Goodbye Bogie.
July 18, 1991- September 9, 2007
Sixteen years ago, my mom and I huddled on the floor to peek under my bed as we watched the birth of my cat, Bogie, come into this world.
Tonight, I held Bogie in my arms for the last time as he left this world to go into God's arms now.
If you have time, click here to read a cute story about Bogie's birth. It made quite the headlines and a local newspaper columnist wrote about me and my journey as an 10-year-old to domesticate a wild cat into giving birth to her kittens under my bed. Bogie was one of those kittens. Though the article says my favorite was Tickles, Bogie was the one I ended up with in the end and he truly became like a family member to my parents and I these past 16 years he was in our lives. He was truly a loyal friend and companion who brought a lot of joy into our lives and he was the best cat a family could have.
When we got the diagnosis a few weeks ago that he was eaten up with cancer, I went over to my parents house where he still lived to take some last "day in the life of" shots of him below.
May sweet Bogie rest in peace. And for those of you reading this that have pets, go give them a big hug. Our special animal friends may only be in our lives for a short time, but they sure do leave big impacts in our hearts.
Me and my two "sons," Bogie and Rhett.
Bogie always loved a good head scratch.
The three "kids". Bogie, my mom's dog Lucky, and Rhett.
Bogie in front of his favorite place, the pantry that held all his cat food.
He loved sleeping on the stairs!
Labels: Personal
posted by Scarlett Lillian // Jacksonville Senior Photographer at 2:16 AM
23 Comments:
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Sorry to hear about that Miss Scarlett. We'll be thinking of you!
kristy is in tears :( i'm so sorry! this happened to our family too this last year...it's so hard, especially when they've pretty much been in our lives since we can remember...
take care hon,
<3 kristy
Awwww Scarlett. I'm so sad to read that. I remember when my cat died during our senior year of high school... I cried every day for at least a week. I would be a wreck if something happened to my cat now. She's my baby.
Oh how sad! I have a two year old Himalayan named Bella. I can remember all the pets that I had growing up and take comfort in knowing that most likely they will be waiting for us in Heaven. Leah
Our precious 16 year old kitty left the world gracefully yesterday. He had received a diagnosis of inoperable cancer last month and the only thing we could do was keep him happy and comfortable. We were hoping the Doc was wrong but determined his last days would be his best. We stocked up on pure tuna so he could eat like a king every day. He rallied and became his old self much to our glee. But suddenly his mind went and he started losing body functions quickly. He followed us around for direction until he finally couldn't stand anymore.....or eat or drink anymore.
He laid still the last day.........seeking to hide his face in a corner. I gave him my favorite red blanket to lay on in those last days of confusion. It was his favorite too cause in his good days he would determinedly fight to jump up in my lap whenever he saw it there..he loved to snuggle in it and be loved. It was the same red blanket that covered me in those bad cancer days when I could only lay on the couch for days in confusion and weakness. Bogie and Lucky and Rhett were always with me up on that red blanket keeping post to protect me. So when Bogie lost sense of everything else I was hoping he would remember the comforting sensations from the blanket.
Thankfully he died in peace without great pain. He let our three great howls before he passed. Also by the grace of God Scarlett was here to help us prepare his coffin and bury him at sunset last nite in a corner of the yard. He was a treasure and a joy to our life and my mornings will never be the same without him waiting up on the table at the window like a sphinx for me to come walking down the stairs. It was always a battle to get my coffe made before his insistent meows for food drove me crazy. On the rare occasions he wasnt there I would frantically run outside to find him in worry.
During his last days I made sure to let him know how much I cherished him. I spent extra time loving on him and playing with him and talking to him. On the last day I went and kneeled down by the red blanket and prayed for his soul and told him it was ok to go.....that I would meet him in heaven.........scarlett came later and did the same thing. He was a fighter that fought for life to the very end. And then he simply was gone. It was hard to watch the slow demise of a mighty cat. But as he did everything else...he did this too with grace. He now lays in a corner of our yard discreetly with his very own headstone to remind us...................love those who you love with all your heart while they are still here.
Thanks for letting me share,
Mamma/Bogie's Grandma
Scarlett,
I'm sorry to hear this. This is actually one of my fears, I know it's coming soon. We have a dachshund that has been in our family for almost 12 years now and she has breast cancer. (I know, it's kinda weird.) But, they can no longer operate, on her, so I've been meaning to get over there and take some pictures of her before she goes, but I don't really want to acknowledge the truth. But, your post has reminded me that time is short, and I need to get over there soon. :)
Thanks. Kenzie
:( I'm so glad you were able to get some photos of him to document and preserve his spirit. Big hugs for you and your parents.
My heart hurts for you, Scarlett.. I cried after seeing Bogie's photos. I've been there and it's an awful feeling... I love all the photos you took of him! That last one of him on the steps, and the one where he's sitting on the sidewalk between the bushes-- those definitely show a happy cat:) What a wonderful way to remember him... My cat just walked into the room and was licking his lips, so I KNOW he was on the counter and into something... but how can I be mad at him after reading this post?
Scarlett: those pictures are just gorgeous. Your cat was gorgeous, absolutely stunning. I lost my cat just over 2 years ago to a heartattack if you can believe it. He was only 4 years old, I came home from school @ 3, everything was fine, in one second, it all changed. He was dead by 4. Crazy sudden.
I'm sorry for your loss, and you captured his last day so wonderfully!
Oh, I'm so sorry for your loss, SW. :( Bogie suffers no more and probably has all the treats and naps he could ever want!
Hugs,
Stacy
Dear Scarlett, I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved pet Bogie.
I pray that God will bring you and your family peace and know that someday you will see Bogie again!
This is a wonderful poem that I find gives me peace when I think of my cat and dog I lost when I was just a little girl.
The Rainbow Bridge
There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called Rainbow Bridge because of its many splendid colors. Just this side of Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush, green grass.
When beloved pets die, they go to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. The old and frail animals are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again. They play all day with each other.
There is only one thing missing. They are not with their special person who loved them on earth. So each day they run and play. Until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up!
The nose twitches. The ears are up! The eyes are staring.
And this one suddenly runs from the group. You have been seen!
And when you and your special friend meet, you take him in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together…
… Never again to be separated.
Poem Author - Paul C. Dahm
I think my husband and I exceed the "pet lovers" as we have 6 dogs and 4 cats. Even numbers are just better... LOL but he looks so much like my cat Emma! I'm so sorry for your loss I have no idea what I'm going to do when mine start getting older. They are the only children Wes and I plan on having.
I have the best blog family! Thank you so much for all of the above sweet words of comfort and your prayers. Apparently that Rainbow Bridge is popular, I've received it from numerous people today. It was very touching. I love you all!
I am so sorry for your family's loss. I have two kitties of my own, and I dread to think of the days when they get older. Your post was beautiful, and what your mom wrote made me cry.
Rest in Peace, sweet Bogie.
Sorry to hear about Bogie. I was going to mention the rainbow bridge as well, as that always sounded kind of cool to me. Pick them up on the way up!
I am so sorry about Bogie... I pray that he and your Grandma will be the first to greet you in heaven...
Love,
Jules
Thank you for the new words of encouragement. My mom is definitely the one gifted with words and was able to say it all better than me. I truly appreciate all your support from the bottom of my heart.
That is so nice what you wrote about Bogie. Not everyone looks at a pet as a part of the family. I was however raised that way and know how painful it is when you lose one. I am sorry to hear that he passed. The pictures you took of him were wonderful though. Making sure to capture him in his proudest moments and lifes biggest indulgences. In other words, lounging on the stairs..hanging out in front of the pantry, etc.
Life has many journeys. and he got to take all of his with you. So be a proud momma. Talk to you soon.
I am so sorry for your loss. We were at the er this weekend with my cat Henry. They do become part of the family. Again-I am sorry for your loss.
Amanda Key
Hugs to Scarlett and to my puppino and kitty-kat. *==HUGS==*
Oh Nicole you brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for your comforting heart.
Amanda, I hope your kitty will be ok.
Thanks Cory!
Scarlett-I am a huge fan of yours (I hope you know) and I am SO sorry to hear about your kitty. He looks a LOT like my Zephyr or who we call "Zeb-zeb gooshy boo" He looks so sweet in those pics.
Take Care!
Michelle Huber
Thank you Michelle! Give Zephyr a hug for me!
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