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Friday, June 10, 2011

Farewell, my little Doppelganger.


The hardest part of loving someone, or something, so much is when you have to say goodbye.  Yesterday, I had to say goodbye to a large piece of my heart.  For 16 years, Tippet has been my boon companion, my sidekick, my little doppelganger.  She managed to always look like a kitten.  Which, at times, was definitely in her favor, as she could be a pain in the a-double-ess.

She was born in an alley in Brooklyn - one of five abandoned kittens (probably the mother was killed) found by a kind-hearted bread delivery man.  I adopted her when she was 6 weeks old and her name, at the time, was Wheat Bread.  As if.  She was so tiny and lively and light on her feet that I named her Tippet, after the fine end of a fly fishing line.  As tiny as she was, she managed to break several large, heavy, valuable objects in her first week with me.  But we were best buds from the start and for the last 16 years.

As we both grew older, we became more alike - cranky old ladies.  But every morning we started it the same way.  I'd give her a hug and she'd rub her little face against mine.  Then we'd go about our business.  While I loved her too much to let her suffer, I also really wanted another five years or more of her company.  It's so hard to say good bye.

15 comments:

Leigh said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Leigh said...

Oh Susan, I'm so sorry to hear about Tippet. It is so hard to lose a beloved pet. Hugs to you.

Erin said...

So sorry to hear about Tipper, she's a real cutie. We should all be so lucky to have 16 years with our pets, what a wonderful home you gave little "Wheat Bread", she was a lucky kitty! It really is hard to say goodbye, I still think of our dogs that have passed often.

Jane @ Hard Work Homestead said...

So so sorry. It is never easy. I am sending you good thoughts. My deepest sympathy.

Mama Pea said...

Oh, Susan, I'm so sorry. There will be a big hole in your heart and home for some time. It's been a little over a month now since we lost Zoey and I "look" for her several times each day. You know you did the right thing by not letting her suffer . . . but it's still sooo hard. Sending healing thoughts to you.

Judy T said...

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear this. It is always so hard to say goodbye to our friends, they become such a part of our lives. Hugs to you.
Judy

The Apple Pie Gal said...

So sorry for your loss of little Tippet :( Pets have such a way of becoming a part of us and they truly are a memeber of the family. It's never easy to have one go. You have lots of warm hugs and love coming at you right now ma'am. xoxoxo

Carolyn said...

I'm glad you and Tippet were able to share sixteen wonderful years together!

Sending good vibes your way; for you to remember all the great times with her and for Tippet as she moves on to her next adventure!

judy said...

My deepest sympathy ,that was the 3rd time this week of this happening.,your Tippet,my sister's Charlie,and the library cat from Faith,Hope,and Joy's farm.My sister has already found a half starved stay in Spring Valley WI.

Susan said...

Dear Everyone - thank you so much for your kindnesses and loving thoughts. They mean a great deal to me. And thank you, Kay, for stopping by to give me a hug.

Michelle said...

Oh Susan, these times are just the worst! I've felt that pain, and wish I could be there to hold you and cry with you. Not that that would make the pain go away any faster, I know....

mtnchild said...

I'm so sorry to hear this Susan. I have loved and lost lots of 4 legged family members too. It never gets easier. I can picture them all waiting at the Rainbow Bridge when it is my turn ... Tippet will be there for you too!

Lots and lots of hugs
Yvette

Susan said...

Michelle - well, that brought me to tears again, but in a good way. How important you all are to me!

Yvette - I hope I see them all again, but I always think I can never measure up to that complete love and devotion our animal companions give us. But I like to think of them all together and thinking about us.

BrokenRoadFarm said...

I am so sorry about the loss of your cat. I too lost my 16 year old cat last September and I still miss her. Remember all those beautiful morning face rubs - sounds like there were a lot of them!!

Susan said...

BRF - After 16 years, they are fully part of your DNA. I am in complete denial, interspersed with teary times. I'm just biding my time until it's a little less raw. My heart goes out to you - they are something special, aren't they?