Grasshopper over the Rainbow

[kohala]

She went to sleep at the vets in a loving ceremony - I'll post later. I haven't been on much lately, but some of you knew her.

[Uabassoon]

OMG I'm so sorry to hear about Grasshopper :( RIP sweet Grasshopper and have fun playing at the rainbow bridge.

[slick]

Of course I remember Grasshopper. RIP sweet kitty and hugs to you kohala. When you have time, come back and let us know what happened. :(

[catlover4ever]

kohala, I am so sorry. :( She will have many friends to play with over the Rainbow Bridge.

[Randi]

Oh Kohala, I'm so very sorry about Grasshopper! :( I remember her well.

I know you must be devastated now. When you're up to it, please come back and tell us what happened.

Rest in Peace, sweet Grasshopper!

{{{{hugs}}}}

[Cinder & Smoke]

:(

So very sorry :(

Rest In Peace, Dear Grasshopper.

/s/ :( Phred

[ChrisH]

Oh, kohala, I have often thought about your dear Grasshopper and had included her in my prayers. I am so sorry to hear her time to leave you has come. :( {{Big hugs}}

Rest in Peace sweet Grasshopper.

[kohala]

I called my veterinarian's office this morning after having had very little sleep and waking to more poop on the floor and a highly irrate Dadcat. I fed her, after she whiskey-meowed (yes, her pretty bell-like meow had been gone for over a year, now) her needs. Or that's what I had been deluding myself they were.
The cyst on her tail was truly getting out of proportion, and it was not likely she could survice removal surgery (although I had located someone who would have taken care of it). She weighed about 6-7 lbs on a good day, was very bow-legged, and very skinny.
The girl at the vet's was going to schedule me later in the day, but I wanted to do it while I could (mentally). Soshe told me to come on in around 8:45. I got there at 8:30. Funny, she didn't resist getting put in the carrier, but she fussed once I closed it and took her down to the car. Dadcat had tears in his eyes as he hugged me and told me I was doing her a kindness.
I took her out of the carrier (she was wrapped in the sweater she had been sleeping on) and held her in the reception room. She stoped fussing and purred. She never meowed once, when we went into the room, when the vet examined her, when I lay her on my sweater. He confirmed what Dad's been telling me all along, that she was failing, fast. So I got on my knees, as she lay peacefully on my sweater, not the least upset or fidgety! She looked at me, then just looked ahead, as he gave her the sweet dreams injection. As she lay ther, nose to nose with me, the nurse put a beautiful coral gernamium by her chin. She dosed off, her little tongue peeked out, and she was gone. He satayed with us for about five minutes, and we talked, then they left me alone with her to say good-bye. She felt like she was still purring, which is the muscles relaxing, I know. I called them back in, and he gently lifted my sleeping Grasshopper, and the nurse took her in her arms, and I said OK, go ahead and go.
She has been with me since November of 1986.
I will miss her.
I am so grateful for the loving way my Grasshopper was escorted to the Rainbow Bridge.
Thank you so much for your words of comfort.
I thank God for Pet Talk.

[anna_66]

Oh kohala your post has brought many tears to my eyes:(
I know you must have loved her ever so much and will miss her terribly.
My thoughts and prayers will be with you and dadcat as you try to heal.
R.I.P. Grasshopper

[sasvermont]

Oh my. Bless her little heart...and yours...

SAS

[Randi]

I'm feeling so sad that it was time for Grasshopper to go to the RB. :( I know you will miss her terribly. I hope it will be a comfort to you to know she went so peacefully and that she lived a long and happy life with you. She is now at rest. You did all you could for her! :)

{{{{more hugs}}}}

[Denyce]

I am so sorry that it came time for you to let your loving little Grasshopper go. I can only imagine how you must feel as we can never truly know what someone else's pain is. I do know you did the most loving thing you could do for your Grasshopper. May she enjoy her time over the bridge. RIP sweet Grasshopper. Cyber hugs and comfort to you kohala.

Denyce

[Killearn Kitties]

I'm so, so sorry to hear your news about Grasshopper. What a beautiful girl she was. Her picture was one of the first ones that I knew on Pet Talk.

I remember that you said she was ill and I have thought of her often. It must be so hard for you just now, she was with you such a long time. She had a good life though, for all that long time and I hope that gives you comfort.

Rest in peace sweet, sweet Grasshopper.

[Karen]

Dear sweet Grasshopper was Cat of the Day back in August of 2002 -
see here (http://catoftheday.com/archive/2002/August/14.html)

http://catoftheday.com/archive/2002/August/14.jpg (http://catoftheday.com/archive/2002/August/14.html)

Pretty, pretty tuxie girl
Sweetest kitty in your momma's world
We will miss your dainty toes
Your cute meows and white-whiskered nose

Prettiest Grasshopper there ever was
Watch over Mom and dadcat from above
Sad we are to know you've left us
But glad that your presence so has blessed us.

Goodnight Grasshopper!

You go find Uncle Mac at the Rainbow Bridge - I'm sure he'll share whatever treats he's got with you.

[RedHedd]

:( what a sad day, but you know you did the right thing. Grasshopper is now out of pain and playing over the Rainbow Bridge, probably with my Goldie. Your story reminded me of my final day with my Goldie and brought back the tears and the reflection on the many years we had together. Rest in Peace, sweet Grasshopper. :(

[AmberLee]

Rest in Peace, sweet beautiful Grasshopper!

Frolic well at the Rainbow Bridge.

[Miss Meow]

Ko, I'm so sorry.

What a long and glorious life for Grasshopper though. Rest in peace, beautiful girl.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

I am so sorry, Kohala. :(

I followed Grasshopper's story whenever you posted because as she got older, her failings so resembled Tubby's. Tubby came to me in October 1986, so I felt they were almost brother and sister.

Rest in peace sweet Grasshopper. You lived a good long life and gave your Mom and Dadcat lots and lots of fun times and smiles. I know you are healthy and happy at RB now, but we will miss you terribly. :(

Kohala, I could feel the love in your post. Thanks to you Grasshopper had a wonderful long life and I know she thanks you for letting her go so peacefully. {{{hugs}}}

:( :(

[jenluckenbach]

I am glad I posted on your other thread first because after having read your story I have too many tears in my eyes to see straight. :(

I will be among those who will dearly miss sweet Grasshopper.

RIP> Run free at the bridge, special one.

[PayItForward]

Rest in Peace Grasshopper :(

[popcornbird]

Oh my goodness. :( Not Grasshopper. :(:( I'm so very sorry to hear of the loss of your precious kitty. She lived a wonderful long life with you, and was loved throughout her years. RIP sweet Grasshopper. We will miss you. :(

[zippy-kat]

Oh, Kohala. My heart sank as soon as I saw the title and your posts brought tears to my eyes. Surely Heaven is a bit brighter as a new angel enters the gates.

We will miss her terribly.

{{hugs}} my dear friend :(

[Steffi N]

Kohala, you showed so much love in the way you let your cherished Grasshopper go. She will live in your heart forever.

My thoughts are with you and Dadcat.
Rest in peace, dear Grasshopper.

[Uabassoon]

Your story made me cry, Grasshopper will always have a special place in my heart. Everytime I think of him I remember the Xmas card exchange a few years ago when I got a nice little chunk of Grasshoppers hair in the card. I always think of how thoughtful she was to give his hair away to lots of pettalkers so we could all get to have a little peice of her.

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm so sorry to hear about Grasshopper's passing.:( Your story brought me to tears. Now she's free from pain and playing happily up at Rainbow Bridge with my RB Pepper. RIP sweet Grasshopper. You'll always be missed.

[shais_mom]

I am sooooo sorry. RIP sweet one.

[kohala]

It was very hard to let her go, as she was my only cat, and she was my first true long term relationship with one. I realize now I anthropomorphized her way to much, but she was, in fact, my surrogate child. Letting her go was difficult, which is why I did it so quickly this morning - this time last night I had no idea she wouldn't be here tonight.

I didn't mean to make anyone cry, but I thank you all so much for the tears. Funny, when Mom passed away three years ago, I didn't cry much. But today - whoa.

Surprisingly, the tears have pretty much stopped. There must be so much power in the shared love, laughter and tears on this wonderful web page. I feel relief, emptiness, love (from my husband), so many things.

I had just sent most of this in an email to Jen, who first set me in the right frame of mind for letting go, but wanted to share with you all.

[neko1]

I am so sorry to hear of Grasshopper's passing. I, too, have tears in my eyes, but it's because there is so much love in your posts. I know that Grasshopper is looking down upon you and smiling.

RIP Grasshopper

[Sara luvs her Tinky]

:( OH NO... I am so truly sorry!

Grasshopper has a very special place in all our hearts.... {{HUGS}} for you. I know Grasshopper had a wonderful life with you....:( :( :(

we will miss you... special little Grasshopper.. have fun at the rainbowbridge.. chasing and pouncing on real grasshoppers:(

[rosethecopycat]

Kohala & dadcat,

My heart goes out to you both. I just went through this last week.

Grasshopper was with you for such a long time, I can't imagine. I went through that long term relationship back in 1991.

Dear Grasshopper,

You brought your people such joy. Wait for them, and be reunited at the Rainbow Bridge.

Godspeed, special girl.

[Kona & Oreo's mom]

Kohala, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. From reading your messages I could tell how special Grasshopper is to you. My deepest sympathies go out to you and your husband.

[Bari_d]

Kohala and Dadcat, I am so very sorry. Grasshopper was family from afar to many of us and I have received many wonderful comments about her from her story on our www.cathappy.com/B&W.htm "Tuxedo Cat Page." I hope people will stop by and read her story as you submitted it to me and see her photos.

Loving and being loved by a cat such as Grasshopper gives us memories that will bring smiles over the years to come...enjoy those and know that your sweet baby had a wonderful life with you both - every kitty should have a home like yours with hearts that love and love.

God bless you both and Grasshopper, be happy chasing butterflies and warming yourself in the sun.

With love, Bari and the Cat Happy Pride

[Frostfrog]

From far away, Grasshopper will be missed. I am glad that I got a chance to meet Grasshopper in real life. I was touched by her fine spirit and the love and care that she received.

Grasshopper was a fine cat and a fortunate one, for she lived with two good people who made certain that her life was a good one.

[Bari_d]

And Frostfrog, I love your photography and always your posts...

Bari

[Nomilynn]

I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Grasshopper :( RIP sweet kitty. I think I will go find your Christmas cards, with her fur still taped inside, and say a last goodbye.

Stay well,
Naomi

[Edwina's Secretary]

Rest in Peace, sweet, sweet Grasshopper. You were so loved and loved so well in return.

[Logan]

Oh Kohala, your words of those final moments are so beautiful (yes, they brought me to tears too, but that's ok). Your blessed Grasshopper is healthy and happy, again, thanks to your brave heart. Thank you for letting us know.

Your Grasshopper will always be remembered as a long time friend of Pet Talk.

Rest in peace, dear girl. :( We will miss you.

Logan

[Tina]

I am sorry to hear about Grasshopper. Rest in peace sweet kitty:(

[aly]

I'm sorry. I didn't see this until now. I am so sorry for the loss of sweet Grasshopper :( She was a very special kitty here at PT and I am so deeply saddened by the news.

Kohala, it sounds like you are doing a bit better and I'm very glad about that. Stay strong please.

I have some of her fur from Christmas cards :(

Maybe Grasshopper is showing Bassett around the bridge :(

[ramanth]

Kohala, I feel horrible for just finding this. I didn't want to believe it. I just stared at the title of the thread. RIP sweet Grasshopper. You will be missed and you are loved.
:( :( :(

[Felicia's Mom]

I am sorry to hear this. Rest in Peace Grasshopper, have fun at the Bridge!


Nancy, Felicia and Beau

[gini]

Yes, tears are flowing (second time today) - but tears are a good thing.

Beautiful Grasshopper, I have asked Sugar and Patches and Magic to be sure to greet you and show you around the Rainbow Bridge.

Kohala and Dadcat, please accept my sincere condolences - these losses are just so difficult.

Kohala, I experienced the same thing. When my Dad passed away I had plenty of tears - but not the same amount of tears as I shed over the loss of Sugar and Magic.

When they are a part of you for so many years - it is indeed like the loss of a child - and they are our kids.

[tatsxxx11]

Dear Kohala, my heart feels like it's being torn to shreds this sad day, hearing of the passing of two beloved Pet Talk kitties:(:(:( After reading of the passing of your beloved Grasshopper, I can hardly type for the tears. Your beautiful Grasshopper left this earth so lovingly and with such gentleness. How blessed you both were to have known the love of such a precious fursoul these many years. And how blessed was Grasshopper to have had the loving devotion of two such special humans. All my love and sympathies to you both. Grasshopper, I'll bet you're sending down your love to your mommy and daddy this very moment from the Rainbow Bridge. Wait for them there patiently, sweet Grasshopper. {{{HUGS}}}} Sandra, Mr. B and Oliver

[lizbud]

I am so sorry to hear that Grasshopper has left this world.:(
She lived a long time with people who adored her & now miss
her sweet presence. Grasshopper has earned her rest over
Rainbow Bridge in a place of eternal sunshine. Be happy over
the bridge sweet baby.

[Vermontcat]

Kohala, I am so sorry to hear that sweet, beautiful Grasshopper is gone.:(
She was one of my favorite Pet Talk Tuxedo cats.
I know she had a long, happy life with you and Dadcat.
May she Rest in Peace.:(
(Hugs to you from me and Samantha)

[Kfamr]

Oh no. :(

I'm so sorry Kohala.
I bet Grasshopper is having fun at the bridge with Bassett waiting for you and Naomi.


{{Hugs}}

[lynnestankard]

Kohala and Dadcat {{{Hugs}}}

I can't believe it - Grasshopper R.I.P. Dear furgirl, so loved and adored by the best Meowmie and Daddy a girl could ever have had.
Kohala I'm so glad you were with her - I know it's difficult to do, but goodness we owe our furries this don't we? They give us so much joy and love it's the least we can do for them.
I know you're still raw and hurting - gradually the hurt lessens - but the memories never fade.

This is such a sad time for Pet Talk - two of our special girls have gone to the Bridge within days of each other.

Lynne

[Cataholic]

Ko and Dadcat,
My deepest sympathies on the passing of Grasshopper, one of my favorite tuxies. Ko, you are a strong, brave woman, and gave Grasshopper the spirit to go on to the RB with love and conviction in a hooman's compassion. My heart still breaks for you, even though I know it was the 'right' thing to do. Godspeed.
Hugs,
Johanna

[catland]

I'm so sorry for your loss. rest in peace Grasshopper.

[emily_the_spoiled]

I am so saddened to read about Grasshopper. Her spirit will be with us on PT forever. May she experience health and joy at the RB.

Please know that you were very loved, Grasshopper and will be missed deeply.

My deepest condolances to you and DadCat

Cheryl

[Ally Cat's Mommy]

Bless you for giving Grasshopper one final act of love, and being with her when she passed, to comfort her. I am crying as I type this, after reading your touching post.

Play well at the Rainbow Bridge Grasshopper. You are healthy and free from pain now, precious one!

[Rachel]

I don't know what more to say than what has already been said about such a sweet kitty and such a deep and enduring relationship. Sometimes we think that they simply must go on forever because we need them to. Every time one of our PT kids passes to the RB it brings me back to the grief and sadness of the time and day when my own have traveled on. You will never forget the day nor the feelings associated with it....never, ever.

The hard part can be getting through the grief and back to the comfort remembering the times you had together. I hope that day comes soon. I hope too that you will be one of those blessed with a sighting (albeit ever so fleeting) of her little soul as she returns to check on you and let you know, she's okay now.

[smokey the elder]

I'm sorry I saw this so late. Thank you for doing the right thing for Grasshopper; it sounded like she was ready to "work the room" at the Rainbow Bridge.

God bless you Kohala, Dadcat and Grasshopper the newest angel kitty.

[catmandu]

Of course we all remember Grasshopper , and wish her well, in Cat Heaven, where Grassshopper will be The Perfect Angel!
And she will be part of the Pet Angel Army and make notes of places that you can visit when you are reunited in Paradise.
One Fine Day.

[Kirsten]

kohala, with tears in my eyes I've read about Grasshopper's passing... A friend who has been with you for so long leaves a lot of empty space.

But she was blessed with a long life full of friendship and love, and now that her body was fading, you helped her to ease her pain and let her pass. She must have been about my RB Katz's age. She was also born in 1986 and I had to let her go 4 years ago. I'm still missing her, but the grief will change with the passing of time.

The love and the memory remains!

R.I.P. Grasshopper,

Kirsten

[rg_girlca]

I am so, so sorry to hear of Grasshopper's passing. My heart goes out to you.
Rest in Peace sweetie and have fun on RB.

[Barbara]

I am so sorry for your loss. Grasshopper was a very special kitty, one of the beloved and gracious seniors at Pet Talk. Thanks for letting her go when her time came.

Your description gave me hope I will be able to do that step whenever it's the time.

[NoahsMommy]

I'm so sorry I'm so late in seeing this. :(

I'm sorry Kohala and Dadcat. :( :( :( I know how much she meant to you both. She was such a sweet, wonderful kitty. She will indeed be missed.

:(

[Cincy'sMom]

As usual, I am way late. I'm sorry I didn't see this sooner, and even more sorry for your loss. I'm glad Grasshopper had such a peaceful passing and she is now young and happy again at the bridge. RIP dear girl.

[kimlovescats]

I'm not sure how I missed this either!!! :rolleyes:
I am so very sorry for your loss of precious Grasshopper.
Having just gone through the process of PTS my PeeWee, I can certainly relate to what you experienced. Thank you for letting your precious girl go before she suffered any more!

((((HUGS)))
Kim

[Vio&Juni]

Oh, I am so sorry to hear this! I missed this thread! Grasshopper was one of my favorite kitties - one of the first I noticed here on PT!
Let her rest in peace!

[kohala]

Long time no post. After two years and four months, I am letting go but never forgetting my beloved Grasshopper. Dadcat convinced me it was time to see who wanted and/or needed us. And I did. Thanks for the beautiful messages - this is the first time in almost two years i've rerread them.
Now to move on.
I'll introduce my new "boss-cat" in another more appropriate thread. I've missed you all, and missed posting. Nice to be home.

[Bari_d]

Oh, Kohala...how often I think of you and of Grasshopper. Purrs to you from all at Cat Happy. Keep those warm, furry memories and do share your new furrbaby - I'll add him/her to my site if that's ok! Bless you!

I am still fostering - have two sweethearts right now that need homes - if you know of anyone, please share their page. www.cathappy.com/Fosterkits.htm

Again, purrs and hugs - really glad to see you post!

Bari et al
www.cathappy.com

[Bengalz]

Welcome back Kohala and congratulations :D I can hardly wait to see the lucky kitty baby that adopted you and CatDad.

2+ years!! you certainly did better than we did - it's taken almost four but finally this year we caved - actually it wasn't our decision - our little girl literally walked into our lives and stayed :) We love her completely!

It feels so great to have a furbaby again - I hope the same is happening for you. And I'm sure Grasshopper had a lot to do with it ;)

Looking forward to your news :)

[ramanth]

Kohala! It's so great to hear from you again. *hugs* How sweet of you to open your home to another furry friend. Grasshopper is missed but I'm sure she approves. :)

[Sara luvs her Tinky]

Oh Kohala! It is good to hear from you again!

How wonderful that you are going to open your heart to another LUCKY kitty!!

Can't wait to meet it !!!

[trayi52]

So sorry to hear of Grasshopper's passing, but sounds like you did the right thing.

Play hard at the bridge, Grasshopper, you will be missed.

((((Hugs))))

Willie :(