Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Yet Another Goodbye

Over 15 years ago, I lost my cat, Toulouse, to kidney failure.  I was heartbroken, but eventually I headed to the SPCA in Houston and adopted a furry black kitten with gray sideburns that we named Disco.

Disco was shy with strangers, but he was very affectionate toward his family.  One of his quirkier habits was carrying around soft toys while yowling.  He would often bring the boys' stuffed animals into my bed - I'd be ready to go to sleep at night and would find a collection of small stuffed toys piled on the comforter.


This is Disco with Reid, when he was a baby, on the changing table.  The blessing in Disco's passing was that he'd enjoyed good health the past 15 years.  He lost some weight last summer, but I switched cat food and he put it back on. 

So the other night while Paul and I watched a movie and I suddenly noticed Disco missing, I sent Paul to look for him.  He was always right there with us in the evenings, requesting affection.  Paul found him on the cat tower, and it seemed he had died in his sleep.  Although I didn't get to say goodbye this time, I was thankful that I didn't have to watch his health fail and that he seemed to have passed so peacefully.

We buried him the next morning before Pierce left for school.  This came home in his folder from school later that day.
Talk about breaking a Mom's heart.  Disco was a loving member of our family, and he'll be missed.

38 comments:

The Cranky said...

It is heartbreaking when we lose one of our friends and that's a hard lesson for little ones to learn. Still, I can't think of anyone better than you to help these loving little boys you're raising to learn it.

Unknown said...

I am so sorry for your loss. You can tell he was loved by everyone in your family.

Unknown said...

I am so sorry to hear about Disco. The loss of a loved pet is never fun, but as you said, at least it was peaceful and in his sleep, with no suffering. I'll keep your family in my prayers!

andy said...

Lisa so sorry about disco ! Hope you have a great day !

Anonymous said...

Oh, Sweetie... so sorry for your loss of Disco. He sounded like the perfect cat. I'm glad he passed while on his tower, probably where he felt safe to just lie down and go on to kitty heaven. Sending you a very warm hug today and to the boys as well. :(

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh this made me cry poor Pierce I am sorry Lisa. Hugs You gave hmi a wonderful life. Hug B

Eat To Live said...

You brought tears to my eyes. I always hated losing my pets... HURTS!!

So sorry Lisa!!

Nancy said...

For what it's worth, it's good that Pierce recognized Disco as a part of your family. It's all good. xo

Sonya @ Under the Desert Sky said...

Oh, boy. :( I'm so sorry about Disco. It's always so sad to lose a furry friend, especially one as wonderful as Disco.

Sandra said...

Oh, I am so sorry to hear about your kitty!
Pets are such a blessing, it is so hard when they pass.

mail4rosey said...

Aww :( It is sad when we lose a pet, and I'm sorry to hear it.

Melanie said...

So very sorry for your loss, it is hard to lose a faithful friend like that. The picture Pierce drew would have broken my heart too!!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I am so sorry about Disco. It is so hard to lose our best friends. He sounds like he was very sweet. I'm glad that Pierce was at least able to get his feelings out on paper. ((HUGS)) to all of you....

Chatty Crone said...

Gosh I am so sorry. I didn't know your cat was named Disco. sandie

Gail Dixon said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Pets become family members, so when they pass, the hurt is the same. Hugs!

GardenOfDaisies said...

Oh Lisa, so sorry for your loss. Disco sounds like a wonderful kitty. Do you know the book "the Tenth Good Thing About Barney" by Judith Viorst? It helps.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry. I know how hard it is to lose a beloved pet.

Valerie Boersma said...

Lisa, I'm so sorry to hear about Disco. It sounds like he was a wonderful part of your family, and he will be missed.

Pierce's picture broke my heart too:) Hugs!

Tina Fariss Barbour said...

Lisa, I"m so sorry. I know how much it hurts. Shedding some tears for you and your family. Disco was lucky to have you.

TexWisGirl said...

what a beauty. truly a blessing he died in his sleep! i would wish that for all my pets!

jp@A Green Ridge said...

Baby girl, I am sorry for your loss...it is sooooo hard to loose a beloved pet. Hugs...:)JP

Monkeywrangler said...

A blessing that he did not suffer and went at the time of his own choosing. You have my deepest sympathies and condolences on the passing of Disco. he looks like he was a very friendly & fuzzy cat.

You gave him so many good years, by rescuing him from the shelter.

Vic303

Gloria said...

Lisa - I am so sorry to hear about Disco. It is so hard to lost a pet because they really are part of your family. So sorry :(

Ginny Hartzler said...

I am so so sorry! And oh my gosh the picture, I am really crying now, it is so sad, and he is so expressive. Not saying good-bye is s mixed blessing isn't it? But what a shock for everyone. I am so glad you did not have to see him suffer and he went peacefully. He brought you gifts and put them on your bed, how sweet is that? I love the picture of Disco & Reid!!!

Grandma Bonnie said...

I am so sorry for your familys loss. It is hard not to say good bye. I am glad he did not suffer.

Our Neck of the Woods said...

Oh no, Lisa. I am so sorry. That drawing would have brought me to tears. It is so hard to lose beloved members of the family :( You'll be in my thoughts!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Oh Lisa, I am so sorry. Disco will be missed. The kids will miss him also... I had a cat for many years (Snowball) when I was young. When I went away to college, Snowball died that year. It was hard to go home and not look for him...

God Bless.
Hugs,
Betsy

Andrea said...

I'm so sorry, Lisa. You know I so know. Sending you love and hugs. To you all. :*(

Shine Kids Crafts said...

It is sorry to hear that. But it is good that it died without pain.

Jill said...

My dear Lisa...
My heart is so heavy for you. I know how much I love my cat and Disco was a beautiful member of your family. I'm am sending you lots of love and hugs, my friend. I am so sorry.

gin said...

so sorry about Disco. There will be an empty spot in yalls home.

Linda said...

Aww, what a sweet drawing! I'm sorry about your cat.

Anonymous said...

Heartbreaking story for your son with his picture.

Lexie Loo, Lily, Liam & Dylan Too said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is always so difficult.

LB @ Bullets And Biscuits said...

Sorry for your loss :(

Barbara said...

Oh, Lisa, I'm so sorry. I'm glad he passed peacefully and you had so many years to show him you loved him.

born imaginative. said...

So sorry, it's so hard to lose a pet. :( At least he passed peacefully.

Marianne (Mare) Baker Ball said...

Oh, so sorry to read about the loss of your cat. And the drawing is so sweet. :-(