Poignant homecoming
I know I said I wouldn’t be here for a bit, but one of the main reasons I keep this little place in the giant scheme of things is to mark the passing of time and the aspects of life that punctuate it. You know — highs, lows, hilarity, and things that pierce the heart… 
Blackitty came home today. And as much as I can say that I am relieved, my emotions are a bit raw again, as I knew they would be.

As they should be.
I had no idea there was so much support out there for people who have lost a dear pet.

I’m amazed. So I’m passing it along.



















1Ben
wrote on 28 January 2008 at 17:34
Awwwww! Poor Blackitty. These posts where you’ve been talking about your loss have brought tears to my eyes. I hope that after this you feel better. Hugs!
2kellypea
wrote on 28 January 2008 at 18:30
Hi Ben — I know. We’re working through it and are just fine. A few soggy eyes here and there, some hugs for the RTR who, at 15, has been hiding when it creeps up on him, but generally we’re good. I’m cooking something lovely for dinner tonight. Ahhh…comfort food.
3paisley
wrote on 28 January 2008 at 18:55
well i have my “bubba” here with me,, and it is a comfort to know he is here,, with me where he belongs…..
4chefmom
wrote on 29 January 2008 at 7:44
I love the paw print. That has to be one fo the nicest things I ever seen. What a beautiful way to remember Blackitty. My sister-in-law oddly went through the same thing this weekend, and the Vet did the exact same thing. A paw print and a cedar box with his ashes. I have never heard of such a thing, and I think it’s wonderful. You’ll forever have a beautiful reminder of a dear friend.
5meleah rebeccah
wrote on 29 January 2008 at 8:23
awwww…
6paintergirl
wrote on 29 January 2008 at 10:33
Yay Blackitty is back from her adventures.
7kellypea
wrote on 29 January 2008 at 13:11
Hi paisley — I agree. I just have to adjust to the idea — chefmom — I hadn’t heard of it either and am quite touched by the whole thing. Sorry to hear about your sister
Thanks, meleah
paintergirl, I can imagine the stories he could tell. And yes, yay, he’s home!
8dawn
wrote on 30 January 2008 at 9:22
I love the paw print… such a nice keepsake to remember Blackitty by :)
9Scott
wrote on 30 January 2008 at 12:49
Having a wonderful vet makes the process much less traumatic. I remember them just being so kind to us, the paw print they gave us was just one example.
We have our Penny and her paw print in our living room. Occasionally one of the other cats will wander over to say hi and we’ll smile. They miss her too. SB
10gina
wrote on 30 January 2008 at 14:38
Hey, Kelly,
The second I saw the photo of Blackitty’s paw print I uttered an audible “oohhh” that I think scared Scott. He asked what was wrong and I told him nothing was exactly wrong, but that he needed to check out your site and see for himself. I know what our Penny’s paw print means to us and seeing your photo reminded of the day Penny came home with hers.
It’s a tangible bit of our Girl whom we miss so much.
11OlgaTTB
wrote on 31 January 2008 at 9:12
I couldn’t leave a post by clicking on the normal link….got here in a round about way…anyhoo….
I’m so sorry about your loss.
We lost Kramer (loyal mutt) on Christmas Day a few years ago…I still miss him…pets hold such a special place in our hearts…they are the truest friends. Bless you and your family KellyPea. {{{HUGS}}}
12kellypea
wrote on 31 January 2008 at 12:09
Hi Dawn — Thanks for dropping by. Yes, I think the mementos are lovely…
Scott & Gina, You guys are so sweet. I always smile when I think of your and your kitties…I think even our dog misses Blackitty. They used to have a sort of quiet battle going on about who “Top Dog” was. It is very nice to have a tangible bit of Blackitty.
Hi Olga — Christmas day? Jeez, that must have been really difficult. How sad. Thanks very much for your thoughts and hugs.
13BeckEye
wrote on 1 February 2008 at 13:32
Aha, I can finally comment!
Sorry to hear about your cat. I remember when my dog died, I cried for what felt like forever. A lot of people don’t understand and like to give you that “they’re just ANIMALS” speech. Yeah, well, so are we. Some of us are just more in tune with other species.
14kellypea
wrote on 1 February 2008 at 13:36
BeckEye, thanks so much for your understanding. I have felt a bit odd about how badly I’ve been smacked down by the whole thing. I’ve lost pets before and it’s been very sad, but this has been quite devastating. Everyone has been quite understanding, which has been very nice.
Hopefully you don’t think I’ve deserted you. I have been watching AI, and am wondering where to begin. Somehow, things seem more humane this year. Just haven’t felt like snarking. Yet… I’ll get back into the swing of things!
15annbb
wrote on 2 February 2008 at 14:19
The minute I saw the heart with the paw print, I knew what it was. We were given a similar heart this past summer for our beloved 11 year old muttley dog, Jordan. She was healthy and then in three short days, she was in kidney and liver failure. We were all with our Jordan when she passed - as you can imagine, it was INCREDIBLY sad. But such a good way for her to be able to leave us. Her ashes are in a tin box and well bury her next spring close to where her buddy, Doofus, is buried.
I know what you’re going through, and I’m sorry you have to. abb