Thoughts About Thanks
It's remarkable that we only have one day set aside officially to give thanks for our blessings. Perhaps I feel that way because I've reached the age where I no longer take the bounty life has given me for granted, and now give thanks every day for my blessings. Since Thanksgiving is only a few days away in the U.S., I thought it would be appropriate to spread our thanks over a period of time instead of waiting for the "big day." I'll start, then add more thanks as the days pass by, and I encourage my readers to contribute.
Today I am thankful for having known Kari Winters and having benefited from her passion for writing about and helping cats. It was a pleasure and an honor to call her "friend."
I'm thankful for Tabby's Place, my favorite cats sanctuary, and for Jonathan, Angela, and all the volunteers and staff that give a loving home to special needs cats.
I'm thankful for organizations like The Animal Rescue Site, and FreeKibble.com, along with their sponsors, who make it easy to help feed shelter animals on a daily basis.
I'm thankful for the many cats who have passed through my life, leaving the imprint of their unconditional love. Shown here is Shannon, who gave us 19 wonderful years.
Photo Credit: © Franny Syufy
Your turn now.
Comments
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Hello,
I brought Katie into see her Veterinarian for a wellness check. I noticed that she appeared to be losing weight. My worst fears are realized. My kitten of eleven years, is not well. Katie’s kidneys are failing her. The Vet said that she has maybe six months perhaps. As she sits on my lap, I dread the thought of not having her around. I will make the time she has left as pleasant as I can. I am so thankful for her companionship.
Jeffrey
Thank you fosterer Alice and the people of Feline Friends and the people at PetSmart and all the other people who helped bring Brave Newman into my life.
Thanks to the people at cats.about.com and the cat lovers at the cats forum who have held my hand.
I am thankful for our little Edgar who would’ve been 18 years old a few weeks after he went to Heaven on July 30th, 2009. He was a preciousprecious sweet boy that we loved with all our hearts.
Every year at church for Christmas Eve, luminaires can be purchased “in memory/honor of” family members and loved ones as a fundraiser for the youth group. They light them on Christmas Eve and outline the parking lot and sidewalks for our Christmas services at church. A special insert is then included in the program listing all the remembrances. This year, yes, I will be purchasing a luminaire for our dear Edgar boy, and his little entry will simply read ‘Edgar’, from ‘mommie & daddy’. We’ll know! The Lord will know, too!
=^..^=
I am a chronically mentally ill person who is loved by eight wonderful cats. I have been doing very poorly lately. I often know that I don’t want to be here anymore, don’t want to hurt anymore, don’t want to keep going…but the cats. How could I leave them? No one would know that they are here, with no food and no water. They would suffer terribly. I cannot live…or die…knowing that. So they are my “thankfulness”. In their eyes, I know unconditional love…
Thank you God for making cats!
Thank you for our litle Pandora. I found her in the middle of the highway at about 5 weeks old and struggled much with the dicision whether to keep her. I knew that I never wanted her but have found that we needed her as much as she needed us. She brings us much joy and our dog Lucy loves her just as well.
I am thankful for my 4 great cats, Sonja, a rescue, now 9 yrs old, very sweet and friendly; Klein Max the German farm tiger, 6 yrs old, beautiful, enormous (9 kg) red tabby, friendly, temperamental but I love him anyway; little Minke, 3 yrs old, coal black, sweet, a little timid, but friendly with me; and Schneeball, 2 yrs old, one of the sweetest, most loving cats I have ever had. I am fortunate to be loved by them.
I am thankful for my wonderful husband, Ken, who is a gift from God to me. I am thankful for our four wonderful kitties, Putter Cat, a big, silky black Maine-Coon mix, 7 years old, Neo, who is in this black cat gallery, a rescue from the Humane Society, who is a the sweetest boy, 2 years old, and our two Ragdoll Himalayan mixes, brothers rescued at 7 weeks old, now a little more than 1 year old. They all give us so much joy and laughter and love. My kitties have changed my life, so much for the better. Happy Thanksgiving!
Dear Jeffrey:
I’d get a second opinion if I were you, if you haven’t already. Kidney failure is often treatable with often a short course of sub-cutaneous fluids, a change of diet to kidney sensitive food, a few daily pills, and using filtered drinking water so they kidneys don’t have to work as hard (tap water is full of sediment).
I’m only saying this because today I am giving thanks that I’ve had Picasso now for nearly 3 years after her kidney failure diagnosis. It’s been a winding road, but she is still healthy and has a very good quality of life.
I’m very grateful for my 3 cats and the joy and love they have given me over the years. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
I am so thankful for ALL of the pets I have had over the many years I have been alive. They have so many different personalities. Cats,dogs, birds which i now have 19 0f. I do miss having a few cats in the house but can’t with my birdies. They sing all of the time. Canaries of all colors
I thank God everyday for my little snowshoe, Maddux. He lights up my life.
I’m thankful for my 15-year-old cat, Marlowe. Marlowe has been an especially loving companion for me this year after my failed suicide attempt. Along with my family, my friends and my new lease on life, Marlowe has inspired me to keep going one day at a time. She shadows me throughout the house and is never more than a few feet away from me at any time – it’s as is she’s keeping a vigil over me, making sure I’m alright. Marlowe is a real talker and understands many short directives and sentences; she senses when I’m feeling low and sits in my chair with me during these times until I feel better. I love this cat.
For faith, family friends, and heavens yes for cats! For Queen Jessica, my calico and girlfriend – 1992 at fourteen, Sammie, our orange ruffian! whom we adopted when he was perhaps 11 and shared a home with til he was 16, for Gelie and her littermate, Prince Charles, she left our sight Valentines Day 2007 and Charles May 2008. For Rubin, our first tuxedo, blind in one eye and adopted in February 09 after his companion’s death, he is a lovable mess! And for like minded people who know cats are gifts from above. They help us in untold ways through difficulties and day to day life. Thank each of you for being here. Happy Everyday Thanksgiving…
I am thankful for the two angels God put in sweet feline bodies and sent to me almost three years ago: a ginger tom,Felix and a dark princess called Luciferina.
Thank you,Franny,for this site and for your smile.
Also, thanks to all vets,cat-rescue people,cat lovers and owners and to all firemen who consider saving a cat`s life at least as important as saving a human`s.
Thank you for all of your help with my 22 kids. They are my life line. When my husband passed away 4 1/2 years ago..3 sat by the bedroom-where he died-would not go in-and pined away and passed away. Your web sites have helped me so much.Jim grew up with cats-I didn’t. I knew how to look for signs about kidneys-but that’s about it. Now after reading you site I know so much more about my kids and their behavior patterns. I was working at night-woulkd come home-feed them-take a short nap..eat..talk to them-go to sleep and go to work. Since I am no longer working-& it has been 5 months-they are not messing in the house anymore and those I could not even go near are now my buddies. Thank you so much for you information. God Blessyou.
I am so thankful for my three furballs. Xena is 3, had her from 1 week old, Simba is 2, got him at 10 months old, he’s now 2 and Rocky, fostered him at 4 weeks old and just had to keep him. They are like any other family. I have my resident princess, my love bug and my bad boy (Rocky is my bad boy hahahaha). I can’t imagine my life without them.
I have been blessed over the years with the companionship of wonderful fur-children: dogs, cats and horses. They bring me so much joy that I just can’t imagine what my life would have been without these little souls.
I have been owned by al least one cat ever since I moved into my own place back in 1973!
My first was given to me by my ex-mother-in-law…an adult male Siamese, who got outside and then NEVER wanted to come back in! He was followed by “Qat”…an adult female Siamese, obtained from the McLean County (Ill’s.) Animal Shelter. She was with me for 12 years. After she passed away, my neighbour (I was living in Toronto, Ont’o. by then) gave me a kitten theirson had purchased at a flea market; I named him “Big Sid Catlet” after the noted drummer…and he was known to all as “Sidney.” He looked like he had some Siamese in his ancestry (looked like a gray/white Siamese, in fact!) and was one of the smartest cats I have ever known!
About a year later, Spot (a “yaller” long-haired male) followed me home…a five-block hike through city traffic! I decided if he wanted to live with me that badly, he could stay…which he did for almost 23 years. I was also given a beautiful calico, “Melissa”…who kept disappearing and then coming home pregnant (twice). I kept five of these kittens…the last one, “Mohair” (DLH…”Mo’ hair than they is cat!) died shortly after I moved to Oshawa in late 1997.
The house in Oshawa came with a cat; I called him “Patches.” He died suddenly (do cats have heart attacks?!) a couple of years after I moved in. I was then adopted by “Mama Cat”…a beautiful dilute tortoiseshell, who provided me with an ongoing supply of kittens on a regular basis. Her penultimate litter was one single male kitten…”Ecru,” my current ecru thomas cat, who has now been with me for almost five years.
I now plan to acquire another dilute tortie…I want to see what colours of kittens will result as I “rebuild my herd!?”
…stevenc
I’m thankful for my kitteh of 9 years, Kalli…her love and companionship is something truly special. Amidst all my health issues, she’s been a constant help and truly family, even saving my life. She’s had hers too that she’s been overcoming and so I’m thankful for that; we strengthen each other. I’m thankful for life, friends, family, natural beauty, laughter, and all those little things and moments each day. I’m thankful for those who’ve helped me, showed me exceptional kindness in helping me during my health issues – like in providing a place to stay, food, comfort, friendship, love, and warmth. Truth is, I’m very thankful. I wish everyone a happy and amazing Thanksgiving. This community and Franny’s work is also something to be very grateful for. Thanks fellow cat lovers!
I am grateful for my cat Bandit whom I had to put down on October 2, 2009 after 18 years and 3 months of complete devotion, loyalty, trust and love. She was my companion through many deaths in my life and my rock as I am sure she thought of me. She is still missed and will be missed for a very long time. I am also grateful to my new friend, Sammie who is funny and sweet and who hopefully will be our companion for 18+ years.
I’m thankful that my beautiful Raleigh is still with me to celebrate yet another Thanksgiving, and that despite her health problems she is still spirited and feisty as she approaches her 19th birthday. I am thankful for Coco Bear, the fun-loving joyful cat who makes me smile no matter how bad my day has been. I’m thankful that she is a candidate for the radioactive iodine treatment for her hyperthyroid, and hope that the procedure in January goes well. I am thankful for so many other things, too, but this is a cat forum
I am thankful that i had 18 incredible years with my HOJO, she passed away in May and it broke my heart. I am also thankful for my 5 year old Chloe…she helps with her hugs!!
I am so thankful for my Gato who knocked on my door 3 1/2 years ago. I opened the door and was instantly in love. He is the best little boy ever. Although its Thanksgiving Day I didn’t leave the house because I am so happy to be with him. I’m sure some people think I’m crazy but I would rather be with him than most humans.
November 26, 2009
Corky was ordinary looking-a orange and white male tabby. I was fortunate to have for 14 years. We had a special relationship. Cats are affectionate in their own way. Supple, sweet. quiet or loud meows, silly as cats can be, etc. Corky had the loudest meow I ever heard. Usually it meant “feed me first” or “come here and pet me.” In my face early mornings to be fed. Waiting by door for me to come home.
Sitting peacefully on my lap one day in the few weeks before he died January 31, 2009. He died peacefully the night before. I have his ashes. One day I will be at the Rainbow Bridge and see him again.
I am so thankful for all the cats & dogs that God has sent into our lives, some who have lived into their 20’s. A very loving husband who thankfully has been a push over every time one of these fur creatures have chosen our home as theirs & so thankful for Frannie who gives 100% of all she has has to help us learn to become better care givers. Thanks to her I raised at 1 week old & only 4 ounces each 2 fur babies who are now 4 year old healthy cats. Frannie’s guide help me get through so many “unknowns’ . It was with her & Gods help I managed to overcome my fears & now have these 2 little miracles that I am thankful for every day to have in my life.
I’m so thankful to have our cat Kylie in our life. I never really thought of myself as a cat person until we got Kylie. But now I know that cats can be just as loving in their own way as dogs.
I cannot imagine my life without my beloved Kolya. Dec. 1 will mark 10 years together. To think that prior to meeting her, I never did like cats (I inherited this from my mom). Now she is “grandma’s” great joy! Kolya has health challenges, so I am thankful and appreciative for her good days, and weather through the not so good ones.
I am thankful that I had my cat jimmycat for 21 yrs. He was a great cat. I showed him cat shows for 18 yrs, he has over 500 ribbons and many trophies. I miss him very much. Now I have a cat that acts just like him. I have never have a cat live for 21 yrs until now. I have a tattoo of him on my right arm
I thankful for my Big Kitty who passed in 2007 he was my first cat. He was generous with his kisses and always had time for a nap with me. I grateful for Jewel who was BKs little sister and soulmate. She like BK now looks after Nellie Belle my youngest and most loving cat. Next I am gratefull that God moved me to step in and rescue my Oscar just as he was being taken by Animal Control. And Lastly I am grateful to God for making cats and letting us share our lives with them. Thank you God.
I am very thankful for my hubbie, my parents (my Dad just had open heart surgery little over a week ago), and my entire family. I am also so thankful for our feline babies PJ, CC, Middy, Kitty, Creamy, and my dog Brandy. Also for Kobe and Prissy, who live in our hearts.
I am forever thankful for all the kitties that have been in my life. Tiger was around when I was little but I remember loving him. Abby and Velvet were next–two very loyal friends. Velvet was very sick and still climbed the stairs to come and see me. I rescued Alice from snow and cold and lack of food and decent treatment, and she’s been my sweetheart ever since. Cali was rescued from a shelter and is the happiest little girl! Nickels was rescued from a kill shelter and is such a sweet baby! I don’t know where I’d be if I didn’t have all these great kitties in my life.
I am thankful for the privilege of the confiding affection of my little grey cat whom I call Blue. She trusts me and loves me and of all the honours I have earned, or just been given, in my life, her love and trust are perhaps the most extraordinary.
For some still unexplained reason, my anti-cat mindset changed and I took in the cat of an acquaintance who was no longer able to care for him. The next day I discovered a strange little bug on him. We immediately went to the vet who treated him for fleas, worms, and began vaccinations. This trip made me realize that in order for this relationship to work, I needed to quickly learn about cats (I now think “duh!”). I am forever thankful for this website and a few others. The insight helped and continues to help me be a responsible, informed “catmom.” And yes, one cat did lead to another, and even led to a catio! Thank you to everyone sharing your cat tales and experiences. . .you’ve helped me and two cats peacefully coexist.
Just as every Cat has 9 lives ~ I believe every Life should have 9 cats! As a volunteer rescuer for most of my life I’m now down to nine for which I am thankful every single day! Caspurr, Diesel, Dodger, Jessie, Peppurr, Raven, Sugarpuss, Trixie & Monster Having rescued and fostered over 250 cats the past 20 years, I am grateful for each & every one. Extra special ones like Jet, Squirt, Scruffles, Scooter, Cookie, Coco, Joey are now gone but SO precious & priceless! For they truly rescued me! Like June, they have been my lifeline. Thanx to Kladi for acknowledging the whole list ~ Franny & all of YOU who cherish animals! Bless all who hold life sacred Jeffrey pls take Melanie’s good advice ~ kidney disease is NOT death! I believe (like Kladi)that angels are often here, disguised as cats. I’ve known quite a few up close! Just as Ted misses Corky, I am counting on seeing ALL my furkids at Rainbow Bridge when I cross over. Anyone who can’t appurreciate cats, just hasn’t yet had the honor of being loved by one! Like Cathy, the more I know people, the better I love my cats! Bonnie you are blessed to have 8 wonderful puddies who love you unconditionally. People always have “conditions” attached to their love. Pets don’t. Most “shrinks” are the “craziest” people of all. But cats will still love them anyway! I thank God for cats! =^..^= Purrs & Amen!!
I lost my Lily to feline distemper. She had adopted me-jumped in my Rx7 when I was visiting my grandchildren. She died only 2 years ago. I still cry when I think of her. I buried her in my yard by the clothesline-so if you ever see a woman talking to herself while hanging out clothes,you’ll understand why. Lily,I miss you so much-you were a part of me. I only had her less than 7 years.
Even though I’m laid off this year, I’m still blessed with a wonderful family, friends and most of all I’m grateful for my cats Moe, Pretty Girl, Julius and Lucky, who make me laugh and love me no matter what!!!!!
I’m thankful for all the past cats in my life – Ashes, Cinders, Timbers, Starburst, Merlin, and those that are still here – Duncan 17, and Guenevere 14. The love and laughter they have provided is immeasurable.
I am very thankful for my 4 cats but mostly for my male Scooters. We have been through alot together in the 17 years that I have had him. Just within the past month Scooters was diagnosed with cancer. He had a knot on his head that got bigger and he was also loosing weight along with treating him for arthritis. I keep him careful and make sure the other cats don’t bother him. He has given me joy,laughter and comfort through difficult times.
I lost 2 of my woonderful kitties this year, both were 18 years old. After a few months, I began to look into adopting another one. I knew there would be no shortage of cats needing homes, but was amazed at the numbers everywhere I looked. So many sad stories of people unable to keep their pets, shelters full and overflowing, rescue groups full to capacity. It is heartbreaking.
To see a posting like the one from #18 is disgusting. He is actually looking for a female cat to “supply him with litters of kittens”
I am urging people to encourage their cities to make spay/neutering a law, with a heavy fine for those who do not comply.
I am so thankful,and grateful for the feline companions of this world. I have a true angel ina felines body, a gift from above.
Her name is Sunshine Angel, I rescued her 9 years ago, but
she rescues me, she stands guard over me and does not rest until all is well. Sunshine Angel brings life and joy to my life as I travell along my journey, she is by my side in all I do, and when I come home she is right there to greet me. I had a escape from death in 08 and 09 and Sunshine Angel pulled me through and guided me on my road to recovery, she is a true gift and a blessing, thank you for your site Fran I find it both informative and encouraging thank you and god bless.
I am very thankful for the wonderful cats I have in my life now and in the past. They offer unconditional love and comfort. The 3 I have now make our house a home – and we love them dearly.
I am thankful for my wonderful family, my beautiful daughter and my two kitties that I love so dearly. I am also thankful for little Tashi whom I sponsor at Tabby’s Place…….such a wonderful organiztion.
Spot was born in my house 11 years ago, from a pregnant cat I brought in from the street. He’s a brown tabby with a distinctive white spot on his nose, hence his name. We kept the full litter of five kittens and had a wonderful full house.
About 5 years ago, I became disabled and couldn’t work anymore; subsequently, I lost my apartment and was homeless for 2 years while waiting for my Social Security disability. During that time, my cats “lived” in the backyard of my old apartment, with plenty of food but not much shelter. I refused to give them up, clinging to them as a source of comfort, hoping that things would change for the better again someday.
We eventually found homes for some of them, but others moved on and disappeared. Spot was the only one left, patiently waiting for me to work out my life. I didn’t see him often during my homelessness, but the night I brought him to my new apartment, he remembered me right away, just like we had never been separated.
Now we’re together again. Spot is thriving; he’s my constant companion and a source of comfort and love everyday. My husband and I are grateful he waited for us and grateful that he forgives us for the difficult time he had. I have others now, Cocoa, rescued from the street, and Buster, a feral kitten, who grew up to be the sweetest red boy you could ever want. But Spot is a blessing and we are truly blessed to have him.
I’ve had many cats over the years and each one of them lives on in my mind and heart. My life would truly have been much emptier without them.
I’m thankful to be able to read this newsletter. I love it!
I’m thankful for my three beautiful cats, Max, Rubie & Cie Cie.
They have kept me company on lonely evenings when my husband taught at a community college quite far from our home. Each has their only personality and funny sides to them. Max, however, glared at me for months after I brought the two females here to live. I do believe he’s finally accepted them (perhaps grudgingly). God has blessed us with these wonderful pets.
Thank you God, for sending my little Popcorn into my mother’s and my life. Mom was slowing dying, when this toothless dying kitten came to our door to finish his life at our door. We took him in, better today inside than out in the cold and rain. I bathe him, dressed his woulds, gave him warm milk and he survived. He gave my mom so much during her final weeks of life. He grieved her for 10 days – 50 – 50 chance of survival, the vet told me. We gave him a heavy dosis of vitamins, and it worked. When a woman came to steal my mother’s heirlooms he jumped her and scared her away. God bless Popcorn!
We’re thankful for your “About Cats” emails too! Always very helpful and informative.
I am thankful for having been given the chance to be honored to have saved so many wonderful and loving cats in my life. As many colors and shapes that is a different they are in personality. I have loved each and everyone as an individual for that is what are.
I am thankful for my cate of 16 years, Baby. He is part Maine Coone cat and the most lovable, dedicated cat I have ever had and there have been quite a few.
Baby was diagnosed with diabetes two years ago and receives a shot twice a day. Also, two years ago he was attacked by a dog and lost his right front leg.
Baby is a real trooper. He just loves to be with me and have me pet him and he loves his treats. Of course, I know he is living on borrowed time and I am totally loving him and enjoying him every day.
I am thankful for all the kittehs and goggies I have had in the past 54 years, and all the love we shared, all the lessons they have taught me. I am also thankful for the selfless vets and other kat and Goggy lovers out there. Thank you all
Bonnie Karen says:
I am a chronically mentally ill person who is loved by eight wonderful cats. I have been doing very poorly lately. I often know that I don’t want to be here anymore, don’t want to hurt anymore, don’t want to keep going…but the cats. How could I leave them? No one would know that they are here, with no food and no water. They would suffer terribly. I cannot live…or die…knowing that. So they are my “thankfulness”. In their eyes, I know unconditional love…
Bonnie,
You are in my prayers. I pray everyday for my health so that I can take care of my sweet girls. No one loves your cats like you do.