RIP Hector the Cat
Yesterday, everyone in our family received a very, very sad text from my oldest daughter Meghan. She now lives in central California with her amazing husband Brent.
Their youngest cat, Hector, went missing over a week ago.
Meghan found him yesterday and sent all of us the following text message. She was unable to call us on the phone she felt so bad.
It was not the outcome Kathy and I were hoping for.
With Meghan 3,000 miles away, Kathy and I were distressed that we couldn't hold her trying to comfort her and soak up some of her sorrow.
If you've lost a pet, you know they can and do become a member of your family, please comment below and I'll share this page with Meghan and Brent when they feel better.
Thank you so much for any comforting words you can share in their time of deep grief.
Hector is the first pet Meghan has lost.
Tim built custom homes and did ultra-custom remodeling for 20+ years before launching his Ask the Builder media presence. He was selected as one of the Big 50 by Remodeling magazine in 1993. This award gave birth to Ask the Builder in October 1993. Tim also operates https://DrawPlumbingPlans.com. His @askthebuilder YouTube channel was the first home improvement channel on YouTube.
Meghan and Brent...
I'm terribly sorry for the loss of Hector. My wife and I have been where you are more times than I wish to think about, and I know how painful it is to go through the grief of losing a pet that has become a part of the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Meghan and Brent, I am sorry for your loss. May your wonderful memories of Hector help to lessen the sting of his death upon your hearts.
I'm sure you'll received hundreds of "me too" emails. Everyone with their own story of heartbreak. Yes, they ARE family. Our little Contessa captured hearts wherever she went. After the grief will come lovely memories. Sympathies most sincere to Meghan and family.
I am so sorry to hear about Hector. I know how much it hurts to lose a special friend. They wrap their selves around our heart and will stay there forever. When they cross the Rainbow Bridge and find their wings, they take flight and soar high above us. I'm sure Hector is watching from above and smiling as he remembers the love and care you gave him. PIP (purr in peace) Hector... fly high little man. <3
Sincere condolences.
Meghan and Brent -- Am very sorry for your loss. I have lost a number of companion animals over the years -- sometimes to illness, others to old age -- and each time, it has hurt, each a unique pang. I think that it may take the death of a pet to make us really recognize what they bring to us in life -- a sad, but not a bad, thing. I hope that your sadness will ease soon.
Meghan and Brent,
I just buried my friend Shyne two days ago, she was my 8th dog that became a part of my family that I have buried. I had 5 Irish setters and each has a red dogwood for them. I always have two and will go to the pound to get another. We have had cats for over 43 years, they were all like my dogs, never used a kitty litter, they wanted to be like our dogs ... smart, brave and just great friends. The loss hurts, but their lives enrich us to a point that that grief is a small price to pay for all the wonder and love they bring into our lives.
Meghan and Brent,
You are hurting now, I know! Losing such a dearly loved pet is like losing a part of your life! I lost my precious little dog seven years ago and still have times where I break down and cry over the emptiness, even though my life is plenty full with little "grand pups" that my son rescued and lets me love and care for often. Hector will never be replaced but you can turn that love to another pet when you are ready. He was very lucky to have been loved so much by you both, and when you are ready, there will be another pet looking for your love. Praying for you and understanding your hurt! God bless you both!
<3 !!!
Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your beautiful cat.
The Rainbow Bridge has helped us deal with the loss of a pet.
Jim
Dear Meghan and Brent,
I am so sorry for your loss. Only those of us who have lost a beloved pet understand the heartache and the terrible sense of loss and emptiness that press on our hearts so deeply. ! They do become very much part of our family, and our life, no matter how briefly we've had them.
I am still feeling the loss of our beloved little sweet Yorkie, Chewie after two years ! May you both find some measure of comfort in knowing that you are being thought about by so many and that you are not alone in your grief . God bless !
Megan and Brent,
Sorry to hear that you are hurting. These beautiful furry babies of ours really do leave such footprints on our hearts when we lose them but what would our lives be without loving them.
I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs and comfort to y'all.
Dear Meghan and Brent,
So sorry about the loss of Hector!! Pets are family members and are truly missed. My heart goes out to you.
Carol
I pray in time the funny and happy memories will drown out the bitter tears and leave smiles on your faces for the joy Hector brought to your family.
Ohhh. Loosing our pets is so sad and devastating! Please try to think about what a good life the kitty had with you, and take some comfort that you were able to give him that. Time will help. Thank you for sharing your sorrows with us. God bless.
My heart goes out to you Megan and Brent. I know the anguish of losing a family pet and the heartache you feel when they are sent over the rainbow bridge. Especially when they are taken young. May the below offer some peace for you.
.
They say memories are golden
well maybe that is true.
I never wanted memories,
I only wanted you.
A million times I needed you,
a million times I cried.
If love alone could have saved you
you never would have died.
In life I loved you dearly,
In death I love you still.
In my heart you hold a place
no one could ever fill.
If tears could build a stairway
and heartache make a lane,
I'd walk the path to heaven
and bring you back again.
Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again.
–Vicky Holder
Dear folks, I have always thought that the final loving gift we are given by our beloved pets is the ability to mourn for them and all those other things we have suppressed, Weep, grieve, let it out--it helps with so many things that we have not expressed. With loving sympathy----H
As someone who recently lost a beloved family member (Possum the hamster) I can easily share the pain and loss you feel. That's a good thing though. Without the pain of loss how could we feel the joy of attachment? God gives us these little creatures... and I believe they are the closest thing we'll get to perfect, unconditional love on this side of heaven. Love them. Let them love you. Then weep for their passing.
My sympathies are with you and your family,
God bless,
Jim
May the God of all comfort meet you in your distress, turning you to Him and filling the empty places of your hearts.
Having been through this many times before, our hearts reach out to you.
God bless,
Craig
Meghan & Brent,
Sorry to hear of your loss. Pets have a special place in our hearts and lives. They are very dear to us and love us unconditionally, no matter of the days events. They feel our pain and sadness and provide the love only a pet can provide. My prayer is for comfort and guidance during this time of grieving. I as many others have felt this loss also and have grieved and moved on. I now have 3 pet cats and know that while they are here with me I will provide a very good, safe and loving home for them. Blessing to you both.
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss of Hector. My heart goes out to you. The immediate pain of grief will eventually fade, but memories of him will be there forever. Write down some special happy or cute memories you have and keep with pictures of Hector. Some things I have done in the past to help me work through the grief may or may not work for you, or perhaps a different idea will pop into your head: write a poem, choose a special song, make a collage, plant a tree (with or without remains), inscribe a stone marker, get a kitty angel lawn ornament, write a prayer on paper and send it up in a memorial fire, attend the online candle ceremony at petloss.com, light a candle...
I'm so sorry you lost Hector. I know how hard it is having lost family cats and dogs over the years. Sometimes I think we are most human when we lose a pet. Hector and you are in our prayers.
My husband, Tom, joins me in sending our sincere condolences.
Jean Colson
Bradenton Florida with our four cats
Meghan & Brent,
Yes, pets become a much loved part of the family. Sometimes more than spouses or children because they never talk back and are always ready to receive a hug on our terms.
Being very emotional, OK cry-baby, I have shed many tears on the loss of beloved pets and mourned for days after their loss. Eventually you two will only remember the fun antics and affection you received from Hector and not the pain you feel now.
I'm sorry for your loss, I was there about 6 yrs ago, we had a chocolate lab and the only thing that helped was time. We rescued a lab/ shep mix and it has done wonders for my well being to have a new friend. My thoughts are with you at this unpleasant time. Best Regards, Jack
Meaghan & Brent, I echo all above comments - try to dwell on all the happy memories of your pet - and remember how much better our lives are because they shared theirs with us no matter how briefly.
Howard Lee
Dear Meghan and Brent,
Anyone who ever lost a furbaby knows how bad it hurts. Be gentle with yourselves. You gave Hector as good a life as you could, He knows it, and he loves you.
Dear Meghan and Brent.. I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved cat, Hector. Fur babies enrich our lives immeasurably durjng the time we are lucky enough to have them. With time, the pain and grief will diminish, but, with luck, the happy memories will remain.
Meghan and Brent,
I'm so, so very sorry to hear of the loss of your cat Hector. The pain of losing our precious pets is almost too much to take. I recently lost the love of my life, Dozer the Dalmatian. It is still so hard to think about him. I pray that in time you will be able to remember the good times with Hector and not just the pain in losing him.
Dear Meghan and Brent,
So very sorry to hear of your heartache. We had to say "Goodbye" to our 18 year old beloved Chloe two Saturdays ago, and although God's word is mum on the subject, I have to have faith that our little sweetheart is happily running around in a new body, free of care and pain. She slept in my arms every night, and when I sat down- there she was. She was a sapphire, cross-eyed seal point cutie and would have actual conversations with us.
So, I think I might have an idea of the heartache you feel. Hope to meet you and Hector someday where it's never sad and dark ever again.
We are a US Coast Guard family. In 1989 we got orders to Juneau, Alaska. Our black and grey tabby, Rudy, short for Mr. Vonruden rode days in a mini van, nights in motels, a three day ferry ride, and seemed to take it all in stride. Our house in AK. was out in the valley and surrounded by woods; Rudy was enjoying it. With very little traffic on the road, we didn't worry about him being outside. Then tourist season was upon us and Rudy was hit by a tour bus. Our 10 year old son fell to the ground by Rudy and cried. My wife said some older ladies stopped and cried to. When I heard about Rudy's death, I cried too. Our 8 year old daughter wrote a small book about Rudy for a school project. The little book still can bring tears and that was 25 years ago. God does bless us with pets. They are an example of how much He loves us.
Pets are family as well as best friends ... and we are blessed to have had them ... I know the hurt ... like something is squeezing on your heart ... it will get better as time passes...
Sorry for your loss of your pet. I know it's traumatic as I lost my beloved Dobbie and my cat Willow. Now I have a rescue dog from Kentucky and he loves his bourbon! God Bless.
Meghan and Brent,
Sincere condolences to you and yours. I know the pain is unreal now. I've been in my house for five years and have lost 2 dogs and four cats. The pain will subside and you will just remember the love.
Through the years I've owned many different animals, so I know It hurts when you lose a loved pet, and I know you are sad. But remember the fun and love and smiles, and soon become less sad.
So let me tell you a story.
I was claimed by a stray cat that walked into my shop. To make a long story short, I took her home and two weeks later she started acting... lazy. Three days after that I had 6 kittens born under my bed!
I loved it at first, but when it became difficult to keep them all, I ran an ad in Craigslist that read; TAX DEDUCTIBLE KITTENS. When called. I would explain that if a $50 donation is made to any animal shelter, I would give them a kitten. I met the nicest people and I kept 1 kitten that I called Baby.
OK, enough stories. I hope you don't stay sad.
Warm regards,
-Steve
It always hurts to lose a pet, no matter what the cause. I am so sorry you lost your Hectare. I have lost a couple of cats when they were outside so I no longer let them go outside. Since we are talking tragedy of a cat, also beware of leaving dryer doors open, that open door is appealing to a curious cat, especially when they find it cozy and warm. That happened to a friend's cat. Take care. S.Beasley, Newcastle OK
Our pets occupy a space in our lives greater than their physical being. Your heart is filled with grief and the emptiness is HUGE! Praying that time will allow you to smile at the memories.
So sorry for your loss. Having gone through this difficulty several times in my life, I can assure you that the pain does eventually subside. Always remember the wonderful time you spent with Hector and the great life you gave him as part of a loving family. May he rest in peace.
Dear Meghan and Brent,
Those of us that love and work with animals daily understand the feelings of helplessness, sadness and loss when a cherished pet goes missing and then is found as you found Hector. I hope you can feel comfort in remembering that his time with you was filled with love and good times and also in knowing that he will never be completely gone because there is a place in your hearts where your best memories of Hector will always be. Sending caring wishes for healing and peace.
Hi,
Sorry for your loss, wishing you all the strength to get through this!
Take care!
Meghan and Brent,
I was so sorry to hear about your having lost Hector. Pets really are family. When I lost my ancient Greyhound, my vet's office made a donation in her memory to the Arbor Day Foundation, to plant a tree in Tahoe National Forest. You might find doing something like that helps you. I am sending you a quotation that was posted on another list I hang out on:
"The powerful sadness will only go away with time.
It's hard to believe how powerful it is, in fact. The death of a pet can't
equate to the death of a loved human being, can it? It shouldn't. But it
does. The only way not to feel such intense sadness is to never feel
intense love. And that is certainly no way to live." --Peter King
I echo the others in sending my sincere condolences. I grieved for my cat Sammy for 8 years. I am 66 years old and have loved and lost many pets. Having a nice photo of Hector to talk to can be helpful until you are ready to find a new fur baby. He was lucky to have been loved by you even for a short while.
Dear Meghan and Brent,
I am so sorry to hear about Hector. Our Siberian Husky Duchess went lost but we were lucky and someone found her for us. It was a very sad time until she was back home.
Meghan and Brent --- Sorry, to hear that Hector crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. I too, have lost many, many dogs and cats in my lifetime and each and everyone hurt, when they were gone. I do have a lot of wonderful memories of each of them. I now, get my new furbabies, from shelters and rescue places, especially, the senior dogs and cats. They need furever homes, just like the young ones do. May both of your hearts been in peace, knowing that Hector is in a better place, now.
So sorry Megan and Brent on your loss of Hector....remember the good times you had together....Mona
We're so sorry for your loss. Our furry friends are truly family members. May time ease your pain and sadness. All the best. Judy
God Bless you on your loss of Hector; I still grieve for two cats I lost to cancer July 4th and November 18th in just the past year. Judging from your father's posts, I sense you must be a generous, loving family and know this will leave a scar on your heart. Know that time will ease the pain, memories make you stronger and a new kitty to love when you are ready will keep the circle of life in motion...my heart goes out to you all!
I'm sorry to take so long in reading your emails. I am recovering from surgery, I have lost a pet as well as my sons pets. It is very sad as they do become a part of the family.
Sorry for the loss of your furry friend. I can relate and wish you all the time for peace and healing.