Final Tribute: The Man Behind the Cats
Asa was my guide, who led me to my love of cats, and was the prime factor behind my taking on this labor of love over 11 years ago. As my site grew, he was my strongest supporter, sometimes harshest critic, and spent hours critiquing, editing, commenting, and encouraging me in my chosen craft. He was my soul mate, my life partner and my best friend, and truly earned his title of "The Man Behind the Cats."
He left this earthly life the same way he came in: fighting all the way. In early January of 2005, he was diagnosed with malignant melanoma, metastasized, and his battle for life began anew. After over 40 months of victories and defeats, Asa left for the Rainbow Bridge on Friday, May 2, at 10:00 p.m. He was greeted there by Shannon, Bubba, and dozens of other treasured cats and dogs he loved so well.
I'll miss him until we are rejoined some day. Until then, his spirit and undying love of cats will continue to guide every word I write here, and our beloved cats will help fill the hole left in my heart by his departure.
The tears I weep today are only for myself and our children. I rejoice that my lifelong companion has found the peace he sought for so long, and is reunited with his feline family.
Comments
Hello the topic of clumping cat litter—since I stop using it I found I was able to breath better myself and no more dust everywhere since I was reading many articles like yours I believe them to be true clumping litter is a danger to cats and humans –But thats my opinion for me –Yes the other is more work but thats life–Thank you for taking the time have a Great day I wish you all the best.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at your time of loss. I know he is not only being missed by you and the children, but also his children in fur coats. He is in a better place now and without pain. It is wonderful that Shannon and Bubba, along with other loved cats & dogs were there to great him at the Rainbow Bridge. Peace and Prayers.
Cindy
I read your column every day - About Cats is on my Google homepage, and being up early before my wife and surrounded by our two tabbies, I was deeply moved reading The Man Behind the Cats. Having lost my first wife to cancer, you have my deep sympathy. I truly enjoy your musings and observations about felines, and hope you know that you have a loyal and appreciative readership.
Like Michael I have About Cats on my Google homepage and check in with your site frequently. I am so sorry for your loss…and grieve for you as someone who has also experienced the pain of losing what is precious. You are not alone.
You are in my thoughts and my heart, Franny. Your story is such an inspiration.
Asa’s long, hard journey is over. He is at peace now with Shannon and Bubba and all the other cats that he loved over the years. Asa’s spirit will be with you forever. I am sure that you will feel him close to you to guide you thru your journey to meet him again where you when you will be together for eternity. We love you Franny.
Sam and Irene
Bless you Franny, for the work you do, and in your loss.
So much harder for those of us left behind, than for those who have gone on. I can just picture the reunion when the man behind the cats arrived to join all his furry friends.
*hugs*
I’m so sorry for your loss Franny. I only got to know Asa through your words but I think that he was a remarkable man and I’m sure that he will continue to inspire and guide you. We, your readers grieve with you and your family
Franny, to borrow a line from a favorite song of mine, “Why are there so many songs about Rainbows and what’s on the otherside?”, it’s because of a Rainbows great beauty. As of this day, whenever I see a Rainbow I will think of Asa and the person he was. You shared him with many and many will miss him. Take care of yourself and of Jaspurr too.Peace my friend.
Franny, my thoughts are with you and your children. Your relationship was a real inspiration to many of your readers. I wish you peace.
Franny, Is there a certain organization that Asa supported that we may give a gift to in his honor? Peace my friend.
Fran - I am so sorry for your loss. Wishing you peace and comfort.
-Claire
I’m sorry for your loss Franny. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Franny,
I am so sorry that Asa’s valiant struggle is over, but glad he is at peace. I’m wishing you peace, as well.
You are in my thoughts, prayers, and tears.
Alison
Franny,
What a beautiful tribute to an extraordinary man and partner. And a testament to the power of love and fortitude. You and Asa have made such a difference in the world because of your mutual love and respect for cats — and your capacity to share that in such cogent ways. You’ve brought more understanding and compassion into this sometimes crazy world. I wish you nothing but peace and love — with my deepest sympathies.
I, too, read your column regularly and have found the information and advice you’ve given very helpful. Thank you for sharing the story of “The Man Behind the Cats” It was a lovely tribute to a wonderful and well-loved man. I am so sorry for your loss as I know you and your children will miss him terribly. May God bless and comfort you.
Fran, my thoughts are prayers are with you today and in the coming months. I know what it is like to have a “man behind the cats” as my husband is much the same. I am going to go give him a big hug and a kiss and tell him I much I cherish him. I am sure your Asa is enjoying his reunion with those who have gone on.
Love,
IzzyBeth
You and your family, both two and four legged, are in our prayers. You are not alone!
Thank you for all your supportive comment, thoughts and prayers.
{{{John & Melissa}}},
Thank you for your thoughtful question.
Asa donated several times to the U.C. Davis School of Medicine Center for Companion Animal Health, in gratitude to their wonderful treatment of our Shannon, years ago. I also sent a donation there, and to Tabby’s Place in memory of Bubba, with a card to Asa.
However, I’m sure Asa would love the thought of a donation in his memory to any favorite animal shelter or cat rescue organization.
Oh, Franny. How I WISH the outcome could have been different for you two. Your’s has been a love story for the ages, with ups and downs, and dear friendship, and love. I sob for you all.
A wonderful tribute to a very special person. He is at peace now and I’d bet he is continuing his passion in the afterlife.
Beautiful words. May God be with you and yours.
What a wonderful and moving tribute. Your relationship with Asa is a true testament to the power of love and devotion. I hope your story can help inspire others to fully appreciate their own life partners. I’m thankful for Asa’s release from pain and suffering and will keep you and your family in my thoughts.
I am so sorry that you will have to miss your best friend and life-long love, Franny. I hope knowing that Asa lives on in many, many hearts is of some comfort to you in times ahead. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story–all of it.
With love, thoughts and prayers.
Franny, I have had you bookmarked on my iGoogle page for a long time, I read you almost daily (well, sometimes I read the archives!), and Asa’s influence is always there - I hope you know what a strong influence you have on cat-loving people everywhere, and how much you and Asa have been appreciated, and will continue to have an effect - a positive one! - on people’s and cats lives on both sides of the Rainbow Bridge. Your family is in our prayers.
Franny, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Franny,
I’m so sorry for your loss and please know that you’re in my thoughts and prayers. You’ve been strong for Asa for a long time and hope you have the strength for the next few days. Please take care of yourself..
~barb
Franny, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
I am sorry to hear this, Franny; my heart goes out to you and your children and the cats.
I am so very sorry to learn this news. You are in my thoughts and prayers. What a wonderful man!
I am sorry to hear about your loss. You and your children (including the ones with fur) will be in my thoughts and prayers. I know Asa had a glorious reunion with all our dear loved ones at the Rainbow Bridge.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort with those who love you.
What a wonderful, heart touching tribute to a very special man. You are the best, & most loving partner & support person he could of ever had. May God bring peace upon your heart & joy in every memory of
your life with Asa. We Love you Franny.
His soul is not set free to everlasting life with no pain, rejoice and be glad. Your pain will ease with time as you look forard to your heavenly reunion. Pace be with you.
Franny, All of us here where Asa worked loved him and will really miss him. I always enjoyed working with him, his competence and thouroughness were wonderful and I always enjoyed his sense of humor. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and if there’s anything you need please don’t hesitate to call.
What a wonderful gift he gave you - leading you to your love of cats. It sounds like you two shared a very special life together. Thank you for sharing with your readers the love of cats you and Asa have. Take care.
Oh, Franny, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my prayers, and Audrey and Abby send kitty-hugs your way.
I can’t help but picture the crowd of happy cats greeting Asa at the bridge, and I smile through my tears at the thought of the beauty of a love that shares a passion for others (two- and four-legged) such as yours.
Thank you again for sharing that passion with us, and I hope your furry family can be a comfort to you now as well as a link to Asa’s spirit.
Virtual hugs to you and yours.
While I never knew Asa other than through Franny’s writing here on cats.about.com.
Something tells me he would absolutely get the biggest kick out of his tribute being nestled in between “Where should I put the Litter Box” and.. “Ways to drive your human crazy”
Purrs & HeadButts.
franny, my thoughts are with you and asa is now with all the cats together and he is healthy again and does not have to suffer anymore. For you and your family included the cats of course
the best in this difficult time.
I am almost every day on your page i like it a lot.
tina
My heart is still lifted from the outflow of friendhip and support voiced here. Asa would be happy to know how profoundly his love of cats has affected my writing, and my community.
A special note to Kay, who wrote, “Something tells me he would absolutely get the biggest kick out of his tribute being nestled in between “Where should I put the Litter Box” and.. “Ways to drive your human crazy.”
Kaye, you nailed it perfectly! Asa had a remarkable sense of humor, and he would absolutely have loved the juxtaposition!
As they say, life must go on, and I know Asa would not expect me to let my site go indefinitely before getting back to work.
Thanks to Janet Tobiassen’s support, I think that will be sooner than later.
Franny
Re: the placement of the “Where should I put the Litter Box” and.. “Ways to drive your human crazy” posts. As I was setting up posts, I did worry a bit about the titles and how they would line up on the page with the tribute, but somehow knew that Asa wouldn’t mind, given the nature of cats and the site. Glad to read your comments, Kay and Franny!
Franny - I am a newish reader to your site. I very much enjoy it. I wanted to send my condolences on the loss of Asa. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
It warmed my heart to think of him meeting his beloved animals on the Rainbow Bridge. I am sure it brings you comfort as well.
Thank you for your work here. It is informative as well as entertaining.
Christy
Franny, I am so sorry. Although I didn’t have an opportunity to meet him, I “knew” Asa through your site and your forum posts — what a wonderful person, and such a fighter. My thoughts are with you all. -Janet
Franny, Upon return from vacation, I was very saddened to read of your husband’s passing. I had previously read your “The Man Behind The Cats” and been touched by your description of his love of kittys (beautifully illustrated in the photo “Bubba Wants to Go for a Ride”). From what you wrote, he seemed to be a man after my own heart. I especially enjoy your cover photo “Asa at the Wheel” that in spirit could have come from an episode of “route 66″. I pray you my deepest sympathies and may the Lord comfort you and all your family.
Franny, I just now read your tribute to Asa. I am so glad that you two were blessed with such a fine relationship, filled with love and respect. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Franny & felines:
I am so sorry to hear that Asa is gone. I know that he and you have struggled with this for a long time. May the love of your feline companions comfort you at this time as you adjust to live without your human companion.
I have read your articles every week for many years. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. He is now a peace and reunited with his animals and some day you will join him again. Bless you.
Dear Franny,
I understand how sad you must feel, and I also understand the joy of it. Little Désirée, my reincarnated Misty, reveals more and more of her former self each day, while being much much better than she was in the last life. She’s not afraid of the vacuum in this life; she’s not sick; she’s not clingy, and she’s not sad. This time, because I got her from the time she was 8 weeks old, she’s just as loving as before, but independent, vibrant and courageous as well (Misty was abused by her owner before I got her at age 2). I think that this is what life is about. The soul comes back each time to learn newer and better things. I was riding on the trail sunday where I always took J.J. when he was dying of cancer. After he died, he used to come back and fly by my side to let me know how happy and free he was. He also appeared at the house as a spirit cat to comfort Misty, who was grieving his loss, and to foster the knew kittens. Then he left, and I haven’t seen him until Sunday, when he suddenly appeared. He wanted to know if he could come home now because he saw how happy everyone was. I told him he could as soon as I have room. He agreed sadly, and I got to thinking that, we probably all come back. If Asa was your soul mate, perhaps you will meet again here as well as beyond the rainbow. I have known my soul mate through many lives. I’m sure you will be together again, but in the meantime, it is lonely, but, perhaps the purpose of that is reflection. Thank you to you and Asa for this wonderful forum. All my best, Leigh Arrathoon
My heart goes out to you and your family. Be glad that he is no longer in pain, he can rest now! And hug those critters and kids. Rely on them as needed. Love to All.
Franny —
Capt. Blue (USMC) and I are saddened by your news. You have our deepest sympathy. We will keep you and Asa in our prayers.
My deepest sympathies on the passing of Asa. I believe that he’s happy and healthy and will be among the first to meet you when it’s your time to cross-over. {{{{Franny and Family}}}}
ear Franny, Doyle and I are so sorry for your loss, He was a special person! I love the thought of Rainbow Bridge. All the babies were so happy to see Asa. I would love to imagine Phoenix and Little Big Man getting to know Asa. They would love him I know. Thank you for your special gift of understanding when we lost our babies. You are the first one I went to after we lost Phoenix and you came through big time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Lots of love and hugs. Kathy and Doyle
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Cats are a great comfort. I lost my son in 2004 and I have his 2 kitties, plus my 2 kitties. I know your loss is very hard. Take care of yourself. I think that Asa and my son, Vernon, are taking care of the kitties in Heaven.
Purrayers for you and your family, Franny!
Dear Franny - my thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. I lost my dear husband 2 years ago and our kitties were my only comfort for quite a while after his passing. If it weren’t for their love and friendship it would have been so much harder to bear. Am sending you lots of hugs and love and please know that you are in my prayers.
Dear Franny,
I am so sorry for your loss. From you articles, I already knew how loving Asa is to cats and to the family. Wish him peace and happiness with his kitties in heaven!Wish you and your family all the best!
With tears in my eyes I read your loving tribute to Asa. His picture with the kitty on his lap is priceless and showing his tender nature. God Bless him and your family this Mother’s Day weekend, knowing he is in your heart and mind forever. Best to you also. Deanna and Tom, my tender man.
Franny,we have 2 litters in two closet.My husband is “in love” with these babies and I am thankful.They give both of us so much love.You were blessed to have a husband who also love cats.My sister’s husband won’t allow cats, although she and her daughters want some.We are blessed.Priscilla,”mother” to 26 furry ones.
Franny, you are in my thoughts and prayers - next week my husband and I celebrate 36 years together…not all of them with cats, but certainly the last 25 or so have been blessed by the presence and loving company of 6 wonderful kitty friends. Life would not have been the same without any of them. God bless you all - and for those of you who have not seen this charming, musical version of “The Rainbow Bridge”: http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html
I am so sorry for your loss. Asa has a warm place in my heart, even though I know him only through your comments. May God bless you.
Thank you Franny for sharing this part of your life with us. I love your spirit and appreciation for your true love. Peace always, suanne
Toby, Kiki and I send best wishes your way in your time of loss.
Dear Franny,
I am relatively new about cats but I thoroughly enjoy reading your columns and both of my “boys’ have benefitted from your wisdom. My heart goes out to you & your family at this sad time in your lives. I know 1st hand the comfort our feline family members bring when we lose a loved one. The 1st year after my boyfried died, my Bella Stella Luna was my constant companion and without his unconditional love & attention I strongly doubt I would have recovered to where I’m at today. It’s hard but try to take comfort in the knowledge that you shared many wonderful years together and that someday you shall all be together again. Hang in there.
Hi Franny - my heart goes out to you and your family for your loss. Thank you for sharing about Asa, what a wonderful gift he was/is to you, and how he helped you get started with this great kitty website. Thank you for the high quality of this website. I came upon it only several weeks ago. Now I go to the site and “surf” whenever I’m feeling stressed out. It’s better than a glass of wine! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Deborah
Franny - I just got to your email this evening; I am so sorry to hear of your loss. The tribute to Asa was wonderful; may God wrap you and your family in comfort and peace. Joyce