thought I'd write a quick note in honor of my wonderful cat Marcel, who left us early yesterday morning. He and my pup Bungee woke me in the wee hours and I found him at the bottom of the stairs unable to use his back legs or tail. I rushed him to the emergency vet, and it turned out he had a blood clot in his spine, and by the time we got there, his feet were already getting cold. The doctor said his prognosis was very slim, and since he was in a great deal of pain, we decided to help him on to his next journey. I held him as he left this world and found peace.

I adopted Marcel 14 years ago when my now ex-husband moved into the guest room and my other cat Pizzi started sleeping in there with him. I went to the local shelter and saw a sweet white spotted kitty snuggled up and "nursing" on a female in the cat area. He took to me right away, and ride home on my shoulder, chewing my hair and snuggling the whole way.

Marcel was the most open-hearted and patient cat I've ever known. He'd tolerate the stream of visiting dog cousins, my cranky old lady-cat's temper, and was at the door any time someone visited. His playfulness and silliness as a young cat lightened my life as I went through hard times, and as an aging cat, his ready purr, patient soul and snuggling abilities warmed everyone's heart (even those that didn't like cats).

We'll miss him, but I'll forever be grateful that he shared my life!

RIP Marcel. What a great pet. (and friend) Marcel looks like the color opposite of my BOO. It sounds like Marcel was a wonderful wonderful companion. Do you have room in your heart for another shelter pet? They so desperately need homes and there is probably another one right now waiting to be given the chance. In my house we have four cats: Boo, Maybelline, Violet and Pentunia. Petunia is Violet's 5 month old who is still nursing because she can't leave the nest (laughs)

We have a dog too, ED. Edgar is wonderful. He's been the best dog and has his own spots around the house that are HIS sleeping spots.

Great story.

May he rest in peace. I'm so sorry for your loss. It's never easy losing our furbabies.

You'll be in my thoughts. ((((hugs))))

Thanks! I'm waiting for now on getting another animal, and Bungee's a great companion so I'm far from alone!

Once I know where I'll be settling again I may consider another cat or pup (I'm trying to relocate to California right now, but may wind up just getting a new place in MN).

I am so sorry you lost your beloved kitty. I also think there is another little sweetheart in a shelter somewhere that needs a Mommy to love and entertain. You can't replace Marcel but you can honor him by getting another kitty.

Pizzicato,

I am so sorry to hear about your cat, Marcel.

He looks like such a sweetie, and I am sure that his good nature had a lot to do with the fact that he was well loved and taken care of.

Take comfort in knowing that you gave your wonderful pet a long and happy life...........

Hugs,

Frangi

I am so sorry to hear about your Marcel. I lost both my cat Milo and my dog Buddy in 2007, ( I have pictures in the "puppy pics" thread) just a month apart They are all waiting at Rainbow Bridge for us. I could not take the lonliness, I now have a new puppy, Buster (love of my life) and a new kitten, Otis. My house and my heart is full again.

Your Marcell was a beautiful baby.

Awww - I'm so sorry!

We lost a cat last spring. It was so hard but she was about 16 and it was her time. She was my BF's cat that had for about 10 years. He adopted her and her twin sister (the sister died of cancer a few years ago) when his jerk brother refused to change the litter box for his wife while she was preggo. I guess pregnant woman aren't suppose to change litter boxes?

She was mostly white but looked a lot like Marcel.

We have 3 cats and a dog right now. We adopted the dog from a shelter right after "white cat" died. Shelter pets are the best - kudos to you for having such a big heart!

Pizzi, so sorry to hear of your loss. We lost our 15 yr old cat last Oct to throat cancer. It was very hard and my husband said no more cats. Over New Years we were visiting my son, and his three boys were not very gentle with his 8 yr old cat. My loving hubby said we needed to take Suede home with us to give him a better life in old age, so we do have a cat again. This cat will lay down in the middle of the floor and roll over to have his belly rubbed. He is more dog than cat, but he as settled in and is quite at home with us. It is great to take in an animal that needs a loving home. There are many of them out there who need our help.

Thanks everyone!

I probably will get a new little furbaby at some point, but want to see where I wind up in the next few months. I'm job-hunting in California right now, but even if I don't move out there, I'll be finding a new place by summer (I'm getting out of home ownership and going back to renting). I can't see getting a new cat or kitten and then hauling them in the car for 4 days! Besides, I hear they have cats in California too

I am so sorry to hear about Marcel. We are animal lovers and owners at my house so I feel your pain. You gave him a great life!