Pandalin

My sister's cat Pandalin was euthanized just a couple of days ago. A handsome black and white tuxedo cat, he came to her as a kitten off the streets of Jerusalem 10 years ago. I'd put something in the Cat Health forum, and told her of this, and how many people had looked at it and about the responses. Told her how (and why) the thread had been locked. And mentioned the Rainbow Bridge. Here is her response:

"I am touched by your having placed Pandalin's story on the cat health section of the cat forums and greatly appreciate the responses, support and prayers of some of the readers. I had not known before about the rainbow bridge and did have tears in my eyes while reading it. . . . . I am glad to know that thanks to your making the connection, this web of support was woven. That's enough for me. I'll be getting back to you on this, (she'll write something for me to post) I hope before Thanksgiving."

I want to thank all of you for your kind wishes, good thoughts, and prayers for this beloved cat and for my sister.

sniff, that's nice of you to post on her behalf. My Min was a black/white tuxedo as well. Today it's 11 weeks since putting her down. I know your sister's sadness. "Cheers" to black/white tuxedos..they're so sweet.

My condolences on the passing of your sister's beloved Pandalin.

Thank you so much for posting again, it's nice to know that we have perhaps helped in some small way to lighten the burden of grief that comes with the passing of a valued member of the family. Sometimes talking, and sharing our heartache with people who understand, helps to purge it from our hearts. To love so much can bring so much heartache when they have to leave. They will never leave that special place we create for them in our heart, and their legacy is always one of teaching us to love, and to continue that legacy by opening ourselves up to another love in the future. They purr with pleasure in that distant place and tell us so on the gentle breeze and the twinkling of the stars. Bless you and your sister for caring (and loving) so much to want to share it with us, your extended 'cat family', thank you. RIP dear Pandalin, you were greatly loved and will never be forgotten!

Thanks for sharing Catapault.  I'm so sorry that Pandalin did not make it.

He was blessed to have a mommy who cared enough to make such a long journey to the vet. It shows just how much he was cherished. 

Hugs and love to you and your sister!  

Here are some thoughts my sister shared with me about Pandalin. She wrote, "So what do I want to share with the rainbow bridge folks - my heartfelt thanks, that their pain over the death of their beloved pets eases in time and my wish is for more shelters and more people willing to adopt feral and stray cats."

She mentioned that she went to visit him each day because it was important for her that he not be only among strangers, even kind, professional medical staff. She was not standing next to his cage. There was first a stool and as that was difficult, it was exchanged for a chair. She could have traveled home by taxi each evening but needed to be among people, seeing life going on normally around her.

One time, as she got on the light rail another passenger, sitting near her and talking into a cell phone was getting directions from the emergency room at the hospital for some xrays in the emergency service unit. She began to cry. My sister offered to accompany her and wait while the x-rays were taken. Which offer was declined. My sister told her, "When I got on this train I was coming from visiting my pet cat who is very ill and being cared for in a vet's clinic. I was thinking that no one knows the other passenger's concerns and here you are dealing with something more serious than mine. I wish you good results and a full recovery." She said to me "I never know before that anyone could feel strongly about an animal. Lots of praise to you."

Pandalin was buried at the kibbutz where my sister's former daughter-in-law and ex-daughter-in-law's brother live. The brother remembered that decades ago when children still lived in communal children's houses there had been a hamster village. That was not the place chosen for Pandalin, but there were some fanciful comments about how the cat's ghost could chase the ghosts of the hamsters.

They buried Pandalin at the edge of a patio near the daughter-in-law's home. Hi's body was still warm, his muscles still flexible, his fur shinning and soft. The two women each said a few words of memory and parting to him.

Just the other day when they were speaking, my sister was thanking her for helping at such a difficult time with a perfect solution. The former daughter in law has some health issues. She replied that in her present condition she is not able to be of much help to anyone so this was a source of great satisfaction for her as well. She said that each time she washes dishes she looks out the window and sees the site of Pandalin's grave and sends him greetings. In the spring there will be more cyclamen blooming there than previously.

My sister's other cat, named Miss Rorschach and also a tuxedo, has been very comforting, taking afternoon naps with her, and joining her at night.

Let me, Catapault, send Thanksgiving wishes to you all. Be thankful for the cats you now have, those now departed, and who knows - those who will come to join us in the future. Stay warm, be safe, and have a happy holiday.

definitely many hurting people out there .... it is true though when we comfort others, it makes us feel a bit better.
Happy Thanksgiving to you as well.

So sweet Catapault.

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Please tell your sister she will be in my prayers tonight.  I'm so sorry for her loss.