Friday, June 19, 2015

Goodbye, Scribbles

The Momma here:


In August 2000, I moved to Chicago to start law school. It was my first time to live completely on my own, and I didn't know anyone in the entire STATE when I moved there. I made it about three days in a very quiet apartment before going to the animal shelter "just to look." I walked out with a cat. Scribbles was the first pet I'd ever had on my own, and we had a... challenging first year! He was downright mean sometimes, clawing up my legs and biting me for no reason. But he could also be incredibly sweet and loving. We stuck with each other, and he mellowed out over time. He helped me get through the three absolute worst years of my life in Chicago, moved with me back down to Texas, and put up with me adding first another cat and then a succession of dogs and foster dogs to the family. The whole time, he reminded me and all the others who was REALLY in charge of the house. He made dogs three times his size jump with a single hiss. He was always bossing my other cat Pigeon around, but I'll never forget the time he threw himself in front of her -- hissing and yowling -- when a charging 60-pound dog was coming her way. Scribbles slept in the bed with me, usually on or right next to my pillow, nearly every night of his life. His purring lulled me to sleep, and his friendly head butts in the morning as I got dressed helped wake me up every day. I can't count the number of hours I've spent sitting at the computer with Scribbles sprawled over my arms between me and the keyboard.


Last night, I took Scribbles out in the backyard for his rambles. He walked around very slowly, looking around and savoring every moment of it. I took out my phone and got some of the best pictures of him I've ever taken. After that, I just sat there with him for a long time. Finally I told him that if it was his time, it was okay, and I would be all right. I held him, and he purred. Today, I took him to the vet and helped him to the Rainbow Bridge. I had Scribbles for nearly 15 years, longer than any pet I've had in my entire life. He was almost 17 years old. He has been a part of literally my entire adult life. I don't know how I'm supposed to get by without him now.


All my pets have a special little song that I sing only for them. Scribbles's was to the tune of You Are My Sunshine. "You are my Scribbles, my handsome Scribbles. You make me happy 'cause you are gray. You'll never know, cat, just how I love you. Please don't take my Scribbles away."




69 comments:

  1. my eyes are filled with tears for you and for Scribbles, this story touched me to the bottom of my heart. Goodbye sweet Scribbles

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  2. we are so very sorry for you loss - he was a huge part of your life and will live on in all the wonderful memories you have of him.

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  3. Oh ..Andrea we are so sorry to read about your Scribbles....I know you understand we know exactly how you feel, it wasn't so long ago that we told Dietzy goodbye also. It seems though when they live with us that long, our memories of our life is so attached to them, just like you said, when Dietzy left to go live in the heavens, it was like all those years of memories went with him, later though I realized they didn't ...he was just attached throughout them. I know it was hard to let him go, hugs from all of us here....deb and puggies

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  4. We are so sorry. I wish there were words to help, but when you lose a best friend, there are no words.

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  5. Oh, no I'm so sad to hear we've lost our furiend Scribbles! He was so very gorgeous and obviously meant the world to you. I'm sure he is enjoying a run now, free and watching over you. My whole pack is sending warm vibes and lots of love to you. I'm so sorry.
    Grr and a Mournful Woof,
    Sarge and Staff

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  6. OH THE SWEET TRIBUTE to a LONG And GLORIOUS LIFE... We are so Sorry for your loss... we know that you have FABULOUS memories and we pray that they will sustain you through this difficult time.
    What a wonderful thing you did for your Long Time ... LOYAL furend... that trip today was Difficult... but done with the greatest love one can show to a fur baby... Scribbles did not have to feel any pain or misery... Just your LOVE... when HE needed it most... Just as he gave YOU love when YOU were needing it...
    Run FREE and FAST in fields of Catnip. Til we meet again, Dear SCRIBBLES.

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  7. Andrea....Casey, Pigeon and Jessie
    We are so very sorry to read about Scribbles. OMCs I had no idea he had been your loyal and trusted confidante through law school...and then back home.
    What a loving cat he became and a good friend to all the fosters that you have had.
    I'm so glad he enjoyed his perimeter patrol last night and that you two had a special moment. Your last loving act was to set him free from his pain and let him run free. You TOOK CARE OF HIM JUST AS YOU PROMISED WHEN YOU ADOPTED HIM!!
    WITH MANY HUGS AND KITTY PURRS
    CECILIA AND MADI

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  8. Mom lost it when she read your special song!
    We are so sorry to hear about Scribbles! What a truly special friend; and what a wonderful, love-filled life he had with you!
    Godspeed, Scribbles - we know you will be together again one day.
    Cammie!

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  9. Andrea,

    I know how difficult it must have been for you to let Scribbles go. Masala, my first dog, who lived until she was eighteen and carried me through university and other life changing events, was the first pet I had to say good-bye to. I remember feeling as though all those years we had spent together had somehow died with her when I let her go, which I later realized was not the case.I remember thinking who would look out for me now as she had done all those years. We were a team whose balance had been tipped. But I also remember feeling proud of myself. That I had completed university, moved around numerous times (once completely across Canada to the westcoast where I now live) said hello and good-bye to various romantic relationships and never once had I thought to give her up even though renting as a student with an animal can be challenging here in Canada! I had loved her and protected her as much as she had loved and protected me in and from life.I hope you feel the same way when you think of all the many paths Scribbles accompanied you on.You made him family and as such, you were able to be with him in his final days after all those years together. May you take comfort knowing you did well by him. Rest in peace Scribbles. You were loved.

    We are thinking of you Andrea and sending,
    Love and hugs,
    Sophie and the critters in the cottage xo
    P.S. We have special songs too and Isadora's is, "You are my Sunshine."

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  10. Sending you tons of hugs and love today. What wonderful memories you have together to cherish. You were there for each other when it was needed the most. A very special goodbye post for your dear Scribbles
    love
    Mr Bailey, Hazel, Mabel & mom

    Pee es
    We put a post on the POTP blog

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  11. Your special song says it all - Scribbles was such an important part of your life, especially coming into your life when it was so rough. We are so very sorry for your loss, but remember it is just for now. Soft hugs and gentle woos from us.

    Hugs and Woos - Ciara and Lightning and Mom

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  12. What a beautiful tribute to an extraordinary cat and friend to you for all these years! I love these pictures ...they truly capture his spirit as well as your love for each other. Sending support across the miles. Run free dear Scribbles

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  13. I am so sorry to say goodbye to Scribbles. He was a very handsome dude.
    Sending you fur-hugs.
    Wags,
    Ranger

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  14. "He cared nothing about where we lived, how I looked, or how much money was in the bank. All he cared about was how to bequeath that which sustained him in his too short life, his faith and his love, as he patiently waited for my return.

    When he greeted me he seemed to know when I just needed to sit in the quiet. He seemed to know when I wanted to play. His life was not deadlines or deals, or caring about the things that in, all reality, will not matter at the end of life. His life was simply a joyouns run ahead of that avalance of time that would be his enemy had he any concept ot it.

    - From The Book of Barkley.

    May these words bring back those memories of all of the love that you shared.

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  15. So sorry for your loss!! My mommy is a lawyer too. Xo MaddiethePug

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  16. Hari OM
    The rainbow bridge has another beam in its light... huggies, YAM (aunty) xxx

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  17. Oh I am so sorry to read this. Thinking of you and your Scribbles.

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  18. I'm so sorry. It's just never easy to say goodbye. I think Scribbles knew it was time and passed his strength on to you. Even though the early years were a bit rocky, he left you with a lot of wonderful memories that you will always keep tucked away in your heart. Run young and free again, handsome boy!

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  19. We are so sorry .
    You did the kindest,,and very unselfish act in knowing when it was time for Scribbles..
    Your song said so much. Scribbles knew how much you loved him
    love
    tweedles

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  20. We're so sorry to hear that Scribbles has gone OTB.



    The Florida Furkids

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  21. We love your Scribbles song! And it made us cry. You've had a hard year. Sending hugs and rottie kisses.

    Ruby, Otto and Lisa

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  22. We're very sorry for your loss and sendin ya big hugs from down in Plano.

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  23. Im so sorry about Scribbles. It is so hard to do to help them but we know that they are safe and happy and that we will see them again.


    Diana and Oreo

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  24. So sorry for your loss,big hugs and bunny snuggles,xx Speedy

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  25. So sorry to hear your sad news.
    What a beautiful tribute you've wrote here, overflowing with the love and joy of Scrbbles
    Scribbles may have gone to the Rainbow Brudge but that love and joy will stay with you forever in beautiful memories
    Sending you lots of luffs and hugs
    Loves and licky kisses
    Princess Leah xx

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  26. I'm so sorry........even when it's "time", it's so hard to let them go - the memories and love tie us to them and it makes it so tough.........but it sounds like Scribbles had a wonderful last day with you....I hope you will still hear that purr at night because he will be right there - on your pillow - forever.

    Hugs, Pam (and Sammy)

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  27. So very sorry to learn about Scribbles. It's so hard to let them go and they take so much of our hearts with them. Purrs of comfort and paws of sympathy.

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  28. I'm so sorry that your Scribbles had to go to that bridge... our tears are running while we sing his song just for your Scribbles...
    easy rider

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  29. We are so very sorry to hear about dear Scribbles. Love and hugs from all of us.

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  30. I am sad to here the news of Scribbles going to the Rainbow Bridge. Sending you warm hugs.
    Sweet William The Scot

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  31. Scribbles loss made me cry for you and for him as well but oh, I am so very very grateful to you for sticking by him and rearing him with love and care, Thank you for that and I am so sorry that he flew away for now.

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  32. Many comforting purrs to you on your loss. My big brofur Derby headed off to The Bridge after Christmouse and we miss him so. Mum would sing to us too and we each had our song. Purrs.

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  33. It is good to have a song. TBT still talks of Skeeter, his heart cat 7 years over the Bridge, And he promises to remember us the same way. What cat could ask for more than to be remembered like that? Or like you will remember Scribbles... Our Best Purrs Of Comfort to you.

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  34. Oh my, we are so sorry about Scribbles and what a wonderful story. I have had many animals that have helped me through moving to a new place etc. and they become very very special. Sounds like Scribbles was such a great watch cat and also just know that Scribbles knew all kinds of love from you and so he went in peace. We certainly send many hugs.

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  35. I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved Scribbles. Allthough we didn't know him, our eyes are leaking too. Hold on to the memories you two had together. Soft Pawkisses to comfort you <3

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  36. I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Scribbles.

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  37. Scribbles will always be a special cat - your first adult adoption, your companion for so many years. We are teary for you. Sending a warm hug, purrs and paw taps of comfort.

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  38. I am so deeply sorry for you loss and I fully understand a relationship with a cat forged through paw and claw and teeth. They challenge us to see if we will meet their tests and once we pass forever gaining their trust it becomes a relationship deepen by the test. I am so sorry I didn't get to know Scribbles because what a wonderful special cat he was.Your heart has broken and all I can offer is for you to be as gentle on yourself as possible, and do whatever it is you feel is right, for you, and for Scribbles. Deep deep purrs of comfort.

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  39. What a brave beautiful boy! Run free now sweet angel Scribbles. We send your family lots of purrs and hugs. Take care
    x

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  40. We are so sorry to hear of your loving Scribbles going across Rainbow Bridge and know how much you will miss your long time friend. It sounds as though you and Scribbles loved each other very much and parting from him will leave a big hole in your heart. Take care.
    Luv Hannah xx and Lucy xx + Mum Sue.

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  43. We just heard the news are so very sorry for this great loss. We know that you will keep those beautiful memories alive in your heart.

    Hugs,
    Lily Belle & Muffin

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  44. We read about Scribbles on the CB post and wanted to stop by and pay our respects. What a wonderful companion you had in him.

    Comforting Purrs,
    The Chans (from France)

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  45. we did not have the honor of knowing scribbles yet wanted to stop by and offer our sincerest sympathies. what an awesome tribute to a very handsome kitty. we know he is and always will be loved, we know scribbles loved his mom very much as well. we are truly sorry. boomer, daisy, tuna, and dude and sauce too.

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  46. As close a bond as you had with Scribbles, there's no doubt he will remain with you. Their relationships with us are so meaningful and that's what makes it so hard. Let your memories console you at this time of sorrow. Sending comforting purrs..

    Tinker, Anastasia, Chopin, Bridgie and Mom Julie xx

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  47. I am so sorry that Scribbles made the journey. He is running free now with Angel Sasha and all the pals that went before them. I will say a prayer for all of you.


    Love Anne and Ziggy

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  48. We are sending our purrs and headbumps to comfort you. So sorry to hear about Scribbles.

    Mindy
    Moe
    Cookie
    Mike

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  49. I love your love song for Scribbles!
    We just lost our cat,Panther, recently. So I’m right with you on the sadness of grieving. I can only imagine the pain of your loss as you have had your Scribbles for so long.

    Debby
    http://homelesscatcare.blogspot.com

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  50. I’d coming to pas my resects to Scribbles. *bows head* He sounds like he was a wonderful companion.

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  51. So very sorry for the loss of your precious Scribles. 17 years is a lifetime of memories. Sending comforting purrs and love.
    With deepest condolences,
    Angel Normie, Mika, Sasha & Grady Lewis

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  52. Saying goodbye to your best furend must have been heartbreaking but thankfully you had those last moments together. Sadly we don't always get those loving last moments. May the joy of his life and love get you through his crossing. Holly, ICE and theCatStreetBoyz

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  53. We are so very sorry that Scribbles had to go to the Bridge. What a special cat he was, and what a special life you shared together. Thank you for loving him so much, and so very well. Hugs, purrs and prayers to you.

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  54. We are so sorry to hear about Scribbles being needed at the Bridge. Thank you for sharing him with us and the world. Sending hugs and soft purrs....

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  55. We're so sorry about Scribbles leaving for the Bridge. Thank you for loving him and giving him a home for all these years,
    Gentle hugs and soft purrs,
    Tasha & Buddy and Karen (Mum)

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  56. We can certainly feel the pain of your loss of your dear Scribbles. Please know that there are so many who share your grief. Best to you.

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  57. We heard that Scribbles has gone to the Bridge. We are so sorry. We send you comforting purrs and headbutts.

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  58. I'm so sorry about Scribbles. I don't have a clue as to how you get by without him... if I figure it out, I'll let you know. Thanks so much for your comment about Tank. Hugs, Kathy

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  59. We're so sorry to hear about Scribbles. You wrote such a wonderful tribute to him. He sure was a special cat.

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  60. I read about Scribbles on the CB post and wanted to stop by and pay our respects.
    My humans first own cat Sixten was 17 1/2 years when he was helped to the bridge.

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  61. Sending so many purrs and prayers your way at this difficult time. I am so sorry that it was your beloved Scribbles's time to move on from this earth, but please take comfort in knowing that you gave him 15 wonderful years of love and companionship. I know how losing a beloved furbaby leaves a giant hole in your heart, and that hole may never go away, but please know that over time you will be able to start filling it with all of the beautiful, fond memories you have of Scribbles. He will never be forgotten.

    In hopes that I might give you even an ounce of hope and comfort, please know that I also felt utterly distraught and lost after losing a sweet, precious, beloved furbaby of mine in early May. She was a beautiful calico cat named Rosie that I got when I was just 4 years old, and she was by my side for 21 years. I had scarcely any memories that did not involve her, and losing her was by far, hands down, the hardest thing I have ever been through in my life thus far. I have made it through these past few weeks without my girl Rosie here only by talking to her every single day, reminding her that I love her always, even though she may not be by my side as in the past. And I remind myself every day that I will be with her again someday, but until then she will always remain my furry little angel. The same goes for you and your angel Scribbles - you will always love him, and he will always love you.

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  62. We are so sorry to hear Scribbles went over the bridge. Mommy used to have a cat when she was little. She remembers how hard it was having to take her cat to the bridge too. Hugs to you.

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  63. May you fly free dear Scribbles.
    Love purrs and prayers from us all
    Timmy Dad and Family

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  64. I am happy for all those years you had with Scribbles, and how you saved him and he saved you. I hope that all the wonderful memories of him will comfort you in this time of loss

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  65. I understand your loss. I adopted my Rocky in 1999 while in College from a rescue near Chicago, too, and I lost him in 2014. It's a hard loss, especially when they've been with you for so much of your life. They're like best friends, confidants, and parts of the family. I am so sorry for your loss. - Alana.

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  66. You lost a star, a wonderful friend. What beautiful pictures - how lucky you were to capture your wonderful boy so well. They will be something to treasure over the next months and years as you look back on life with one of the BEST CATS ever!

    Fly free Scribbles, fast friend, amazing cat, beloved friend.

    Marjorie, Harvey, Miranda, Silver and Phoebe

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  67. So sorry to hear about Scribbles. Wanted to stop over and leave our condolences.
    Marty, Mom and the Gang

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