Sunday, November 11, 2012

Farewell, Herman



These are the last two pictures I took of Herman, napping with Oja and enjoying a sun puddle.  I was going to post a few days ago, and took pictures of Oja and Spyro, but when I tried to take a picture of Herman, the camera informed me that the battery was dead.  I tried charging the battery, but it didn't work.  I could have done it wrong.

Herman ran off to the Rainbow Bridge early this morning.  I don't think he suffered at all.  Yesterday at breakfast he was his normal self and later that morning he was up on his platform, enjoying a nice sun puddle when I gave him his Interferon and his treat.  When he didn't come into the kitchen for lunch at 1:00, I went looking for him and found him in Oja's room, in Emma's hideyhole.  I put his lunch down in the usual spot and told him that if he didn't come out and eat it soon, Spyro would get it.  He didn't seem interested, so I sat   down and petted his head the way he liked for a little bit.  I told myself that I needed to get him to the vet as soon as I could.  Unfortunately, the vet closes at noon on Saturdays.  It was the same at suppertime.  I petted him some more and then went to bed because I was very tired.  I called out, "Herman, bedtime!"  like I always do, but he didn't come.  In fact, no kitties came to bed with me last night.  I spent a restless night, but there was nothing I could do.  Spyro and Oja showed up together to get into bed with me about dawn, which is about when I suspect Herman ran off to the Bridge.  Were they staying with him to comfort him?  I like to think so.  When it was light enough for me to see, I got up to get the kitties breakfast.  Spyro and Oja ran in and started eating, but no Herman.  Herman never misses breakfast.  I went to where I had seen him last and he was lying on his side, his favorite sleeping position.  It wasn't until I touched him that I realized that he had already left.

Was there anything I could have done?  I don't think so.  When Herman stated growling at Spyro when Spyro wanted to play, the first thing that crossed my mind was that maybe Herman wasn't feeling so good, so I started keeping a close eye on him.  When Herman got sick two years ago the first symptom was diarrhea.  Herman didn't have diarrhea.  I cleaned normal poop our of his litter box yesterday.  After I buried him in the garden, I checked where he had been lying to see if there was any mess I needed to clean up.  All I found was one perfectly formed little ball of poop.  When Herman wasn't feeling good, the first sign was that he started letting his tail droop.  He was holding his tail high yesterday morning.  Before when he was sick, he stayed on the floor and wouldn't jump up on anything. and stopped coming to bed for his cuddles.  He was up on his platform yesterday morning and cuddled with me Friday night.  The last time, he went off his food and lost weight at an alarming rate.  He needed more metronidazole Tuesday and I took him with me to weigh him and he had actually gained two tenths of a pound.  As I posted when Herman first got grumpy with Spyro, I thought Spyro had hurt him a little rasslin'.  I did find what felt like two tiny scabs on the back of Herman's neck.  I made sure I felt his neck every day for signs of soreness or swelling until the scabs disappeared, so Herman didn't have an abscess or any type of infection.

I was so happy when Herman reached his fifth birthday, thinking he was out of the danger zone.  If he had only had feline leukemia, he might well have been, but he had FIV, too, so maybe they both ganged up on him at once and carried him off.  I don't know.  I'm just glad he didn't suffer.  It looked like he just went to sleep and woke up at the Rainbow Bridge.  It is just five days until his third Gotcha Day.  Maybe Emma was there at the Bridge to greet him and maybe not.  They never did really like each other.  He has plenty of other friends there to greet him.  I am going to miss him terribly.  I think what I will miss most is calling out, "Herman, bedtime!" every night and having him join me for a long petting session and cuddle.  Oja is more that willing to take over that duty.  Sometimes she would beat Herman there and the both of them would cuddle up with me and each other.  I had one hand to pet each.  Spyro and Herman made up recently.  I saw them nose kissing only a few days ago. Spyro just stopped trying to get Herman to play and all was well.  They would eat out of the same dish together.

I will leave the present blog header up through Herman's Gotcha Day, then I will change the title to something else.  I am thinking of using Spyro's name and something alliterative, but nothing good is coming to mind, but my mind isn't exactly clear right now.  The tears haven't started yet, but I think I am still in shock.  I will write Herman a farewell limerick, when one comes to me.  See you at the Rainbow Bridge, Herman, my handsome boy.

121 comments:

ZOOLATRY said...

Karen ~ you have our purrs and our prayers coming your way. Dear Herman ... enjoy the sunshine and warmth across the bridge.
Farewell, handsome boy!

Katnip Lounge said...

Oh no. Tears are falling here...we are sending you heartfelt purrs full of sympathy for your loss of Herman. He was such a special boy, such a fighter. We will miss him very much.
Godspeed Herman, we love you.

Pat said...

So, so sorry for your loss...Pat

The Island Cats said...

Oh no! We are so very sorry that Herman has gone to the bridge! We send you comforting purrs and headbutts. We will miss Herman very much. :(

The Island Cats said...

Oh no! We are so sorry that Herman has run off to the bridge! We send you comforting purrs and headbutts. We will miss Herman very much. :(

wildcatwoods said...

I am so very sorry that Herman left fo the Bridge. You gave him a wonderful life as short as it was. Thanks you for taking him and loving him so.

With love and deep sympathy

Cats of wildcat woods

Seville at Nerissa's Life said...

I'm so sorry. So very, very sorry. I bet that Oja and Spyro did stay close to Herman that last night, to let him know how much he was loved and to comfort him. My peep has told me before that when my aunties' mama got sick, my Auntie Primrose stayed close by her side the entire time. She knew. She didn't want her Mama Alicia to be alone. We cats know so much more than many give us credit for knowing. Herman was in good paws in his final hours, that's for sure. Now, he's up in Heaven and will be totally free from all illness. purrs

Gemini and Ichiro said...

Oh Karen, we are so sorry to hear this. Herman was a good friend. He was lucky to have such a good where he was loved throughout his short life. Really you know, it's the quality and not the quantity and I think his quality was very good. Our thoughts.

Mo and The Purries said...


Herman was loved unconditionally and had a safe home, which is what we all ever really want in life.
Sending blessing to Herman, and condolences to you for your loss.

Brian's Home Blog said...

Oh Karen, we are all so very sorry and we are all in tears here. Thank you for taking Herman and for loving him so.

Dear Herman, you were a dear sweet friend and you will live in our hearts forever.

The Florida Furkids said...

We're so sorry to hear that Herman has gone to the Bridge. We're happy that it appears that he didn't suffer. We're sending you comforting purrs and prayers at this sad time.

(((Hugs)))
The Florida Furkids

Astrid (…and the kitties too) said...

Miz Karen Jo we are so sorry Herman runned off to the Bridge so unexpected. On the other paw it was good that he just wented to sleeps and woked up at the Bridge.

We are sending lots of purrs and comforting healing thoughts to you we knows you will miss hims so much.

we also thinks that Oja and Sypro where near hims when he lefted.

Jans Funny Farm said...

Oh, Karen Jo, we are so sorry Herman's time to leave arrived. We don't always know why, just that we miss having them with us. He had such a good home and was so loved. {{{Hugs}}}, purrs and pawtaps.

Alasandra, The Cats and Dogs said...

We are so sorry it was Herman's time to leave for the Rainbow Bridge. We will miss him a lot. Purrs of comfort and love for all of you Karen Jo, Spyro and Oja

Zippy, Sadie, Speedy and M'Gee said...

Godspeed Herman and have a good time at the Bridge.

Fr. Tom Fish said...

Karen, Herman was one of the first kitties we met when we started blogging. We are so very, very sorry at the sad news, yet grateful he didn't suffer. What a sweet boy who will always remain in your heart.

Sending comforting thoughts and prayers your way.

Tom, Mom Julie, Mitty, Tinker & Anastasia

Cory said...

We are so sorry to hear that Herman left for The Bridge. We know that he had a most wonderful life with you and we are glad to know that in his dreams he wandered to The Bridge and woke up there. I know that he was greeted by many furriends.

Rest in peace sweet Herman.

Cory and family

dArtagnan Rumblepurr/Diego Hamlet Moonfur said...

Rumblemum is crying for you and for Herman. He was such a special boy, he had more life and more love than he would have had he not met you. I know he loved you all very very much.

The Misadventures Of Me said...

Oh Herman, we is so sorry yoo had to leave so soon. Karen please know we all loved him with yoo and we has tears forming.

Headbutts and Purrs

Molly
Shadow
Trooder
Mooch
Mustachio
Toot

(((hugs)))
Mom Laure

The Monkeys said...

We are so sad to hear about sweet Herman! We are happy, though, that he had you in his life. We are sending so many purrs and lots of love.

Daisy said...

I am so sad for the loss of your good boy Herman. So glad that his passing was peaceful, and that he had a happy life with you when others might not have given him a chance.

Angel Simba said...

Karen Jo, we are sending you our virtual hugs and purrs on the passing of Herman. It is never easy to lose a pet, and it was clear what a great love there was between the two of you. If there is any consolation, it is that it seems he died peacefully, and quietly, and without having to be taken to the vet for help. We are sure he is now feeling healthy and frisky at the Raibow Bridge.

Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats said...

We will always keep Herman in our hearts... He was so fortunate to have a good catmom like you and he knew that, and because of your tender care, he was with you as long as he could be...

Grieve not, nor think of me with tears,
T'was heaven here with you...

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

OH NO ;-(

We are so furry sorry Herman had to leave us -

I hope he's found Brandi and our other furiends at The Rainbow Bridge -

Of khourse, my khanine furiends are chasing them!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

Victor Tabbycat said...

Karen Jo, we are so saddened by this news! Herman was truly special and we were afraid you might not be together long. Almost 3 years... the best of his life, we're sure. Spyro and Oja have a big space to fill. We're happy Herman didn't suffer, but it's hard when they go suddenly, with so little warning. That's how it was with Bonnie - she seemed a little off and was in organ failure before the vet opened the next morning. Sometimes that's better than suffering through a treatment ordeal, but no matter how they go, it's always hard on us. Our hearts and purrs are with you! ~ Victor, Nina, and Tabbymom Jen

JB's Big and Small Worlds said...

So sorry, Karen Jo. Herman had a wonderful life with you. Sending soft purrs and our thoughts are with you.

Forty Paws said...

We are so very sorry. This is sad news for us. But hopefully the little man didn't suffer and just woke up on the other side. Many hugs and purrs are being sent your way right now.

Luf, Us and Maw

Angel MoMo said...

So sorry to hear that sweet Herman has left for the Bridge. Glad to hear that he had a peaceful passing though. Purrs and kind thoughts to you. We will miss him. MoMo will be there to welcome him at the Bridge.

SS and Charlotte.

Parker said...

Karen Jo - I know how much it hurts to lose such a beloved family member, pleae know you are in our thoughts and prayers, Herman was such a good boy! (((hugs)))

Maggie May said...

Our hearts are heavy and our eyes are leaky for you. Herman was such a lucky boy to have such a great mom and loving home. (((hugs)))
Maggie May and The Creek Cats

Laila and Angel Minchie said...

We are so sorry for you loss.

Mickey's Musings said...

We are sorry to hear that Herman went to the Bridge. He will have many great friends to meet him :)
We are very happy that he had a wonderful and happy life since coming to live with you!!
We send you comforting purrs.

Purrs Tillie and Georgia,
Tiger,Treasure,JJ and Julie
and mom Nancy

My Mind's Eye said...

Mom and I are so very sorry to read about handsome Hetman. Run free Herman and chase lots of butterflies
Hugs
Madi and mom

Lynx217 said...

omc we are so sorry. we know that Nimbus, Jack, Sniffie and all the other anipals that went before were waiting for him. we never saw it coming either. we are weepy too.

ps: theres a special place for all of us kitties that had fiv in life go when we first get here. its a special spa that helps us adjust to being whole healthy kitties again. ive never asked my hoomin to type for me before because i came before, as i was her first kitty sorta, but i want you to know herman is in good paws. the one she called nimbus is just awesome with anipals that were sick when they came here. - Angel Snowflake

Poppy Q said...

So sorry to hear of the loss of your sweet boy Herman. He was lucky to be able to die peacefully at home with his lovely family.

Sending you hugs.

Love
Julie and Poppy Q
xxx

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

I am so sorry to read about your sweet boy. I send hugs and love to you and many rumbly purrs from Jasper.. So sorry.. Hugs Carol and GJ xx

JC said...

I am sending you a huge hub and many purrs me and my gang.

JC and The Purr and Fur Gang

JC said...

That was supposed to be a 'Huge Hug" but I'll send a hub too .. if that will help at all.

Katie Isabella said...

Oh dearest Herman, my Admiral will also be there to greet you and play with you. I am so very sorry you flew away from your family. I love what Teri wrote...Herman was loved and knew he was, thanks to you. Pawhugs and Nosetaps.

katsrus said...

Sorry for your loss. What a beautiful kitty.
Sue B

LP said...

Ann from Zoolatry let us know about Herman running off so suddenly to the Rainbow Bridge. We wanted to send you our condolences and love. Herman was a very beautiful cat! We are happy he had you to take such good care of him. He was loved. Now he will watch carefully over you , as you did him.

love,

the critters in the cottage xo

Anonymous said...

Oh Karen, I just found Ann Adamus' email and rushed over. I am shocked! I loved Herman! I had no idea he had both FIV and Leukemia, what a brave soul and how wonderful you found him 3 years ago and he had you to love him and give him such a good life to its end. I always enjoy reading about how Herman, Spyro and Oja are doing. Before we found Savannah, last December, we had gone through the loss of our 3 senior cats, all 17ish, in less than 10 months. We were shell shocked and vowed no more cats, we were too old (66 and 69) then we met Savannah about 2 months after our last baby went to the Bridge. So I know our three, Tasha, Boris and Popcorn are already with Herman having some fun. My deepest sympathy, Linda and Savannah

Jacqueline said...

Karen Jo, sending our sincere condolances on the loss of your precious Herman...He was a great friend to us and we loved him dearly; we will never forget your sweet Herman...He was so lucky to have a Mom that loved and cared for him the way you did=we know he was your happy, handsome boy...Sending big hugs, lovely friend...xoxo...J, Calle, Halle, Sukki, Mommy Cat, Daddy Cat

Random Felines said...

we are so very sorry and hope that happy memories can bring you some comfort

Old Kitty said...

We received an email from Ann of Zoolatry telling us about angel Herman. We are so sorry. We send you all many hugs and purrs. Take care
x

Motor Home Cats said...

Karen Jo, We are so, so sorry to hear that Herman has run off to the bridge. We remember how happy you were when he came to live with you. We know you were the absolute best mama he could have. He thrived while living with you.

Purrs and hugs,

Cody, Gracie, and Tara (mom)

Sasha said...

I would think that the other kitties stayed with Herman until he passed to the Rainbow Bridge. I think he would have shown signs of pain or discomfort if he had them. I doubt the vet could have done anything if there were few signs of anything wrong. It was just Herman's time to go. I expect you feel there must have been something you could do, but there probably was nothing that could be done.
He can join up with Diamond at the bridge. They will have nice times playing together.
Dawn for the Pond Fish

Kiril Kundurazieff said...

Our condolenses, purrs, and purrayers to you all...

Nikita and Elvira

Meowsings of an Opinionated Pussycat

http://www.opinionatedpussycat.com

House of the Discarded said...

I wish all cats could be loved as much as Herman. Thank you for loving him as much as you did!

Beth
House of the Discarded

(Diane) Bibliophile By the Sea said...

So sorry for your loss of a wonderful furry friend.

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

Oh Karen
I am so sorry to hear about sweet Herman. WE all enjoyed hearing how he was and what he was up to. WE will surely miss him greatly. WE offer up our deepest purrs for you and we are grateful that there was no suffering,he woke up running free and happy at the Bridge. Holding you in our hearts and paws.
xoxoxo
Abby,Boo,Ping,Jinx,Gracie & Mom Debra

The Meezers or Billy said...

Oh MomKarenJo, we are all so very sorry and so very sad. We are all sending lots of purrrrrrss to you all We think that Oja and Spyro were comforting him in his last hours.

Herman, we has many tears in our eyes as we say "we will meet you at the Bridge one day"

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

We are so sorry to hear that Herman has gone to The Bridge. His life was short but he was very loved during his time with you. It would have been far shorter without your love and care. We are glad he had a gentle passing and woke at the Rainbow Bridge where he will find many friends. We will miss your special boy.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear that Herman has gone to the Bridge. He went knowing how much he was loved.

Kate, and Dora the Explorer.

Mr. Black said...

I am very sorry that you lost your friend Herman. It sounds like he passed peacefully.

In reading your post, it sounds like you are blaming yourself for not doing enough. The lady tells me that humans have a tendency to do this...it is normal. It takes a while to stand back and see the whole picture of what you did for Herman...giving him a safe, loving home.

Our thoughts are with you.

Marg said...

Oh Karen Jo, we are so so sorry to hear about Herman. It seems like it was just his time to go. You sure did everything in your power to keep him healthy and we know there wasn't anything else you could do. We are just glad that he went so peacefully and didn't get really sick.
We sure are sending you so many large hugs and some mighty big purrs too. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Cats~Goats~Quotes said...

Dear Karen Jo.. We are so sorry to read that Herman had to leave, but thankful he did not suffer, just decided to run off to The Bridge.
We will see our babies again.. Thank you for loving him so..
~ Mom Bobbie and The Bunch

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Try and take comfort in knowing that Herman left this world peacefully and is now running happy and free at the Bridge.

Summer at sparklecat.com said...

Oh no! I am so sorry that Herman is gone. At least it was swift and he did not suffer. Many purrs to you today, and the days that come. I know you will miss him a lot, probably more than you realize right now. I already miss him. :-(

KitKat said...

We are so sorry to hear about sweet Herman. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sending gentle hugs and purrs your way.
Angel Normie, Mika, Sasha & Grady

Toffee K. Ripple Fuzzypants & Feline American Angels said...

We are so very sorry for your loss of dear, sweet Herman. Solace, perhaps, that he's in good company, but painful just the same ...
Gentlest hugs.
DMM, Charmee and Jessica

SuziQCat said...

Karen, Spyro and Oja...we are purring for you all today, as you have lost a good friend. I am in shock as I read the post, and can only imagine how you are all feeing today. Herman was so lucky to have found you...he knew love.

{HUGS}

Suzanne and the Four Crazy Cats

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

I am so sorry to hear of this heartbreaking news. So deeply sorry

We send our love and deepest sympathy

Caren & Cody

Max said...

Oh man. Dang. I am so, so, so sorry...

You gotta know, Herman was a true gentleman and a Sir; I am going to miss him a lot. And even if Emma didn't like him much here, at the Bridge she will love him and she was there waiting for him along with all his kitty friends.

I'm glad you have Oja and Spyro...but Herman is a lot to live up to. There won't be another like him.

Terri said...

I am visiting from Alasandra's blog. We are sad to hear about Herman's sudden death. Hugs and purrs from our house.

A few Good Cats said...

We are sorry to hear the sad news about your beloved Herman, and send you comforting vibes and purrayers for your loss.

Lovable Lily said...

We are so very sorry for the loss of your sweet Herman. Tho we didn't know him, we do know that your heart is breaking. Please know that we are here for you.

Hugs,
Lily Belle & Muffin

Team Tabby said...

You gave Herman a wonderful, loving home and hoping your memories of your sweet boy will bring you comfort.

Clooney said...

Dear Karen Jo,

We are so deeply sorry to hear about Herman's passing. We had a soft spot in our heart for him and knew how much you loved and cared for him. We always loved reading your posts about your yummy meals you made for yourself and Herman to have a few bites of. We send you thoughts of light and love to help ease your heart for the loss of your special boy. We are deeply sad, too.

Be Well Sweet Herman

Mark's Mews (Marley, Lori, Loki, and Binq) said...

Oh Karen Jo, we are so sad to read about Herman. We are pretty sure it was a complete surprise to him too, or he would have let you know better.

Purring for all of you...

Ivan from WMD said...

Oh, we are so so sorry to hear that Herman had to leave. While he leaves more than a cat-size hole in your heart, know that Emma met him and they will both purr down at you forever.

William, Caroline, Russell, Gracie and mom.

Jana said...

i am so very sorry for you loss.... i have been a fan of herman since day one and will miss him greatly.... thank you for taking such good care of him and being so dedicated to his care... he was one lucky kitty...

Connie - Tails from the Foster Kittens said...

My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Ellen Whyte said...

Oh Karen Jo we're so sorry to hear about Herman. We're sending our purrs to you all at this very sad time.

Millie said...

Karen Jo, Mom and I are so sorry to hear Herman ran off to the Bridge. We are happy he had such a wonderful home with you and gave you so much happiness.

Sending you purrs and hugs,
Millie and Mom Lynne

meowmeowmans said...

Dear Karen Jo, Spyro and Oja.

We are incredibly sorry to hear that Herman had to run off to the Bridge so suddenly. He was so special to many of us. Thank you for loving this amazing boy so much and so well. We send you comforting purrs and prayers, and many hugs.

Run free, Herman. We love you always, dear friend, and we look forward to the day we see you again at the Bridge.

In love and sorrow,

Kevin, Tracey, Sammy and Moosey

The Cat Guy said...

So sudden, my heart hurts for you. Purrs and purrs for you all.

Sweet Purrfections said...

We are so very sorry to hear of Herman's crossing the bridge. We're sure Sweet Praline was there to greet him. Our thoughts and purrs are with you.

Truffle, Brulee, and Mom Paula

Marilynn said...

I don't know what's harder ... knowing what's coming or being surprised. My precious friends in the past have left in both ways, and it's always hard. All our condolences to you and Spyro and Oja. I'm sure Herman is waiting for all of you at the Bridge.

=(

Marilynn, Grace & Company

Angel, Kirby and Max said...

Karen, you were the greatest kitty Mom ever. You took your sweet Herman in at a time when you were grieving for your Mom and you took him on knowing he had major illnesses. You loved him and cared for him and even brought him some playmates. You did every thing you could have for him. He was ready to go and did not want to worry you.

Baby Patches said...

Karen Jo, me and momma are so furry sorry to hear about Herman. Momma hopes that Herman has enjoyed your purchases from our shop this year. Herman was so handsome and we know he will lives on and on in your heart. Purrrrrrrrrs and loving thoughts for all of you.

Angel Prancer Pie said...

We are so very sad to hear about your dear, sweet, boy. He had a great Mommy that always took the best care of him. Sending comforting purrs your way. xoxo

Rosemary B❤️ said...

Herman was a great mancat. He went to the bridge so quietly just like Caesar did. We know your heart is broken, we loved Herman and he was such a wonderful example of gallant bravery, a roll model for all man cats around!
Please know that you three are in our prayers. Herman is safe now.
We are certain that Caesar was there to greet him with open paws
Love from Miles, Pierro, and Rosemary

Pip said...

Karen Jo, I am so very sorry for your loss. I know, intimately, how much it hurts. Herman was such an incredibly lucky boy to have found you. Your heart is as big as the ocean, and he surly knew he hit the big-time with you.
My prayers are with you, and with Herman in the coming days.
dee

Oui Oui said...

We are so sorry for your loss. We are purring for you and all the loved ones Herman left behind. You gave him the greatest gift of all, your love. We hope you find comfort in knowing that.

Cat said...

We are so sorry to hear about Herman, please accept our heartfelt condolences!!!

Andrea and the Celestial Kitties said...

I am so very sorry for your loss. We're sending hugs and purrs.

Samantha & Mom said...

Oh Miss KarenJo, Oja & Spyro!! We are so sorry to hear of Herman going to the Rainbow Bridge!! Lots of tears are falling from our eyes!! You will always be on our Hearts Herman!!
Lots of hugs & purrrs for you all,
Your TX furiends,

Princess Jasmine said...

We were so sorry to hear about Herman, we hope he is running and playing at the Rainbow Bridge with all the other kitties and woofies. Sending Purrs to you all at this sad time xxxx

Fur Everywhere said...

We are so very sorry to hear this news! Mama gets the leaky eyes anytime she reads about a kitty going to the Bridge. We know he will have lots of friends to play with as he waits for you to come. Our Emma is already there. I bet she will be his friend.

We know there is nothing we can say to make the pain go away. But please know we are here if you need anything. E-mail anytime if we can help in any way, ok?

Purrs and hugs,
Milita and Carmine

Chesney Cats said...

We are so very, very sorry that Herman ran off to the Bridge. You are in our hearts & prayers.

Hannah and Lucy said...

We only just read about Herman passing and we came to say we were so sorry to hear this. He will watch over you all from Rainbow Bridge and if a shadow passes near you it will be him just checking you are all OK.
With our prayers and love,
Hannah and Lucy xx xx

CATachresis said...

We have just read from Ann of Zoolatry about Herman's passing! It sounds like he had a wonderful life with you and that he did not suffer at the end. Our heartfelt condolences to you, Austin and Caro from CATachresis xox

bichonpawz said...

I am visiting from Zoolatry and wanted to stop by to tell you how very sorry we are that Herman has crossed over the bridge. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time.
Hugs,
Jeanne, Chloe and LadyBug

Milo and Alfie Marshall said...

So very sorry to hear this news. Sending our softest gentle purrs for you. RIP at the Bridge sweet Herman. xx

Kea said...

Karen Jo, it's 4;30AM EST and I'm just getting up, Ann's email is the first I read. I'm in shock. Maybe I've missed something because I've not been able to keep up with everyone lately....

I am so, so sorry. I don't think there's anything you could have done, I suspect the outcome would have been the same, whether at a vet clinic or at your home. I'm glad he seemed to have a peaceful passing.

I'm sending you hugs and universal Light and Nicki and Derry (Fuzzy Tales) are sending soft purrs of comfort.

Bless you for loving him and caring for him and giving him a wonderful forever home, particularly with his medical issues.

Peace.

Kim, Nicki and Derry

Teddy Westlife said...

KarenJo, I am so sorry to hear about Herman. He was a sweet boy and will be greatly missed.

Unknown said...

Losing a furry critter is one of the hardest things we humans have to experience, but Herman went peacefully and that is a blessing. I am sure Emma has learned a few things about loving all beings and was waiting to greet him at the Bridge. Purrs and hugs to you. Your loving care made his choice to leave calm and quiet.

The J-Cats said...

I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful furbaby. But at least, it seems he didn't suffer but just passed peacefully in his sleep. I hope that's some comfort to you.

Shimona

Cotton said...

So sorry about Herman... He will live on in our hearts forever <3
Cotton

HH and The Boys said...

We're so sorry to hear about Herman and are sending you lots and lots of purrrrs,

Hugs, Max, Bugsy and Knuckles

George The Duck and the HotMBC Kittehs said...

So sorry Herman hada run off to tha Bridge. We sends lots of purrs and luvs for your sads.
Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrs,
Sanjee and the rest of the Hotties and George

Marilia said...

I´m so very sorry!!!! =(

The Island Cats said...

Karen Jo, we left a comment yesterday when we first heard about Herman, but we don't see it here. We've been having problems like that lately...it's probably in spam.

But we do want you to know how very sorry we are to hear that Herman has gone to the bridge. We send you comforting purrs, headbutts and hugs. You are wonderful for giving him a home...though his time here was unexpectedly short. We will miss Herman very much.

Wally, Ernie, Zoey and mom Sue

Angel Gracie=^o.o^= said...

I am so so sorry to learn that Herman has left for the bridge. I know you gave him such a lovely and loving home and spoiled him just about right. Don't second guess yourself. You did all you could to love and take care of sweet Herman. I am so glad that you two found each other and had time together. I know you will miss him bunches. Thinking of you and sending love your way. Keep Herman close to you in your thoughts and in your heart. Someday you will meet again. I too will meet him.

Angel Junior, Orion and Sammy said...

We are sending you our bestest purrs. Thank you for taking in Herman with despite all his illnesses. So many would have not done what you did. We know you will see him again.

GLOGIRLY said...

Dear Karen Jo,
We are so very sorry you've had to say goodbye to Herman. Although we don't comment a lot, we've enjoyed him over the past couple of years so much. Katie and I are sending you our very best and most comforting purrs.

love,
Katie & Glogirly

A Tonl said...

oh we're so very sorry to only have met Herman today - the day he slipped away to the Bridge. Our comforting purrs are with you at this time.

Marie said...

I'm so very sorry for your loss.
Found you by Marg.
Marie

Sage said...

I read about Herman over at Brian's Home and wanted to tell you how very sorry we are. It sounds like he was a happy kitty up to the end.

Sage & her Mom

Kat and the Furrsonality gang said...

We are so, so, so very sorry for your loss. :-(
Sending you hugs, purrs, and prayers in your time of sorrow.

Shaggy and Scout said...

Karen, I'm just getting back from a short trip and hadn't heard until today as I worked through my backlog of emails.
You are right...I think he just went to sleep and woke up at the Bridge. What a lovely life you gave him, and such warm memories of him. I know the heartbreak and emptyness because of Scooby 7 months ago (has it been that long? Seems like yesterday). Please be comforted by the knowledge of the love you gave him and he gave you in return. He was A Very Good Cat.

ThePainterPack said...

We are so very sorry for your loss. We did not know Herman, but we hope to become friends with Spyro and Oja. Holing you up in our thoughts and prayers.

Painter Pack

caspersmom said...

Karen Jo I am so so sorry to hear about Herman. He was such a sweet and handsom ManCat. My tears are falling for him even though he passed peacefully. I am glad to hear that he didn't suffer much. My prayers are for you Karen Jo. As far as tears go I shed more tears later for Casper than I did when he first passed. I miss him. They will come. It's so great that he did have a great forever home with you. God Bless.

momsbusy said...

herman found his furever home with you. through all his ups and downs you were a constant in his life. you gave him love and took care of his physical needs. don't beat yourself up second guessing yourself. you loved herman and he loved you. that is all that matters now.

comforting purrs from kazoku neko

MizzBassie said...

I am so sorry about Herman. He wasn't in this world for very long but he clearly made an impression on your heart - the special ones do that.

It sounds to me as though you did everything you reasonably could and it was just his time to leave. I'm glad to hear he didn't suffer.

You are in my thoughts and heart. Sending Comforting purrrrrrrrrrrrrrs.

Kat said...

We are sending our deepest love to you and your family. We are so sorry beyond words for your loss. Love and comforting purr from all of us xx

Cat with a Garden said...

We are sending the gentlest purrs to you. By the way you describe it Herman had the gentlest death possible. That is such a relief - to know that he didn't suffer and just went in his sleep. It is hard to cope with though, because it comes so unexpectantly. Our sincere condolences.

Just Mags said...

We just heard about sweet Herman going to The Bridge. We are so sorry to hear this. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs and nose kisses

Everycat said...

We are so sorry and sad to read this news about Herman's passing. He was a super mancat and so lucky that you gave him such a wonderful home. We all had a soft spot for Herman as we know that FIV+ & FeLv cats have a rough time in getting good homes. We think his passing must have been peaceful and he is now having a wonderful time at The Bridge with many friends who have gone before.

We send you love and rumbly purrs and a thank you for being a champion for Herman and cats with FIV & FeLV,

Gerry, Mungo & The Ape xx

3 kats and a kwiltr said...

Our mommy was out of town and we just read about Herman running off to the Bridge. We wanted all of you to know we are thinking of you and remembering Herman. Mommy says that this was the way her first kitty ran off and it still saddens her to think that she might have missed something back then.
We lost our FIV brother two years ago.
Sending snuggles and purrs to help ease the pain.
Taz, Runt, and Charles