RIP Griffin

[angela_o]

Our black cat, Griffin, died last night. I was up late and heard an awful noise and found him having seizures in the front hall. He died a few minutes later. We've had him for 11 years and got him from the Animal Shelter when he was a few months old. It's the first time in over 15 years that I haven't had a black cat as part of my household and the fact that he died in October seems somehow ironic.

It's the first real experience with death that my children have had and things are quite sad at my house today. Intellectually you know that loving animals means that you open yourself up to the potential for loss on an accelerated timetable, but there's an enormous gap between knowing that intellectually and living through it in reality.

Now, it's time to go provide what comfort I can to my grieving 8 year old who's definitely taking Griffin's death the hardest. If you have a pet, please give him or her some extra attention today in remembrance of a really sweet black boy kitty who's no longer with us.

We'll miss you Griffin. Rest well.

Comments

[marcolette.livejournal.com]

((Hugs))

I'm so sorry. I can only imagine how you and your kids are doing today. I'll give my parents' two black boy kitties a little extra love today in Griffin's honor since I'm at their house this weekend.

[angela-o.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the hugs. I've needed them. Thankfully, things are getting better. The shock has worn off and that makes things easier all around. I hope that you're having fun with the kitties at your parents' house. :)

[chrisjournal.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry. Pets are family members, and losing is *hard*. You probably already have this, but just in case, here's a link to Rainbow Bridge. I used it with the boys when our cat died, and they remembered it several years later when the basset passed away, as well.

http://members.cox.net/tributes/rainbow_bridge.htm

[angela-o.livejournal.com]

Thanks for that link. I actually wasn't familiar with it. I'll share it with Matthew. I especially appreciate you taking the time to comments since I know that life has been incredibly stressful for you in the last month. I hope that things are smoothing out for you as well. :)

[angelicus.livejournal.com]

Awww...I'm so sorry. *hugs* for you and the kids. It's so hard losing a pet, especially if they're part of the family. I'm so sorry for your loss. :(

[angela-o.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the hugs. It is hard, but we're getting through. I appreciate the kind thoughts. :)

[snowwhite22.livejournal.com]

Oh Angela, I am so sorry for you. My baby Toro died last summer and it was the hardest thing I've ever had to go through. Its so hard to lose a pet. Big hugs for you and your kids. I'll be thinking of you guys today and I'll give Orion tons of extra love for you.

[angela-o.livejournal.com]

Thanks Sarah. I'm sorry about Toro. I remember your kitties from the LA visit. :)

Hope that Orion appreciated the extra attention. :)

[tasyfa.livejournal.com]

It's really hard to lose a pet. But it's worse to have not had one to love. *hugs* to all of you.

[angela-o.livejournal.com]

That's very true. 'Tis better to have loved and lost...

Thanks for the hugs. :)

[fer1213.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry. Losing a pet is unbearable.

[angela-o.livejournal.com]

It does leave a hole in the family, but we're doing better today since things aren't quite so raw. I'm sure that we'll eventually find the next kitty who's destined to be part of our family. Until then, we'll muddle through.

Thanks for the condolences. :)

[janajoh.livejournal.com]

So sorry about your cat, Angela! Losing a pet is awfully hard, especially when you're young. Big hugs for the kids!!

[michak.livejournal.com]

I know this is a little late but I am so sorry about your cat Griffin. Losing a pet is hard at any age but especially when you are younger, I hope the kids are doing a little better. Hope *you* are doing well also, hugs to you all hon.