My longtime, four-pawed companion, Sheba, passed sometime during the night. I sat up with her most of the night and fell asleep in the early morning hours. When I awoke around 10 a.m., she was gone.

She was a rescue cat that I had had for approximately 18 years. Our other companion, Stryder, passed on 6 years ago. It's tough, but I knew the end was coming. She was quite old and passed at home with me. She was a lovely cat and a wonderful companion and will be missed terribly. Right now, I am okay. At least I know she is not suffering. Hopefully, she and Stryder are making up for lost time.

Here's a photo of her from last year:


Sheba 1990-2008

I have many fond memories and loved having both cats as companions for as long as I did. Pets are wonderful things. Sheba joined Stryder and me and was often, lovingly referred to as She-bitch as such was her temperament. However, once Stryder died, her true, sweet nature seemed to come out. She was more friendly with guests and even more loving with me. Whenever I was asked if I didn't think she'd do better with another cat, I would just smile and say no. She was definately a one-owner model. She was lovely, sweet and lots of fun. No matter how many toys I would buy or my niece and nephew would give her at Christmas, she was always happiest playing with a simple soda straw. Cats do seem to be funny that way. Oh, and she LOVED catnip ... no surprises there.

I'm not sure that I'll be replacing her. Now is not a good time with staffs reporting back and a new move-in happening in a little over a week, but should I decide to I'll be visiting the local Pet Port and adopting another adult cat. Both she and Stryder were adults when I got them, and they worked out beautifully. Right now, however, I need a while to honor and grieve.

Much love, my little Sheba. I love you.

Losing a pet is so hard. At least it was peaceful.

*orchardhug*

I miss my pets that have moved on very much, but it helps to know that my family and I gave them a loving home and good life.

So sorry, Cher.

Cher, I'm so sorry. I feel your pain. No one gets out of this world alive. You and she were fortunate to have each other for a loving 18 years. May the memories ease your sorrow. As soon as you are ready, another rescued cat will help fill that hole and you will be saving another little life. xoxo

Very sorry for your loss, Cher. Pets are family, with fur... and I'm sure they loved you as you loved them. Peace.

Thank you all. The past couple of days have been rough. The hole she left is a big one.

cher,

i just saw this. i am so, so sorry. it is so hard to say goodbye, but the suffering is over.

hopefully your two kitties are still exchanging stories and memories.

much love to you. much.
d

Cher, so sorry for your loss. We're still smarting from the loss of Sugar earlier this year. Sheba was a real beauty, and 18 years is quite a relationship!

Cher--sorry about the loss of your special kittie--I lost one that I had had for about that much time---it is amazing how attached we get to them and miss them so when they are gone---my old girl is permanetly resting out here in the yard at the lake house that she liked so much----now she can be out forever with the mice and other critters she liked to watch.

Sorry I was so late in posting this--I haven't been on the site too much lately----hope you are having a good summer other than the loss of your kitty---your photography is sure coming along--I am going to be kicking it up a bit in that department in the coming months--going to upgrade to a Nikon D60 in a few weeks and will be taking some formal photographic training to boot and then doing some professional photography type work of some sort--