I have created this page today, the 26th December 2005 in order to try and relieve some of the grief I feel on what should be a day full of the joy of the season. But today I found one of my own cats lying dead outside, and only those of you who have gone through this can understand the deep pain that fills you.

If you would like to join me by having the details of your beloved pets here, please feel free to send me a photo and a short write up, and I will be delighted to add them

Chris

Cats Protection

The Music Playing on this page is 'Meet Me In Heaven' sung by the late and very great Johnny Cash

I hope you like my choice of song, and feel as I do the emotion this great man has put into this song

I think of you and still I see
your bright new face in the Christmas tree.
So sweet, so mean and loving, too.
You knew the world turned just for you.

Your purr would wake me up at night
Insisting that I hold you tight.
I sheltered you inside my house.
You'd never even seen a mouse.

Yet, every day you begged of me,
"please let me run, let me be free".
"I want to climb, to catch a bug
and not just decorate your rug."

And so, Black Cat, I let you go.
Little man, I miss you so.
It's God who pats your head each day
as you wait for me to come your way.

Still, there is no need for sorrow.
You wait for me in some tomorrow.
The God I love looks after you.
Until I get to Heaven, too.

Elaine Joyce

If Tears could build a stairway and memories a lane,
I would walk right up to heaven and bring you home again

ROLY with me from Aug 2000 till 26th Dec 05

When I received the call about this Rogue Domestic who was battling every cat in Fawdon, my response was that we would neuter him and he would calm down, hopefully. Little did I know that the people I was talking to would catch the cat and then leave him at our Vets. I then had no choice but to collect him and bring back to my home.

But Roly proved to be a very special cat, not only did he accept us as a family, he adopted all the cats in the house, and acted as their protector.

Today, we found him lying dead outside, and I cant tell you all how much pain I feel right now. This boy was certainly loved, and he will be sorely missed by us all, cats, dogs and people alike. Thank You Roly for all the love and total trust you gave us.

Chris

Ginge (posh name -McDuff), with me since a baby 6 years ago

Ginge and his 3 sisters were found in Tynemouth Priory 6 years ago, their Mother lying dead on top of them, and they would never had been found if the Custodian hadnt heard Ginge's cries. These 4 kittens aged around 6 days, were then brough to me to rear. But Ginge had a severely crooked spine, which my Vets at the time, felt would cause him so many problems it would be kinder to put him sleep. I couldnt do it, as Ginge had saved them all, so, it was decided he was to be given a chance.

That chance lasted 6 years, during which time, he did everything a normal cat could do, including climbing trees and, foolishly chasing Magpies.

Over the last few months Ginge has been a shadow of his former self, in fact you could say, 'Old before his time'. So despite the wonderful efforts of our Vets, First Vets in Heaton, and Val & Gareth, who monitored him for me when he needed it, and may I add, gave him their love and affection equally as well as I could, it was decided on Boxing Day that Ginge should come home and spend his last days here.

Today, 28th December, Ginge was painlessly put to sleep by our fabulous Vet, Neil, and is now no longer in any pain. Hopefully he will now be playing with Roly, who died 2 days before him, this time with a straight spine and no pain.

It was an honour to have you, little helper !

Chris

The Beautiful Spangles

Spangles, a beautiful older cat who found happiness with her new family in July 2005 and knowing she had found that love, felt at peace to cross over on the 29th December. Spangles was adopted from the Cat & Dog Shelter, and no doubt her history prior to being adopted was a sad one, but that sadness was left behind her on that happy day in July.

She is greatly missed by Tracey and the entire Watson family who have given, and still continue to give their love to all the many needy cats who become part of their family. I'm sure that the love they so freely gave to Spangles will remain with them always.

Cassidy

The photo is of Cassidy with his favourite toy, the families Wok, I'm going to leave the tribute to Cassidy to Tracey, who along with David shared the brief but happy life of this incredible youngster.

Cassidy came to live with us after we spent days driving the cat and dog shelter insane to allow him to come home. He was born with a deformed hip and tail which meant there was always a limp (Hence the name). Cassidy was a total daddys boy and the only thing he loved as much as his dad was the wok. Cassidy was taken from us after a short period of time in July 2005 in a tragic accident as he did not have any balance and the only comfort we have is the love we gave him whilst he was here and the fun he had terrorising the rest of our feline family.

Jack - 25th January 2006

The very handsome Jack, who was put to sleep on the 25th January 06 after he collapsed from a Thrombosis, has been the constant companion of Margaret since he was a kitten, and the playmate of Sasha, who despite his attitude of 'life's a game, so come play with me' will, I'm sure, still miss him. Jack's passing was quick, but for this cat who was full of life, fun and play, no other passing could have been acceptable. My thoughts go out to Margaret on the loss of Jack, but also, I want to say, you were so lucky to have had a special lad like this, even though the time together was shorter than you could have hoped, it was fun from beginning to end.

27th September 06 - Sasha, the loving companion of Jack.

Sadley Sasha suffered complications, no doubt due to her Diabetes after an operation. This beautiful cat, along with Jack, were the constant companions of Margaret, who now faces the grief of losing Sasha, whilst still grieving for Jack, and our thoughts and prayers go out to her at this time.
I have included a photo of Jack here, as to me the photos belong together, 2 cats eternally at play.

Sasha as you can see was a total bundle of love and affection, who enjoyed life to the full, and even her Diabetes didnt put a stop to that. Now she is once again with Jack, and no doubt the two will be eternally together.
I leave the last words to Margaret:- They will always be in my thoughts this is not goodbye as I know we will meet again.

Enzo & Dino

Yesterday, the 27th January 06, I found my wonderful 10 year old tabby Enzo, dead on the grass verge.

No mark on his healthy body, no tell-tale signs of how he died –he just did, and it broke my heart. His brother Dino died of kidney disease just over a year ago, and we adopted both cats (who were feral) from the Cats Protection League when they were 6 months old. They were wonderful, caring, happy & loving cats who have been with me through so much. They always ran home when they heard the car coming, loved me unconditionally & brought a smile to my face when the whole world seemed against me. Although neither of them lived to a great age, I am comforted that they are now together, as they loved each other so much.

My world is a richer place for being owned by these 2 cats, because as we know, cats choose to live with you & if they love you, they do so with all their heart.

Enzo & Dino loved and remembered always by Sue Cole

Molly - 20th January 2006

Molly, my beautiful cat collapsed on the evening of 20th January 2006. She was howling and unable to move and I rushed to the vets, telling her it would be alright soon, but it wasn't to be. Molly had suffered an aortic thrombosis and had to be put to sleep. The vet said that she was howling because she couldn't move and didn't understand why. I was pleased that she wasn't in pain but I couldn't keep her as she was and understood that an injection was the kindest thing. It was so hard but I held her while the jab was given and said goodbye to my friend of 10 years.

Molly was the smallest kitten of a litter of four, unexpected arrivals to my friends house. She had taken in Molly's mum as a stray and was surprised to find that the litter was due in 3 weeks! I asked for a kitten before they were born in May 1995 and was a little sad that Molly was the only one that they didn't want, but she made me happy over the years, and I was so happy to have her.

She was a timid cat and I was pleased that she didn't often want to go out. In the summer she would demand that the back door be opened so she could sit on the step and watch the world go by. I used to say that she was taking the evening air. Sometimes she would bring me a mouse or a large moth, luckily never a bird. She was a good pet and I loved her and will always think of her as a bit of a silly cat with lots of love to give. I doubt I will ever have another cat that pats my face with their paw when they want my attention, so gently, but persistant. I miss her.

Sadly missed by Wendy Denton

Old Man alias Smeagol - February 8th 2006

Smeagol moved in with Debbie & Steve and their 2 cats in May 2005, and although he was proud of his feral status, he allowed the family to provide him with food and all the comfort and love that this 'Old Man' had never had before. He honoured them by trusting them to care for him, and be there for him when the illness he was hiding would finally make his life miserable through pain, infections and loss of stength, till death became inevitable. And the family didnt let him down, they were there for him till the end.

The smile on his face in this photo says it all, for a feral cat to have that look of peace and contentment is payment enough.

I would personally like to thank Debbie & Steve for all they did for him, you are both special and never forget that.

"Yesterday I had to say goodbye to a wonderful stray lad who came to us in May 2005 by chance. He had battle scars all over his little nose and was so thin and scruffy we took him into our home and fed him whenever he showed his face at our door. Eventually much to our own two cats disgust he decided to “Adopt” us and he started sleeping over and made himself very comfortable in our daughters bedroom on her furry blanket. This cheeky lad looked so frail and neglected when he first came to the house we never thought he would look the way he did when we had to let him go today. We intended to do the best by this lad and have him neutered and checked over so that he could become a proper part of our family home. Unfortunately his blood tests at the vets came back positive and we had to let him go for his own good and the good of the other cats out there. I like to think that we gave him the best 9 months of is life by loving him feeding him and giving him a bed whenever he felt the need. I will miss not seeing this lovely lads face at my kitchen window when I open the blinds in the morning when he is desperate to be in for his first meal of the day. I hope and pray he has gone to a better place and will feel no pain or suffering which he would have done if we had not done the right thing by him."

Always in our hearts Smeagol love you Old Lad rest in peace

Debbie, Stephen, Kayleigh and Rebecca xxxxxxx

Thanks to Chris and Liz for being there.

Charlie who passed on the 9th December 2005

The pain is still as raw today as it was on the day I had to take him to the vets for that final visit.

We rescue Charlie from the RSPCA a year ago new year gone but due to the rehoming policies he couldnt come home with us until the 2nd January 2005. We were visiting my partners parents up north and called into the local animal shelter to drop off some goodies as I every year and decided to have a little peek at the cats awaiting rehoming. We trundled down the runs of different cats and got to the very end one and there he was my handsome baby boy (6 to be precise) who was all white except for his ginger tail which we all joked about who he might have pinched it from. He was climbing up the cage door, meowing and rubbing his head on the gate for attention. The workers said we could open his pen and give him a cuddle and that was the start of a beautiful friendship. He picked us and we fell in love with him.

Time wore on and Charlie settled in well in his new home with us and our other 3 cats. Around october last year Charlie became unwell and started to be sick and just acting lifeless. I took him to the vets and they said it was dietary, took his temperature said that was normal and listened to his heart which they said was fine and sent us away with dried food. Took him back three days later the sickness had subsided and they said nothing to worry about. But another month or so later and he hadnt really picked up and got back to his usual cheeky self so i took him to another vets where they detected a heart murmur but said it was more than that and they took some blood. An hour after coming home we got the dreaded call Charlie my baby boy had cat leukemia and it was very advanced they suggested the kindest thing was to put him to sleep. We spent one last night with him and gave him lots of love and cuddles and then the following day took him to the vets. I had him wrapped in a baby blanket as i didnt want his last journey spent locked in his cat box. I took him into the vets room and kissed him and told him how much we loved and would miss him and then the vet did the deed. Charlie gave one last look at me, dropped his head and sighed and then he was gone.

Charlie is now free from pain but has left a big aching hole in my life and heart.

God bless you baby boy. I will always love you and remember the short time we spent together

Mummy

Louie - 21st February 2006

Louie - Allowed to sleep peacefully away on 21st February due to an inoperable tumour in her bowel.

Our Vets noticed a thickening of the bowel on Louie's arrival at Cats Protection, and despite a great effort on their part, the tumour grew to the point it was growing considerably day by day. It was decided to give Louie a chance by trying to remove the huge tumour, but sadly Louie didnt have the strength to pull through the operation.

Sweet Dreams Little One....

Tommy - 22nd February 2006

My beloved Tom was with me for 14 wonderful years and died 2 days ago from renal failure. He was a most affectionate, cheeky, lovable character and will be sorely missed. I didn't believe I could feel such pain as I feel right now at the loss of my little old man.

I adopted Tommy from the Cat Protection League 14 years ago when he was six weeks old and fit in the palm of my hand. He was the runt of the litter and his brothers and sisters were climbing all over him and my heart melted. The runt turned out to be as strong as an ox, a hunter - if it wasn't human it was his! - and such a ladies man - he loved being around women and occasionally made friends with the guys. He was patient with his young feline neighbours, but would chastise them when they pushed him too far. He was such an affectionate animal and would walk to heel when we were outside together and when we weren't, as soon as he heard my keys rattle he would come running - or a whistle would bring him back to me.

Right now I feel as if my heart is breaking, but console myself with the fact that for 14 years Tommy was very much loved, spoilt rotten and led a healthy happy life. I knew when I took him to the vets he was dying but prayed it wasn't so. When it was confirmed that he was indeed dying of renal failure I felt as if my world had fallen apart. I stroked my little Tommy until sleep took him and practically sprinted out of the vets without even thanking them, but I do thank them for taking away Tommy's pain even though I am in so much pain myself now that he is gone.

My pumpkin knows I will always love him and never forget the love he gave.

Norma Morrison

Lucky 27th February 2006

Lucky was a cat with an unfortunate name, when we rehomed her from the cat & dog shelter in 2001 she hadnt had a very lucky life. We like to think that changed and that she had a happy 5 years with us before kidney failure became too much for her. We had to make the most heartbreaking decision on Monday 27th February 2006 and can only hope she understood that we were trying to help her and end her suffering. Her 2 friends pictured (the tabby and the mainly black cat) are missing nap

times with her, and our border terrier is wondering where the boss has gone.Luckster was a loving cat, who wasnt afraid to give you a good hard bite if you stopped petting her, and loved nothing better than movie time lying on the sofa watching a film with her Dad! we will miss you so much Lucky but know that you are in a better place now, hopefully full of all your favourite things. xxx

Lucky - sadly missed by the Pearson family

Scratt - 2nd March 2006

Sometimes things happen which make you wonder if you are doing something wrong, or are a bad person, that such awful things may happen, we lost Lucky on Monday 27th Feb and placed the piece above in memory of her, then on Thursday 2nd March came downstairs in the morning to find my beloved Scratt lying dead in our living room, he was only 3 years old, and the picture of health, he was a big, bold cat, who would talk to you all the time, we would almost talk by blinking at each other and me imitating the noises he made, he was most definately a 'mams boy'.

The vet thought he had probably had a heart attack, and we didnt want to put him through the indignity of an autopsy.

The only good thing is that he and Lucky went to the pet crematorium together and we are having their ashes back together, so neither of them is alone.

I still cant believe Scratt wont come slinking into the room or greet me from work, and its so hard to think i will never see him again, he was my baby cat and i love him so much, im writing this through tears.

Bye bye Scratt, you were my friend and i will never forget or find another like you. xxxx

My heart goes out to the Pearson family, to have one beloved pet die is hard, but to have two within days of one another is devastating. I'm sure you all join me in sending out our deepest sympathies to them.....Chris - Cats Protection

Molly - 18th April 2006.

Molly turned up at my door 5 years ago, i opened the front door and she just walked in. I had never seen her before. She cheekily walked over to my other cats dinner and helped herself. My other 2 cats didn’t flicker as she made herself at home. She was a well looked after cat and i thought she must be someone’s pet, so later that day i put her out, thinking she d return to her home. The next morning i opened my door and there she was waiting to come in. I advertised her in the lost and found but no one came forward.

In the weeks to follow she was sick a number of times, took her to the vets, they done a number of tests and they couldn’t find anything wrong with her. The vet thought she was around 10 years old.

Molly very soon became a much loved member of our family. She was very loving and affectionate, when I went out even if it was only for a few minutes she d come to greet my, putting her paw up so I would pick her up. She liked nothing else than to be carried around like a baby. She was nearly human, i understood her and she understood me.

A few months ago I noticed she was drinking a lot of water, took her to the vet and blood test revealed she had kidney failure, she was put on medication, the vet said some cats can cope very well on medication and says she wasn’t in any pain. Over the following weeks

she seemed to pick her self up, until a couple of weeks ago, she stopped cleaning her self, was wanting to be on her own a lot and stopped eating. her breathing didn’t seem right either. I knew the time had come to let her go, i could tell by the way she looked at me she was giving up. Before I took her to the vets i promised her I wasn’t going to let her suffer and i was going to do the right thing for her. My son kissed her before I left with her. The vet agreed it was best to put her to sleep. The vet thought she was approx 16-17 years old. I told her how much we all loved her and thanked her for the love she d giving us. I held her while she passed way. This was one of the hardest things I have had to do, but I loved her and had to think of her.

Molly is missed and thought of every day, we laugh at the cheeky things she did and she will always be in our hearts.

God bless you Molly. Mammy loves you with all her heart, you’ll always be Mammy’s little baby kitten. See you in my dreams. x

Barney - Killed 4th August 06

Before you read the memorial placed here by Barney's owner, I would like to add a few lines of my own. Katie contacted me earlier today with hopes of finding Barney, and I placed an appeal on the lost and found page on her behalf. But on reading her request I saw that a neighbour had witnessed a man beside their home, with 2 Greyhounds, and I prayed that this observation was nothing more than a man walking his dogs, but it seems that this is not the case. This man must have witnessed his dogs attacking this cat, yet did nothing about it and told no-one. I am horrified that someone should care so little for the life of this cat, and care even less for the grief caused to Katie. The loss of a pet, after 14 years of constant companionship is devastating, and my thoughts and healing prayers go out to Katie at this time.

Chris - Cats Protection

I wanted to post a message about my cat Barney who I found out was killed today after a lady rang my number after seeing it on a poster.

Barney was a big cat, who bossed around my two dogs, even joining in a fight to help one of them. He loved to lie on next doors roof in the sun, and he was in your face when you ate any kind of fish. He died on Friday when he was attacked by a dog. A neighbour found his body. He was 14 but still ran round the house with his tail in the air, hoping for a game of chase from his adopted little brother.

We will both miss him terribly.

Sleep peacefully my old friend.

Katie and Buster xx

Tabby Who Slept Away 16th August 06

Tabby was a special girl, who during her 16 years with adoring owners proved to be a bit of a 'lady' only sitting on a knee, when it suited her, and in so doing, making it impossible for the bearer to move, as that would have met with disapproval from 'Her Highness'. Tabby was a fortunate cat who found our own Val & Gareth, and lived a life which would have been the envy of many a cat. She had a huge kingdom to rule over, plenty of bushes offering shade on warm sunny days, constant companionship from her doting owners, and Lucy, the dog to slap, should she feel so inclined.
Tabby slept away peacefully, and is now lying to rest in that garden she loved so much, and Im certain that watchful eye of hers will check on Val and Gareth now and then, just to make sure all is well.

My Little Angel

By Julie R.

Heaven will not heaven be, unless my cats are there to welcome me.
For many years before, heaven opened its door
To my cats who I so loved, and now, up above
They watch me, they are my guardian angels, my darlings, my dears. I have no
Fears because I know, wherever I go
I will have the pitter patter of paws behind me always. . .

My Own Darling Chellie - 23rd August 06

That first moment we met, she caught my eye with those adorable eyes of hers, one blue and one green, I couldnt leave her even though I had just visited the Dog and Cat Shelter to pick up some handfeeds, but those eyes haunted me all the way home, so I had to return and adopt her. That was 14 years ago, and since that time, she has landed herself in all kinds of trouble, resulting in the loss of a leg, surgery on her ear, but she was worth it, she was our Chellie.
The only cat who never ever complained when I brought home more kittens, or adult cats, or even the odd dog or two or four. Chellie accepted them all, without a single grumble. But although we thought she would go on forever, a visit to the Vets confirmed that Chellie, who we estimate to be around 18 years old, was now officially old, and her body was shutting down, so the decision was made to end the suffering for her.
The house is empty without you Chell, no nose trying to get up my nose, and I never thought I would miss that. but I do, we all do.
I miss you Chell.....

Archie, A Much Loved Friend Who Sadly Passed From This World 20th December 06

Archie was the dear friend of Rob, Linda and their 3 boys, and was loved dearly for 13 years, having arrived at the age of 6 weeks. He had a healthy life, so

his illness came as a shock to the whole family. His passing has devastated everyone but I am sure Archie is still at Rob's side, watching over the family just as he always did, until the time comes when the pain eases and he can then move onto the pastures over Rainbow Bridge, where he can be a pup again, and play without ever being tired again.
Thank You Archie for those happy years and for all the love you gave !