We’ve had a sad start to our New Year.
On the morning of New Year’s Day we lost a member of team Planet Penny. Dear old Henry, our much loved pussy cat, finally succumbed to old age and ill health and I had to make the heartbreaking decision for him to be put to sleep.
He came into our lives as a feisty little kitten who was rescued from the traffic on a busy street.
Underweight, flea ridden with worms, mites and whatever else could infest his little body, he responded to the vets treatment and instantly worked his way into the hearts of all the family.
He grew into a big handsome chap, afraid of very little, very much the boss in his own domain.
Over the last year or so it’s been sad to watch him slowly become a shadow of his former self but he never lost his feistiness and determination. He became the archetypal ‘Grumpy Old Man’!
He made it to his 19th year, pretty amazing given his rough start.
You know the day you welcome a little fluffy bundle into your home and heart the day will come when you have to say goodbye, but knowing doesn’t make it any easier. But we are comforted by the fact that we gave him a life he would never had had if someone hadn’t picked him up from the gutter eighteen and a half years ago, and he gave us so much love and affection in return.
Thank you for all the New Year wishes which in other circumstances would have been answered by now, I’m sure you’ll understand.
I’ll be back, very soon…x
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Our best wishes Penny, any pet lover will acknowledge your feelings at this sad time, they really become part of the family and as such are very much missed. Always a hard decision, but the kindest one.
So sad to hear. always a hard decision. You gave Henry a lovely home and he will be missed. Xxxxx
So sad when you have to make that hard decision Penny, even harder at the start of a new year. Love to you and your family xxx
Ahhhhh, Penny, I wholeheartedly empathise. We had to make the same difficult decision on the day after Boxing Day for our beloved cat Trouble. Unfortunately he was younger, only 13, but he was very ill and it had been difficult to watch him go down hill so quickly. Like feisty Henry he still had a purr for us despite being very ill.
Oh Penny my heart goes out to you and your family, we had to make the same decision with our beloved cat a few years ago (he was 19 too) and even now not a day goes by without us remembering him and his antics. Such a sad time and anyone who says “well it’s only a cat” has no heart! They are part of our families and we grieve them. X
Dearest Penny
I am so very sorry for you all, what a loss after 19 years of his presence. He must of had a wonderful life with you to have had such a long and happy life. Send love and hugs xxx
Oh I’m so sorry for your loss. We have 6 cats who are very much loved and I dread the day when something happens to one of them. But how wonderful that you were able to give Henry a good and a happy life. May the happy memories be a comfort to you. Writing with tears in my eyes, Susan x
Pets become family members and when they’re gone they leave a big hole in their place. When we have lost a cat we all grieve because we loved them and we miss them, there are little memories all over the house and it is hard and upsetting and the house doesn’t feel right with out them. I’m so sorry to hear you have lost your lovely Henry but be comforted by the long happy life you gave him and be gentle with yourself. Love Debby.xx
I am so sorry your fur baby has gone over to rainbow bridge.I know how hard it is . I do hope you fair well soon. I have lost 2 cats within a year and I hurts so bad. My love tells me I hurt more than they do. I just want them to know my love before they leave.:)
I’m sorry – it’s heartbreaking when a cat dies, even when you know they’ve had a long and happy life with you. It’s a real testament to you that he did so well after such a rough start though!
So sorry to hear. My mum’s cat died last of old age too and she is greatly missed. I prefer not to think about having to say goodbye to my own pretty kitty. Henry looks like a character, like he was his own boss. Very sad way to start the year.
sad news indeed.but be comforted by the thought that you have 19 years of lovely memories of henry. my heart goes out to you and your family. xx
RIP old Henri…!!!! bon courrage !!
So sorry to hear…I will miss Henry, too.
Can totally sympathise with your sad loss. We’ve been through it and it’s heart breaking. The only words of comfort I can offer is that we were all the richer for having had them and there are tons of happy memories to think back upon. Take your time – it gets easier eventually x
It’s never and easy decision, remember the good times and the good life you gave him.
Alison
It’s an awful pain you’re feeling, I know, one of life’s hardest things is losing an animal family member. Henry did live a long life and happy one too, thanks to you!
I’m so very sorry. Pets make our days brighter, but there comes that day when they break our hearts. Hugs…
What a horrid start to the year for you Penny. Henry was obviously much loved and had a happy life with you. Sending love and hugs.
Dear Penny, I’m so sorry to hear this. He had a good and long life but for you it is so difficult after having him in your family so many years. That was a sad beginning for this year – I do hope it continues better. Hugs to you and Higgins. x Teje
Oh Penny….. hugs to you all from another who knows and remembers. I keep the fun times
still in my head as have known quite a few furry friends during my life ??
Ditto what everyone else has said Penny but dear old Henry had a long, lovely life, thanks to you and your family…we love them dearly and that’s why it’s so hard to see them go…
What a heartfelt and loving tribute to a much loved family member. We lost our beloved 18year old British shorthair Chumley last year. I empathise and sympathise with your lose. Penny from down under xo
What a fabulous long life he had with you – he must have been a very happy cat, never easy when they go, however old or poorly, almost exactly a year ago since I had to make the same decision with our old girl and it was heartbreaking even when I knew it was absolutely the right thing for her. Think of him chasing mice in wherever happy cats go… x
Ohh that is sad, I’m sorry. Cats take a big place in a home I know….we had two rescued kittens fourteen years ago, and one of them suddenly died a year ago, we all still miss her, and I’m sure our other cat still calls her sometimes.x
So sad to hear this news Penny. Sending virtual hugs, m’dear.
{{hugs}} My heart aches for your loss Penny.
Jocelyn x
I’m so sorry for your loss, dear Penny. Wishing you strength in these sad days, may the sun shine again soon for you all.
Hugs, Nata
We’re so sorry, Penny. Rest in peace little friend. Big hugs to you!
What a very handsome chap indeed, and with a definite gleam of confidence in his eye. I’m so sorry to hear that his place by the hearth is now empty. Higgins will miss him too, I’m sure. Bless you for the love you gave him all those years – it was not spent in vain.
I’m so sorry to hear about Henry. I know how terribly sad it feels. What a lucky, lucky boy he was, to have found you! Every best wish for the New year, Jen
Oh Penny, so sad to hear of Henry’s passing. What a long and happy life he had, and I expect he even liked Higgins in his own way. Such a venerable cat will be much missed I’m sure.
Sending a big hug from my corner of Suffolk xx
My heart fills with sadness with your lose, but it is soon filled with the joy of knowing Henry will be at peace and no longer in any pain. The angels will put him on a cloud pillow with his own wee bowl and he will live on in your memory and always be there to bring a smile to your heart
{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}} Lizmay aka Pauline