Sunday, August 25, 2013

Saying good-bye to our friend Dr Tweety

Dr T in the garden in June 2013
Dear friends (or as Dr T would say, "frendzez"),

The good doctor rallied a bit this year when we started him on thyroid medications, and even began to gain some weight back on his terribly thin frame.

He ate with gusto and loved to sit in his garden both night and day, in a favorite chair.

We had hopes that this was a reprieve from the polyps and hyper-thyroidism, but over the last few weeks, something began to happen. Tweet started to lose more weight and become disoriented. He would howl and pace anxiously. Nothing seemed to appease him.

Over the last several days, he has weakened. His body isn't strong enough to rally again, and he is tottering on his legs. You could say that his "floof" is truly gone and with it, his spirit to fight. He is exhausted.

These end-of-life decisions are so painful to make, but our kitties trust us implicitly to make them as they cannot. I think of all those who came before who will be waiting for Tweet at the Rainbow Bridge, and I am blown away by the number of cats that wait for him. His friends Momo, Bounce, Tigger, Princess, Abby, Eric, Miss Peach, Pixie, Seaborne, Opus, Parker, Cotton, Jake, Crystal, Luxor, and Fat Eric, will be there with trays of catnip and tuna puffs, and the line up of cats stretches all the way to the heavens.

This is where I found the Dr. 12 years ago.
Dr Tweety has been with us for 12 years. I have no idea how old he really is; he could be a very advanced senior cat. When I first rescued him in Washington State, he had been abandoned on a porch in a deserted house and was a full grown adult. He liked to sleep in an old rusted tin wash tub near my back door. He and Maxie never got along in all the years that I had them together, but Tweet became a very important part of the cat family just the same.

He loved kittens and he loved tuna juice. He loved full moons and sitting by my side near a fire pit in the garden. He loved taking a sip of a martini or a beer now and then, before you could catch him sneaking the sip! He loved roasted chicken and ham. He talked quite a bit once you got him chattering and was grumpy and stubborn.

When I first started the blog, Dr T had a curmudgeon personality, but he really was a bit more loving too, and I think that came to the surface as I tried my best to channel his voice. At some point, I think the archives of his blog will be a comfort to us. His "dadee" loved the blog so much. He calls Dr T a "folk hero," and I think for awhile, he was.

We will take Dr T in soon. We may have the vet come here, as we did for Auntie Stinkie. We haven't made the decision for the exact time and day, but please know that we will be brave, and let him go.

Dr Tweety, we love you.
Thank you for all your loyalty, for remembering gotcha days and the dadee's birthday, for loving us and being such loyal dear souls. We love you too. Our dear friend Jan still emails us reports from the CB, and we do get Anne's messages from Zoolatry as well... so in one way or another, we will find a way to check in once in awhile. And, "Da Mini," of the House of the Mostly Black Cats will be here to hold paws with her boy as he passes from this realm into the next.

From our "folk hero" to you all, thank you for being such sweet frendzez. We will never forget any of you.



62 comments:

6 cats from Singapore said...

Dr Tweety we miss you


Joanne
Jane
Jill
Johnny
Jay boy jasmine
Capu
Danny boy from Singapore

Jans Funny Farm said...

We are heart-broken at this news and we know it is harder for you, his family. We have missed Dr Tweety and the Fab 5 blogging. But we know life is full of changes. Dr. T will be joining Skeezix, Abby of Manx Mnews and so many more. We love you, Dr. T. Go in peace. You will be remembered.

JB's Big and Small Worlds said...

Purrs to you and Dr Tweety. xoxox

Alastriona, The Cats and Dogs said...

Oh Dr. Tweety, we are so very sadz to read this. All our love and comforting purrs of sympathy for your family. We knows you are going to leave a HUGE hole in their hearts. ~Socks, Scylla, Fenris & Tuiren

Angel Junior, Orion and Sammy said...

Oh goodness, we is going to miss this big lump o' fur an fun. We know Junior will greet him as he crosses. Sending many purrs and lots of hugs and gentle headbutts for your breaking hearts.

Parker said...

(((hugs))) We know how hard times like these are. You are in our prayers.

Zippy, Sadie, Speedy and M'Gee said...

Godspeed Dr T. We've let Punkin know you'll be coming so she'll be ready to greet you. There'll be a room at the Cabin at Rainbow Bridge fitted to your specifications and lots of friends to spend your time with. We'll miss you, but, we'll see you someday when we travel the path to the Bridge.

Forty Paws said...

It is so hard to let them go. But he will gain a ton of weight across The Bridge, and will have many friends to play with while waiting for you to cross over. Many hugs during this difficult time.

Luf, Us and Maw

The Island Cats said...

We are so sorry. We know how hard it is to let a furbaby go. We send you comforting purrs and headbutts.

Dr. Tweety...we hope your journey to the Bridge will be peaceful. We will never forget you. ♥

Fuzzy Tales said...

We're sending purrs and purrayers to you all, as Dr Tweety gets ready to take the next step on his Journey. We ask for a peaceful, merciful, gentle and quick transition, and wish him godspeed.

Blessings.

meowmeowmans said...

We are so sorry that the time has come for Dr. Tweety to go to the Bridge. THANK YOU for loving him so much, and for being courageous enough to make the most difficult but loving decision to help him fly free.

Dr. Tweety, we love you, and will never, ever forget you. There will be so many beloved friends waiting for you at the Bridge. You can play with them until we all see you again one day.

Purrs, hugs and prayers to you all.

Gemini and Ichiro said...

Oh our thoughts to you and Dr. Tweety.

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

It is still so fresh for us here in the ManxMnews household as we just lost Abby our beloved sassy manx and muse on August 12,2013. To say we understand you feeling, we do, we truly do. There is no easy path to letting them go. I am only in the beginning phase of transition with my loss of Abby, but I can tell you with great certainty there will be a big sized hole in your lives and heart. I was just looking over some photos of Abby today and I came across the Secret Santa ones from where Dr Tweety sent Abby a gift many years ago. I am just so sorry for your loss and I want you to know if you ever would like to email me, please do (manxmnewsATgmailDOTcom). I understand to you may not wish to but the door is open anytime now or in the future. One day all of our hearts will heal and we will be left with beautiful memories of love and devotion that will hold us until we can reunite with our beloveds.
Thinking of you and praying for you.

xoxoxox

The Florida Furkids said...

We're so sorry that Dr Tweety is leaving for the Bridge. We're sending soft, healing prayers to you at this very sad time.

The Florida Furkids

Max said...

Aw, man, Dr. T...I'm sorry you're feeling poorly and that your family is hurting. I'm glad, though, you have such an awesome crew waiting for you at the Bridge...dood, you guys will party so hard, I'm pretty sure we'll hear it down here.

::headbumps:: my man...see you on the flipside.

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

I am sorry that it is time for you to go to the Bridge Dr Tweety. I also know though that you will be fit and healthy again. It is your family who will be heartbroken when you leave and I send them my purrs and mum sends hugs.
Eric and so many of our friends will all be there to welcome you.
I wish you a gentle and peaceful journey.

Angel MoMo and Charlotte said...

Dear Dr T, we know you will be missed by your family and many furriends. The time comes for all of us. We hope you will have a peaceful passing and your furriends from over the Bridge will be welcoming you with open paws and basketfuls of nips, bowls of martin, and tuna juice.

Purrs and hugs to you and your family.

Mr. Hendrix said...

Oh dear. we are so very sorry to hear about Dr. Tweety. It is never easy to make these choices, but you're right, Dr. Tweety knew you'd put his needs first. He took all your love and happy memories with him to wait at the Bridge for you.

Please know our purrs and prayers are with you all. (((hugs)))

A few Good Cats said...

We're keeping good thoughts for you and your beloved Dr Tweety.

Sweet Purrfections said...

Oh no. We thought Dr. Tweety was doing so much better and are very saddened to hear that it's time for him to go to the Bridge. We're sure Sweet Praline will meet him there and show him around.

We're purring for you as you make this decision to help Dr. Tweety cross.

KEY WEST COLLIES said...

We read about you on Jan's Funny Farm. We know the feeling and want you to know you are not alone.

Essex, Sherman & Dog Dad

MISS PEACH ~(^.^)~ said...

DEAREST Frurrrriends...as the years ticker on by, it would seen that our blogging families come together for more goodbyes than hellos. Please know how sad and sorry we are that this is the case once again. Our beloved Dr Tweety has been a fun and loyal dear furrrriend for years to us all. As you have said...he will be welcomed by the icons of the CB as he steps onto the heavenly clouds above. Abby and the great Skeezix...so many of our cats have paved the way. Until the day comes when we are all reunited, our sad hearts must carry on and on. It is hard to do...even after years have passed by, it is still hard to remember without tears reminding us of the great love and companionship we miss so much.
Please know that we care so much and will never forget your treasured visits to the cozy cottage...we will always try to stay here...
Love Karla

Fr. Tom Fish said...

We didn't know Dr. Tweety that well, but we share in the sadness of your loss, having lost our own Tom to the Bridge just a short while ago.

A very nice tribute to a beautiful kitty. We're so sorry to hear the news.

Mom Julie, Tinker, Anastasia and Angel Tom

Pip said...

Say hello to our Squashies for us, Dr. Tweety. We will never forget how wonderful you were to us. We love you too.
So lucky you were to have found such a loving family, all those years ago. You lived magnificently, like a cat of such grandier should.
You will meet in the next, until then, our prayers and comforting purrs are with you family.

Everycat said...

Oh Lordy! We are so sda to read this post, the last we read was that things were taking an upswing for the good Dr Tweety.

We know how hard this is for you all, but you are doing the kindest thing for him and his last moments will be surrounded by love.

Sending you all love and many rumbly purrs

Fly free Dr Tweety, there's a hoarde of friends awaiting you at The Bridge

Gerry, Mungo & The Ape xx

Mo and The Purries said...

These decisions are always so hard, but quality of life has to be considered, and respect for their well being.
Sending condolences and love from all of us at Purrchance To Dream

katsrus said...

I am so sorry for you loss. Purrs and hugs. I lost my kitty too. My heart is breaking for you.
Sue B

Kitties Blue said...

What a wonderfully handsome man-cat. We can't believe that we are meeting Mr.Tweety just as you are making this very tough decision. As I have found with some of my kitties, if they aren't in a whole lot of pain, sometimes you can wait a few days and they will pass to the RB all on their own. We will purray for Mr. Tweety and all at your house during this truly trying time. Purrs and hugs from the kitties at www.thecatonmyhead.com, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo

Fuzzy Tales said...

Extra purrs and purrayers to Dr. Tweety and to you all, as he makes his Journey today.

Peace and Blessings.

Katie Isabella said...

I didn't know your precious little boy and I so wish I had. Farewell darling Dr. Tweety. I love you without even knowing you and I am sending your momma hugs.

Our Tortie sister Admiral is on the Bridge these past 19 months and she will be eager to see him. xxooxx

Mickey's Musings said...

We are very sad to hear about Dr Tweety. We remember him and his siblings and all the fun we had.
It is not easy to let a beloved pet go, but it is the right thing to do.
Yes, there will be such a gang to welcome him at the Bridge including our Mickey.
We send you, da Dad and siblings comforting purrs.
Purrs Tillie and Georgia,
Treasure,Tiger, JJ and Julie
and mom Nancy

The Crew said...

Please accept our condolences on the loss of your dear boy. We know he was well loved and that you'll miss him terribly.

The Crew & Crew's Mom

Dash Kitten said...

Our thoughts are with you, you will miss your lovely boy.

Dash

Samantha & Mom said...

Till We Meet Again Dr. Tweety!! You were a most wonderful friend and we loved you lots!! One day we shall all be together!!
Lots of hugs and prayers to your Family!!
Lots of tears from your TX furiends,

Clooney said...

We are so, so sorry to hear about your gorgeous and special Mancat Dr Tweety. We send you our gentlest purrs and prayers and surround you with thoughts of love.

Be Well Sweet Dr Tweety

Anonymous said...

We did not know Dr. Tweety but that matters not....what does matter is that you know all of us know how hard it is to hold that paw one last time. Bless you for knowing when the time is right to send your boy to the bridge. Sending supportive hugs......

Pam and Sammy

Scout and Freyja said...

Sending much love to your wounded hearts over the passing of Dr. Tweety.

Marg said...

We sure didn't know this kitty but so wish that we had known him. We sure send many purrs and prayers and big hugs to the Mom and Dad.

Laila and Angel Minchie said...

RIP Dr. Tweety. Purrs and hugs to your family.

Angel Gracie=^o.o^= said...

Though I haven't been visiting a lot you are a dear friend and I will miss you. Mom is typing through the tears and my heart is heavy with sadness. I know many of our dear friend that have left before you are there with you and now you are forever free from illness and forever can be free. Until we meet again sweet one. Love to you and your family.

meowmeowmans said...

We love you always, Dr. Tweety. We'll see you when we get to the Bridge, okay? Fly free, dear friend.

Hannah and Lucy said...

We didn't know Dr Tweety very well but we wanted to come and say how sorry we are and know you will miss him so very much.
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx

Melissa, Mudpie and Angel Truffles (Mochas, Mysteries and Meows) said...

We are so very, very sorry for your loss. Dr Tweety was a beautiful boy and you gave him a wonderful life. My Tara is a new resident of the Bridge too and I'm sure was there to greet him. {{{Hugs}}}

cats of wildcat woods said...

You will be in good company at the Bridge dear one and angles will come to fly you there. Wishing you a peaceful journey and sending lots of hugs to your beans.

Rosemary B❤️ said...

Caesar and Princess LOVED Dr Tweety
We loved him too. He was a superb and very very handsome Mancat.
WE know your pain so very well.
You are loved.
He is safe now. You were so fortunate to have such a faithful Dr in the house
Love always
Pierro and Miles
and Rosemary too

The Meezers or Billy said...

we know that grampa Norton and gramma Trixie and the one who came before are there with you at the bridge Dr Tweety!

we are sending lots of hugs and prayer to your family - we know you will be watching over them.

we will not say goodbye - it's too hard - we will just say Until we Meet at the Bridge.....

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

Our deepest sympathy on your loss. I know Dr. Tweety left many good memories behind....memories always cherished and remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Brian's Home Blog said...

My sisters and I are so very sorry to hear about dear Dr Tweety. We send you lots of love, hugs and purrs.

CATachresis said...

We didn't know Dr Tweety, but just wanted to come and share our condolences with you on your loss! Gentle hugs and soft purrs from Austin, Tigger and the Human xx

Karen Jo said...

I am so very sorry that Dr. Tweety had to go to the Rainbow Bridge. I am sure that Herman was there to greet him. They have similar personalities. I know how hard it is to say goodbye for now. I send hugs and the kitties send comforting purrs.

Karen Jo, Spyro, Oja, Rocio, Bambino and Horus

Maggie May said...

We are so very sorry to hear about Dr. Tweety. We know our Sylvester, Cal and Chevelle will be waiting to receive him with all of his other friends.
XOXO
Maggie May and The Creek Cats

Katnip Lounge said...

Purrs and hugs from the bottom of all our hearts.

We're sure Dr Tweet will have a conga line of kitties waiting for him at the Bridge, with a large tunatini just for him.

Robyn and The (Mostly) Badass Cat said...

Oh Dr. Tweety, I just found out. I haven't felt so great myself. Sanjee has welcomed you I'm sure. I'll be there before too long and we can eat all the toona puffz we want and nap in the big gardens. See you soon Handsome.
Love and purrz,
da Mini


PS. We're all sending lotsa purrs to your family now.

Colehaus Cats said...

We are so sorry to hear Dr. Tweety was needed at the Bridge. It's so hard to let them go and yet, we must. He knows he was loved and we all will miss him terribly. Purrs...

Team Tabby said...

We have heard the sad news that Dr. Tweety is being called to Rainbow Bridge, he will be in excellent company there. We send purrs, headbutts and prayers to his family.

Cory said...

We have come to pay our respects to dear Dr. Tweety.

*gather in circle joining paws*

purrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Cory and famiily

Ikaika said...

One of the greats ... we will never forget Dr. Tweety. Condolences to your family.

Run free across the Bridge, Dr. T...

'Kaika and the Yosemite cats

Sasha said...

Diamond will also be there to greet Dr Tweety. So many of the old friends are passing on.

The Cat Realm said...

the tears are streaming. we are so sorry and sad... somehow the fact that so many good friends will be awaiting him at the rainbow bridge does not bring real comfort to us. but he'll never be forgotten. sending lots of purrs and love to you,
the cat realm

Cats~Goats~Quotes said...

So many from our fur-family were waiting for Dr. Tweety, as well as so very many from the Cat Blogosphere. We are sure he was greeted by many.
Purrs..
~ Mom Bobbie and The Bunch

Cat with a Garden said...

We are sending are purrs and love to you and Dr. Tweety at the bridge.

Tiger Lily said...

We just learned this sad news and we are so very sorry for your loss. Dr. Tweety was an absolutely wonderful blog friend and we are glad he had asuch a wonderful 12 years with you. We will miss him very much.

{{{HUGS}}}

prrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrs and gentle tail wags,
Tiger Lily, Sushi and Marco Polo

Celly-bratin life in Orry-gone