My sweet Filou lost his last battle- memorial pictures #52/53

[Barbara]

All of you have been with us during the long years- close to five and a half now in which Filou fought renal failure.
With a stone in my heart I have to report now that he left us this evening.
The last two months have been very difficult for him. We thought we would lose him beginning of May- he began to look as if he belonged to the other world already- but he took up eating again.
We left for a vacation and he had discovered that sleeping with a doggie (my sister's Amber) kept him warm.
He was allowed to eat what he wanted and he even took to dog food. He climbed us every day- our thighs and hips are proof of that. But he became thinner and thinner- close to 4 lb at the end. He slept more and more and his wonderful sleek fur became ruffled.
Last Sunday the end phase of renal failure started- he couldn't keep the water anymore. He drank and minutes later it would all run out of him. Trude, our friend and vet said that the next stages would be vomiting and finally vomiting blood. We felt that Filou wouldn't like to go like this.
So today he had a day in the sun on the balcony, ate an egg yellow and waited on my shoulder for Trude to come. He could spend hours on our shoulders now- no longer jumping. In the last days his eyes sank a little deeper in his head.
He got the first injection while sitting on my shoulder. When he became sleepy I took him down in my arms.
He, the prince of Abyssinia, was not scared at all. He went to sleep with his head on my arm.
He will be buried next to Tigris and there is a rose on his casket. Tigris sleeps in a cashmere scarf and Filou in silk.
I cannot say how we will survive without them both. How I will survive without this little guy who is a part of my heart.
I have some pictures from him yesterday which I will post later.
I hope that Tigris and Miley and Graemer and Dante (these are the Abyssinians) and all the other Pet Talk kitties are together with him now playing.

[katladyd]

My heart is breaking for you. Know your beloved Filou fought the good fight as long as he was able. He is now with Tigris and is asking you not to cry for him too much. He is healthy and happy and is now one of your guardian angels and he will never really leave you.:love:

[Randi]

Barbara, I'm so very sorry you had to say goodbye to Filou. :( :( I know he was your heart kitty. He really was a beautiful boy. Filou fought a brave battle for these past years with kidney failure and you did everything you possibly could, to make him comfortable. You gave him so much love and I'm sure he can still feel it up there on the RB. He will go and meet Tigris first of course, and then get together with the other Abbysinian friends he has there. And he will surely send you a sign.

Barbara and Siegmar, you have my deepest sympahty for your loss. I know Filou will stay in your hearts forever. :love: :love:

I'm so glad I got to meet him. :)

((((hugs))))

[moosmom]

Barbara,

I am so sorry to hear about Filou's passing. He was a beautiful cat who was very loved, and he knew it.

Rip Sweet Filou. Play hard at the RB and give MooShoo and Mollie Rose lots of hugs and kisses from their meowmie.

Love & Hugs,:love::love:

Donna and fur crew

[Queen of Poop]

Please accept my most sincere condolences. So very sorry for your loss. Dear Filou, rest well sweetheart. :love:

[phesina]

Oh, I am so very sorry. My deepest sympathy to you, Barbara and Siegmar.

Love from Pat and cats

[Freedom]

Filou couldn't have asked for a better family to spend his days. You have done so much for him, to help him be comfortable, and to aid his in his fight. RIP, dear Filou. Romp at the Bridge!

I am so sorry for your loss.

[Freckles]

Another old timer has left us. I'm so sorry, Barbara. Remember the good times.

[Prairie Purrs]

I'm so sorry. So very sorry.

Filou fought his illness as long and and hard as he could because he loved you so much. He was a wonderful, brave little guy. He'll be missed by admirers all around the world, and he'll never truly leave you.

Rest well, beloved Filou.

[pomtzu]

Godspeed to RB Filou. Go in peace, and be whole and healthy once again. Play hard, and know that your loved ones will be with you again one day, and you'll never be parted again.

So for now - RIP, then play, play, play until that day arrives. :love:


Barbara - so sorry you had to let Filou go. They are never with us long enough, it seems. Peace and :love: to you and yours.

[Taz_Zoee]

I am in tears right now. Having gone through this exact same thing almost one year ago. My heart aches for you, but we take peace knowing they are now pain free.

I am sure my Taz will meet Filou at the Bridge and they will become friends since they went through the same experience.

RIP Filou

[RedHedd]

I am so sorry for your loss. Play hard at the Rainbow Bridge, sweet Filou and say hi to my Goldie, Mishi and Mitzi. They will welcome you with purrs and headbumps.

[catmandu]

We are so sorry to hear about your loss of Filou.
It is sad to hear of the losss of such a Beloved and Well Cared for Cat Companion, especially one who we have read about over the years.
I found an Old Cat Mas Card of Filou and Tigris with Santa Hats on , and hae placed it in My Photo Album of Departed Angel Animals so they can come with us , when they wish on our trips to the King's Buffet.
Filou and Tigris are reunited now in Paradise and together they will find a place where you can all be reunited in love.
One Fine Day:love:

[heidiv]

So sorry to hear of your loss...Its such a hard time.. He meant the world to you and you meant the world to him...That bond is like no other...My thoughts are with you in this difficult time.. I am so sorry to hear this...

[lvpets2002]

:( So sorry of your loss of Filou.. RIP wittle Filou && play so hard at the Bridge..

[Cinder & Smoke]

:(
:(

Filou, you put up a heroic fight for many years ... it's now time
to take a break and enjoy retirement.

Barbara and Siegmar, there isn't a one of us who hasn't prayed for Filou;
Now we need to pray for Your Confort and Healing.

/s/ :( Phred

[Karen]

Rest in peace, Filou! Healthy again at the Rainbow Bridge, send your rumbling purrs to Barbara and Seigmar in their dreams. We know you have left your pawprints on many, may hearts, and your legacy of love will continue forever!

[neko1]

Oh gosh, I'm so sorry to hear this! Rest in peace, sweet Filou:(

[Medusa]

Barbara, I'm so sorry that you had to help Filou to the Bridge but you were so loving in not allowing him to suffer. So many if not all of us here on PT know the pain that you're experiencing right now. Your heart kitty is gone but his memory will live forever. RIP, sweet Filou and peace to you, Barbara. :love:

[sasvermont]

:love::love::love::love::love: Barbara and Siegmar:love::love::love::love::love:

I cannot stop the tears right now. Many hearts are aching but none more than yours, I am sure.

Play hard, Filou. Happy Trails.

[Randy_K]

This is such sad news, Barbara. We know it was the right and loving thing to do to not let him suffer any more than he already had but, still so hard a decision to make. My heart goes out to you.

Rest in peace, Filou, the Abyssinian Prince

[Pinot's Mom]

With a MAJOR lump in my throat, I have to say sleep well, dear Filou. Peace to you, Barbara and Siegmar, I am so very sorry.:(
Prayers and a wish for healing.:love: You have done all you could for as long as Filou needed-he knew it was his time.

[Scooter's Mom]

I too have tears as I type. I am so terribly sorry that Filou had to leave. My heart aches for your loss.

[Catty1]

Hugs and prayers to you, Barbara and Siegmar. :love::love::love:

Filou lived longer than he would have thanks to your love and care...and your love for him also told you when it was time.

Fly peacefully at the Bridge, beloved Filou.:love::love:

[Bengalz]

I haven't the words to say that will express my sadness for you today Barbara and Siegmar:( Losing Tigris and now Filou in such a short time ... although life goes on (they say) - it won't be the same.

Such precious babies who have given you the most wonderful memories - as painful as that is, these memories must be cherished and one day will make you smile:love:

You both are in my thoughts with much love - I wish I could give you a very big hug to help the hurt:love:

Rest in Peace dear little Filou - you have been such a brave boy:love: Give Tigris lots of kitty kisses and have fun playing together again:love:

[Russian Blue]

Barbara and Siegmar - My heart sank when I saw you posting in this forum and tears came as I read your post. Even though their illness was different, your description of Filou sounded like what happened with Nakita - the sunken eyes, the thinning stature, the rough fur, etc. I can imagine the loss you two are now going through since our household went through something similar.

When Nakita passed, a good friend mentioned that Nakita's pain may be over, but ours is only beginning. :(

You wish a lifetime with these souls, but the lifetime seems to only last a moment. May the comforts from the wonderful memories make this loss a tad more bearable.

Know that many are thinking of you during this difficult time. :love:

Prince of Abyssinia - you will be greatly missed by all

[RICHARD]

Barbara,

I am sorry to hear the news.

Sending you hugs across the miles.

RIP, Filou.:(

[carole]

Oh Barbara my heart goes out to you, i know how hard this battle is indeed having lost my Ash to the same thing, I also know how loved Filou was by you and how you helped him with his battle to survive,I am so sorry you have to feel this unbearable pain at the loss of your special furfriend, sending you a ton of love and hugs at this sad and difficult time in your life, RIP dear sweet Filou, Ash is welcoming you with open paws,he will take care of you, along with Mooshoo and many other sweet PT kitties.

[ramanth]

Oh Barbara, I'm so sorry to hear about Filou. :( My sincerest condolences to you and Siegmar. *HUGS*

[Kirsten]

Barbara, my heart sank when I saw your thread here in Cat memorial, and I'm sooo sorry that I did not see this earlier!!! :( ((((HUGS))))

I know he was your heart kitty, and I know you were prepared but not ready yet for this, we never are.... :( He fought his battle as long as he could - oh, and what a brave fighter he was!!

It's hard for us to imagine PT without your beautiful Aby boys - so how could you ever imagine a life without these two precious kitties?! :(

Barbara and Siegmar, my heartfelt condolences to both of you, I know this emptiness that fills our hearts and homes after such a loss!!! (((HUGS)))

Ruhe sanft und in Frieden, lieber Filou, jetzt kannst Du zusammen mit Tigris die Regenbogenbrücke unsicher machen!!

[smokey the elder]

I'm so sorry about your precious Filou. He was much loved and knows you did what's best for him.:love:

[Anikaca77]

I'm so sorry. I'm never good at saying much when it comes to losing a pet. I can only say with time your heart will mend. It will take a while but someday you'll get there.

Your thread brought tears to my eyes, remembering what it was like to put down my dear sweet Anika in Oct. 08. It's never easy to do but you did what was right for Filou.

My prays are with you.

Melissa

[Sonia59]

Major tears here. My heart sank when I saw the title of the thread, which I was fearing to read lately...

Filou was such a good, good boy, a fighter. He loved life with his favorite humans. Thanks to you and PT, I knew him a bit, and it was enough to be in love with him :love: We know how hard it is for you. (((Hugs)))

Play hard with Tigris and all the other friends you will meet at the RB, Filou.

[rosethecopycat]

So sorry to hear that dearest Filou has departed.
You gave him a noble departure, with his special food and the comfort of being stress-free, resting upon your shoulders. He left without fear.

There is nothing you can 'see with your eyes' to comfort you right now, you look for him, but do not see him. But, if you could just picture him, in your mind. He's at his ideal weight. His fur is plush and shiny. He has no pain.
He's running with enthusiasm long forgotten.
And, he's waiting for you now. At the Grand Reunion. At the Rainbow Bridge.
One Fine Day.


Godspeed to the Bridge, Filou, young prince.

[MoonandBean]

Thinking of you during this difficult time!

[Catherinedana]

I'm so sorry. His life with you was wonderful. :love:

With love,
Cathy

[lizbud]

Barbara, I am so very sorry to hear about Filou.:( I know you & Siegmar will
miss him terribly. Filou now joins Tigris as your heavenly guardian angels, till
you all meet again.

[Kona & Oreo's mom]

Barbara and Siegmar,

I am so sorry that Filou is gone. He was a special soul, and I enjoyed reading about his life with you. I know that you loved him so very much, and I'm sure that he knows this as well. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and hope that time will heal your broken hearts.

Andrea

[Cataholic]

My heart stopped when I saw the post. I cannot tell you how sorry I am to read that sweet Filou is gone. All the phrases come to mind, none of them appropriate, nor helpful, though. Your hearts break, and ours break with you as you struggle along. I am so very, very sorry Barbara and Siegmar. I wish I could do something more than express my sympathies. You two will be in my thoughts for a long, long time. :love:

Johanna

[krazyaboutkatz]

Barbara, I'm so so sorry to hear this.:( Even though we all knew it was coming,it's still a very hard pill to swallow.:( Major LES here.:( You did everything you could for him and now he's making all kind of new friends up at Rainbow Bridge. I bet that he and my Sunny will become great friends.:) After you grieve for a while and when the time is right I'm sure that you'll be able to open your heart up again to another cat or two. Filou will be very missed and will never be forgotten. RIP sweet boy.:( Please take care. (((HUGS)))

[slick]

I'm so very sorry Barbara. :(:(

RIP little Filou. You fought a hard battle but now you can take your rest and play at the RB.

{{{hugs}}} :love::love::love:

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Oh, Barbara, I am so deeply sorry!!! :love:

I know how much you love your babies. I know they know that even better than I do. They wrapped that love around them and took it to the Bridge with them. :love:

Be at peace sweet, Filou!!! You are loved so very very much. :love:

[Grace]

I'm so very sorry to read this.

[cassiesmom]

Barbara, I am so sorry to learn this news. Please accept my sympathy.

((((HUGS))))) --
Elyse

[catmandu]

http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy286/pouncer2scrappy/awesome%20angel%20army/meowies3283.jpg
I have placed this Cat Mas Card of Filou and Tigris into My Awesome Angels Army Album on Photo Bucket where they so richly belong.
Filou and Tigris are in My Found Cats and Porch Cats Angels Photo Album, and they will always have an invitation to join us anytime at all.
On Catada Day My Friend Christine and I may splurge and go to King.s Buffet on Catada Day, and we pray that Filou and Tigris will be there foor the Lobster, Crab Legs and all the Special Dishes.There's also a great cheesecake bar to die for and ice cream too!
They will of course recieve the first dish on their
One Fine Day:love:

[Vio&Juni]

My heart is so heavy!

Barbara and Siegmar, I know that this is unbearable for you, poor little Filou is not hurting anymore. As Russian Blue said their pain is over and ours only starts when they leave us.

Juni saw me crying and she came to mourn with me :(

I will call tomorrow.

[jennielynn1970]

Tears are running freely here, as I have read your post, and all the others.

I hope that you know that you are in all of our thoughts and prayers at this time. I'm so sorry that you lost Filou so close to you also losing Tigris.

Play hard at the Bridge, Filou, go and find Tigris and be happy again.:love:

[emily_the_spoiled]

When I first saw this posting yesterday I could not bear to respond. You Filou had given me hope that when Emily was diagnosed with renal failure she could live as long and as fully as he did (unfortunately she did not :().

I can only imagine what you are going through right now, but he is now at the RB, happy and healthy once again, just waiting for the time when he will see you once more.

[Lilith Cherry]

Goodbye Filou, you will be sorely missed! :(

[Vermontcat]

Barbara, I'm so sorry to hear that your sweet Filou has gone to the Rainbow Bridge.:(
I know you fought long and hard to give him a long wonderful life with you and Siegmar.
I know how much it hurts to lose a beloved heart kitty.
I'm sure that Filou is with his big brother Tigris again at the Rainbow Bridge.
Sending hugs your way.

[Killearn Kitties]

Barbara, I am so very sorry that Filou's time had come. You did an absolutely amazing job in keeping him as happy and as healthy as possible for all those years. Not that that makes it any easier to bear.
Sending many hugs to you and Siegmar.

[Barbara]

It’s difficult to write about Filou.
We met him with his human mom who is a pet photographer who has published quite some books about cats and his kitty mom. He was an only child, 8 weeks old, and started our acquaintance by chewing on our fingers and sitting on our back. He lost the first habit and followed the latter one until the day of his passing.
When Filou came to live with us he was 16 weeks old. His 13 weeks old adopted brother Tigris was already there- just for one day. While Tigris had spent the first afternoon in the transport box, just not wanting to get out, Filou jumped out of his box and within five minutes had been to every corner of the house and back again.
Filou and Tigris became friends (and were called “the Mongole hordes” or “the stampede”) and while, after the coming of age, their relation was not without tension they stayed friends until Tigris’ left much too early:
http://petoftheday.com/talk/picture.php?albumid=77&pictureid=2606

Filou was a prince- he just couldn’t move without grace. All his pictures show him so quiet but that is just because I couldn’t take pictures when he moved, fast as lightning.
Talk about light…ning: He loved the sun:

http://petoftheday.com/talk/picture.php?albumid=77&pictureid=2599

http://petoftheday.com/talk/picture.php?albumid=77&pictureid=2600

He loved his balcony garden and the flowers:

http://petoftheday.com/talk/picture.php?albumid=77&pictureid=2601

http://petoftheday.com/talk/picture.php?albumid=77&pictureid=2604

Being a prince, he made sure his subjects loved him- and how could they not:

http://petoftheday.com/talk/picture.php?albumid=77&pictureid=2607

He groomed his dad:
http://petoftheday.com/talk/picture.php?albumid=77&pictureid=2602

and followed us everywhere, especially in the kitchen where he ate Thai curry chicken, salmon, corn, olives, cooked potatoes, coconut milk, corn, avocados and milk chocolate if he could get it. I have never seen a kitty with such an appetite.

[Barbara]

When he was 9, back in 2005, I began to notice that he drank. Before I had never caught him in that act. We got him to the vet and had to hear that his kidney began to fail. He got fluids and diet food and he loved even the diet food. For some years all went well. He had his weekly appointment with his friend Trude, the vet and with all the nice vet assistants who were just as charmed as we were. Then, 1,5 years ago he had a first crisis which scared us very much. He overcame it with flying colors but he strated to seriously lose weight. He had been 7 lbs when healthy but he lost half a pound after the other and was thin- but continued his life as a shoulder sitter. He began to prefer being carried on the shoulder to walking himself and climbed our trousers (or naked legs- ouch) to get to his outlook place.
His diet became very special: kitten food, treats, fresh chicken- sometimes I offered him 3 fresh puches before he decided he will have a bite.
This spring he became thinner and weaker. Beginning of May there was the first time when he didn’t eat for 3 days. We thought that would be the end of his life but he came back J He spent 10 days here at home with my sister, her husband and doxie Amber while we went on vacation. And he was eating happily when we came back.
But his eating became less predictable. He might go a day or a night without food. His last pictures show how thin he became, how rough his fur was and how his eyes changed their expression:

http://petoftheday.com/talk/picture.php?albumid=77&pictureid=2608

http://petoftheday.com/talk/picture.php?albumid=77&pictureid=2609

He spent a lot of time in the position of the last picture and only short times in his favorite tortellini positions.

Dearest Filou, to let you go was the hardest decision of my life. You have been my little prince and now you are a memory only – a memory on my shoulder, on my duvet on top of my legs, in your favorite places in the sun.

I miss you so.


The Abyssinian Cat

His amber eyes, his tiger face,
They speak of jungles, sight-unseen,
Or Abyssinian desert place,
Where my small cat has never been.

His throaty purr, his paw embrace,
The way he always follows me,
Define the central heart-home place
Where my small cat will always be.

a poem by Jean Gorton

[Kirsten]

Lay down,
your sweet and weary head.
Night is falling.
You have come to journey’s end.

Sleep now, and dream
of the ones who came before.
They are calling,
from across a distant shore.

Why do you weep?
What are these tears upon your face?
Soon you will see.
All of your fears will pass away.
Safe in my arms,
you’re only sleeping.

What can you see,
on the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea,
a pale moon rises.
The ships have come,
to carry you home.

(Annie Lennox, Into the West)


This is such a beautiful tribute to him, the photos you posted capture his purrsonality so well, a testimony of the wonderful life he had with you.

The last picture broke my heart. Yes, I would say, he was ready to go... (((HUGS)))

[Bengalz]

Barbara,

Your tribute to Filou is beautiful as is he - a wonderful cat with a beautiful soul. Always remembered, always loved, rest in peace dear little Filou:love:

You and Siegmar are in my thoughts and I wish you peace. Love, Betty

[Randi]

The picture of Filou and Tigris sleeping together is really cute! I love the ones of Filou on the balcony. I'm pretty sure Siegmar took the first one... Filou is keeping an eye on what you're doing inside, Barbara - and in the next one, I'm sure Filou has spotted a bird.

Filou took his job as a groomer very serious but of course that was because he loved you so.

In the last picture I can see he was ready to go. :(

Rest in peace, dear Filou! Tigris will be happy to see you. :)

Barbara, hugs to you and Siegmar. :love: :love:

[catmandu]

I showed My Friends at Poco Loco the Photo of Filou and Tigris in their Santa Hats and we had a moment of silent prayer for them.:cool:
We hope that they were able to come and enjoy the Tacos, Salsa Chips Water and Tiger Stripe Ice Cream.:love:
Filou and Tigris are together for eternity and will have a great time exploring the World , until you are all reunited in a Special Place.
One Fine Day:love:

[kitten645]

I'm so very sorry for your lose. I know the huge hole in your heart. Just know that he is happy and whole again. I'm sure Hobbes is showing him around. :love:
Claudia & Calvin

[Ally Cat's Mommy]

Barbara, I am so sorry for your loss.The way he passed symbolises how he lived - surrounded by love and kindness.

[krazyaboutkatz]

What a wonderful tribute.:) I enjoyed seeing the pictures and hearing more about him. Filou knew that he was loved very much and from the last 2 pictures it did look like he was ready to go.:( You'll both be together again one fine day. Please take care.(((HUGS)))

[catlady1945]

We are sorry for your loss. Filou was a beautiful cat. This is a very difficult decision for cat lovers, but always the right one. We know when it's time.

[gini]

Oh Barbara and Siegmar, I just now found this thread and I literally burst into tears for you both.

I remember so well sitting with you both and looking at all of the wonderful pictures you have of your babies.

I am so very sorry - there never are just the right words that would help heal your hearts. But know that I care and wish I could remove this pain
from you both.

Sleep well Filou and Tigres - you are so well loved.

[Cataholic]

I am crying all over again. That was a lovely tribute, and I must agree, the last photo, his eyes said that he was ready to leave this earth, for the wonderful everafter. He is with Tigris, and waits patiently for the day you will be reunited.

I am just so sorry for your pain, and the loss.
Johanna

[3Catcondo]

I'm so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful tribute to a handsome fellow. RIP Filou. :love:


Amy

[Sonia59]

Oh Barbara, thank you for the pictures and the story! I know how hard it is. But what a wonderful life he had with Tigris, and what wonderful time he gave to his humans! :love:
Hugs Barbara and Siegmar.

[Catty1]

{{{hugs}}}

What a stunning prince Filou was! In the last two pics, he looked ready to join the royalty at the Rainbow Bridge. :(:love:

Wishing you and Tigris many tortellini naps and happy playtimes, Filou.:love::love:

[lizbud]

Thinking of you Barbara & Siegmar. (((Hugs)))

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Barbara and Siegmar, I'm am shocked and saddened by the news of Filou's passing. :(

You had many good years and many great memories and pics. I remember those pics of him on your shoulder, Barbara, and grooming Siegmar. It seems everytime you spoke of him you mentioned the rides on your shoulders. What a precious boy he was.

The way he looks in the last pic is exactly how Tubby looked at the end - the rough fur, the extreme thinness and the look in his eyes. I know he appreciates your seeing the signs that the end was near and making his passing easy on him, even though it wasn't easy on you.

He was quite the personality and I can only imagine how quiet your home has been these past few days. {{{hugs}}} to you and Siegmar at this sad, sad time. :(

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

Oh gosh.. NO..................
This is so sad .........:(:(:(
This must be so hard on you both........,the house must be so quiet now.........

Thank yoy for the great pics! Filou is happy now, he doesn't have any more pain! On the Bridge he plays healthy and freely, together with all our beloved PT-kitties...:love: ; I am sure that my own Sydney will welcome Filou with open paws!!

[Laura's Babies]

Oh Barbra! I am just making it over here in the memorial section... I hate coming here. I am crying for your loss.. I have so enjoyed your pictures and stories of them over the years.. ((((HUGS)))))

[jenluckenbach]

Dearest friend Barbara, I am just now seeing this news. :( I am so sad, especially because I could not comfort you at that hardest moment.

Filou is a kitty that will NEVER be forgotten. He lives on in the hearts of many.

{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}

[shais_mom]

I'm so sorry for your loss.
((hugs))

[Felicia's Mom]

I'm sorry to learn that Filou has gone to the Bridge. I am just reading this,
I didn't have internet for over 2 months.