My Dearest Dante

[Randy_K]

My dearest Dante, my sweet and affectionate Ruddy Abyssinian, died Friday morning of heart failure. He was evidently in the early stages of pancreatic cancer and the stress on his body was too much for him.

http://www.geocities.com/[email protected]/Rail_Cat_4a.jpg

Dante was found on the street three years ago and was obviously a well-loved cat who somehow lost his home. We tried to find his original home but no one responded to the newspaper ads nor did any of the vets in the area where he was found know him. His home had somehow vanished.

Our vet said he was about 6 or 7 years old when he was found and, unfortunately, now FIV positive. When I met him, he was being fostered in a lovely home where they had cleaned his ears, brushed him, fed him well and given him a lot of loving attention including sleeping with him so he wouldn't be alone at night - much to the dismay of their two cats. Dante loved every second of it! A few days later they brought him to my home and Dante quickly established this place as his home too. Within two weeks he was sleeping soundly on his back with his belly exposed - always a good sign!

http://www.geocities.com/[email protected]/SnoozingDante.jpg

Every day he gave something to laugh about - he was quite the character - and he visited our neighbors who genuinely enjoyed his company. They would even call me to see if he wanted to come over, which he usually did. He was quite the social animal! I never slept alone, he was always cuddled up with me at night, and he always met me at the door when I got home from work wanting to be picked up and cuddled. He knew what time to expect me and would catloaf at the door waiting for me; however, if I came home early I'd find him asleep on the bed. I always wondered where he hid his alarm clock.

I had noticed that his play time was getting shorter in recent months but I dismissed that as a product of being almost 10 years old. He was still active and ran through the house at times doing a hit-and-run on a toy mouse (leaving it flying through the air as he ran away), his appetite was robust, his eyes were clear and bright and he was his usual intensely affectionate self. I know now that I couldn't have saved him even if I had known there was a real health problem building. Fortunately he had only about a day and a half of poor health before the end.

http://www.geocities.com/[email protected]/Dantes_Inferno_a.jpg

I couldn't have found a more affectionate cat. He would at times sit in front of me on the table and raise his paw to touch me on the lips then he'd tilt his head and press the top of his head against my lips to get kissed. He'd sit back and repeat the lip touch and the head tilt and press. We'd go through this several more times until I'd put my arms around him and snuggle him which would bring on a deeper, rumbling purr. With Dante, affection was his first and foremost need.

I will miss him every second of my life.

[NKBurlington]

I'm so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful kitty!

Dante will live on in your hearts forever!

[Soapets]

OH, HOW SAD!:( I wish we didn't have to experience such sadness as a price for the love and warmth we feel when we love our pets so much, and vice-versa. But I'd never give up the emotional closeness with my pets in order to avoid the pain that will come when we have to be separated. I'm sure you feel the same way...... Please, let the memories comfort you, and know that he is not in any pain now, and is happily playing at the Rainbow Bridge while he waits for you there........

[Barbara]

Just being kissed by Filou on the balcony I read this!

I am so very sorry. The thousand little gestures with which Dante showed his love for you will never be forgotten. I am glad he did not have to suffer a long time.

May he play happily at Rainbow Bridge.

[Vio&Juni]

I am so sorry to hear this. He was a very beautiful cat and it sounds like he was a very nice companion too.

[orangemm]

I am so very sorry for your loss; Dante sounded like the perfect companion and both of you were extremely lucky to have found each other.

You gave him a happy and safe home, now he has gone on to another home to wait for you.

It hurts to lose someone you love so much. I know Dante misses you, too.

[Randy_K]

Thank you all for the kind words.

Each morning Dante would get up well before dawn to watch the sunrise and listen to the birds and then return to bed. He'd catloaf at the foot of the bed waiting for me to awaken. If it was a weekend I would sleep beyond the usual get-up time and he would then snuggle up to me and go back to sleep.

This morning when I awoke and looked for him and he wasn't there...

[AlleyCat]

I'm so sorry to hear about Dante. It sounds as if you provided him with a wonderful home, and really, that was all he (and you) needed! Godspeed, Dante.

[orangemm]

I just finished looking at the pictures of Dante. What a very special cat he was. Love the ones of him in the paper (what is it about paper that cats find so fascinating?) and snoozing.

Who knows what goes on in the mind of a cat when they sit there with that penetrating stare? I can only imagine that he was saying "I love you" over & over again.

[rg_girlca]

Oh gosh your last post had the tears flowing.

I am so sorry on the loss of your beloved Dante.
He was truly one beautiful cat.

May the fond memories you made together, help ease your pain.

Rest in Peace dear Dante.

[Grace]

So sorry for your loss.

[kittycats_delight]

I was just talking with my RB Mytsi who has been at the bridge since 2003. She told me of a wonderful kitty that recently joined them there and his name is Dante. She said Dante wanted to let him family know he is ok. He is happy and healthy once more at RB and that he has many friends to play with. He still likes to watch the sunrise and listen to the birds and Mytsi said she likes to stay with him. She also said Dante wants you to know he misses you lot and he thanks you for being so wonderful to him and loving him with all of your heart as he loved you. He also wants you to know that when it is your turn years and years from now he will be waiting for you to cross over the bridge in your arms so you can caught up on all the cuddlin' and lovin'.


I'm so sorry to hear about your loss of sweet Dante. He really sounds like a very very special kitty indeed.

R.I.P. Dante.

Mytsi promised to be your kitty friend at RB until you family can be with you again.

[lisalee]

I'm so sorry you lossed your precious Dante. He was a very beautiful boy.

[Mad Mags Moo]

So sorry to hear of your loss. RIP Dante

[Catsnclay]

Originally posted by Randy_K

This morning when I awoke and looked for him and he wasn't there...

I was doing all right until I read this :(

I am SO sorry for your loss. Dante is having fun at Rainbow Bridge with all the other kitties. You will see him again. But for now my heart goes out to you. Loosing a loved one is always heartbreaking.

[furrykidsmother]

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Thank God he didn't suffer. It sounds like you had very wonderful times together. Remember the good times, know that he loved you and know that he is at peace at the RB now! RIP sweet Dante!

[catmandu]

When The Pet Angels come To The Sherwood Forest Mall,for an all out attack,on The Food Court,Dante,as Cat Of Honor,will get the First Choice,of where to eat,and will have the Other Pets serve him,and have a Wonderful Dinner,at Marienbads.Dante misses you,but is with Mr Scrappy,Pouncer,and Buster Angel,at The All Night Party,at The All Pet Saturday Night Drive In Movie Party.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/catmandu/catphotos1184.jpg

[Randy_K]

I didn't realize that Dante was quickly moving towards the end of his life. I had noticed some slowing down recently; he didn't play with the intensity he had, didn't run around the house as frequently but I dismissed these as both products of the sudden higher temperature and his advancing age.

When we went to the vet on Thursday evening he was having some breathing difficulty and he was slightly dehydrated. They put him on a saline drip and gave him oxygen which all seemed to help. In the morning they took him off the oxygen so they could X-ray him and once complete he started having breathing problems. They gave him oxygen again and a few minutes later his heart failed. The post mortem review of the x-rays showed a dark spot on his pancreas which may have been cancer.

Tuesday evening we were sitting on the couch together while I watched the evening news. Dante decided to go out onto the balcony and within a second or two of him going out the door a cat fight broke out. Within a few seconds I broke the fight up and the strange white cat bolted off the balcony while Dante ran to the bedroom. How the cat even got up on the balcony is a complete mystery since it's 14 feet (4.3 meters) off the ground with nothing to climb up. Dante was, of course, upset but recovered his composure in about a half hour then spent the next hour and a half by my side. I had closed the screen door to the balcony right after the cat fight and he sat at the screen for quite a while late in the evening.

He had no physical injuries from the altercation but I suspect the stress from the fight did him in sooner than the cancer would have. He may even have had a minor heart attack from the scare. He quickly declined within the next day and a half although I thought the lethargy I saw Wednesday evening might have been from standing guard all day. It wasn't. It continued into Thursday although I got him to eat some food on Thursday morning and he perked up a lot. By the time I got home early Thursday evening (I bailed out of work early) he wasn't doing well at all. We went to the vet at that point.

The vet offered me the option of having blood drawn and taking him home to bring him back in the morning or to hospitalize him. He would have died at home that night and I would have never forgiven myself for not having given him the chance that he may have had at the hospital. I did sign off on the DNR given that he's about 10 years old and FIV positive, two large hurdles to overcome in desperate times. Only thing is that I did promise him I'd bring him home.

Just after he died the vet at the VCA Animal Hospital called me with the terrible news and asked me if I wanted to see him. I told her I'd be there shortly. I was escorted to a nicely furnished, softly lighted room and in a few moments a woman carried Dante in wrapped in a pink blanket and laid him on the couch next to me. Poor baby. I sat with him stroking him for a while, said goodbye, kissed him on the cheek a few times - something I have done a few thousand times in the last three years - tucked the blanket in around him and told the attendant that I was ready to go. I asked them to hold him until I decided what to do. I did promise to bring him home.

I talked to a pet mortuary in the Marina del Rey about cremation this afternoon. It's affordable so I asked them to pick up Dante. The guy who runs the business lives nearby me and said he'd bring the ashes in a satin covered box to me as well as a plaster paw print of his right front paw in a few days. At least I can keep my promise to bring him home.

I can't believe how much I miss him.

http://www.geocities.com/[email protected]/Twisty_Dante.jpg

[rg_girlca]

Oh Boy, words escape me right now, but boy are the tears flowing.

I was okay until I read the part where they had brought him to you wrapped in a blanket and laid him beside you. I'm glad though that you got to see him, no matter how hard it was, and was able to kiss him goodbye.

Bless you for keeping your promise and bringing him back home.

My heart goes out to you as I know how much you are missing him.

Rest in Peace dear Dante and watch over your meowmie.

[kimlovescats]

I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Dante was a beautiful kitty, and he was very well loved in his last years. Thank you for taking him in and showing him the kind of attention and affection that he so deserved! Hugs to you during your time of loss!

Kim

[Barbara]

I had to come back. I am so sorry. When Tubby went to the Rainbow Bridge, Debbie said how much she was missing the things he did- even when she had not like them too much when he was alive;)

Now Filou being sick (kidneys, not yet life threatening but we all know it's not reversible:( ) I even love when he tries to wake me up earlier on Sunday mornings, putting his paw in my face:)

Our cats are so individual- they all have their special ways. It is so heart breaking that once they go, some of these ways are lost forever- the only place to keep them is memory.

[catcrazylady]

My heart is just breaking. The tears are flowing and I can't think of anything to say.:(
Please know that you are in my prayers and I hope the pain in your heart eases soon.
It's obvious that Dante was a very special boy and close to your heart. He will never be forgotten and the beautiful words that you have written about him is a great tribute to his life.

Rest in Peace sweet Dante.

[sirrahbed]

I am so sorry to hear about your beautiful Dante:( It sure sounds like he had loving care until his end and then even beyond.

It is good for you to write about him here as we care for you and I know I am happy to read about your memories.

Those little things that are kitties do are so endearing and I read your sadness at missing them. ((((HUGS))))

[QueenScoopalot]

I'm so sorry your dear Dante has died. :( He was a very lucky boy to have been found and loved by you, although it's never long enough. He knew he was loved, when his former owners obviously didn't care enough to look for him, or prevent him from getting FIV. Hold on tight to the wonderful memories of your lovely boy until you meert again. ;) RIP Dante. :(

[sasvermont]

Oh my gosh Randy, my heart goes out to you.

I lost two good buddies within a few days of each other a couple of years ago. Both cats were young. I still think about it and them and still shed tears over it.

I hope your time with Dante will comfort you when you feel lonely for his behavior. Please remember how much you gave to him. He was so lucky to find such a wonderful home and such devotion.

You will be in my thoughts.

Sallyanne

[rkidsrcats]

Dante was well loved - that is so obvious.
We too are sorry he is no longer with you. What a lovely companion he was. Your photos and words are truly a wonderful rememberance of him. Such a sweet soul.

[rosethecopycat]

What a special boy you had in Dante.

He waits for you.


Godspeed to the Bridge, Dante.

[*ABYCAT* Alice]

Randy, I'm so sorry you lost your sweet little Aby friend Danté. He was a very special cat.
{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS!!}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
//Alice

[Killearn Kitties]

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your special boy, Dante. He sounds such an affectionate character. He was an absolutely beautiful cat and the pictures of him sleeping are wonderful. He obviously new he was very loved and safe with you.

I'm glad that Dante did not suffer for long. Rest in peace handsome boy.

[Randi]

I'm so very sorry you have lost Dante. :( He was a beautiful and special boy. I'm glad he lived with you during his last years, it's obvious how much you loved him - and he loved you back. :) Treasure the memories and keep him in your heart forever - I know you will.

Rest in peace, sweet Dante, you will never ever be forgotten.

[smokey the elder]

I'm so sorry about Dante. He sounded like the neatest cat. Play hard at the Bridge, sweetie!

[Randy_K]

Epilogue...

I am pleased see how many neighbors and friends expressed their condolences over the death of my brave and beautiful Danté. Always the Aby, he made sure everyone got the opportunity to pet him and that made quite the impression on many people. I was always proud of him since he was quite the "social animal." I want to thank everyone here for the kind words and support they offered me.

Today the pet mortuary delivered his ashes and a ceramic cast of his paw print. He's now home.

http://www.geocities.com/[email protected]/Last_of_Dante.jpg

I wanted to close with a picture of Danté in total bliss. He was sound asleep in front of a warm fire last January. He looks like a blob! My happy blob. Don't know why the flash turns a brown carpet green though...

http://www.geocities.com/[email protected]/Bliss.jpg

I have added some pictures to his website and a few words to reflect on his life.

[finn's mom]

Oh, my, gosh. What a beautiful cat and an equally beautiful tribute. I wish I'd gotten pawprints of my RB pets. That's so wonderful that you did that for your Dante.

[krazyaboutkatz]

I missed this thread the first time around.:( I'm so sorry to hear about Dante's passing.:( You gave him a wonderful life and will meet him again some day. RIP sweet Dante.

[Glacier]

What a wonderful story of love. I'm so sorry for your loss.

[luckies4me]

What a beautiful story, and a very beautiful cat. I am so sorry for your loss. I know how much they are missed when they are gone. I am sure he is thankful to have found such a loving, caring owner to care for him.

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

Oh my gosh.... how sad....:( :( :(
You must be so devastated; this brings back all the memories from when My Sydney died ... . I sooooo terribly hard to let go a beloved cat :( :(
Take care!! (((hugs!)))

[furrykidsmother]

You will have closure now with his ashes and pawprint, as you say he is home now and will forever be in your heart. What a beautiful boy, so glad that you had so many wonderful memories together. You will always have those, cherish them and know that he is well and happy and playing at the RB! RIP Sweet Dante.