Missing my Tuffy (Aug. 28, [est DOB] 1996 - July 17, 2004).

In memory of my Tuffy…

Tuffy was found in a cemetery the afternoon before a blizzard hit, with his brother, Abby. They were frozen/stuck to a headstone, which my boyfriend at the time, Nick, used a blow torch to warm the headstone so he could remove them both. Both of these wee little boys would have died that night in the blizzard, so I am so grateful to Nick for rescuing them for me. Due to frostbite, Tuffy lost most of one back foot (thank goodness we didn't have to amputate like the vet thought we might!) and half his fluffy tail. At almost 2-years-old, he developed CRF. We battled this awful disease for 5-1/2 years before Tuffy had to leave me and Abby. He was such a brave, joyful little boy!

A message from your mama…

Well…here we are again, my precious Tuffy. Has it really been eight years since you had to leave? I love you, I honor you, I adore you still. You are my heart little boy, and your mama misses you more than I can put into words. Of course you know that, don’t you, sweet boy? You see my tears as I try to type this, you see my heart swell to overflowing with missing you, you see the love that I will always have for you…you just know, being the darling, intuitive boy that you always were and are. Your love, devotion, precocious and sweet disposition taught me so much. Your loving gift to me has been immeasurable, and I will forever carry on your legacy by loving and helping other kitties. What a wonderful gift you gave this mere human, my little Tuffy-Tat; I will cherish you forever!

This is so hard. It's been a tear-filled day. I miss him like it was yesterday that he left.

I'm no poet, but here goes...for you, my Tuffy...

I love you Tuffy

My sweet little fluffy

Your arms of comfort surround me

Bringing solace to this mommy

Long past midnight I gaze at the moon

Who would have thought you’d leave me so soon?

I love you Tuffy

My sweet little fluffy

Precocious and happy, bounding with joy

You are my Tuffy still, my little boy

Your toys are still here in anticipation

You left, but you’ll be back; you’re on vacation!

I love you Tuffy

My sweet little fluffy

Memories of you overtake my heart

I never thought you would soon depart

Sweetly and fiercely you guard from above

I will adore you forever…my little love!

Love forever, sweet boy,

Your Mommy

Oh hun, my heart is breaking. I know he's in a wonderful place and doesn't want you to hurt so.... but wow, it's just impossible not to miss them. Those pawprints stamped on our hearts hurt as much when they're gone as they heal when they're here and we're sharing their joy.....

Oh Laurie, thank you. It has been a hard day. Your words mean so much to me! I have to say, I lost my dad when he was 49 and my mom when she was 57, but I swear I've grieved more tearfully and hard for Tuffy over the years. I feel guilty saying that, but it's the truth--and I love my mom and daddy (I was a daddy's girl big time) more than words can say. These little ones just grab your heart and you're a goner from there on out. One good thing is that Maxie has a lot of Tuffy's characteristics, so that is a huge comfort. He also has the white markings like Tuffy. Maxie is my "cry in his fur," comforting, cuddly kitty--just like Tuffy used to be. I think Tuffy planned this all out.
 

OMG :sobbing: I have tears reading this about your dear, sweet Tuffy. And a tough little fellow he was and so handsome. OH Laurie.... pawprints on our hearts :heart3: Like the tattoo I have on my forearm with Wilbur's paw in a heart AND I am still blessed that he is still with me yet another day. I dread that day, though..... I do agree, Jules, and feel the same way about Wilbur. Losing him will be the deepest hurt of a loss I will ever feel. I just know it. I don't know how we ever get over losing them no matter how much time has passed. We never seem to be able to fill that hole in our heart where a piece of it went with them. Mega hugs/vibes to you Jules.....

Sometimes those memories of your babies just reach out and grab you. They're never gone from your heart. Tuffy

Aw... Thank you Lauren and Tricia. You guys "get it." I am blessed! 
 

OH my, I am full to the top.  What a lovely tribute to your cat, Tuffy.  I feel it so much when I look at his picture.  He reminds me so much of our sweet boy, Speedboat, who we lost two years ago this past January.  My heart hurts for you because I can tell how much you love him still by the words you write.  Hugs and may your memories be sweet.

You are a wonderful mommy to Tuffy & Abby,

Tuffy is so cute & was so lucky to have you : )
 

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j130/foxyady60/cat20sorry20for20your20loss.jpg


Beautiful Tuffy

Aw...more thank you's to each of you for the sweet sentiments, and heartfelt condolences for the loss of Speedboat. It is so nice to be part of a community of kitty lovers who truly understand and share in your grief. Huge hugs to each of you!!