Friday, 8 April 2011

A heartbreaking farewell to Archie.

My beautiful, sweet, black, shiny affectionate boy is gone - he ran straight under a car this morning and we lost him instantly, so very, very young. I'm still in denial and such shock, it seems a never-ending time of losses, you pick yourself up after each one but it gets harder each time and you do wonder sometimes how many more you can cope with. He was such an immense comfort at the end of each day, after struggling through endless clearing and dust and mess and emotionally drained after a day at my mum's house he was always such good company and I so needed him to stay with me. There is something so tragic about a life cut so short, he had such a lovely nature and was supposed to share life with us for many years.

He was so loved and was so very happy, jumping about chasing after butterflies and bees yesterday in the garden - on our side of the road are about 50 interesting gardens to explore and an enormous field with great edges to find small creatures in, no reason at all ever to go across the road. There are many, many cats in our area, all happily trotting across, it's got speed bumps and a low speed limit and I really thought it was a very low risk road indeed, Newton and our other cat scooted across many times a day for years without so much as losing a whisker, we hardly ever hear of any cats being lost. I guess perhaps some cats have road-sense and others just don't. I know many of you, especially overseas, keep your cats in but it just wasn't an option here, much as I wanted to.

So I'm not sure how life will go on, it's hard to imagine life without a cat but I'm not sure I can go through losing any more, we'll have to take a day at a time, perhaps the only thing to do will be to find another furry companion, we'll see. Having lost one at 8 and now this, I keep looking at other people around who have cats that are older, who live to twelve or fifteen or beyond, (and at those who trot about from one side of our road to the other) and thinking 'When is it my turn?' I seem to have lost my own life and feel like I'm living in someone else's bad dream a bit, but we're making slow progress with my mum's house and one day I guess we'll move forward again. I haven't forgotten about any of my friends here in blog-land, and I'll try and catch up with what you're doing as much as I can.
Any of you with cats please give them an extra stroke from me, I know many of you will empathise.

61 comments:

  1. Oh, oh no....!!!!!!!

    OMC, I'm so, so sorry. I just don't know what to write...I can't believe it. I'm stunned, in shock reading this. Poor, poor Archie...I'm so sorry for you, so sorry. I wish I could offer comfort but there aren't any words. I'm going to light a candle at Gratefulness.org for you both.

    (((Hugs))) and Blessings.

    -Kim

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  2. So sad to hear about Archie - will give Millie extra cuddles tonight.
    Regards
    Amanda

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  3. Oh I'm so sorry to read this. I've lost three cats - one, who like Archie ran straight under the wheels of a car, another who drowned in a neighbours water butt after the lid had been left off one summers evening, and another who just wandered off one day never to be seen again. It's heartbreaking and I know no words can subdue the ache in your heart right now, as they always, always become part of the family don't they, but I hope in time things become easier for you and you'll be able to look back on the happy times he spent with you without too much heartache.

    Kate

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  4. Rachel (mogstogs)8 April 2011 at 07:48

    Oh I'm devastated to hear this. Oh Archie. I'm so, so, sorry; what a gap he'll leave. I always grapple with this fear too, wanting to keep them safe but they get such joy from being out in the garden. Thinking of you (all) and I will be hugging Mia & Lila extra tight tonight xxx

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  5. Oh my God< I am just so very sorry to hear about your loss. As you said such a massive ammount of sadness and loss for you and your family.

    Nothing I or anyone can say to make any difference to the way you are feeling at the moment. But I am thinking of you and sending my love and thoughts to. Speechless xxxxx

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  6. Oh my goodness I am so sorry! How heartbreaking! Just when you really didnt need any more heartache..
    I dont have cats, but will give both the dogs an extra hug - I know how much comfort and companionship I get from them & will be lost when they go. I am so very sorry for all that you are going through..
    xx

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  7. Oh no. Not Archie!! Oh no, no, no. OH my stars. Archie??? Oh how awful. I am so so so so so sorry. I can't believe this. I am truly sorry. :-( I'm so so so sorry.

    Please take care
    x

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  8. We are sorry about your much-loved Archie and can imagine the pain and shock of your loss. He was evidently a great comfort after the death of your mother. We send a hug, purrs and tail wags to comfort you.

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  9. I'm so sorry about losing Archie. He looked just like a cat I had named Shadow. Shadow also had an unfortunate demise. we tried to keep him inside, but he just loved playing outside that we didn't have the heart to keep him in. Besides that, the little stinker snuck out every chance he got. He was fast as lightning, that cat. Well one day he must've gotten into some poison from a neighbors place. He died that night despite rushing him to the vet's. there wasn't anything they could do for him. I was heartbroken. So i do know how you feel to lose a beloved cat. It really is striking how much Archie and Shadow looked alike. Even though he died almost 3 yrs ago I'm choked up typing this. ((hugs))

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  10. We are so sorry to hear you lost Archie. I do believe that all creatures have predestined life spans as we do. He was perhaps only to be with you for a short time to comfort you and when his job was done he left. Sending deep sympathy.

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  11. Oh no. So sorry to hear this sad news. I loved reading about Archie. Poor Archie. I really don't know what to say and I can't really say that I know how you feel - I have only experienced the loss of one cat. That was 5 years ago and through old age. Let's hope that Newton is looking after Archie now - sure he is. You will know what to do about getting another in time. So sorry again to hear your sad news. Take care. x

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  12. Oh no! I feel so very very bad for you. Sweet Archie, I will miss you terribly, you are the reason I found this blog.
    I am sending you comforting thoughts.
    Love, Trish

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  13. oh I am so so sorry, it is so hard when you lose a gorgeous pet. He had a fantastic life playing with all your felt and you should be very proud to have provided that for him.

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  14. We are so sorry to hear about the sudden loss of handsome Archie.
    When the time is right, Archie may send another to comfort you.
    I's posted a tribute to Archie on the Cat Blogosphere (http://www.blog.catblogosphere.com/) and on The House Panthers (http://housepanthers.blogspot.com/) blogs.
    Love & Purrs,
    KC

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  15. Just came across your blog skipping through others as you do, I'm so very sorry for your loss and I know just how much a part of the family these guys become.
    Regards,
    John (murphyfish)

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  16. I'm so so sorry to hear your news. Things like this just aren't fair. Although his life was tragically short he had a wonderful life with you and will always be with you in spirit and memories. Sending lots of love, and purrs from my two. x

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  17. We wanted to offer up our purrs for the loss of your sweet Archie...we will keep you in our purraryers.

    >^..^< >^..^< >^..^< >^..^< >^..^<
    Abby Ping Jinx Boo Gracie
    purrin
    xoxox
    ~ManxMnews

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  18. We are very sorry you have lost Archie. We are having Mozart send you very special house panther kisses....it won't fix it, but we hope it helps.

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  19. Oh no. This makes me so sad. I have enjoyed your posts about Archie over the past year. It is so difficult to say goodbye to a beloved pet.
    When our cat, Willie, died, we buried him in our garden, with a little blanket and his favorite toys. And we tried to recall all the funny things he did, just like in the book "The Tenth Good Thing About Barney". It truly did help us. Sending you hugs.

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  20. We are so very sorry for the sudden loss of your sweet Archie. Sending you thoughts of comfort and many gentle purrs.

    'Kaika and his mom

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  21. We just read about Archie on the Cat Blogosphere. Our hearts are sad for you. We'll purr and pray for you at this sad time.

    The Florida Furkids and Angel Sniffie

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  22. We are so very sorry to hear about Archie. We send you all comforting purrs and headbutts to help during this sad time.

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  23. I'm so very sorry to hear your news. :-(
    A x

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  24. We are so sorry to hear about Archie. It is so hard to lose such a good friend. I have lost many cats and many dogs, some young some old. You just have to grieve for Archie for a long time. We are sending tons of purrs and prayers and many hugs.

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  25. I have missed seeing your posts! I am so sorry that you lost your Archie....I know nothing I say will make you feel any better, but hopefully just knowing I care is enough. Sending a big hug across the miles to you.

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  26. We just read about Archie on the cat Blogosphere and wanted to pop by and offer our condolences. What a beautiful, sleek panther he was, we are so very sorry for your tragic loss!

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  27. We lost tow of our best friends this past year, one only a few years old and the other 18 and both were very heartbreaking but I feel so lucky to have had the time I did with each . Please consider going to your local animal shelter and finding someone new who needs your special love . Some people recommend you wait and allow yourself time to grieve but I think every day is another day an animal must sit alone and scared in a shelter . Just food for thought .

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  28. May the memories of love outweigh the grief of loss.

    You'll know the right thing to do.

    The Teenage Mutant Ninja Kitty Horde & their Feeders

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  29. All of us at Krasota Castle are so sorry at the loss of Archie. It was terrible when we lost Molly. All our Russian blacks are in mourning. Archie was so handsome. We offer our prayers, purrs, headlamps and hugs.

    The Krasota Castle Cats, Mombean, and Blu Cat Man

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  30. Oh, we are so sorry. Sending gentle headbuttss and a {{{group hug}}} from us all.

    Maybe this will help, at little.

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  31. We came over to offer our condolences after reading about Archie on the Cat Blogosphere. He was a very handsome panther cat. Sending comforting purrs to you to help ease your pain.

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  32. Oh, we are so very sorry for your loss. It's clear how much you loved Archie. Purrs and prayers to you.

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  33. We are so sorry to hear you have lost your handsome, affectionate companion, Archie. We are sending many, many purrs to comfort you in your loss.

    Mindy, Moe, BonBon, Cookie & Mike

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  34. Our deepest sympathy for your loss.

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  35. oh my gosh, i am so, so sorry for both you and poor archie ... i am so stunned by this, he will be missed here in blogland too - i loved seeing your lovely pics of him and reading about his latest antics, it was like having a share of a cat!

    i know that no words will change how you're feeling right now but please take comfort from knowing that you and archie are in the thoughts of many people just now.

    you gave him a wonderful life, he looked like the happiest, cheekiest little panther and i hope that this will bring you comfort.

    love and hugs
    tracex

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  36. A big hug from me! Come back to blogland soon with your lovely crafty activities - we are missing you.

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  37. We are so sorry that you have lost dear Archie. He was a very handsome mancat. Fly free Archie sweetheart.

    Rumbly purrs & love

    Whicky Wuudler

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  38. So sorry for your loss, Archie was a lovely cat.
    I'm giving Rosie cat a fuss while at my computer, it's been commanded by her as usual!

    Hugs,
    Sandie, Rosie and Katie xxx

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  39. I am very sorry for your loss. Hugs and purrs to you and our family during this time ((hugs))

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  40. Purrs and purrayers, I have over the years lost several cats very suddenly,its one of the downsides of loving :(

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  41. I am so sad to hear your news. I cannot imagine how awful you feel. I read about your loss on Cat Blogosphere..so, so sorry.

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  42. I saw this on the Cat Blogosphere. Oh I am so sorry - so shocking and heartbreaking. Such a handsome lovely cat he was too. I send lots of love your way.

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  43. I can't believe it ... I'm in shock. I've sat and broke my heart with you this morning. I know tears won't bring him back, but I felt like I knew him so well through your stories and his own diary posts which always made me laugh, he was such a joy. I'm so very, very sad for you all, and wish I could say something profound to make you feel better, but I know words can't take away your pain. I wish I could hug you and we could sit and cry together and laugh about his funny antics. He was such a special, wonderful little boy, and I know he will always have a special place in your heart. We all loved him too. My heart breaks with you, I hope you will get stronger each day, but I know you will never forget him, nor will we. Take care. With love x

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  44. Bardzo mi przykro, wiem co to znaczy niedługo minął rok jak straciliśmy naszego Miał. Czas jednak długo nie chce uleczyć ran.
    Może to jednak straszy początek zmian na lepsze.
    Ciepło pozdrawiam.

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  45. We are so sorry to learn of the loss of your sweet Archie. We send you hugs and purrs during this difficult time.

    The Kool~Kittie~Krew and Shannon

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  46. We are so sorry to hear about Archie. What a fine looking kitty. Last month our Mickey passed away, he was 17. No matter what age they leave us, it is always hard!!
    We are sorry about your Mom too. We send you lots of hugs & purrs!
    Purrs Tillie and Georgia & mom Nancy

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  47. Thank you all of you so much for your messages of sympathy, I'm trying to get round and thank you individually in time, but I can't find contact details for all of you. It's a dreadful time, so hard, but it helps to know people care, thank you.

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  48. So sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved House Panther Archie. ♥ I found you through House Panthers blog. Purrs and hugs to you and your family...... Jewelgirl + Katz ♥

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  49. I'm so sorry and sad to hear about Archie, giving Rex some extra love tonight. XXX

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  50. I too am so sorry for your loss. You were a good mom to Archie. I also understand the outside thing as My Smudge loved being a indoor..outdoor kitty. He just loved being outside during the day and stayed in at nite.
    I will kiss and hug each of my kitties before I go to bed tonite in Honor of Archie.
    Jude,Poo,Babybella,Piper & Marley

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  51. I know we do not know each other, but wanted to say how I'm so sorry for your loss. May time ease your heartache for your cat, but the happy memories stay with you. Blessings. Jess

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  52. Awwww....so sorry to hear this...

    Just sending you some hugs....

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  53. Miło mi, że mnie odwiedziłaś. Na Twój blog trafiłam właśnie przez Twoje koty. Tak mi brak naszego Miau, dlatego bardzo współczuję.
    Może to moment aby się oddać pracy, łatwiej odgonić myśli. Twoje wyroby są przepiękne.

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  54. Hi there, I hope your pain of loss is lessening a little.
    Thanks for stopping by my blog. Well I never!
    I go to Hinckley a fair bit, to the hospitals mostly (for myself or my sister) and live in Botcheston, so not a million miles away from you! Perhaps we could meet up sometime and have a good old natter?
    Take care, purrs from Rosie and Katie cats.
    Sandie xx

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  55. Oh I just can't believe this, I am so sorry I did not read this sooner (been very crazy here) But Not Archie, I feel I know Archie so well as we watched him grow from a little kitten to a handsome young cat, I can not know what you must be going through at all what with Newton and your beloved Mum going then Archie, the little light in your lives. I am so sorry and my thoughts are with you. I can understand also that you don't want to risk getting another cat and only time will heal you.
    Take care of yourself
    love and big hugs
    Lyn
    xxx

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  56. Like Lyn, I've only just found out about this terrible thing! Poor little Archie, and poor, poor you! What an awful thing to happen. Pets make a very special place in our hearts .... and it's very hard to let them go!
    Sending you all my love .... take care of yourself!
    Kathy xxx

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  57. It was obvious how very special Archie was to you, and I'm sure there's a huge hole there. Please know that the hole WILL be filled again in time, in a new and different way, either with another special pet or something/someone else. Hopeful for you....

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  58. I gasped when I read this just now. I'm so sorry. I really don't know what to say, so I'll just write what I came to write...
    Thank you so much for your support during Tristan's illness and blindness. It means the world to us. We love you, friend. Cod speed, Archie. Cod speed.

    ~Angela (along with Tristan and Crikey)

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  59. So sorry to hear about poor Archie. I have only just read, how terribly sad. You really are going through the mill lately, sending you big hugs at this really sad time.

    I will really miss reading about him.

    Alison
    x

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  60. So sorry to hear about Archie. My first time visiting your blog, but I wanted to leave a message. We had to have our gorgeous boy Henry put to sleep in February, and the house feels empty without a little furry being. We are hoping to get a couple of cats in the summer.

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  61. I am so sorry to hear what has happen to Archie, I found that out by chance this morning reading your blog. I haven't been around blogland for a bite for several reasons,among which my dad's loss.
    I know how you feel; I lost three cats and two dogs in the past five years,not because they were hit by a car, but I know it feels like,and although it is hard to accept their loss, please always remember that they are always with us, I understand how you feel because my cats and dogs are like a children for me.Also my cats like to wander around the garden but also on the road, and I think that this is what a cat likes and wants to do,and Archie I am sure he lived as a happy cat.I hope that you gradually move on and I am sending you big hugs along with Chocolate and the other cats and dogs and my whole family,big hugs and kisses to Archie.
    Annalisa

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