to grieve too.

Tashie's watching you from the pool of tears and sending you her love ...at the right time, whether a day, a week or a year, she'll let you know that those eyes looking back at you from behind the bars of a cage,from the basket of kittens, or walking into your life off the street as a stray is the special love she's sent to you and Boris

wings_cat

 

[Marje and Gracie]

((((Bern))))

Your intuition and sensitivity to your babies has always been strong. I know your heart will tell you what to do and when to do it. So follow your heart for it is big and full of love and compassion. Any kitty would be eternally blessed to find their forever home with you.

Sweet Tashie....how you will be missed by your mama, daddy, Boris, and Mikko and by all of us here in LL.

wings_cat wings_cat

 

[Anne & Zener GA]

We are so very sorry to read about the crossing of Tashie. You both tried so very hard, and we know she loved you very much.
Sending hugs and love to you.

 

[Wendy&Tiggy(GA)]

My mum always says the best tribute to your pet is to get a new one.. as it shows how much you really loved having the pet that you want another.

Maybe an older cat from a shelter that you can save, with a personality developed so that you know if she will get on with Boris? Although kittens are obviously great too..

Wendy

 

[tomtom13]

Oh, I am so heartsick over your loss.....my loss....our loss.......Tumblin Tash was such a sweet girl who could bounce like no other and still kept her head so high, still loved her hammock...still loved her turkey......she was so strong.....with the endless help and massive love from you, bern. It is because of you, that she had such a quality of life these last few months.....there are not that many folks out there that would have done half the things you did for her.

It is a true reflection of your beautiful spirit, bern, that you would take the time at this sorrow filled time and give thanks to us.......you are a lovely person

If your son Boris wants another sister....then why not?

She & Boris came to be just over 15 years ago, 4 days after losing my Princess Abra

That choice turned out rather well, I would say........

Peace to you Bern.....peace to sweet tumbling.....she will never be forgotten

Tomcat and I want many many updates and photos of gorgeous Boris and and and and .................?

love, kelly

 

[BJM]

((hugs))

 

[Squeaky and KT (GA)]

Bern,
BIG LOOOONG HUG. Thank you for sharing your sweet baby with us - it's an honor to be a part of her 'home'. She knows she's loved too.

Like the wise ones above said, you'll know - you'll know when your head can't talk your heart out of 'it'.

Another BIG HUG,

 

[Cleo & Jane (GA)]

((((Bern & Boris))))

Jane

 

[Doreen and PeePee]

I am so sorry, Bern.(((((Hugs)))))

 

[Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)]

Dear Bern, We all need to grieve when we lose a beloved companion. Boris needs this time to grieve, to remember, to console, and be consoled. Whenever that special kitty comes to join your family, you and your DH will know, and Boris will know, too.

Thinking of you and your family tonight,

Many :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG: s

Ella & Rusty

 

[Angela & Blackie & 3 Others]

My thoughts and prayers are going out to you and your family. You'll know when the time is right, whether it's right now, tomorrow, or a month from now. {{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}

 

[rhiannon and shadow (GA)]

Many prayers for your grieving heart.
You know Boris best ... he may be happy to have all your attention or he might like playing with someone new.

My girl is one who would never want to share attention or be challenged as alpha so she gets to remain an only cat.

I think we are all thinking of your family with heavy hearts as we come to fdmb site.

 

[Tigger's Friend]

Bern,

Our hearts are full of sorrow for you & your family. Been thinking of you alot today.

I think that question is best when allowed some time to marinate. Often that answer becomes clear by itself in time. Boris may or may not relate to a new 'friend' - ECID.

We've lost 3 seniors in the last year, then a starving one walked into our ranch that looked exactly like Gretel, who's best buddy Bart survived her loss. I thought Bart would be happy to have a 'Gretel' again, but he hates her & literally tries to attack her if they're outside together. I have to keep her caged when he's out, it's really sad.

But it depends on the cat, and your heart and your guidance. ECID & Every situation is different. Boris may love the companionship of an older cat & not feel territorial at all. It does take some time to grieve & heal, though.

 

[Shai and The Pirate Fitz (GA)]

(((((Bern))))

I lost my beautiful Pirate Fitz only a month and a half ago and I understand this pain - it's like no other. I didn't get to know your amazing Tashie, but it's easy to see the love you share. I say that in present tense on purpose - for we love our babies every moment of every day even after they aren't here for us to cuddle with or snuggle next to.

After the intensity of caregiving I felt so lost after my Fitz passed. My every moment of every day was filled with blood testing, shooting, staving off a hypo event and knowing when her nadir was today so I could make sure I fed her appropriately. Then, all that vanished, but I still felt the need to do it. That still hasn't gone away for me, but I try to love up our other furr kids all that much more.

I too agree that your beloved Boris will tell you if he's lonely - and your heart will be drawn to just the right new kitty at just the perfect time for all of you.

My thoughts and prayers for peace to come to you and your broken heart at the loss of your beautiful Tashie.

Shai and The Pirate Fitz (GA)