We've lost one of our babies...

[Night Crawler]

We lost a very dear member of our family a week ago, our beloved kitty Riker. He was diagnosed a few months ago with kidney failure after we noticed some extreme weight loss. He'd been with us for many years, but at the same time not nearly long enough. At nearly 14 I guess you could say he was old for a cat, but it still seems like he should have had more time.

I don't know if there is an afterlife or not, but if there is than I hope he's gone to join Katie. Katie was a black lab we lost several years ago after a long fight with cancer and she was his best friend in life. When she was gone, he mourned her daily for six months. He looked everywhere for her and cried the most pitiful meow when he could not find her. Only after we were ready to welcome a new pup into our home, our current lab Keiko, did he start to recover from his grief. So I do sincerely hope that if an afterlife exists, he's gone to join her to play and cuddle while they wait for us to join them. Because of her influence, Riker was in some ways more dog than cat. He was also very much a Daddy's boy, but he was no less my baby because of it. Our other furry kids are missing him too, but thankfully seem to be adjusting.

In Memorium
Riker
Persian Tabby Mix
Spring 1995 to March 2009

To a Beloved Member of Our Family:

Riker, you have left our lives but not our hearts. You were a wonderful kitty and one of our children. You brought us so much love and joy. Our only regret is that you are not here with us now.

Rest in Peace my Baby.

With All Our Love - Now and Forever,

Mom and Dad

[Sadie G]

I am so sorry for your loss....I know its very hard to lose one of our 4 legged babies...be it cat or dog. I am positive Riker is up there with Katie.......running right alongside my Boomer.

[Night Crawler]

Thanks GwdGma. I sure hope so. We heard from the vet yesterday and Riker's ashes are ready. We are planning to scatter them in the woods and have a kind of private ceremony to finish saying goodbye. Right now my biggest battle is trying to remember as he was before he got so sick, instead of seeing him as he was at the end. It's, well it's just plain hard. Thanks again.

[kian]

I am sorry about the lost of your beloved Riker. I know without any doubt, that our pets are awaiting our return and we will have them again in the afterlife. Hugs to you! This is a thread we all have to deal with sometime and one we all can relate too. I hope you will find comfort in knowing that I'm sure Riker and Katie are playing in a place where the sunshines and they know they are loved.

[freesiagirl]

Giant Hugs! RIP sweet Riker go play at RB. I know there are many loved critters there waiting

[Night Crawler]

Thanks again folks. Much appreciated! It's still hard, but I am learning not to cry every time I think of him now. So the healing has begun. Hugs to everyone.