I really loved this. I’m still struggling with my feelings about losing our older girl cat last year so it helped to read this. (Our younger boy cat has been shamelessly enjoying getting all the attention and cuddles, so he’s no help!) 😆
What a beautiful, poignant piece of writing and what a special, faithful cat Bear was. You are a true cat lover Tom Cox and I salute you. Which of your books would you recommend to read about Bear and your other cats? I haven’t read any of your books yet but have been following you since I joined Substack in July this year
Thanks Caroline. I would go The Good, The Bad & The Furry then continue with Close Encounters Of The Furred Kind, 21st-Century Yokel, Ring The Hill and Notebook.
I remember this post from that time....my heart ached with yours then ..as it has with every beloved, they all have been and all will always be beloved, fur person with whom we have shared house and home. " 'Til death do us part"...
A beautiful piece, that has helped me deal with the anxiety of my beautiful best friend Quinoa ( I did not name her🙃) will not be around for as long as I want her to be. When I got sick from my brain disease she was the rock I leaned on for comfort, my tortoise shell friend knows my every pain instinctively and lies with me through it, I don’t know how I will face loosing her. So thank you Tom for this, and your post about George it is really helping to come to grips with the inevitable.💖💖
I was graced with a small nine pound rescue dog, Mighty. She was my best friend and a force of nature. She nearly died from a vaccine reaction and above all odds, she recovered. She had tumors we dutifully monitored, problems with nearly every organ, and lived to either 21 or 22 years. It’s been over 9 years that she’s been gone, and I can still remember how it felt to hold her. We’re so lucky to have had these beautiful souls in our lives.
I’ve been up the last two nights with my 12 year old border collie that is showing signs of congestive heart issues. He comes to me panting and pacing so we go outside into the cool mountain air and walk around for a few minutes to calm him several times during the night. During the day he seems happy and full of energy despite slowing down a bit. He’s been the best dog I have ever had and I’ve had some great ones. In fact all my pets have been great. I wish I had called him The Bear, as that name to me suggests an unusually long well lived life. I’m already beginning the bargaining phase. I continue to completely enjoy each and every day with him for as long as we can.
Thank you, Tom. Today seems to be my day to cry at Substack posts. I have two cats, Tip and Toe, who will be 14 on December 1st. My vet has warned me that Tip may have lymphoma. She has become very thin. Your posts about your cats definitely resonate with me.
I really loved this. I’m still struggling with my feelings about losing our older girl cat last year so it helped to read this. (Our younger boy cat has been shamelessly enjoying getting all the attention and cuddles, so he’s no help!) 😆
Some of the most amazing animals are the death cheaters. I am really happy that The Bear had such a long and storied life!
I don’t think it is possible to over-mourn a cat.
I am concerned for Biscuit and whether Biscuit didn’t know what Biscuit had until it was gone. Maybe they learned a valuable lesson.
That linoprint is so, so good. The expression on his face makes me want to jump in there and pick him up
Truly a life well lived and well loved. Love the article. Now to make my way over to the bookstore for kitty books!
What a beautiful, poignant piece of writing and what a special, faithful cat Bear was. You are a true cat lover Tom Cox and I salute you. Which of your books would you recommend to read about Bear and your other cats? I haven’t read any of your books yet but have been following you since I joined Substack in July this year
Thanks Caroline. I would go The Good, The Bad & The Furry then continue with Close Encounters Of The Furred Kind, 21st-Century Yokel, Ring The Hill and Notebook.
Thanks so much for that advice … can’t wait to start reading once I’ve finished Louise Kennedy’s Trespasses
I remember this post from that time....my heart ached with yours then ..as it has with every beloved, they all have been and all will always be beloved, fur person with whom we have shared house and home. " 'Til death do us part"...
A beautiful piece, that has helped me deal with the anxiety of my beautiful best friend Quinoa ( I did not name her🙃) will not be around for as long as I want her to be. When I got sick from my brain disease she was the rock I leaned on for comfort, my tortoise shell friend knows my every pain instinctively and lies with me through it, I don’t know how I will face loosing her. So thank you Tom for this, and your post about George it is really helping to come to grips with the inevitable.💖💖
I was graced with a small nine pound rescue dog, Mighty. She was my best friend and a force of nature. She nearly died from a vaccine reaction and above all odds, she recovered. She had tumors we dutifully monitored, problems with nearly every organ, and lived to either 21 or 22 years. It’s been over 9 years that she’s been gone, and I can still remember how it felt to hold her. We’re so lucky to have had these beautiful souls in our lives.
I’ve been up the last two nights with my 12 year old border collie that is showing signs of congestive heart issues. He comes to me panting and pacing so we go outside into the cool mountain air and walk around for a few minutes to calm him several times during the night. During the day he seems happy and full of energy despite slowing down a bit. He’s been the best dog I have ever had and I’ve had some great ones. In fact all my pets have been great. I wish I had called him The Bear, as that name to me suggests an unusually long well lived life. I’m already beginning the bargaining phase. I continue to completely enjoy each and every day with him for as long as we can.
Thank you, Tom. Today seems to be my day to cry at Substack posts. I have two cats, Tip and Toe, who will be 14 on December 1st. My vet has warned me that Tip may have lymphoma. She has become very thin. Your posts about your cats definitely resonate with me.
Rest in peace, Bear!