Tuesday, November 24, 2009

The love remains...

On Saturday evening, I lugged all of the Christmas decorations up from the basement... My plans were to spend Sunday decorating the house, except for the tree. That would be decorated later this week when both girls are home for Thanksgiving...

(click any photos to enlarge)
Spotty, Christmas 2008

Sometimes life makes other plans for us....

Instead of decorating the house, Sunday was spent saying goodbye to our sweet, sweet Spotty...


The cat who was more like a dog and who so loved Christmas...


Everyone loves to decorate the tree, but he was the only one who stuck it out with me last year for the undecorating of the tree...


He was the one who sat next to me while I crafted ornaments last year....


...and he was the one who would sit in the living room with me and get lost in the beauty of the Christmas tree....


...or give me advice if he thought decorations needed rearranging...


He'd also let me know when it was time for the decorations to come down so that his kitty cushion could go back into the living room window, his favorite place to hang out...
I think it was a blessing that all of the decorations had already been brought upstairs. It's kept me busy, unpacking these once a year treasures... And all the while my heart is warm with the memories of the cat who loved Christmas...
At some point in the future I plan to do a proper tribute to Spotty, sharing some of our sweetest memories and photos...
But for now... You took a piece of our hearts with you, Spotty, but we are so grateful that all the love remains...

Donna
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38 comments:

  1. WendyNovember 24, 2009 at 3:11 PM

    So, so very sorry to hear about dear Spotty. Donna, I know how much you love your dear companions and certainly are loved by them. Be of good cheer knowing what a difference you make in their dear, furry lives. My prayers are with you.

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  2. ConnieNovember 24, 2009 at 3:38 PM

    Don't ya just love Christmas with that "loving" feeling, honey? I do. I've been challenged to do a white and pink tree next year. (Can't possibly get it done this year.) But I can't wait to see how it turns out. Loving the holidays and that sweet feeling of harmony with the world.
    xoxo,
    Connie

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  3. cathleenNovember 24, 2009 at 3:43 PM

    I am so very sorry about your Spotty. Hugs..........

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  4. Happy To Be/ Gl♥riaNovember 24, 2009 at 4:30 PM

    Many Thanksgiving Blessings to you and your family….Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

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  5. Love the Decor!November 24, 2009 at 4:51 PM

    Oh How hard to loose a pet!! I am so very sorry
    I am sitting here with tears in my eyes for you.
    I'm glad you have so many fun pictures of spotty to look upon!!

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  6. The Vintage VignetteNovember 24, 2009 at 5:06 PM

    Dear Donna, My heart aches for you and I truly understand how sad you must be. I too lost my beloved kitty of 13 years to a tragic accident a few months ago and am just now beginning to have happy memories instead of painful ones. Please know that you gave your Spotty a wonderful life that not many animals could say they have lived. One full of the love, fun and excitement that a family brings. I am posting the link to the story about my beloved Shayla Mae. Much love and hugs to you and your family. :)


    http://thevintagevignette.blogspot.com/2009/08/terribly-tragic-day.html

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  7. ClaudiaNovember 24, 2009 at 5:32 PM

    Oh Donna, I had no idea. While I was yammering on about presents and sending you emails about The Christmas Tree Shop, you were coping with a terrible loss.

    My dear, I am so, so sorry. I know how much you love Spotty and what an important part of the family he was. I can't imagine what you're feeling. Please know that I understand and am sending everyone in the family my love and prayers. Spotty is playing with all your other dearly loved and departed furry family members. I'm so sorry - what a beautiful boy he was.

    Love,
    Claudia

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  8. Julie MarieNovember 24, 2009 at 5:38 PM

    Oooh Donna, I am soo sad... Spotty was such a beautiful kitty, I love him so much... I know he is playing feather toy right now with my Pumpkin, TC and Blackie in kitty heaven... love to you... Julie Marie

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  9. LacyNovember 24, 2009 at 7:01 PM

    It always amazes me how much these sweet little fur babies get into our heart.
    I truly believe those who don't like animals are missing out!
    I'm so sorry for your loss!

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  10. LisaNovember 24, 2009 at 8:00 PM

    Oh sweetie, I so hope you will feel less heartbroken soon. It is so hard to lose one of our fur babies. I work in a Veterinarians office so I see this way too often. It seems this time of year there are more than normal. Please remember the good love he gave with a glad heart.
    Hugs, Lisa

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  11. A New England LifeNovember 24, 2009 at 8:58 PM

    My heart just sank when I saw this post Donna. I haven't been blogging much lately so it was a good thing I didn't miss it.

    I know you love your animals as much as I love mine. They are our children. Letting one of them go is one of the toughest things to deal with. It just tears up your heart and your conscience.

    Sending you a big hug and much sympathy. I look forward to Spotty's tribute. Rest his sweet soul.

    Sharon

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  12. A New England LifeNovember 24, 2009 at 9:00 PM

    I meant to tell you Donna, the photos are beautiful. We can never have to many photos of the ones we love.

    Sharon

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  13. JenniferNovember 24, 2009 at 9:00 PM

    Donna I am so very sorry about your loss.I know how much you love your pets.Spotty was a beautiful bsby.I lost my Phoenix a few months ago and it still hurts.Big Hugs,Jen

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  14. ElaineNovember 24, 2009 at 9:38 PM

    What a poignant post. I am writing this with tears in my eyes.
    Spotty was one lucky kitty to live with you. You are such a sweet, loving mom to your fur babies.

    That picture of Spotty with the Christmas tree is so precious. I hope you have it framed.

    So sorry for your loss.

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  15. ♥Frann♥November 24, 2009 at 9:43 PM

    Adorable site!!

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  16. Sandy aka Doris the GreatNovember 25, 2009 at 6:54 AM

    I'm so sorry for your loss. We have a cat as well; his only contribution to Christmas is to sit in amongst the gifts once the work is all done. But it's so cute.

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  17. NnNNovember 25, 2009 at 8:27 AM

    Donna, I am so sorry about Spotty! I know you have to be heartbroken, but I also know that you gave him the best life, as you do for all of your fur babies!!! I just read a neat quote, and I will never get it right, but it was something like "don't cry because it is over, smile because you have the memories"...anyway...something like that...and it is so true for our pets....as painful as it is to lose them, we are the richer for having had them. You'll go thru the tears to get to the memories! He is in your heart now, and will be there forever! Rosie

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  18. NnNNovember 25, 2009 at 8:40 AM

    Donna, I just checked my rms pages and saw your note there....I am sorry I didn't see it sooner. I read your blog, but I never really comment on blogs much...laziness?? Difficulty with my computer logging on??? Whatever the reason, I am not a big commenter....but had to say something about your precious Spotty....and, I was touched to see your message too. Take care and have a good Thanksgiving....

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  19. CarolNovember 25, 2009 at 10:19 AM

    Not usually a commenter, but wanted to say how sorry I am to hear about your beautiful cat. Pets truly become family members, and are constant companions. How adorable those pics of him are.
    Thank you for sharing them.

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  20. Deb PriceNovember 25, 2009 at 2:11 PM

    Oh Donna, I wish I could be there a give you a hug...I don't know what I would do if I lost my cat...he 'adopted' us last October and it seems like he has always been here...I will be thinking of you when we decorate on Friday...Keeko loves Christmas, too...
    Hugs....

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  21. LynNovember 25, 2009 at 4:40 PM

    so so sorry to hear about spotty, it hurts so when a beloved pet dies, they are so part of the famil.
    thinking of you.
    love
    lyn
    xxx

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  22. AnonymousNovember 25, 2009 at 10:14 PM

    Oh, I am so sorry. My dog and two cats are part of our family. Our dog is now 13 and I see her really slowing down. I am not ready to loose her yet. You should feel great knowing that you gave him an amazing home and that he was very loved.

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  23. Jean TuthillNovember 25, 2009 at 10:31 PM

    Oh, Donna, I am so sorry to hear about Spotty, he was a beautiful kitty and he was much loved. You gave him a wonderful home and made his life beautiful. He is in "kitty heaven" for sure. I just stopped by to wish you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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  24. AbiNovember 26, 2009 at 12:58 AM

    I am so sorry you lost a beautiful friend - my heart goes out to you. X

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  25. Tammy/Yesterday's CottageNovember 26, 2009 at 3:14 AM

    I am so sorry to hear about your dear Spotty. Your love for your animals shines through all your posts. If only all precious creatures could have such loving homes as yours. Take solace not only in your memories but also in that the life you provided for him was so wonderful.
    Take care,
    Tammy

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  26. Joanne KennedyNovember 26, 2009 at 2:01 PM

    Oh Donna, I feel like I actually knew your darling kitty as I have seen him in so many pictures and read about him often.

    I was shocked to read this post. Was he sick?

    My heart actually skipped a beat when I read you had to say goodbye to him.

    I know you must be so sad. I'm sitting here crying because this post brought back how sad I was to say goodbye to my dear cat who was like a dog too.

    Big big hug!

    Joanne

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  27. Brenda PruittNovember 26, 2009 at 4:39 PM

    Donna, I am just in shock! Not Spotty, who looked so much like my Bonnie! I'm sooo very sorry, sweetie. So sorry for your loss. Because I know it is indeed almost too much to bear. I'm hugging you from Texas!
    xoxo, Brenda

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  28. CaraMNovember 27, 2009 at 1:50 PM

    I'm so sorry for your loss. Reading your post brought back the heart-ache that I felt last year when I had to let my Fiona go. She was a wonderful kitty and can never be replaced.
    Take heart in knowing your blogging friends are sending you cyber-hugs to help you through this sad time.

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  29. AnonymousNovember 27, 2009 at 2:05 PM

    Aw, it's always too soon to say goodbye to kittys! Big hug to you, Donna! ♥

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  30. cargolNovember 27, 2009 at 7:51 PM

    I'm so sorry to hear the sad news about Spotty, you gave him the best possible life and can tell you love him deeply. He was a special cat, keep your memories close to your heart.
    Carole

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  31. Vintage ClutterNovember 28, 2009 at 1:41 PM

    I am sorry for the loss of your furbaby. My cat of 18 years Tabby was such a wonderful part of my life. Until they are gone we don't realize just how much! I love Spotty & the Christmas tree for my little Tabby did the very same things. I am glad for you that you had such a wonderful friend.

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  32. www.MaisonStGermain.comNovember 28, 2009 at 5:49 PM

    Oh, I am so sorry for the loss of your kitty. We lost our Bassette this year. It is amazing how much they are part of our family. I am happy for you that you have such great memories of him. Take care.
    ~Debra
    The capers of the vintage vixens

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  33. Sharon@Sharon at HomeNovember 28, 2009 at 11:56 PM

    I just came from putting up my Christmas tree with my cat Sam. And then I stumbled onto your site ... strange isn't it?

    What nice memories you have of your cat.

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  34. ~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~November 29, 2009 at 8:26 AM

    Donna~ ~So sorry to hear about the loss of your sweet kitty. They are always so much of a comfort in our daily life. . . .I don't know what to say to comfort you, there is no comfort at a time like this.
    Be Well.
    ~ ~Ahrisha~ ~

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  35. Sharon LovejoyNovember 29, 2009 at 8:52 PM

    Dear Donna,

    My heart aches for your loss of your treasured family member, Spotty. I know you will probably be looking for that little patch of face for years to come.

    All fond wishes,

    Sharon

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  36. Old Time CindyDecember 1, 2009 at 7:16 AM

    So sorry for your loss...
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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  37. Lou Cinda @ Tattered HydrangeasDecember 1, 2009 at 9:54 AM

    Donna, my heart breaks for your loss! I have three cats that are very old. Two are 15 and one is 13 and they are truly members of our family. I dread the day that they leave me....

    Lou Cinda :)

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  38. cathleenDecember 12, 2009 at 11:50 AM

    I can't seem to get Spotty off my mind. My heart is still aching for you.

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