Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day 2024 Blog Hop by Zee & Zoey and Purr Prints of the Heart
Our precious Zee.
When we lost Zee on March 18, 2022, our once eight-cat household, now seven, has never been the same. He was such a large part of our lives, and honestly, to this day, it seems surreal and impossible that he’s gone. I grieve him and all the other many pets I’ve had to say goodbye to over the years, not just on Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day, but every day. But today, I don’t dwell on the loss. Instead, I humbly count my blessings, living in the past, present, and future of life.
We have a very decidedly senior feline contingency in our home now, and recent months have shifted mentally and physically for me as I try to keep everyone in check. This makes a day like Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day more meaningful, as I know how fleeting my time left with them could be. I’m at that point now of daily doses of medications for some of my cats, shifts in diets, numerous vet visits, and the simple fact that, if I thought I spoiled them before, it’s gone up a-thousand-fold. My biggest battle is getting them to eat, and I’ve thrown sensibility to the wind. I’m grateful if they eat something, regardless of what it is.
I still feed them three small meals a day, but if they are standing next to the cupboard staring and wanting food, I will give them something to nibble on. I want them to be happy, and for those I am indulging in, it is not a concern of obesity but the complete opposite. I’ve stocked the cupboard with an assortment of foods to entice their appetites and keep their palettes tempted, and if something is a “winner,” I’ll stick with it, buying more until they determine they don’t like it anymore.
And my comfort. Forget about it. In the evening, when I’m watching TV, and it’s time for bed if any of them are snuggled into my body, I’m not going to disturb them to go to bed. Instead, I stay on the couch and spend the night there. How can I get up when a tiny, precious being is purring next to me?
As far as the future is concerned, that one is a bit more complicated. When we say goodbye to a pet, it is often so unbearable that we can’t fathom ever bringing another animal into our home or hearts again. But usually, we do. There is never a timeline for when it’s right; the heart just knows. I also believe that when a pet becomes an angel, it gives another animal a chance at a loving, forever home if the person is up for it.
Take care everyone. My heart is with you for all who have loved and lost a pet.
xoxox
Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day is a special day dedicated to honoring the memories of those beloved pets in our lives we have loved and lost but never forgotten. Whether a pet with fur, fin, feathers, scales, or something else – one pet or many – this day was created for you to honor that pet in any way that feels most comfortable to you. Post a picture, write a poem, share a favorite memory, host a memorial event, upload a video, or write a special blog post and share the link.
ABOUT RAINBOW BRIDGE REMEMBRANCE DAY:
Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day was founded in 2015 by Deborah Barnes, award-winning author and blogger of Zee & Zoey’s Cat Chronicles, in tribute to her Ragdoll cat, Mr. Jazz, whom she had to say goodbyes to on August 28, 2013. She shared the journey of letting him go in her critically acclaimed book, Purr Prints of – A Cat’s Tale of Life, Death, and Beyond, and decided to create the day in his honor as a way for others across the world to share memories of their pets they had loved and lost.
Logo designed by Deborah Barnes
Thank you, Deb. This is an important, and always very special and touching event, one to be shared by all of us. For we have all experienced the loss of our beloved pets, we all know the pain and we all hold their memories of the time together deep within our hearts. They fill our lives with so much love, they give so much more than they take and we are blessed to have them with us ~ though it is never long enough. Again, thank you. Ann and June, and my own Angels ~ Maggy and Zoey.
Thank you, Ann, June, and Angels Maggy and Zoey. We know this day is special to you, as you are so kind throughout the year, creating and sharing tributes of all those that get their angel wings. Purrs and love – Deb
we send posititve thoughts and power of the paw to all who remember a wonderful friend today…it is very hard to walk our way alone , we still can not even post about it…
Easyrider, yes, the walk can be very difficult and my heart is with you. You are with a community that loves, cares, supports, and understands what you are going through. xoxo
I just lost Garfield. He didn’t quite make it to his 16th Birthday. Sure miss him.
I’m so sorry, Sue. Garfield was a wonderful companion and sure will be missed.
oh my goodness you have lost so many, the collage is gorgeous. My heart goes out to you……thank you for creating this most special day. Sorry my post is a re-run from previous years, but I like it……so…….there you go. Sending much love!
Thanks, Caren. I have definitely opened my heart and home to nearly an endless number of pets over the years, all of them special in their own way. Please don’t apologize on your post. As always, no rules for this day! Love you!
I had my girl for nine years,until she got sick..she ‘told’ me she needed to go to vet,I know nobody would understand that,but we know when our babies talk to us…I took her to the vet and they said it would be better to let her go,and they put her to sleep…This was June7/2019. The pain in my heart was so bad,and still 5 years later,there’s still a hole there…Three years ago I made a decision to give 3 fur babies a home from the shelter..They really have helped me heal,and I know my girl is happily watching me..
Marilyn, they truly do tell us when it’s time, and hard as it is, the best gift we can give them is to let them go when it’s time. I’m grateful for the memories you have of your sweet girl, and how wonderful you have given 3 fur babies a forever home.
Such a wonderful tribute and memorial to so many loves and thanks for such a special day to remember.
Thank you, Brian’s Home. Much love to you on this special day.
We never forget those that we have lost. Today I remember my special furbabies…Bogart, Scooter, Wally, Zoey and my newest angel Ernie. I still miss them so much. Each have left their pawprints on my heart.
Thank you for stopping by, Island Cats. Much love to your angels Bogart, Scooter, Wally, Zoey, and Ernie.
Sending you hugs as you remember your beloved Zee today. I wasn’t able to get a post together today although I wanted to participate and celebrate my girls’ memories. Thank you for this day.
I completely understand, Dawn. Your girls were so very cherished and loved by all.
Tender thoughts as you remember all the special pets from your life. We think about our angels every day but make a special point for remembrance today. ❤️🩹
Thank you for stopping by today, Tails Around the Ranch. Loving thoughts of all your angels.
Beautiful tribute.
Thank you, Florida Furkids.
This is a beautiful and touching tribute! The veterinary surgeon and author James Alfred Wight, better known to most by the pen name of James Herriot, wrote : “The bond between a pet and a human is a sacred one, and when a pet is gone, a part of us goes with them.” Since this annual occasion was last observed in 2023 there have been more losses for many of us. You may recall that I told you then about my Grandson’s response and request. I realize that you have a very busy life, as you quite clearly describe in this post, and have not had time to spare for addressing that request. Benjamin is quite tall (though slender) for a 10 year old, so I took a chance and purchased the adult Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day t-shirt in the smallest available size. Not a perfect fit but Benjamin is delighted because the t-shirt matches his Auntie’s and myself! Thank-YOU! P.S. This post will be saved for Benjamin’s next visit.
Hi Ellen. My sincere apologies. I absolutely remembered your Grandson’s request and truly thought I had added both men and children’s sizes for that particular t-shirt. But darn it, it looks like I did not. I will do that today for sure. James Herriot was one of my favorites – thank you for sharing his quote and I’m so sorry for your recent losses. xoxox
Thank you Anne for this wonderful tribute to all our babies that have crossed over the Rainbow Bridge
You are very welcome, Ruth.
Deb this was a beautiful post – and while we all know the pain of losing a pet, we also share the joy we have when we share our lives with one (or more!). Loss is inevitable as we all know but the time we have with them is NEVER forgotten. Having a special day for us to look back and enjoy those times all over again is a blessing. Thanks for giving us all a place to share our thoughts and feelings in a forum where we KNOW we share love and understanding – two things we need more of these days.
Hugs, Pam (and Teddy too)
Thank you for your kind words, Pam and Teddy. We are grateful to have a place that can bring love and understanding to the world, even if some of it is sad. We might not always agree with everything around us, but the love we have for our pets is universal.
We love Rainbow Bridge Memorial Day and it is particularly poignant this year when Cinnamon made the trip on August 10th. We knew that she would leave us this year, but she left us earlier than anticipated. She had health issues that paused our blogging last summer and I was not planning on bringing another dog into our fur family, but Cinnamon “adopted” the puppy I was training for an elderly neighbor and when he realized a puppy was too much for him to handle, he asked if I could take her. Nutmeg’s exuberance and loving nature has been just what we all needed, so the passing was bittersweet.
Thanks for your blog and your sharing and your words. You have created a wonderful sharing place.
Keep being awesome! Barb at Cats-astrophic Events.
Thank you, Mary. It can be a difficult day, but it is also exactly what you expressed – a wonderful and safe place for us to share memories surrounded by those that understand. How beautiful to have the joy and exuberance Nutmeg brings you as a living memory of her place in Cinnamon’s heart.
What a lovely remembrance picture and post for your pets, Deb. I have lost so many and I understand how difficult it is to lose them. I haven’t been able to make blog posts for them this year, except for an IG post about our most recent loss, a feral we’d been feeding for many years, Uncle Jack. Will be posting on fb about him, and our most recent loss before him, Ultraviolet, with an old post.
Thank you, Leah. You have a big heart and a kind soul. Thank you for taking care of the ferals, too. All animals deserve love and compassion.
In my family, cats have always been FAMILY, never “pets,” and when I was born, our beloved cat was 3. We had many incredibly wonderful years together. Since then, and up through the present, there have been many transitions of feline, human and other loved ones. August is always a very somber time for me as several of my loved ones including my mom have left this earthly life during this month. My strong spirituality bring comfort as I know that the soul is eternal, and that we will be reunited in due time. For now, I know my loved ones are up there watchin’ and that they will be there when I go up to join them.
Love goes on and on. It never stops. We can all be assured of that.
Jmuhj, yes, our pets assuredly are family. Each one stays deeply etched in our hearts and I’m glad your strong spiritually is able to bring you peace and comfort when they transition on. Hugs to you, remembering your mom, too.
Deb thank you so very much for hosting this most important day….
Our pets are FAMILY and those who disagree …will I FEEL very sad for their lost opportunities to be love unconditionally by furry friends.
Hugs Cecilia
Thank you, Cecilia. Gratefully, the majority of the circle we travel in, very much considers our pets, family.
Thank you! This is a very special day for remembering our pets who are no longer with us. We have lost several kitties over the years including two precious kittens to FIP. We are currently battling FIP again but this time we have the new FIP medicine to use! FIP no longer has to be the automatic goodbye that it has been all these years! Unfortunately, I have discovered that many veterinarian clinics (and therefore pet parents) are unaware that the new FIP medicine, GS-441524, is available for private purchase in the USA since June 2024. Please let everyone know this kitty-life-saving medicine is now available!
Thank you for sharing your story, Clowder of Cats Sanctuary. That is very good news regarding the FIP medicine and I hope it works well with your precious kittens. I will share the news.
Beautiful post. Thank you for letting us share in this special day. It is always a sad one, but seeing all the love-filled posts warms the heart. Thank you for sponsoring the event and for the lovely badge.
Woos – Misty and Timber
Woos – it can be sad, but I am always humbled as the day progresses with the outpouring of love and compassion that I see from everyone. It truly is beautiful.
So many beautiful angels. Be sure to get some ear gel, Miritaz to help with appetite. Thank yoyu for coming up with this special way to remember our angels. XO
Thank you, Ellen. Love and purrs to you. And thanks regarding the ear cream. It’s something I use under veterinarian recommendation for Zoey and it does help.