The other day we said goodbye to our dear cat, Bruce. I adopted Bruce in the summer of 2001 from a shelter in Williamsburg, Brooklyn (I used to tell him that he lived in Williamsburg before it was cool). He's been with me through it all: the beginning of my adulthood as I was looking for my first job in New York; the heartache of September 11th; my move to Philly and marriage to Bob; our quick year in San Diego; the arrival of Ruby—and finally to our current home in Los Angeles, where he left this world on Monday for lots of cat nip and sun-filled naps in cat heaven.
I always feel funny revealing to people that I'm a cat lady, but I've come to realize that pets bring such warmth and love to our lives. Their love is different than what people can offer, but it's just as meaningful and true.
We will miss you, Bruce Mo Cho. You were playful, curious, often mischievous, and so, so loving. Thank you for being such an important part of our family.
Sending you lots of love <3
So sad to hear about the loss of your sweet cat. Sending you lots of love.
http://www.ciderwithrosie.com
<3 sorry that your heart misses your sweet friend.
Lots of love to you and your family. I can’t bear the thought of my cat leaving us either 🙁
I’m so sorry. That’s so sad. And sort of a coincidence, we just had to say goodbye to our cat, Missi, on monday too. She’d been with us for sixteen years, she started out as a stray that adopted “us” while we were living in Singapore. She would come by our apartment and eat our other cat’s dinner…and sort of became part of the family after a while. We’ll miss her.
Oh no, I started to cry – I am really sorry for Bruce and I hope you and your family can overcome the pain that comes with death 🙁 Sending lots of love!
Loosing such a loving pet is hard. Your post is so sweet & beautiful!
I’m with you in thought (we have 2 cats & a bunny here) & I send you lots of love & kisses from France.
what a lovely post and photo to honor sweet bruce. sending lots of love to you and your family. <3
So sorry, Joy. When I lost the kitty I got in college, I did the same thing in terms of remembering all the milestone events she was part of.
Joy, Bruce was absolutely adorable and as a cat lady myself (and Bill a cat gentleman) our heart goes out to you & your family. He is definitely rolling around in catnip heaven as we speak. Sending you lots of love.
I’m so sorry Joy but I am sure that he is happy in his cat heaven full of treats and toys. He loved you and he was loved <3
I am so sad for you! I still can choke up when I think of the passing of my last cat, Rags, a childhood cat that my parents had to put down when I first came back to Paris in my twenties. She was the sweetest friend and I loved her immensely.
Thinking of your family and little Bruce-y. Hope he will be happy in Cat Heaven.
Big hugs for your loss.
xoxo PARIS BEE kids blog
My deepest condolences for your lost. Bruce is in a better place, hanging out in a warm a sunny spot, I’m sure.
Oh, i’m so sorry to hear about your loss, Joy. I’m a cat lover too – it really is loosing an important family member. Sending love your way.
No shame in loving animals. So sorry you had to say goodbye to Bruce. He looks so fun and sweet.
Sorry to hear about your loss. I think of pets as tiny humans. Don’t feel silly at all. xoxo
Oh so so sorry. But i totally agree, they do go to heaven. No doubt!
And i also agree that they do bring a lot of love and warmth in our homes. With 8 cats here i totally admit to being a cat lady. Haters will hate. And that is okay. I did not set out to buy 8 cats. It kind of just happened. I think there might just be an invisible sign (to humans anyway) that says cats welcome… over my door or something. Also kids moving in and out and leaving their now aging animals behind till they settle in their new homes and never coming back to pick them up….:) Have a good day lady. And chin up… kitty is looking down on you. With grateful heart and cat nip between the teeth…<3
to your trusty companion.
xo
So sorry for your loss. Losing a furry family member is so tough..sending lots of love your way.
condolences and lots of virtual hugs and love from another very much cat lady. xoxo.
I’m so sorry. Pets really are part of the family. It sounds like Bruce had an amazing life.
I don’t ever post comments but I have to say that I am so sorry for the loss of your cat. I know how special and important our relationships with our animals are in our lives. These relationships are something to treasure every day and mourn when lost. I’ll be thinking of you and your family and sending comforting thoughts to you.
“If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart. I’ll stay there forever.”
I’m sorry for your loss. You’ll see him again at the rainbow bridge…xo
A touching post about furry friends. They are part of the family and leave more of an imprint on our lives than we think. Sweet catnip dreams Bruce.
Sending you lots of love – sorry for your loss.
My thoughts goes out to you and your family, Joy. Pets are such an important part of our lives and are irreplaceable. Our beloved dog, Abel passed away 43 days ago, and my heart still aches. For 11 yrs she was my most faithful and loyal companion, so I can definitely relate. -hugs-
So sorry to hear about your little kitty! My thoughts are with you!
xo
Diana
http://unusuallylovely.com
I am so so sorry to hear about your loss! Losing an animal is losing a family member. Our fluffies are so often the ones who have done more of life with us than many of our humans, and it is so hard to let that go. Sending hugs!!
Being a cat lady, I got fairly emotional reading this entry today. I am sending you lots of love from afar.
xox
So sorry to hear it, Joy. Many warm thoughts and hugs for you and your family.
I’ve had many special animal friends and it’s never easy when a loved one passes away. So lots of love. I always have some pretty funny pet stories and I’m sure Bruce had his share as well! As long as you remember and share those moments, Bruce will always be around.
Ohh dear.
sorry to hear that.
Joy–So sorry for the loss of your beloved Bruce. I too, have a cat that I adopted as a kitten and has travelled everywhere with me–from SF to NY to LA and a few places in between. She’s 17 and I hope I have a couple more years with her. Never be ashamed to be a cat person–they are incredibly sensitive & intelligent creatures and as you can attest to–very loving companions. RIP Bruce <3 <3
so, so sorry. Estou certa de que ele está no paraíso dos animais, que deve ser o melhor lugar do universo.
So sorry to hear that. Our 20 years old taily son who became star dust in March is waiting Bruce there to play together. Big hug from London and so sorry again…
http://acatfromlondon.wordpress.com/2013/03/15/1073/
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your furry friend. Pets are so special to our lives. It is amazing all of the special moments you shared with your cat, I am sure Bruce lived a great life.
What a sweet photo! I’m sorry to hear about your loss.
Sorry for your lost Joy! My heart goes out to you. I’m a cat person as well and have 4 cats in my life with only one still alive and she is 23 years old!
I’m a cat lady myself so my heart goes out to you. That picture of Bruce is beautiful. I’m sure you provided him with a happy, loving and colorful life.
Sorry to hear, Joy. Losing a pet is the absolute worst. Losing my dog 15 years ago can still make me cry today! Sounds like Bruce led a good, long life though! xx
So so sorry for your loss! =(
I’m really sorry for your loss. What a cutie Bruce was. =]
oh. 🙁 we got our two kittens (i still call them that) in 2000 in williamsburg too, but from an ad posted on a light pole. sorry to hear you had to say goodbye.
so sorry to hear about Bruce, Joy. I remember reading about him ages ago when I first came upon your blog. he was such a handsome fellow and I’m sure his memory will live on. hugs to you lady! xx
Bruce was beautiful! I’m so sorry for your loss. Thinking warm thoughts for your family & Bruce…
I’m so sorry for your loss. Pets add so much fun and warmth to our lives. We lost our cat at the beginning of this year–he would have been 18! Best wishes to you and your family.
I’m so sorry for the heartbreaking loss of Bruce. Cats are the best companions, I couldn’t imagine our life without ours – also adopted from the LES in NY and is now in LA with us. Much love to you and yours and know Bruce is in a good place. xo
I’m so sorry for your loss, many good blessings your way.
It’s always terrible when a pet dies, so sorry.
What an awesome person you are for adopting a pet! I’m so sorry for your loss. He had the best time with you and your family and was so lucky to have a loving home.
I’m sorry to hear this 🙁 It’s always hard to say goodbye to a pet they really are a part of the family. I’m sure Bruce had a great life and enjoyed your many adventures together!
So sorry for your loss. I have two cats myself who have changed my life and no matter what else is going on the the world, they make everything better. Who knew two little furballs could mean so much.
I’m happy that Bruce had a wonderful life with you and your family. I’m sure you meant as much to him as he did for you.
I’m so, so sorry. About a month ago, I lost my first cat. I grew up with cats, but she was the first cat that really belonged to me. She was nearly 20. I’m 26 so I’ve spent nearly my entire life with her in it. As much as I miss her, I’m happy she is gone and without pain.
Sorry for your loss. He reminds me of my Pete who has lived with me since May of 2000. They are a big part of our lives, aren’t they? Hugs.
I’m so sorry, Joy! I’ll be thinking of y’all.
I literally cried reading this… cats are so wonderful… they are incredibly independent and loving at all the right times. Bruce sure was handsome!
aww. so sorry for your loss. and i totally heart this — I’ve come to realize that pets bring such warmth and love to our lives. Their love is different than what people can offer, but it’s just as meaningful and true. — I couldn’t agree with you more. My little dog is 14 years old and has been through momentous chapters in my (and my husband’s) life. Sending warm thoughts to you.
so sorry to hear this, Joy. our fur babies take up such a big part of our hearts….happy to hear he’s in a better place. sending lots of love. ox
I am so sorry to hear about your lose. I love cats have a feline child myself. My heart goes to you , your family and Bruce of course.
I’m so sorry to hear that. I’m a cat person as well and believe they make life so much funnier and richer! Thank you so much for sharing, Joy.
I am so sorry about Bruce passing away, he is now as you said in cat’s heaven enjoying a new life. I am a cat person and have my Missi, I appreciate his company and love everyday as I know he won’t be here for ever, bless them they are such good company and friends.
aww this is so sad, I’m super sorry for your loss. My room mate lost his cat recently and she definitely left a huge hole in our lives and home! I’m sure Bruce though is loving his sun-filled naps 🙂
I have been so blessed to have a wonderful dachshund. She is a very old girl, 14 and still perky. But lately I have noticed a slight hitch in her step and more naps than usual. Your sweet post is helping me prepare for the future of when my angel will pass away. Your insightful thoughts on your loss are helping all of us. Thanks for sharing Joy….I am so sorry you lost your little friend.
xo
Hi Joy, I know the pain of losing a pet. It’s truly like losing a family member (which a pet really is!). I lost my doggie almost a year ago and still think of him, miss him, every single day. I hope Bruce and my doggie are keeping each other company in heaven : )
Sending you so many hugs and all my love. It sounds like you loved him very much and that the little guy had a wonderful life! Run free, sweet boy.
Sorry to hear of your loss Joy. Our pets are family… wishing you much comfort.
I completely understand how hard it is to say goodbye to a beloved pet. It’s absolutely heartbreaking. They are little furry beat friends who listen intently, love unselfishly, and comfort endlessly. When I lost someone dear to me, I would cry in my pillow and my sweet cat Kimo would quickly come nuzzle me and purr quietly as if saying “I’m here.” When I lost my sweet Kimo, I cried in my pillow, and just expected that he would be there by my side in a heartbeat. They leave such a void. I still miss him, five years later.
*best friends
Joy, I am so sorry to hear about your kitty. It sounds like he had a wonderful life with you. He is so lucky that you saved him and loved him!
so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine how strange a house can feel without your furry little friend around, I cant’t even stand thinking that this will happend some day to me as well… but that’s life isn’t it? my thoughts are with you and your family 🙂
I am so very sorry for your loss. Bruce was a gorgeous furbaby. I don’t know what I would do. I have two kitties myself and just to think about it makes me cry. I am so very sorry…much love and strength to you all. Bruce was a lucky guy to have you in his life.
Last year I lost a long time companion, Pud was 18 years old when she died of tumors in her lungs. This cat had been with me in all my travels, she knew when to sit quietly and listen when I had bad days and was alway happy to party with me on the good days.
I miss her…
I recently lost my own loving cat, Diva. I understand the sorrow that comes with it. Wishing you the best and lots of thoughts and prayers headed your way!
You are right pets give us love like no other can!!! well said! And never hide your inner cat lady, animal people are compassionate, caring and just all around great people…they(the pets) do this to us! I dread the day my dog, she’s 10 this year, leaves me…I call her my grown up partner cause we have been throught it all, just like you & Bruce. He seems to have had a very happy life & I’m sorry for your loss, it’s harder than we give it credit , they are a friend & family member that can never be replaced just like humane family & the loss is just as great. Wishing you peace!
I like you better now that I know you are a cat person. I am sorry for your loss and hope that you, in time, find comfort in the paws of another loving cat.
Am sorry for your loss. Bruce seemed like a much beloved kitty and was very lucky to have you and your family love him through all his kitty years.
Love from Seattle
Lynn
I’m very sorry for your loss. You’re in my thoughts.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I too am a cat lady, and saying goodbye to a pet is one of the hardest things because the bond with a pet is so personal. He was so lucky to be a part of your family!
Very sad to hear that Bruce has left you. Our cats so enjoyed the toys you sent many years ago in a swap, but sadly our furry friends have also left us 🙁 Still I now have a one year old to occupy me and one day we will adopt new cats. Sending you lots of love, Lesley (Pootlecat)
Thank you Lesley!
And so sorry to hear about your losses as well 🙁
So nice to hear from you and hope you are well!
Joy
Joy, I am so sorry for your loss.
hugs to you as you continue to adapt to life without your bruce. xo
That is so sad. I know how it feels, having lost my dog over a year ago. It is such a bad heartbreak.
I am so sorry. I just lost my 13 year-old cat myself, so I know how you feel.
Loosing a pet is the hardest thing. Sending you major hugs.
Tammy
I’m a cat lady too! I’m so sorry for your loss. I don’t even want to think about losing my own kitty. Sending good vibes your way!
So very sorry to hear about the loss of your special kitty. Cats bring such warmth and unconditional joy. We lost our cat last year and were absolutely devastated. I am sure you gave Bruce a wonderful life. When the time is right perhaps you can save the life of another kitty who can bring more joy to your home. So sorry.
I’m so sorry for your loss! Animals hold a very special place in our hearts and families!
OMG im sorry to hear that, im sendding you much love from me and my cats.
heart breaking…but beautifully written. love to you and your family!
So sorry to hear that, I’ve just lost my cat and I truly believe he is in heaven waiting for me on the rainbow bridge, and we can be together again, this time forever. Bless you, and believe. It will be so.God is the king and master of all creatures, and he will provide.X
Thank you for sharing and I’m sorry for your loss. I know how you feel because my beloved Missy died 3 weeks ago and had 5 years together and with the help of The Pet Loss Center- Seattle WA, we gave her a final arrangement and Missy was my first pet cat. Please refer to this link: https://thepetlosscenter.com/our-locations/seattle/
Thank you for sharing and I’m sorry for your loss. I know how you feel because my beloved Missy died 3 weeks ago and had 5 years together and with the help of The Pet Loss Center- Seattle WA, we gave her a final arrangement and Missy was my first pet cat. Please refer to this link: https://thepetlosscenter.com/our-locations/seattle/
Thank you for sharing and I’m sorry for your loss. I know how you feel because my beloved Missy died 3 weeks ago and had 5 years together and with the help of The Pet Loss Center- Seattle WA, we gave her a final arrangement and Missy was my first pet cat. Please refer to this link: https://thepetlosscenter.com/our-locations/seattle/
Thank you for sharing and I’m sorry for your loss. I know how you feel because my beloved Missy died 3 weeks ago and had 5 years together and with the help of The Pet Loss Center- Seattle WA, we gave her a final arrangement and Missy was my first pet cat. Please refer to this link: https://thepetlosscenter.com/our-locations/seattle/
Thank you for sharing and I’m sorry for your loss. I know how you feel because my beloved Missy died 3 weeks ago and had 5 years together and with the help of The Pet Loss Center- Seattle WA, we gave her a final arrangement and Missy was my first pet cat. Please refer to this link: https://thepetlosscenter.com/our-locations/seattle/
Thank you for sharing and I’m sorry for your loss. I know how you feel because my beloved Missy died 3 weeks ago and had 5 years together and with the help of The Pet Loss Center- Seattle WA, we gave her a final arrangement and Missy was my first pet cat. Please refer to this link: https://thepetlosscenter.com/our-locations/seattle/
Thank you for sharing and I’m sorry for your loss. I know how you feel because my beloved Missy died 3 weeks ago and had 5 years together and with the help of The Pet Loss Center- Seattle WA, we gave her a final arrangement and Missy was my first pet cat. Please refer to this link: https://thepetlosscenter.com/our-locations/seattle/
Thank you for sharing and I’m sorry for your loss. I know how you feel because my beloved Missy died 3 weeks ago and had 5 years together and with the help of The Pet Loss Center- Seattle WA, we gave her a final arrangement and Missy was my first pet cat. Please refer to this link: https://thepetlosscenter.com/our-locations/seattle/
Thank you for sharing and I’m sorry for your loss. I know how you feel because my beloved Missy died 3 weeks ago and had 5 years together and with the help of The Pet Loss Center- Seattle WA, we gave her a final arrangement and Missy was my first pet cat. Please refer to this link: https://thepetlosscenter.com/our-locations/seattle/
Thank you for sharing and I’m sorry for your loss. I know how you feel because my beloved Missy died 3 weeks ago and had 5 years together and with the help of The Pet Loss Center- Seattle WA, we gave her a final arrangement and Missy was my first pet cat. Please refer to this link: https://thepetlosscenter.com/our-locations/seattle/