Friday, August 31, 2007

Brendan




Yes we have had to say goodby to Brendan. I know I haven't posted for quite a while. Summer has been very busy here and we watched as Brendan spent the summer saying goodby to the things he loved on this planet. He wasn't afraid to be leaving, though of course, we were afraid of losing him.

Since he was a Perfect Being he chose a perfect full moon night to travel to the Bridge, He had one day of telling us he was ready, he would not eat at all and he lay with his head down on the sofa. We called his gentle vet who had offered to help when he was ready. She called an experienced friend and they helped him go to sleep while he lay in his favorite bed. He was not afraid and he did not suffer.

He had already explained to Ramona and Harper that he would be leaving and they would be in charge of the Kingdom until we were all together again at the Bridge so the young ones have not suffered. Ramona has been with us every night, Harper is his usual happy go lucky self.

We miss Brendan very much and we will miss him the rest of our lives here. He lived a perfect feline life and I will post some more photos from that life soon. He landed with his brother, Finnegan, in a small, dismal shelter in Maine (long since improved), where he chose Olof as his person. He had a happy fun filled kittenhood wrestling with Finnegan, an adventure filled youth in the woods and barn next door, a peaceful and responsible adulthood caretaking his large property and an unexpected romance in his elder years that brought hin great happiness and comfort.

All his life he was calm, wise, amused at the antics of his humans, kind and tolerant to others.

If we are here on this planet to learn then Brendan only had a few things to learn that I could see. One is that ducks exist and it's ok. And the other is the sweetness of being part of a tribe. It took Harper and Ramona to bring out the caretaking parent in Brendan and we watched as Ramona won his heart and Harper his acceptance. When the kittens came home from their spay/neuter, Brendan planted kisses on both their heads to tell them it was all right. He brought them a live mouse to demostrate what they should do as house cats. And they often slept together in harmony.

All told, it was a perfect life lived by a perfect being and we are honored to have loved him during his sojourn on this planet. We will all be together at the Bridge.


62 comments:

The Meezers or Billy said...

oh no not Brendan too. We are so sorry and so very sad. What a wonderful tribute to such a gentle and loving soul.

Rest well Brendan, have fun wrestling with Finnegan and playing with Fergus at the Bridge.
Miss Ramona and Harper, Brendan will never be far from you - he will be watching over you to make sure you carry on his duties. You will see him again one day.

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

This is a beautiful tribute to a well lived life. Thank you for rescuing him and giving him such a wonderful home to be in and for introducing him to Ramona and Harper...it will be hard for Miss Ramona.

Abby

Hot(M)BC said...

Oh no, we's so sorry. That's a purrfect tribute for Brendan. We's sending yall lotsa purrs cuz we kno it's hard to miss him til yall are all together again.
Purrrrrrrrs,
Sanjee

Hot(M)BC said...

Oh sorry, Boni Maroni, Mini, Gree and Pepi send purrs too. I'm just not writing good cuz my eyes are leaking, sorry.

Quinn and Angel brandi said...

What a sweet tribute to a dear soul. We were so touched by Brendan and Miss Ramona's gentle and caring relationship, and checked in often to see it bloom and them become a real couple. It reminded us that love can be found by any one or any cat, and it is always beautiful. We are so happy that Brendan had such a good life, and that he found such a sweet love in his later years.

Magoo, Smudge, Bella & Dolce said...

I had feared that Brendan had left us.

He had a great life with you, and he had an extra sparkle in his life at the end by the name of Ramona.

Purrs and Headbutts to everyone at Caturday.

DK & The Fluffies said...

Good night sweet Prince.

sammawow said...

We just found out about Brendan from Sammy & Miles. We didn't know Brendan but that was indeed a lovely tribute. He certainly sounds like a very fine cat.

Purrrrrs for Brendan & his family,
China Cat & Willow

Victor Tabbycat said...

We're so sorry. Brendan was lovely and his peaceful presence will be sorely missed. Your tribute is beautiful, as was his life with you. Our purrayers for your family, especially Ramona and Harper.
Victor, Bonnie, and their mom

KC and the Giggleman Kitties said...

Goodbye, dear friend. It was nice knowing you, will be seeing you again. Purrs and prayers for your family.
ML
KC & Missy Blue Eyes

Zippy, Sadie, Speedy and M'Gee said...

Mom's eyes are leeking again! She says dat Brendan was speshul and dat she's gonna miss reading about him. We hafta remind her dat tears are for those left behind, Brendan is happy at the Bridge and she is feeling sorry for herself and you because you'll miss him. Give Miss Ramona a kiss for us, we know he tawt her and Harper how to live a grate life! God bless all of you.

a fluffy feline friend said...

Oh no! We will all miss you furry, furry much. Lots and Lots of love and purrs to efurryone at Caturday.

Gemini said...

We are all very sorry to hear about Brendan

The Furry Kids said...

We are so sorry for your loss. Rest in peace, Sweet Brendan.

The Furry Kids and their Mom

Shaggy and Scout said...

Sweet gentle Brendan was a joy to you and we thank you for sharing him with us. He lived a superior life and your stories about him & Miss R were wonderful. He went gently and peacefully and with dignity surrounded by those he loved. You couldn't ask for better. Our hearts are with you.

Beau said...

Oh no oh no oh no!!! We are so very sorry for your loss. Our hearts are filled with so much sadness. Brendan was a truly amazing, wonderful cat and we will miss him terribly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Godspeed sweet Brendan!

Tiki, Kirby, and StanLee said...

We are very sorry about Brendan. Sending you lots of purrs and hugs.

Tara said...

We heard about Brendan from Sammy and Miles too. What a lovely tribute. Purrs and Headbutts to all of you.

Tara and Kavan

Parker said...

Coming from the Cat Blogosphere - I am so sorry for your loss, the tribute to Brendan was lovely. I hope Brendan is happily playing at the Bridge with his friends.
Purrs,
Parker

jenianddean said...

We will miss you, Brendan. You had a wonderful life and brought so much joy to Ramona, Harper, and your beans.

Rest in peace sweet boy.

-Jasper McKitten-cat

Samantha & Mom said...

What a wonderful life story.We are so sorry to hear about Brenden. We are also so sad that we never got to meet him. He sounded like a wonderful cat who knew how to bring harmony to all. Purrrrsss and purrayers to the family he left behind.
Your FL furiends,
and Mom

Tiger Lily said...

We are so sorry to hear about Brendan. That beautiful tribute tells us that you loved him very much and have wonderful memories of his loving you too. You'll be in our thoughts and purrayers.

Unknown said...

we are so sorry that Brendan has crossed to the Bridge.

Dazey
Jesse
'n Conner Cloud

Mickey's Musings said...

So sorry to hear about Brendan. It makes it easier to bear knowing he had such a wonderful life.
Purrs to all the family

Omnibabe said...

How wonderful that Brendan lived in such a loving home, and for such a long, long time.

I have particularly loved watching the photographs of him with Ramona. Such a beautiful May-December romance!

What a terrific tribute to a wonderful companion.

The Divine Miss Marilyn and I send prayers of comfor to you and yours.

Tyler said...

We're relatively new here and did not know Brendan, unfortuneately. We would have loved him, we're sure. Your words of tribute ring true. We can imagine him as he was in life. May you all recover quickly. May the good memories lift your spirts up high.
Hugs,
Tyler and others at home

Bad Kitty Cats & Megan said...

Oh Gosh, we are so heartbroken... Brendan - oh we are speechless. We are sending our love and sympathies and tears. We remember meeting him as one of our first kitty friends. This is such a sad sad loss. Our hearts go out to you and all your family. HUGS and LOVES and Purrs and Prayers

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

We are so sorry for your loss. Brendan was such a sweet kind cat.

Fat Eric said...

We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Brendan. He had a wonderful life and you must have so many beautiful pictures and memories to remember him by. He was a special cat.

Hope you will continue to let us know how Harper & Ramona are getting on.

Purrs and best wishes.

Fat Eric's family

The Fluffy Tribe said...

Oh Brendan sounds like he was a wise old sole helping and caring for others in his earthly form of kitty cat. We know you miss him, but we are so glad he went on his own terms. Our thoughts are with you in your time of sorrow. ~The Fluffy Tribe

Tommy and Teaghan said...

That's a wonderful tribute to Brendan. Unfortunately time runs too swiftly for those whose lives we are most touched by. You are most fortunate to have been loved by and have loved such wonderful fur babies.
Our hearts reach out to you.
Beau Beau and Angie

The Tower Hill Mob said...

What a loving, lovely tribute. We cherish his memory and will light a candle tonight.
Comfort and purrs,
Kate and Toby

Darling Millie said...

Oh no! We are so so sorry to hear about Brendan's crossing the Rainbow Bridge. We always loved reading about him. Such a beautiful tribute to a wonderful friend.

Jack, Persephone, Tenzing and Lancelot said...

We're sorry we didn't get to meet Brendan. But we lit a candle for him and the other cats, and we added his name to our Farewell Friends list.

Jack and Persephone

Alexi said...

We regret not having met Brendan but he sounds like a simply grand fellow. We will have our candle lit for him. Purrs from all of us.

The Furry Fighter said...

ise sorry to hear about your loss...i wish i could have met brendan, he is a very handsome chap and i think we could have been great furrends!

Rosemary B❤️ said...

Our deepest sympathies on your loss of Brendan. We loved reading all about him. What a wonderful guy and a brave little prince.

Our love and purrrs are with you

The Taylor CatSSSSS said...

We were not priviledged to know Brendan, but your tribute is beautiful. We are so sorry for the loss of your beloved family member.

Mr. Chen and Ollie said...

Oh we are so sorry to learn about Brendan. We did not know him but he sounds like a wonderful soul. We enjoyed reading your tribute to him and his perfect life. Our hearts and purrs are with you...
Purrs,
Mr. Chen & Ollie

Karen Jo said...

I am so sorry to hear about Brendan. He was a very special cat and we will all miss him very much. I'll add him to the cats I lit a candle for and leave the candle lit for an extra day, just for him.

michico*Adan*Lego-小芥*阿丹*樂高 said...

I am so sorry for losing Brendan.... And thank you for letting us know Bredan's story.
We will all remember him, too.

MISS PEACH ~(^.^)~ said...

No time
nor distance
can ever erase
the memory of
your furry love
kisses and embrace.
My heart breaks for your loss of the precious Brendan...
Come visit me and see how I feel right now about our sweet kitties who have left to go on the journey this week.
Love Miss Peach

Poppy Q said...

Thanks for telling us about Brendan. You must all miss him, but know that he lived a good life and had a good end. He sure was a lucky cat having you all to love him.

Poppy q

Kitikata-san said...

Oh thank you for taking care of Brendan so well to the last day here on earth. What a lucky family you are to have had Brandan here with you.

Milton said...

Brendan was such a sweet and special kitty. He will be missed by all who saw his wise and gentle eyes, even if only through a photo.
He has left his kingdom in good and loving paws, I have no doubt that Ramona and Harper will see to all.
Peace be with all at Caturday.
---Beezer & his mombean

MISS PEACH ~(^.^)~ said...

Thank you for the classic update on the meaning of the word. It has be added to the post in loving memory of a sweet kitty boy name BRENDAN! He had a wonderful bleesed life from what I found here in your world....
So very nice to know you:)
Love Miss Peach

Just Ducky said...

So sorry to hear about Brendan. He was a good senior catizen and we will miss him. He will meet all sorts of furiends at the Bride. Plus he will meet upwith Fergus and Silas.

Purrs to Ramona, Harper and the humans too.

Jet said...

I check your blog everyday to know the news about your cute cats. I just knew about your blog early this year, and I liked it since. I liked, and still will, your cats. I am sorry to hear about the loss of wise Brendan. He was a cute cat and we will remember him forever. I am sure he lived a happy life with all of you.

Toffee K. Ripple Fuzzypants & Feline American Angels said...

We're so sorry for your loss ... You have our thoughts, purrayers, and deepest condolences.
DMM and the Feline Americans

MISS PEACH ~(^.^)~ said...

Yes on second look....I can see it...the Celtic Peace symbol...and the lines of the hippy Peace sign!
Great kitty cat art for sure!
Come visit me again sometime. On Sunday I always post Cat Art!
Sweet purrrrry hugs to you from Miss Peach

snowforest said...

I just learned about Brendan. He seems such a wonderful cat with a lot of grace and character. He will be greatly missed. Hope your pain lessens with time and you find peace in times ahead.

Sending lots of love and purrayers from all my cats...

Unknown said...

I've worried about Brendan all month as I know he'd been under the weather, and the lack of updates concerned me. I actually clicked in a couple of times each week to see if there was news saying all was well. I checked in today, and seeing his name and photo, well... I was so sad. I don't know why he charmed me so much via the Internet, but he did, and I'll miss him. My sincere condolences to all of you.

auntie p said...

Oh no! I'm shocked, speechless, and sad. This is so sudden.

Hope you and the cats are coping well.

Rosie said...

So so sorry. But what a handsome angel you have watching over you now.

The Lee County Clowder said...

Another kittie gone to the Bridge. At least Brendan went on his own terms, and was at peace.

We're sinfully late to hear this, but we're sending some mournfull purrrsss

HRH Yao-Lin said...

Bye Bye brendon, rest in pieace my friend. Or, alternatively, chase birds and butterflies over at the bridge! You sound like a wonderful cat. I hope I get to meet you on the other side one day xx

Unknown said...

Hi, my name is Henry Helton. I did not know Brendan. He seemed like a very nice kitty. I've heard about him lately due to the passing of so many other kitties. These have been sad weeks. Brendan seemed like he would have brought brightness to the dimmest of life. You were lucky to have had him. I wish I had known him.

Anonymous said...

So sad. What a stately prince he was. We'll miss him.
~ tammara

Ivan from WMD said...

A perfect little boy, such a large loss. We are so sorry.

Blueberry said...

I am so sorry about Brendan. He sure was a very handsome boy and a King among Princes. He lived a long life, but it is never long enough when one is so loved. Your post is a beautiful tribute.

Christine and FAZ said...

What a wonderful tribute to wonderful and well loved cat. I wish I had read this on my home computer though rather than my work computer as my colleagues can see how moved I am.

The Cat Realm said...

It was a hard two weeks, these last weeks. After I lost Anastasia I was mad with grieve. Then Oscar went. Ubee's death put me over the edge and I stopped blogging. Then I learned that Brendan went to the bridge too. And when I tried to come back to blogging, Ayla had gone. And it won't stop, that is the nature of life.
It sounds like Brendan had a wonderful long life and an easy departure. One can just hope that it will be like that. But no matter what, we who stay for a while longer will always very much miss the ones who parted.
Our thoughts and purrs are with you!
Karl