Our dearest Tigris

[Barbara]

Tigris passed over to the Bridge today at 1.15 p.m.
He had not been eating during a week but he drank. Tigris became weaker all week but he seemed to want to see some things:
He spent the nights with his dad in bed. He was lying in the sun yesterday on the balcony and in the door.
He climbed up in the cat tree.
Yesterday in the evening we got the bad news which we had already anticipated -he had a fast growing cancer and it was found in the intestines and the liver. In the night Tigris started to moan- not all the time but from time to time.
But still: he went out through the cat door and spent part of the night on the balcony table- looking at the stars and listening to the sounds of the night. The rest of the night he spent with his dad in bed.
This morning we called his friend Trude the vet who said she would be here by 1.
Siegmar went outside to dig a grave- it is a wonderful sunny day here.
I stayed with Tigris who was lying on the upper landing, on my purple shoes. I was sitting by his side, reading, giving him water and petting him from time to time.
Before Trude came he retired in my bedroom.
He was there with all of us when she arrived. Filou had sneaked in- he knew something was going on.
Tigris got an injection that made him sleep first and then the final one. It was easy for him and he was so ready to leave us.
Trude said it would help Filou to know Tigris is gone. He was sitting in another corner of the room and then coming over very quiet and dignified, sitting in front of Tigris in his Abyssinian way as if he wanted to say good bye. We will wrap Tigris in an old sweater of Siegmar on which he used to sleep in the Beanie basket. His grave will lie under a big rosebush.

Tigris has been with us for wonderful 13 years. He was the happiest friendliest cat one could imagine. And the most handsome one too. He was especially the friend of all ladies whom he visited on the sofa for cuddles and you could hear his purr all over the room. Tigris was the heart kitty of Siegmar and we both are devastated.

Thank you at Pet Talk for being there for us.

[smokey the elder]

I'm so sorry. RIP, Tigris.

[jennielynn1970]

Tears flow freely down my cheeks as I read this. I'm so sorry Barbara, but I'm glad you have such fond memories of him and that he went peacefully.

Play hard at the Bridge, dearest Tigris.

[Moesha]

I do hope that those cherished memories will help your heart to heal. Please know that you did everything to give him a wonderful and happy life right to the very end.

[sasvermont]

((((((((((((((((((Barbara and Siegmar))))))))))))))))))

[ChrisH]

Barbara & Siegmar, I am so sorry the time had come for your handsome boy to leave you. I know you will miss him very, very much.

Rest in peace Tigris, you were and always will be dearly loved.

[pomtzu]

I'm so sorry. I did have to smile at the thought of him just taking in everything on the last day - like he wanted to do some of his favorite things just one last time.

RIP Tigris. :love:

[Pinot's Mom]

I am so sorry about the loss of your wonderful friend, Tigris. We have all watched the journey hoping against hope with you as you and poor Tigris headed for this final inevitable decision; I believe Tigris knew you would help him to the Bridge and he was ready.

My heart goes out to you and Siegmar and Filou at this time of grief, Barbara.

RIP sweet Tigris, Godspeed to the Bridge. Peace to your family. Come visit sometimes to let them know you're happy and pain free.:love:

[zippy-kat]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Many, many hugs and prayers of comfort going out to you.

[Kirsten]

Barbara, my heart sank when I saw your thread in Cat Memorial! I'm still at work, but wanted to check in for a moment to see how Tigris was doing... And now I'm sitting here fighting back tears...

It sounds like Tigris had a very peaceful passing, and it makes me glad to read that he had enjoyed the sun yesterday, and the stars at night. These must be the images that he took with him, and all the love he got from you and Siegmar during his 13 years on earth!

As for Filou... Yes, I think Trude is right, it will help him to understand that he saw what was going on.


Ruhe sanft und in Frieden, lieber, kleiner Tigris!!!
Du wirst uns allen hier sehr fehlen, aber am allermeisten deinen liebenden Menschen!
Barbara, ich denke an Euch!!

R.I.P. Tigris!!
Pet Talk will be a different place without you!

Kirsten

[happylabs]

So sorry for your loss but your words:

"It was easy for him and he was so ready to leave us."

are exactly what I just experienced with my Lab Casey on 9/7. It is such a peaceful and dignified way for them to go.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Randi]

Dear Barbara, Siegmar and Filou,

My heart is heavy and I can't hold back the tears. It is hard to believe that Tigris is not here anymore. :(

Tigris was one of favourites here. I am glad I had the pleasure to meet him and hold him, those memories are precious. Just recently, I watched the video from our visit, and it was good to see Tigris sitting in John's lab... and didn't he also play the piano. :)

Barbara and Siegmar, you have done all you could to make him comfortable during his illness, and you have had a long life together full of love, playtime and cuddles. Keep those precious memories. Tigris enjoyed the last bit of sun yesterday, he got to hear the birds sing this morning, and you were all there to say goodbye - just as it should be. He is resting comfortably under his rose bush now. :)

Dear Tigris, you will be missed very much, but never ever forgotten. :love:

Rest in peace, dear handsome boy!

My thoughts are with you, Barbara, Siegmar and Filou.

(((((hugs)))))

[astrid]

I'm so sorry for your loss!!!

RIP sweet Tigris:(
Big hugs:love:

[Killearn Kitties]

It's odd, but no matter how much you know that it's coming, when you see that thread in Cat Memorial, it is just so upsetting.

You have been in my thoughts all day. I am glad to hear that it was peaceful for Tigris and that he was at home with his family.

Love to all of you. I still can't quite believe it.

[Prairie Purrs]

I'm so sorry. Kirsten's right--PT won't be quite the same without handsome Tigris. He was a special boy.

My thoughts are with you and Siegmar (and Filou) at this very difficult time.

RIP Tigris. Your friends around the world won't ever forget you.

[lizbud]

I am so very sorry to hear Tigris has passed.:( From your description,
he was very ready to go.:( I am glad Tigris was surrounded by the family
he loved. Prayers & sympathies Barbara & Siegmar. (((Hugs)))

[catmandu]

This has not been a good year for Our Senior Pet Talker Cats , we have lost so many of Our Older Companion Cats in 2009.
And now Tigris has passed over to the Rainbow Bridge as well.
Hes got his Wings of Silver and Gold now, and Our Animal Angels are having a Big Picnic in his honor on the Amafli Coast and Tigris will start his second life as a Cat Angel.

He will drop by and see you Barabara, Siegmar and Filou, and let you know that hes arrived in Paradise and will find some place nice where you will all be reunited when Our Loving Lord God reunites you all.:love:
One Fine Day.

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

Oh no, such sad news.....

I am sobbing loudly here.... you describe it so soft and serene....!
It breaks my heart....:(:(:(

Run to the Rainbow bridge, dear Tigris! Run free from pain!
Know that your purrents and your fur-friends Filou will miss you heaps and will love you forever:love:!
Godspeen my little friend!!!

[Taz_Zoee]

I am also trying to hold back tears here at work, but it is not working. :(

RIP Tigris

[Freckles]

I'm so sorry reading this. Remember the good times.

[Anikaca77]

I'm so sorry to hear about Tigris. My prays are with you and your family,

Melissa

[Vio&Juni]

My favorite of all boycats is gone! I can't stop crying.

Last week when I visited, I didn't want to believe that his end is so near.

My heart is heavy with sadness, but I know your heart and Siegmar's are even worse. Hugs.

I kissed my cats a hundred times more today.

This was the first time I had Tigris in my arms.

[Bengalz]

Rest in Peace Tigris, our Beautiful One:( We are devastated and grieving along with some many others who have loved and admired you from afar.

Take a moment sweetie to come and touch your mommy and daddy with a soft paw and let them know you are now whole and at peace. They love you so much and will miss you terribly.

Love and warm hugs from Betty, Gunter and little Eve

[gini]

My heart is broken for you both. My tears are flowing freely and I know that feeling of emptiness so well. It is a pain like no other.

He can't be far away - the spirit connection is just too strong.

Much love and healing hugs are sent to you both.

[Randi]

I found this photo of Tigris, sitting with John when we visited, and one where he's busy licking Gimpet vitamin paste.

Tigris, may you be healthy and happy at the RB! John will always be available for cuddles. :)

[Donnaj4962]

LES here. I am so sorry to read of Tigris' passing to the RB. What a sad day for everyone. RIP sweet Tigris, play hard and painfree at the bridge and be sure to look for our many other PT furriends who have passed before you and will show you around!

(((Hugs))) to your purrents and Filou. :love:

[Karen]

Oh, Tigris
Of the warm-hued fur and
Soul-gazing eyes
Rumbling purr and comfortable style
Rest in peace, elegant one
Find a good spot in the sun
Your time here on earth may be done
But now the pain and discomfort are gone
And from that soft, sun-warmed pillow at the Rainbow Bridge
You can send your patented mrows into your people's dreams
So they will know you are at peace
And you'll watch over them and Filou until you all meet again
Some fine and joyful day.

[shais_mom]

so sorry for your loss.

[Pam]

Barbara I am so sorry. :( (((hugs)))

[Kirsten]

As I've been reading this again, little Lily, who looks so much like beautiful Tigris, sat here with me. Seemed to me like a reminder to cherish every day, every precious moment that we have with our beloved kitties...

Karen, that is a wonderful poem!!

Kirsten

[Barbara]

Thank you for all your thoughts, the pictures and the love I can feel out of your posts. It means a lot to us. What makes it easier: there has really been no doubt about the decision.
What we cannot imagine yet: a life without Tigris.

[Kirsten]

What we cannot imagine yet: a life without Tigris.

Yes, to realize what "finality" really means takes a while... I think by not being able to imagine this during the very first days, our mind tries to protect us from despair...

Kirsten

[jenluckenbach]

Even thought I read that this was happeneing, it was a shock to see this thread. :( :( :(

We know that Tigris had a wonderful life, but we all wish it was longer.

{{{{{HUGS}}}}} to you all.

Filou will comfort you as you comfort him.

[Cataholic]

Dear Barbara, Siegmar and Filou,
My heart breaks for you over the loss of Tigris. I am so deeply sorry for your loss, and while I know it was time for him to be your angel, the time still is never right. Many hearts are breaking, many tears are flowing, and many prayers being said for you right now.

Fondly,
Johanna

[RICHARD]

Barbara,

Sending you hugs and love to you, Siegmar and Filou.

I hope he has a nice place in the yard where he can watch over your household.

I too have LES.....:(

[Kirsten]

Barbara and Siegmar, I hope you don't find it assumptive of me that I made this as a little tribute for Tigris:


http://www.catmom.de/pix/tigris3.jpg


How Filou's doing? Please give him headscritchies from me if he likes to...

Kirsten

[Edwina's Secretary]

A year ago during the Oktoberfest, we visited and for the first time Tigris sat beside me and let me scritch under his sweet little chin.

I was so honored.

My heart is breaking. Such a sweet boy....so very loved.

Godspeed Tigris...oh how you will be missed!

[Grace]

So very sorry to learn of Tigris' passing.

It's always more difficult on those left behind. {{{{{ hugs }}}}}

[catlover4ever]

Barbara and Siegmar, I am so very sorry to hear about Tigris' passing. :( It seems like he surely had a beautiful laast few days that were very special to all of you. I love that Filou also got to say a very special goodbye.

RIP Sweet Tigris, you will be missed greatly.

[allmycats]

I'm sorry to read about Tigris, but like you say, he was ready to go. I am sorry for your loss- I know it takes a long time to get used to having a cat not there anymore.:(:(

[emily_the_spoiled]

I am so sorry to read about Tigris. I know that it is never easy for us to let our beloved ones go, but he passed with dignity and grace. He is now waiting at the RB for the day you will be together again.

Cheryl

[Catty1]

I am so sorry that Tigris had to leave you.


May you and Siegmar and Filou find some comfort in the hugs, memories and love you share.:(:love:

[jazzcat]

Barbara, I am so very sorry.

Rest in Peace sweet handsome Tigris. You will be missed.

[phesina]

I am so very, very sorry to read this. My deepest sympathy to you, Barbara, Siegmar, and Filou. My heart is breaking that this beautiful boy is gone.

Tigris, you are so greatly loved. Rest easily at the Bridge, and say hello from time to time to the folks back home who miss you so much. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful life with your family and all of us at PT.

God be with you all.

Pat, with LES

[cassiesmom]

Tears flow freely down my cheeks as I read this. I'm so sorry Barbara, but I'm glad you have such fond memories of him and that he went peacefully.

Play hard at the Bridge, dearest Tigris.


Same here (((HUGS)))

[kb2yjx]

O my!!! I did not realize that I was in the Memorial section!!! I am SO very sorry to hear about your beloved Tigris...I hope our little Molly(who also had liver cancer)met Tigris at the Bridge....Sleep softly, dear Tigris...

[katladyd]

I am sure wherever he is, Tigris is saying, "Thank you." He will truly be missed. Tears and prayers for your family, and that includes Filou.:love:

[Logan]

Oh Barbara, I am so very sorry. :(
You and Siegmar will be in my thoughts and prayers. Butter wishes he could come give you a good snuggle and make you feel better.
Love
Logan (and Buttercup)

[krazyaboutkatz]

Barbara, I'm so sorry.:( I kept hoping that you'd receive some good news and that he'd recover. Major LES here.:( Even though he was with you for 13 years it's just never long enough. RIP sweet Tigris.:( Please take care. (((HUGS)))

[Medusa]

You spent thirteen happy years together; still not long enough because we love our furkids so. You did your last act of kindness for Tigris and he is grateful to you. Hearing the night sounds and sleeping on your shoes before he made his trip to the Bridge were the most loving things that you could've done for him except to help him on his journey. RIP, dear boy. Take a nice long well deserved rest and then enjoy your new life until your reunion w/your humans. Peace to all. :love:

[Bari_d]

Barbara, my heart goes out to you both and to Filou...I have known all of you for so long from afar...enjoyed your stories, photos and updates over the years about Tigris and Filou. What a special, special boy Tigris has been - such a huge part of your every day. Each of our sweet pets leaves a place in our hearts that no one else can fill...a place of wonderful memories which will bring you comfort in days to come. Tears are streaming...hugs to you all from everyone at Cat Happy. I wll write you soon...

Noserubs, snuggles and purrs...Bari, Jim and the Cat Happy Pride (http://www.cathappy.net)

[CultureJunky]

I'm so sorry to hear about Tigris, I know you are hurting so much right now. Hugs and support to you from us here in Wales.
RIP Tigris.....:love:

[slick]

I'm so very, very sorry for you loss Barbara! Dear sweet Tigris will be missed by all! Sorry I don't have any words of comfort for you.....big time LES!!! :(:(

{{{hugs}}} to you all and purrs to Filou
Much love
slick :love::love:

[Cinder & Smoke]

<picks up Prayer Line> <dials God>


Originally Posted by Barbara http://petoftheday.com/talk/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?p=2190801#post2190801)

The decision is made. http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/frown.gif
Please keep us in your thoughts.

http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/frown.gif
Hi God ~

We all know it's best to send Tigris up to You at the Bridge ...
But that doesn't help with doing it.

Please give Siegmar and Barbara the Love & strength to help Tigris
begin his big trip to Heaven.
And Help them to remember all the wonderful moments they've shared
with Dear Tigris over his lifetime.

Safe Trip, Tigris.
Save us a spot on the Bridge.

{{{Hugs}}} to Siegmar and Barbara. http://petoftheday.com/smiles/PetTalk_heart.gif

/s/ the Prayer Pups & Phred

[AmberLee]

So sorry for your loss. {{{gentle hugs}}}

Frolic heartily at the bridge, darling Tigris.

[pomtzu]

I read a peom several years ago that I found to be very poignant. I can't give credit to the author, since several people claim to be.

This is the first verse, and could be for any loved one. I hope it brings you some comfort.




Dear Tigris,

God saw you getting tired,
a cure not meant to be,
so He wrapped His arms around you,
and whispered, "Come with Me".

[rosethecopycat]

So sorry to hear that Siegmar is temporarily separated from his heart kitty.

Hugs to you all and Filou.


Godspeed Tigris, wait for your people at the Bridge now.

[captain]

God Speed Tigris ....:(

[Randy_K]

I am so sorry for your loss, Barbara. I know Tigris was daddy's little boy so I know this is very difficult for Siegmar.

My thoughts are with you.

[Barbara]

A friend sent me this wonderful poem by Thomas Hardy

Last words to a dumb friend

Pet was never mourned as you,
Purrer of the spotless hue,
Plumy tail, and wistful gaze
While you humoured our queer ways,
Or outshrilled your morning call
Up the stairs and through the hall -
Foot suspended in its fall -
While, expectant, you would stand
Arched, to meet the stroking hand;
Till your way you chose to wend
Yonder, to your tragic end.

Never another pet for me!
Let your place all vacant be;
Better blankness day by day
Than companion torn away.
Better bid his memory fade,
Better blot each mark he made,
Selfishly escape distress
By contrived forgetfulness,
Than preserve his prints to make
Every morn and eve an ache.

From the chair whereon he sat
Sweep his fur, nor wince thereat;
Rake his little pathways out
Mid the bushes roundabout;
Smooth away his talons' mark
From the claw-worn pine-tree bark,
Where he climbed as dusk embrowned,
Waiting us who loitered round.

Strange it is this speechless thing,
Subject to our mastering,
Subject for his life and food
To our gift, and time, and mood;
Timid pensioner of us Powers,
His existence ruled by ours,
Should--by crossing at a breath
Into safe and shielded death,
By the merely taking hence
Of his insignificance -
Loom as largened to the sense,
Shape as part, above man's will,
Of the Imperturbable.

As a prisoner, flight debarred,
Exercising in a yard,
Still retain I, troubled, shaken,
Mean estate, by him forsaken;
And this home, which scarcely took
Impress from his little look,
By his faring to the Dim
Grows all eloquent of him.

Housemate, I can think you still
Bounding to the window-sill,
Over which I vaguely see
Your small mound beneath the tree,
Showing in the autumn shade
That you moulder where you played.

I love the thought that all over the times mankind had friends like this and that over all cultural differences there have been people appreciating their house pets as a person.

[DJFyrewolf36]

*HUGS* I didn't see this until now :( RIP dear Tigris

[anna_66]

I haven't been on PT for a couple of days...so sorry I missed this:(

RIP Tigris

[Alysser]

So sorry for your loss :( May beautiful Tigris RIP.

[Kona & Oreo's mom]

Barbara and Siegmar,

I am so sorry for your loss. I understand the depth of your pain and how devasted you are. I wish that sweet Tigris was stilll with you. Although his 13 years were happy, healthy, and full of love, they just don't seem long enough.

I pray for comfort for you, Siegmar, and Filou.

With my sincere sympathy,
Andrea

[Russian Blue]

I'm so sorry , Barbara and Siegmar. It's a great loss. :(


.......Tigris got an injection that made him sleep first and then the final one. It was easy for him and he was so ready to leave us.

Reminded me of Nakita. She looked finally free of any pain/discomfort and even though we knew it was the right decision it didn't make it any easier. :(

My thoughts are with the both of you (and Filou)

[momcat]

Barbara and Siegmar,

Tigris was such a sweet natured, happy, and loving kitty because he knew how very much you loved him. He was something special. And he still is because, along with you, Tigris will always be remembered by his PT family.

I can only imagine your heartache right now but please know that you and Filou are in my heart and prayers. May the pawprints that Tigris left on your hearts never fade :love:

[Vermontcat]

Barbara, I'm so sorry I didn't see this thread until now.
I was out of town when you first posted this thread and I haven't had time to catch up on Pet Talk until now.

I'm so sorry to hear that your handsome boy Tigris has gone to the Rainbow Bridge.:(
He was one of my favorite PT kitties.
I know how hard it is to say goodbye to a beloved kitty after so many wonderful years together.
I'm sure Samantha will see him up at the Rainbow Bridge.
Sending hugs to you, & Siegmar & Filou too.

[Felicia's Mom]

Sorry to learn that Tigris is no longer with us.:love:

[rg_girlca]

I am so sorry on the loss of your beloved Tigris.

What you wrote about Filou slowly going up to Tigris to say his goodbyes just brought on LES big time.

It's so hard to say goodbye to our precious pets, even when we know it's the right thing to do.
I pray and hope that you find comfort and peace in the fond memories you made together.

Rest in Peace dear Tigris. You were so loved and will never be forgotten.

{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}} Barbara

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

I am in shock and extremely saddened right now. Tigris was also one of my favorite boycats on PT.......and now he's gone. I can't believe it since I had no idea he wasn't well. :(

Barbara & Siegmar. I only had the pleasure of "meeting" Tigris through your pictures and posts, but I grew to love him as one of my own. I know the pain you are suffering right now and I wish there was some way to ease it. All you can do is remember the good times and the fun memories. {{{hugs}}} to both of you. :(

Tigris, rest in peace sweet boy. You are missed more than you know.

:(:(

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Tigris got an injection that made him sleep first and then the final one. It was easy for him and he was so ready to leave us.


I'm so sorry you had to say goodbye to your precious boy! :(

This is the only way I could let Leonardo go too. I was the first person he ever saw in life and I wanted to be the last.

I know how much your heart aches right now. I truely believe you will all be together again some day. Lots of love and (((HUGS))) for all who love and miss your precious boy. :love::love::love:

[karyn674]

I just seen this and can't believe!!

Barbara and Siegmar I'm so sorry for your loss! I just don't know what to say, I feel so sad!

Hugs and prayers to all of you!