Bugs

engine4154

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Bugs came to live with me some time in Nov. 2000. Some friends were breeding American Bobtail's and she had a slight heart defect and couldn't be sold so they gave hr to me. She hid in the house for the first few days and only came out to eat while I was at work. But she quickly warmed up after that and for the next 14 years was a great friend (and still is in my mind). Bugs was the only cat I've known that would willingly insert herself under the covers of the bed whether I was home or not. Early on she began doing 'the Halloween pose' and would continue doing it now and then throughout her life. It never failed to pick me up if I was feeling down.


Bug's was strictly an indoor cat, but once when I opened the door for something she slipped outside unnoticed. It was about half an hour before I noticed I hadn't seen her. I panicked and opened the door and she was just sitting there looking like "Okay, I saw outside. Can I come in now?" After that I'd take her out on the porch now an then and she never once tried to run off or stray from it. She got along fine with the neighborhood ferals as I cooked out and they were fed. Laying there content, the Queen of the Porch.


In 2010 I came home from a night out and she was visibly sick. She was staggering around and panting. I took her to the vet in the morning and was told she was dehydrated and likely had a kidney problem. They said it didn't look good. I told them to do what they could and went to work in a daze. I wasn't ready to lose my buddy. They kept her for about 3 days before calling and said I could pick her up. She somehow made a recovery over night!

A couple years later, Clyde showed up and adopted us as his new home. He and Bugs got along great pretty much from the start! They seemed to be meant for each other and would play constantly. Clyde quickly overtook her in size, though.


Then in Oct. of 2014, she suddenly stopped eating. I again took her to the vet and they had the same diagnosis as in 2010. They kept her for a few days and this time there was no improvement. She had lost a lot of weight and could barely move. I took her home for a night to let her say good-bye to Clyde. She slept in a special bed on mine that night, he kept an eye on her. The next day I took her back to the vet to have her put to sleep. As much as I hated seeing her suffering as she was, I'd say this task was about equal. I stayed with her and held her paw as she went. As a 50 year old man who's put on 12 years on the railroad before going into driving trucks, it still chokes me up. This was more than 'just a cat'. This was my friend.

I still think of her a lot and believe I'll see her again. Last year I decided to commemorate her with a new tattoo. I had 2 designs I'd made from pictures of her. I asked Clyde which one I should get. He stared at both for a few minutes, then reached out and picked one. I went with it.


We miss ya, Bugs!
 

fyllis

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Welcome to TCS!  There are people from all around the world here on this site - and I am also from SW Ohio. I grew up in Cincinnati an now live just across the border in Indiana. It IS a small world! 

What a beautiful memorial to Bugs! She is beautiful and will always be a part of you ... especially now that you have her permanently tattooed on you! We would love to see a pic of the tatt! Clyde is a gorgeous and I am sure he holds a very special place in your heart as well. 

Looking forward to getting to know you and Clyde better and seeing lots of picture and hearing stories. Never hesitate to ask questions or participate in any of the Forums - especially the fun contests! You'll love it here! 

Fyllis

Keeker & Kricket
 

jenny82

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What a beautiful story! I'm sorry for your loss of Bugs. That's a great picture of her and Clyde.
 

kittens mom

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I watch my husband struggle with our loss.  Grief is not relegated to one sex nor is crying and the heartache of losing a long time family member. My husband is a tough old guy and I've never seen him so torn up.

We all know they are not just cats. They are our family. She was beautiful.
 

margd

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What a beautiful girl Bugs was.  You wrote a beautiful tribute to her and the love you have for her shines through with every word.  Losing a well loved cat just tears at the heart, there is no two ways about it.  It doesn't matter what sex you are or how old you are, the loss is devastating.  I still miss my lost cats years later.  With time, comfort comes in memories of their special ways, but it does take awhile.  Bugs and Clyde looked like they really cared for each other, snuggling as they are in that sweet photo.  Give Clyde a scratch behind the ears for me.   


RIP Sweet little Bugs.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
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engine4154

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Thanks for the kind words, all.

B

I thought I added this, but must've added the shot I based the other design on. This is the design Clyde picked out of her.

They are definitely family. Bugs was NOT camera shy.


Thanks again!
 

zed xyzed

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I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing her story with us.  RIP sweet Bugs ​
  
  
  
 

di and bob

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Bugs will always be with you both, the bond you form is one that not even death can take away. The 14 years you you shared with her brought you many precious memories to comfort you in your time of grief.  She sounds like a feisty, beautiful soul, a one of a kind cat that became known to us  in your beautiful tribute. I know the pain takes a long time to soften, only time helps to heal that hole in your house and your heart. Please know that you are not alone in your grief, I mourn each and every precious soul that comes to this site, it is only right to do so when they are loved so very much and missed even more.Please take care and kiss Clyde for me,...........RIP sweet Bugs, you will be forever held in loving hearts!
 

Mamanyt1953

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I am so very sorry for you loss, and so very glad you found us.  Bugs was an extraordinarily lovely cat, and I know you miss her deeply.  Thank you for sharing her story with us, and the tattoo that commemorates her.  I hope that you find the same pleasure I have found here, and the friends.

Bug, rest you gentle, dream you deep, sweet lady.
 

ruthm

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OMG-- that last picture is absolutely adorable!! 

I am so sorry for the loss of your little girl Bugs- but I can feel the love you had for her in your writing, she must have had a wonderful life with you.  nice tat as well!

Fly Free little Bugs and land softly- you were so loved!
 

nurseangel

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I am very sorry for your loss.  Bugs was so pretty and unique.  That baby picture is incredibly sweet, as is your tribute to her.
 
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jcat

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Bugs was beautiful, and those pictures of her and Clyde are priceless. I'm very sorry for your loss. RIP, sweet Bugs. :rbheart:
 

kntrygrl256

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Welcome to TCS. I love the story of Bugs. It's amazing how these precious creatures get into our heart and take over our lives. Life isn't easy but we continue to love even though we lose the ones we hold most dear.

You will see Bugs again. She gave you a piece of her so she could find you again. I love the tattoo of her. Clyde picked a great picture.

RIP Bugs. Thank you for sharing her story with us.
 
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engine4154

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Much thanks, everyone. She was a true friend and I'm really grateful for the time we had. You get attached (though I don't think I have to tell that to anyone here).

Here's a cartoonish drawing I did of her.

 

snugglecat

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Thank you for sharing her story. I'm so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers go out to you.

RIP sweet Bugs
 
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