Today, 11 April 2008. we had to bid good bye to our long-lived and many lived friend, Heidi.We have had here since 1993, so she was likely 18 to 20 years old, which is next to Methusala in cat years. She has dwindled to half her peak weight of 14 #'s down to 7 pounds and was totally blind. She still slept every night with Anneliese and purred and licked her constantly, but would not eat. She has been a big part of all the kids childhoods and will be missed greatly.
She joined Fiona on her right side facing the stream. 
We bought some flowers and azalea bushes to plant on their graves. We hope not to expand our pet cemetery any time soon. Anne hopes to get Midnight to start to sleep with her now and to get him to be nicer!! Of course, Heidi never did like him, so maybe it is a lost cause.
At any rate, we like to think of her now in Heaven chasing little mice and bunnies around and not bumping into walls and all fat and happy. We look forward to having her sandpaper tongue lick our hands again. We will miss all the white hair that has adorned all of our clothes for these 15 years!! But we will be reminded of her by her hair which she contributed to our decorations and clothes certainly for years to come!!
We suggest no flowers be sent, but instead to contribute to the perpetual building fund of our Gimsbacher old farm house--yet to be named! Please contribute memories to the comment section for family night on Monday.
Here is our Pet Cemetary which we fixed up today. Notice Heidi's tombstone with the "et al" to signify the incorporated pets along the lines of "Bluebell" and something else "Bell". Stella will remember the names of all her birds that became part of Heidi.
23 April: We received this poem from the Vet Clinic about Heidi:
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven lies the Rainbow Bridge.
When a beloved pet dies, it goes to the Rainbow Bridge. It
makes friends with other animals and frolics over rolling
hills and peaceful, lush meadows of green.
Our pets do not thirst or hunger. The old and sick are made
young once more; the maimed and the ill become healed
and strong. They are as healthy and playful as we remember
them in days gone by.
Though happy and content, they still miss someone special,
someone they had to leave behind.
Together, the animals chase and play, but the day comes
when a pet will suddenly stop and look into the distance...
bright eyes intent, eager body quivering. Suddenly
recognizing you, your pet bounds quickly across the
green fields and into your embrace. You celebrate in
joyous reunion. You will never again separate. Happy tears
and kisses are warm and plenty; your hands caress the face
you missed. You look once more into the loving eyes of your
pet and know you never really parted. You realize that
though out of sight, your love had been remembered.
And now, you cross the Rainbow Bridge together....
M.A. Preston
6 comments:
The pet cemetery is perfect. You did a wonderful job on the headstones, Erik. Now Fiona has some company. Anne, a big hug to you. Thanks for being so brave and helping Heidi have a wonderful last night. I know she loved you a lot. Hugs to everyone, and lots of love to our friend Heidi.
-Katie
Some memories of Heidi-
-Dad wanted to name her Brunhilda...but I think the kids vetoed that, good thing!
-When we lived in Bruchmulebach she ate lots of mice and brought many dead birds into the house...I think as a thank you.
-The only time I was really mad at Heidi was when I found out that she had caught and eaten some of the new bunnies that had gotten out of the bunny pen.
-When we lived in Niedermohor she made her rounds and visited the neighbors
-She was great at playing ball: I would roll a bouncy ball to her and she would bat it back with her paws, she was very good at it. She also loved playing with the bouncy ball when you would bounce it.
-The terrible leg incident...the vet said that she might never be able to use her foot again, that they might have to amputate her foot. But miracles happen, and it did for her. With lots of love and medicine in tuna and prayers, she fully recovered. I remember after she could walk again ok, I put her on a homemade leash and took her on a walk outside. I did not want her to get away outside, she still needed medicine every day. That really was a miracle.
-Of course Heidi always gave the best sandpaper kisses ever! I let her kiss my face
-She liked to get under the covers and curl up next to you and sleep
-I think when we moved to Gimsbach she loved exploring the house and the big back yard. I think it was a great place for her last years. Lots of open spaces and sunshine and lots of people who really loved and cared for her, even though she peed on everything.
I would like to thank mom and dad for their patience with her these last few months. That must have been frustrating to have to put those chuks everywhere and hope she did not find your running shoes. What a great family for such a sweet cat.
I will always love and miss my Heidi!
(sorry for writing so much but...)
I told dad about a book I have about Heidi that Grandma gave me. It is like a baby's first years book but for a cat. It is packed in Oregon right now, but when we move and I find it, I will be sure to scan in some pages for you all to see.
I enjoyed hearing about the great memories. I almost started crying. It is sad. I remember when we had to put our cat Star to sleep. Kari took her to the Vet and came home without her and the deed had been done. She had been pretty sick too and it was time for her to go but still hard and we missed her.
Kari has now replaced her with 2 cats. Not a surprise. I think she is nicer to these cats though.
We got this poem from the Vet clinic where we took Heidi. They were very kind and thoughtful. We were very touched and this card is all the more impressive. It was signed by all the docs and techs in the clinic. I told Anne, she needs to be that kind of caring vet.
that poem is so sweet. What a nice doctor. that's a great thought to think of Heidi playing in a big field with other cats until one of us comes to find her. How wonderful!
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