Thursday, July 24, 2014

In Loving Memory of Bagheera


Bagheera
March 29, 1995 to July 23, 2014

It is with a  heavy heart we share the news that Bagheera died peacefully in his sleep while we were at work yesterday. He was 19.

Bagheera was our first pet, named for the panther in the Jungle Book, my favourite Disney movie. He was a slight terror as a kitten, climbing the curtains, opening the freezer to steal bread, and there was the time he ate a magnet and nearly died. His favourite game in his young years was stick. We had a round dining room table and we would run the stick around the edge of the table in circles until he would get so dizzy he would fall over. His worst habit was the nose bite. If he loved you he would bite your nose, and he would often do it in a sneaky way so you couldn't block him, like when you were sleeping. He had the loudest purr I have ever heard. He once caught a mouse in our house and was upset I wasn't thrilled with the present.

During his middle years, he was not a happy cat. He disliked our little dogs who chased him. However,  he had been very happy the past few years, especially since the move to the country. He spent many an hour lounging in a favourite chair in the sun. He loved the time we allowed him to spend outside. While he was getting old and slowing down, we had no indication that it was his time, but are grateful he went peacefully in one of his favourite sleeping places. May we all be as lucky to end rich lives full of love so peacefully.



Dear Bagheera,

We didn't have a chance to formally say goodbye. Thank you for being such a great, if not moody and bossy, pack member for 19 years. You will always be remembered, and not just because we all have scars from your claws, but because you were such a character. Cranky one moment, happy the next, always letting us know that it was your house and you could decide at any moment to kill us in our sleep. Thanks for keeping us all in line.

We will miss you.

Your loyal subjects



41 comments:

  1. So sad...but Baggy knew it was his time to go and he left. Hugs to you....

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  2. He had the most wonderful life and you certainly did everything right for him - his age shows that. He left under his own terms and even though it is heartbreaking to come and find that it is so much better then his last days being at the vets hooked to drips and such. Let his memories warm your hurting heart - big hugs.

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  3. OH so very sorry!! RIP Baggy!!!!
    We lost our OLD cat of 2 2 years old in 2012

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  4. WE are so sorry for your loss. Baggy had a long and LOVE FILLED Life. He has left you with MANY wonderful Memories to Treasure.
    Run Free and Fast through fields full of Cat Nip, Baggy. Til we meet again.

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  5. We are so very sad to read your news this morning. Run free at the Bridge Baggy!

    Sending love and hugs to all of your family.

    Lily Belle & Muffin

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  6. We are so sorry to read about Baggy. We are so sad for you. 19 years is a good age and we know you'll have many happy memories to cherish. We send gentle hugs and much love. RIP sweet one.
    Best wishes Molly

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  7. So sorry to hear about your kitty cat. We will keep you in our thoughts.

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  8. Wow 19 years of wonderful memories, what a good life he had with you, and you had with him. You cannot ask for better can you. Hugs from all of us here in Iowa. Don't worry about not getting to say goodbye, he always knew how you felt about him in his heart because you showed him each and every day.
    Stella Rose's Momma

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  9. So sorry dat you lost Bagheera. It sounds like he lead a wonderfully long and fulfilling life. You are in my thoughts.
    Wags,
    Ranger

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  10. So sorry. Run free sweet pea
    Snorts,
    Lily & Edward

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  11. It's not easy for me to find the best words ... I can only share my tears with you. I think Bagheera would like the way we all say good bye now to a wonderful panther-kitty.

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  12. we are so very sorry...but what a wonderful life.... purrs

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  13. We are sorry for your sad hearts but it was a life well lived.

    Your pals,

    Murphy and Stanley

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  14. Goodbye Bagheera, what a wonderful long life you had. A blessing that you left peacefully in a place you loved. You were much loved by your family and you will live on in their hearts forever
    lots of love and hugs
    Mr Bailey, Hazel, Greta & Mom

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  15. Soft wooooos from the pack here,

    RA, Isis & Nanük

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  16. Well, there I go bawling my eyes out. What a thoughtful goodbye to a cat's cat.

    Thanks for sharing. Love and purrs and headbonks and warm thoughts heading your way.

    --Wags (and purrs) from Life with Dogs and Cats

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  17. Reading about your Bagheera brings back sad memories from my cat friend dying, who was around the same age too. I'm so sorry for you all, and hope you're okay after this, because I know how upsetting it is. I'm glad Bagheera had a happy last few years, and that he's now over the bridge, having a great time.
    Pippa

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  18. I'm so sorry for your loss. I can relate; as you know, Nico had to be put down due to HCM 1 week ago. I miss him--he was only 5 years old (Ragdolls live from 12-21 years). Please know that you gave your beautiful boy 19 wonderful years with him, and that he died peacefully. (((Hugs)))

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  19. Oh my too many pets leaving and crossing the bridge lately. I am so deeply, deeply sorry about Baggy. 19 years old, what a long and beautiful life. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Much love, Caren, Cody and Dakota

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  20. :( I am so so sorry for your loss. I got all teary eyed reading your note to Baggy at the end of your post. I know he lived a very full rich long life with you, and I am glad he lived to be a nice healthy age. Still hard though, I know. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
    ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

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  21. I'm so very sorry for your loss, it sounds like you have some great memories together.

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  22. losing a loved one is harder when it is sudden, thankful he went peacefully in his favourite chair. RIP Bagheera ...

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  23. Aw I'm so sad to hear about Baggy :( So sorry for your loss. He does sound like he was quite the character, a pleasure to have around for so long I'm sure.

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  24. Oh my heart is heavy with the news of your loss of beautiful Bagheera.....I know Baggy had a super life and for him to have left on his own terms - in his sleep - well, that's the way we all want to go. We send purrs for a happy trip to the Bridge......and hopes that one day we shall meet there and play together in the sun.

    Hugs, Sammy (and his Mom)

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  25. I'm so sorry. He was really beautiful and so lucky to have had you.

    Love and hugs,

    Monty and Harlow

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  26. Oh, We are sure Bagheera was in a good spot,and knew he was loved after that letter from Phod, bet he loved him also, but he is still watching over you from the Bridge, we will see him there one day, and nose biting will begin again!

    The Mad Scots

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  27. Ojo here, very sad to hear about your pack member Bagheera. He sounds like a very wise Cat. We know he will be missed. Many licks to everyone in your family!

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  28. We're so sorry to hear about Bagheera's passing. He was lucky to have owned you all for so many years.

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  29. Such a beautiful tribute! I am so sorry for your loss, my friend! RIP, sweet Bagheera!

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  30. Oh, no furiends! I am so sad to read about Baggy. I know he was a bright light in your lives and you will miss him so much. Sending warm hugs to all of you.
    Grr and a Sorrowful Woof,
    Sarge, Furiend

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  31. Bagheera was lucky to have a long and happy life as part of your family.
    Love the post and pictures, such a great tribute.

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  32. So sad to lose a family member. But to go peacefully is for the best. Hugs to you all.

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  33. I am so sorry to read about the loss of your beloved Bagheera. What a beautiful tribute to him. His good long life is a tribute to your great care and devotion -- And as hard as Bagheera's passing has been, how wonderful for him to leave as he did, with those he loved nearby and in his own bed. I hope you find comfort in both your memories and peace in knowing you will see him again. God speed to your most special boy.

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  34. So sorry for your loss, you were so blessed to have Baggy in your life for so long. Sending you gentle nose nudges.

    Aroo to you,
    Sully

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  35. We are sending Lhasa hugs your way and are glad you got to enjoy Bagheera during her long and mischevious life!

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  36. Thank you so much for sharing Bagheera's life story with all of us. To have a pack member that long is amazing! We know this has to be a difficult time for all of you and know we are sending {{{hugs}}} your way!
    oxox
    Daisy

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  37. We are so sorry about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Sounds like he had a great life.
    Wags
    Jazzi

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  38. Sending you all a massive hug, I am sorry to hear about your loss but what a stunning tribute!

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  39. I'm so sorry for your loss (I'm just catching up today). He had a good long life and even though you didn't get to say goodbye at least he passed peacefully at home, which I'm sure is what he would have wanted.

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