Sunday, November 20, 2011

Goodbye, Emma

Karen Jo: I want to thank all of you for purring so hard for Emma.  It really means a whole lot to me. This is the most recent picture that I have of Emma that shows her and her personality well.  She ran off to the Rainbow Bridge last night.  It all happened so dang fast.  Tuesday she was running and playing and being my lap cat and Saturday night she's gone.  I keep asking myself if I missed something, but I don't think I did, really.  She was a bit more subdued after the fight with Herman, but not much.  She was a bit more leery of Herman, but I thought that quite normal.  The vet checked her over very carefully and there was no sign of any injury.  Wednesday, she hid all day.  Thursday she was lethargic and I whisked her off to the vet, who found nothing.  Friday she was weaker, but still jumped up in the easy chair to sleep on the fake sheepskin cushion.  Saturday she seemed about the same during the day.  She was moving around the room, though very slowly.  I sat with her for over an hour starting about 4:00.  She was over by her bed, soaking up the heat from the heat vent and I went over and spent some time petting her.  She made some funny little noises, like she was maybe in a little bit of pain, so I stopped petting her and went to the easy chair to read.  After a bit, she walked over to lie beside the chair, where I could easily reach her and I started petting her again.  I kept on petting her until I had to get up to go to the bathroom.  When I got back, she was in her hidey-hole, too far back for me to reach her.  I checked on her hourly, but she stayed in her hidey-hole until I found her in the litter box at 9:00.  She had gotten in and done her business, then hadn't the strength to get out again.  When I picked her up to put her on the floor, she was so limp that I think I knew, deep down, that she wouldn't last the night.  I got the syringe and gave her some baby food because I didn't want to believe it.  I petted her and talked to her, but she was very unresponsive.  I left her and left the light on because I didn't want her to be in the dark  I came back at 10:00 and gave her some more baby food, petted her and talked to her, again with very little response.  I stayed as long as I could, but seeing her like that was more than I could bear for long.  When I came back at 11:00 she seemed cool to the touch and I think she had already gone, but I didn't want to believe it.  When I checked her at midnight, there was no denying it.  Rigor mortis had set in.

I slept very little last night.  I wrote her a limerick, because I had to do something other than lie in bed and wonder if I could have done anything differently.  I will be posting it a little later.  She is still there on the floor of her room.  This morning, I opened the door to her room and took Herman back to see her.  He sniffed her paw for quite a while, then went around to his little hidey-hole under the sewing machine.  He was attracted to her food, but kept looking back at Emma. Finally, he reached out and very gently touched her paw.  Then he nibbled on her kitten food and left the room.  In a little bit I will go out and find the shovel and see if the soil is frozen or if I can dig her a grave.  There is a spot under the living room window just across from the bird feeder where I can bury her. If the soil is frozen, I will put her in the garage until tomorrow when I can contact the vet about having her cremated.

Most people stop blogging for a while after losing a loved one, but I think I will be blogging more.  I need to keep my mind occupied and it's good to know that other kitties are having birthdays and gotcha days and house trashing parties.  Goodbye, my dear sweet Emma.  I will miss you so much.

78 comments:

Mickey's Musings said...

KarenJo, we are so very sorry to hear about Emma. It was good that you were there for her during her last hours and we believe she was happy too.
It is never easy to lose a beloved pet. It will hurt for a while, but you will never forget her.
We know there are many,many friends welcoming her to the Bridge,including our Mickey.
Big HUGS for you and Herman.
Purrs Tillie and Georgia,
Tiger,Treasure and JJ and mom Nancy

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

I am so sad to read this and we send purrs and love your way. Its always hard and you will be feeling sad. Take comfort from knowing she was loved and knew it.. Hugs GJ xx

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

We are very sorry to hear this sad news. Emma knew love in the time she was with you and knew you were there for her. We send our consoling purrs and gentle headbutts to try and ease your sadness.
Purrrrrrs from Eric and Flynn

Cory said...

Mom had to read this twice to let it sink in. We are so sad to hear that Emma ran off to The Bridge but know that she was love every minute of every day she was with you.

Hugs to you and Herman

Cory and family

Daisy said...

I'm so sorry your beautiful Emma had to go to the Bridge. Soft purrs to you during this sad time.

Angel Simba said...

We are so very sorry to hear your news about Emma. Our purrs and warm hugs of sympathy are with you.

Our little kitty Belle died in a similar way some years ago - she was acting reclusive in the morning, so we took her to the vet. He drew some blood and called us later to say it showed high liver enzymes, probably a tumor. She became quiet and cool lying on the carpet in the afternoon and simply flew off to the Rainbow Bridge. It was a shock but also a blessing she did not suffer long.
You have been so good to Emma, giving her so much love. She will be watching over you and Herman form the Bridge I am sure.

Summer at sparklecat.com said...

I am so very, very sorry you lost Emma so soon, and we are very sad here too. She seemed like such a nice kitty and I was looking forward to reading about her for a long time to come. She will be missed lots by many of us in the cat blogging world, so please know that you are not alone.

wildcatwoods said...

Karen Jo we are so so sorry Emma ran off to the Bridge. She had a loving home with you right to the end. Thank you for taking her in when you did. Our hearts are breaking for you. Fly free sweet Emma.

Cats of wildcat woods

Motor Home Cats said...

We are so very sorry that Emma ran off to the bridge. You were a wonderful mom to her and her life was filled with love.

Purrs,

Cody and Gracie

Marg said...

Oh Karen Jo, we are so sorry that Emma had to leave you. But try to remember that you gave her a wonderful home and that she had all that love from you. I feel sure there wasn't anything you could have done. I am the same way about blogging. When I lose one of my animals, I just keep blogging. It is a good way to mourn and think good things about the kitties. Please don't blame yourself.
Sending lots of purrs and hugs.

Parker said...

All our purrs and love, we are so sorry...

The Meezers or Billy said...

oh MomKarenJo - we are soo sooo sorry and sooo soo sad. we are sending you many many {{HUGS}} and purrrsss - and to Herman too.

Emma, we cannot say good bye to our furriends so we will just say
until we meet at the Bridge....

Anonymous said...

We are so sorry to hear of your loss of Emma. She knew you were with her at the end. (((hugs)))

Kate and Dora the Explorer

Big Piney Woods Cats said...

We in the Big Piney Woods are so very sorry for your loss. We understand, we lost our Patches a year ago, Nov. 19, 2010 and still the pain persists. Don't blame yourself, all the love in the world sometimes just isn't enough.

Think of the good times. I bet Emma and Patches are running through fields of daisies.

Mittens, Precious, Mistrie, Miracle

Marilia said...

Oh no! I am very sad because of Emma. Also we lost our Alemoa so suddenly, in three days. It's terrible.
The feeling of not having done what we could is inevitable.
Be strong!
A loving hug.

KC and the Giggleman Kitties said...

We were so sad to learn that Emma ran off to the Bridge.
We are sending lots of love and purrs.
KC
Missy Blue Eyes
Faith Boomerang
Sol
Smokey
BJ
Mom ML

pee ess: KC made a "grafik" for her on the CB today.

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

I am so very very sad to hear that Emma went OTRB. I will keep you in my purrs and prayers
Soft whisker kisses
Abby

Jans Funny Farm said...

We are so very sorry and know your heart is very heavy with the loss of lovely Emma. You did everything you could. It was just her time. We send a hug, purrs and woofs.

Fuzzy Tales said...

I wasn't expecting this, at least not so soon. Definitely the post I didn't want to read. We all are so deeply sorry, we don't even have words. We know she was deeply loved by you and given a wonderful life for the time she was with you, but that's not much comfort--we know that too.

We're sending you and Herman purrs and kitty kisses, hugs and universal Light.

Peace and Blessings.

-Kim and the boys

The Florida Furkids said...

We're sitting here with leaky eyes reading this. We're so sorry that Emma had to leave for the Bridge. She was so lucky to find someone to love her and care for her.

The Florida Furkids and Angel Sniffie

The Island Cats said...

Oh no! We knew Emma wasn't feeling well, but we never expected this! Karen Jo, we are so very sorry. Emma left far too soon...we all will miss her very much.

Gentle purrs and headbutts to you and Herman.

Mo and The Purries said...

KarenJo - sending our sincerest condolences on Emma's passing.
With heartfelt love,
NTM and The Purries of Purrchance To Dream

Katnip Lounge said...

Karen Jo,
This is so shocking. I'm in tears for you and Herman. Godspeed, sweet Emma, and God bless you for giving a home to such a wonderful kitty.
{{hugs}}
Trish

pbgmomof5 said...

We are so sorry to hear that Emma ran off to the Bridge. She was such a little beauty and brought lots of sunshine into your life and Herman's.

Mr Puddy said...

Mom and me read with tear. we are deeply sorry for Miss Emma. I send soft purrs to you and your family.
((((( Hugs )))))

Angel Junior, Orion and Sammy said...

Oh no, we are so very sorry to read this. We are sendingo ur best purrs to help heal your broken heart. Emma is well now, and romping around over the bridge.

Cat said...

Oh no. We are so very, very sorry for you Karen Jo. We agree with all that everyone has said here, but just the same, it is so difficult to believe that she left you so quickly. Frightening, really. I just keep asking myself 'why?' How could you know that something like this could happen if the vet didn't find anything? We are so sad that we don't know what to say..we send you and Herman lots of love and purrs.

Cat with a Garden said...

We are very sad to hear this. Sending gentle purrs to you and Herman.

GLOGIRLY said...

Oh Karen Jo, we are so very sorry for your loss of sweet Emma. It's hard to read your words, but your love and compassion is so clear. We are purring and praying for you.
love,
Glogirly and Katie

dArtagnan Rumblepurr/Diego Hamlet Moonfur said...

I'm in shock, I thought it must have been a mistake when I saw this... poor sweet girl, and poor you and Herman.

You're in our thoughts and purrs, Inigo will be there to greet sweet angel Emma.

Old Kitty said...

Me and my cat Charlie came over from Fuzzy Tales. We had to re-read the post several times and are just horrified at how tragic this is. We are so so so so sorry. We are so glad sweet adorable Emma was surrounded by her family and with a lot of love right to the end. Purrs and hugs to you all. Take care
x

The Cat Guy said...

My heart aches. I'm new to your blog, so didn't really know Emma, Herman or Karen Jo, but my heart still hurts for the sudden loss of Emma. So sorry. Purrs and more purrs for you all.

Laila and Angel Minchie said...

We are so heartbroken over the loss of your sweet Emma. You are in our thoughts, prayers and purrs. (((HUGS))) and *tears*.

Gemini and Ichiro said...

We were so concerned after your last post that she was not doing well at all and we hate to be right. I'm not sure that there was anything more you could have done. It is hard to lose a loved one and we know you will second guess yourself time and time again--but really you did what needed to be done. Emma would never think you needed to do anything else. Purrs and headbutts to you and to Herman. Emma, we know is having a grand time across the rainbow bridge. She was a very lucky kitty to have had you for the time she had.

Annie Bear said...

Hello,
I know we don't know each other but saw a post on Fuzzy Tales blog and Cats of Wildcat Woods posted on FB. I'm so sorry for your loss of Emma. This picture is such a sweet picture. I understand the feeling of not doing enough. That is very normal I think and I've been through that too. Again, I'm so very sorry.

Take good care,
Vicki and Lucy

Angel Prancer Pie said...

We is very sorry bout Emma. The Mom is a bit leaky ,too. We are glad she was at home wif the Mom who luffed her. Purrs and purrayers are being sent your way.

Just Ducky said...

Farewell sweet Emma. See you at The Bridge.

Angel, Kirby and Max said...

Karen jo, You took sweet Emma in when she had very few options. You gave her a brother and a good life for her last months. We know you did every thing you could for her and feel she loved you for it. We are sending prayers and purrs to you and Herman

momsbusy said...

karen jo and herman, my eyes are filled with tears for your loss. i was so praying that emma would recover. we are going to send lots of comforting purrs to you and herman.

momsbusy and kazoku neko

Oui Oui said...

Hi Karen Jo, We are so very sorry to see that sweet Emma has passed away. Whether it is expected or not, fast or slow, losing a loved one is never easy. Just remember, you did everything you could for her. You can go crazy second guessing yourself, but you gave her a good home and love, and that is what is important. So many poor animals never get what she had every day. She knew she was loved. Hopefully in time, when it is right, you will find room in your heart and adopt another deserving animal. We are purring for you.

Brian's Home Blog said...

I am so very sorry to hear about dear sweet Emma. We were away all day and I just found out. We just can't quit crying. We all love you Emma, and we we always remember you. We are so happy we got to share some time being your friend.

meowmeowmans said...

Oh no. I am typing this, and having trouble seeing the screen through my tears. We love you, Emma, and we will never, ever forget you. Karen Jo, thank you for loving our friend Emma so much and so well.

We are purring for you and Herman. Hugs to you both.

~E said...

KarenJo, I am so very sorry about Emma. I had lost my dog two months ago and they are indeed or babies/kids. You gave her a loving home and much love. Our prayers are with you in this sad time xo

JC said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Did they do an x ray .. it must have been something internal that they didn't catch.

My dog, Bella, past away suddenly three months ago. We took her into the vet cause she was walking slow. Ends up she had a tumor and there was nothing they could do, so within three hours, I was putting her to sleep. In shock I've been .. so, I know how it feels and I again, am so sorry.

m.q said...

Goodbye Emma,
run free sweet friend to the rainbow bridge!!

BoBo Salem
Meow Meow Family

Clooney said...

Oh Karen Jo, I am in shock reading this, I really expected that Emma would get better. We send you and Herman the gentlest of purrs at such a very sad time. Through reading your posts, it was so evident how much you loved Emma and what a wonderful home you gave her. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Be Well Sweet Emma

Clooney, Neytiri & Mom Karyn

Gigi said...

Though we didn't know you and Herman and your Emma, we wanted to stop by and send you some purrs. After reading about her, we can tell she was a dearly-loved girl, and that's just the best a kitty can have in this life. We know you have great sadness now, and we will purr for you (well, I will purr, the Human isn't very good at it so she will send you some love and light). from Spitty and his Human

Laura and Taffeta Rose said...

So sorry for the loss of you beloved Emma. She was well loved and cared for - the best life a kitty can have. We send soft comforting purrs to you.

Laura and Taffy

Max said...

Oh no no no no no :(
I am really really sorry...Emma was so sweet and pretty and this just sucks.

headbutts to herman cause I know he's gonna miss her, too.

dangit.

Ikaika said...

Miss Karen Jo, we are so sorry that sweet Emma has run off to the Bridge. We send gentle purrs and heabumps to you and Herman.

Run free at the Bridge, beautiful Emma ...

Cat Mom said...

Dear Karen Jo & Herman, I am so shocked and saddened beyond description about the sudden loss of your precious one Emma. How wonderful for her, though, that she had found a WONDERFUL furrever home before she ran to the Bridge. Last night I spent the whole night sobbing myself, because I thought I was going to loose my 16yr old furbaby Nathan, who owns my whole heart and soul. I was checking on him constantly wondering if he was gone, but so far, blessedly not. I spent the night reading about the cat blessing ceremony that they have at Best Friends Sanctuary (www.bestfriends.org), which not only mourns the loss, but celebrates our animals and all they teach us. The blessing ceremony is so beautiful. You may want to go to their site and watch it. They also have many resources from there where you can reach out as you move thru the grieving process. You are far more than an average loving Cat Mom. You've knowingly taken in kitties that nobody else would, knowing in advance that such early loss & suffering would be the price you would pay for such love. As the Savior said, "When you have done it unto the least of these, you have done it unto me." Father and Emma and so many other grateful spirits are watching over you & Herman now as you struggle in the aftermath of this loss. I'm so grateful that Herman got to know what it is like to have a little sister & the opportunity to learn to love another fur-person also. Emma taught us all so very much. My prayers will continue to be with you. You are not alone. And we DO truly understand your anguish at this dark hour. Take all the time you need to process this great loss. With such great love comes at least an equal amount of terrible emptiness and loss. I, too, hope that the time my come when your heart is ready to bring some other incredibly special spirit into your life and home so they may be blessed to experience your endless ability to love & sacrifice unconditionally for those who need to most. Average people like myself, do not have the depth of heart required to knowingly walk in such relationships where early loss & pain are such a daily possibility. I honor you and respect you more than I can say. Again, You Are Not Alone!!

Chesney Cats said...

Oh Karen Jo! We are so very sorry that Emma has crossed the Bridge. We have no words except to tell you that you're in our hearts & prayers.

Farewell sweet Emma, until we meet again...

Everycat said...

Karen Jo we are so very sorry and sad that sweet Emma has left for The Bridge. You gave Emma a home, comfort, love and wonderful care when no one else would, you could not have done more for her. She knew she was loved and had a peaceful end to earthly life in her home, which not many cats have. Please take good care of yourself. We send you and Herman love and rumbly purrs, we know that Whicky will be showing Emma all the best places at The Bridge.

Love

Gerry, Oliver & Jane the Ape.

Karen and Gerard said...

Our deepest sympathy--I know it's very sad losing a pet.

The Monkeys said...

KarenJo, I'm so sorry to hear about little Emma! We send our purrs, prayers and love to you and Herman.

Hannah and Lucy said...

We are so sorry to hear that Emma has gone to Rainbow Bridge. We know you and Herman will both miss her.
Luv Hannah, Lucy and mum Sue xx xx

Dma said...

wow. i am so sorry to hear about emma. the boyz and i are thinking of you...

The Devil Dog said...

Oh, Karen Jo, we are so sorry to hear about Emma. We will come right over to give you lots of pug loving and mom will you her prayers and good thoughts.

Roxy & Lucky

Ivan from WMD said...

Oh, we are so so sorry to learn about Emma and are very sad. I'm glad Herman got to wish her well on her journey. My mom let me do that with my old bro Eddie and I'll never forget that, as I'm sure Herman won't. Purrs to you both~

William, Olivia, Caroline, Russell, PQ and mom.

GLOGIRLY said...

We are so sorry to read about sweet Emma. We know how much your heart must be hurting. Our purrs and prayers are with you, Karen Jo & Herman.
xo
Katie & Glogirly

Photo Cache said...

we are so sorry for your loss.

purrs,
Emma and Buster

Alasandra, The Cats and Dogs said...

We are so very sorry that Emma had to go to the Bridge. We are sure that she knew how very much she was loved and treasured by you and Herman.

JB's Big and Small Worlds said...

We are sad to read about sweet Emma. We know how hard it is to lose a furry loved one. Purrs and hugs from all of us, and hope you are doing ok.
-JB

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Karen Jo, we are all so very sad about little Emma. So very sorry. She was so very lucky to have you there for her at the end.

Hugs and Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning

Ellen Whyte said...

Oh Karen Jo how awful! We're so sorry. We're thinking of you and send purrs to both of you. Poor Herman too. We hope he understands.

The Misadventures Of Me said...

We is sorry Emma ran off to da bridge. She knew yer love and kind touch and you did all yoo cud fer hers.

Headbutts and purrs,
Molly, Shadow, Trooder, Mooch, I is Jake! and Shana

(((hugs)))
Mom Laure

Team Tabby said...

Oh no! We are very saddened to hear that Emma has gone to the Bridge. We are sending over our comforting purrs and purrayers. She knew how loved she was.

Mindy
Moe
BonBon
Cookie
Mike
Mombean Nina

Jana said...

we just got the sad news now... we are very sorry for your loss... emma had a good home and we're glad she got to go to the bridge from home.... you and herman will be in our thoughts and prayers...

TabbyNormal said...

Goodbye Sweet Emma. So many kitty friends have passed recently. We know how lucky they were to have you in their home, and you were lucky to have the best people in the world to share that time with.

Milo and Alfie Marshall said...

So very sad and sorry to hear about the loss of Emma. At least she had a wonderful home with you and you were with her at the end. So sweet that Herman reached out to touch her after death. xxx

Meowers from Missouri said...

oh, dear. we is just now catching up on this. how furry sorry we are to see that lovely emma has run off. at least she was wif you to the end, insted of in some vettie's cage.

we hopes that all the good memories are clustering around you and filling in the hurt-y spots.

wif loving, gentle headbonks to you bofe,

edmund, nitro, xing, & iggy

3 kats and a kwiltr said...

Somehow, we missed this sad news and just found out today. We just wanted to stop by and give you some snuggles and purrs on your loss.
Emma knew she was loved right up until she took her last breath and there is nothing, nothing, that is more important than that in life.
We will purr for both of you and hope your memories of Emma fill the Emma shaped hole in your hearts.
Snuggles,
Taz, Runt, Charles and mommy, in Illinois

Pasha's Mommy said...

Oh Emma, you're sooo sweet and pretty. I'm sorry to find out you went to the bridge. I have a sweet friend over there. Ask for Michelle to show you all around. Your Mom can also find comfort at a wonderful chat room called:
petloss.com

Come visit your Mommy in her dreams Emma. It makes them very happy.

Hugs,

Pasha

Sunny's Mommy said...

I'm so sorry, KarenJo, that Emma left you and Herman so suddenly. I know you gave Emma a wonderful loving home during the time you had her.

Sunny's Mommy

Kiril Kundurazieff said...

Dear friend, Daddy Kiril, Elvira Mistress of Felinity, and I, just learned of your greart loss, and we send you our condolenses.

Nikita Cat

Annelisa said...

So, so sorry to hear Emma's taken her journey over Rainbow Bridge...she has a lot of good company for her over there. Give Herman an extra cuddle x

Anonymous said...

We just found out today that sweet Emma crossed Rainbow Bridge...we are so very sorry for your loss and we are sad we are so late in telling you so. Lots of hugs and nose kisses for you and Herman

Forty Paws said...

We didn't catch this back when it happened, and Maw was too busy then. We are so sorry that Emma crossed over. Bless her heart. We are sending you purrs and purrayers and hugs, although it is a little later than expected.

Luf, Us and Maw