My beautiful cat, Pie, passed away early this morning. Many of you have come to know her through these pages — how sweet she was, how gentle and playful, and how I loved her with all my heart. Pie was nearly 18 and had several ongoing health issues, but even so the end was rather sudden.
Pie came to us as a six-year-old rescue. We happened upon her and her sister, Pubm, the day before they were scheduled to be put down at the Washington Humane Society– just like millions of healthy, beautiful cats put to sleep at shelters every year because there are no homes to take them in. We brought them home and over the years Desi and I would often say how lucky we were to have found the perfect cats.
Pie had many friends and fans among Holy Cow!’s animal-loving readers, and although she never met most of you, she did feel your love, just like those countless of rescue cats that you help and whose lives you touch every day.
Sleep tight, my darling Pie.
Chessie says
August 21, 2014 atVaishali, I’m so sorry you had to say goodbye to your beautiful cat friend. What an amazing second chance you gave Pie and her sister, and for so many years! It sounds like they repaid you in full, too.
She was such a lovely girl. RIP, sweet kitty.
Vaishali Honawar says
August 22, 2014 atDear Catherine, thanks for your kind and warm words. Pubm and Pie definitely repaid us in full, and more. We were far luckier to find them than the other way round.
geetha says
August 21, 2014 atR.I.P,Sweetie Pie! A big hug to you at this difficult time!
Vaishali Honawar says
August 22, 2014 atThanks, Geetha, and a big hug to you. 🙂
giri says
August 21, 2014 atOh, I am so sorry Vaishali .. I am observing how I want to say so many things and yet nothing feels just right .. I am reminded of the vivid dreams that followed after the passing of my dogs .. they comforted me through that phase too ..
Will keep you in my thoughts ..
Vaishali Honawar says
August 22, 2014 atThanks, Giri. You don’t have to say anything– I am comforted by the fact that you cared enough to reach out. 🙂
Deb @ Saving the Crumbs says
August 21, 2014 atOhhhh….I’m sorry! 🙁 I’m sure your home will feel empty without her. You did a very kind deed to rescue her and give her many years of a content and happy life.
Vaishali Honawar says
August 22, 2014 atThanks, Deb. 🙂
Jacqui says
August 21, 2014 atSo sorry for your loss. I guess she’s enjoying seeing Lucy again in pet heaven.
Vaishali Honawar says
August 22, 2014 atThanks, Jacqui. 🙂 I hope they are playing together somewhere nice.
Suzanne says
August 21, 2014 atSo sorry about your cat. I have been through that scenario more than once with a sick older cat so I know what you are going through.
Thanks for the great recipes you share with people like me.
Vaishali Honawar says
August 22, 2014 atDear Suzanne, thanks for your comforting words. It never gets easier, does it? Every time I lose an animal, I am jarred by the realization how short their lives are compared to ours.
Judeen says
August 21, 2014 atI’m so sorry. Hard to lose pets. They are definitely part of the family.
Vaishali Honawar says
August 22, 2014 atThanks, Judeen, they definitely are no less dear than any family member.
Michelle says
August 21, 2014 atI’m so sorry. She’s beautiful. <3 Goddess Speed Cutie Pie <3
Vaishali Honawar says
August 22, 2014 atThanks, dear Michelle.
Paula says
August 21, 2014 atI am so sorry, Vaishali, that you have lost your sweet and beautiful Pie. I am glad you were able to give her twelve happy years as part of your family <3.
Vaishali Honawar says
August 22, 2014 atThanks for your kind words, Paula. We were so lucky to have her. I miss her terribly.
mary says
August 21, 2014 atHi V.
So sorry about your poor little muffin of a kitty. My thoughts are with you. xoxoxoxoxo
Vaishali Honawar says
August 22, 2014 atThanks, dear Mary.
candace lawrence says
August 21, 2014 atSo sorry, Vaishali. We took our 16 year old beauty Leo for his first radiation treatment this morning; the worry is so intense, but I am so glad I am able to do whatever is necessary and so grateful for the 13 years he’s already spent with us. I know that’s what you must be feeing about your lovely girl.
Vaishali Honawar says
August 22, 2014 atDear Candace, I am so sorry to hear about Leo and I am keeping my thoughts and prayers with him, to pull him and you through this rough time. With a love so strong, I know you will make it. A big hug to you.
Ellen Lederman says
August 22, 2014 atSo sorry about your gorgeous kitty. Thanks for giving her a great second chance in life. I know you will greatly miss her.
Vaishali Honawar says
August 22, 2014 atThanks very much, dear Ellen.
Jack says
August 22, 2014 atI grieve your loss, but I celebrate how love and compassion brought you guys and your animals together – and added many years and many blessings to you all.
I am new to your blog and I typically never subscribe to anything, but I really enjoy your writing and all the amazing food. I sense that you are a beautiful soul.
Vaishali Honawar says
August 22, 2014 atHi Jack, thank you for your lovely and comforting message. And I couldn’t agree with you more on celebrating Pie’s life and the love we shared. Thanks also for your kind words about the blog– they are much appreciated and very welcome.
sarojinididi says
August 22, 2014 atSo sorry to hear about Pie, a beautiful little soul who finally knew the love she deserved through you and your family. She is immortalised through these pages, which stand as a testament to your own beautiful nature.
Vaishali Honawar says
August 22, 2014 atThanks, Sarojini, you are so kind, and I appreciate your generous words so much. 🙂
Gaelle says
August 22, 2014 atOh my god… my baby cat passed away this very morning. As for Pie, I rescued her when she was 6 in a shelter, however my sweet Babouche had just turned 8 when she left me. She died suddenly from a bad allergic reaction to antibiotics…
I was trying to cheer myself up by checking my RSS feeds and then I read your sad news. Life can be cruel sometimes and take our beloved friends away. But I’m grateful for all the sweet moments spent with her. I know what you’re going through and I send all my support to you.
Vaishali Honawar says
August 22, 2014 atHi Gaelle, I am so sorry for your loss and I understand exactly how you feel right now. I have been in the doldrums since I returned home from work and she wasn’t there to greet me and demand food, as she always did. Sounds like your cat had a wonderful life with you and was much loved. You were lucky to have found each other. A big, comforting hug for you from another grieving cat mom.
ana says
August 23, 2014 atI’m so sorry for your loss. I know how much it hurts and how hard it is to say goodbye but as time passes you’ll have nice memories of all the good times and special moments you had with Pie. Much love and stay strong during this difficult time.
Vaishali Honawar says
August 25, 2014 atThanks for your comforting thoughts, dear Ana. I do have many great memories.
Fareeda says
August 23, 2014 atDear Vaishali:
I am actually crying as I write this. I had to go to the bathroom to wipe away the tears. Animals are such gentle creatures who bring such joy into our lives.
How I ache for you and Desi…..here’s a big hug for you both.
Fareeda
Vaishali Honawar says
August 25, 2014 atDear Fareeda, you are so kind. Thank you for the love, and for caring about my little Pie. She really did bring so much joy into my life, and I miss her every minute. A big hug back to you.
Marc Katz says
August 23, 2014 atSo sorry for your loss. As you know, pets aren’t like family, they are family. We are all fortunate to have wonderful memories of our lost friends. You’ll always have that.
Vaishali Honawar says
August 25, 2014 atHi Marc, so well said, and so true. They really are family and — in so many ways– so much better. And yes, I’ll always have great memories of Pie and my other furry critters who’ve passed on. 🙂
Connie says
August 23, 2014 atI am so sorry for your loss. A very lucky kitty to have someone care so much for her. RIP Pie
Vaishali Honawar says
August 25, 2014 atThanks for your kind words, Connie.
Amy says
August 23, 2014 atVaishali, I am so sorry for your loss. It is difficult to lose a beloved pet, especially one who has been part of your life for so long. Hugs to you, Amy
Vaishali Honawar says
August 25, 2014 atThanks, dear Amy, and hugs back to you.
Manju says
August 23, 2014 atSo sorry for your loss. This is something that I will never know how id deal with when the time comes for my Krish. They are such beautiful creatures that save us from the drudgery that is modern life
Vaishali Honawar says
August 25, 2014 atThanks, Manju. They certainly do, don’t they? A big hug to your Krish, and here’s to all the wonderful years you will continue to share together. 🙂
Deanna says
August 23, 2014 atVaishali, I am so sorry for your and Desi’s loss of the wonderful Pie. I’ve been through tough times with my kitties too and was utterly devastated when I had to put my last two down within 11 months of each other. Wishing you strength and sending good vibes to get through this difficult time.
Deanna
PS – long time reader, first time commenting. I appreciate your vegan take on recipes as I strive to go vegan every once in a while 🙂
Vaishali Honawar says
August 25, 2014 atDear Deanna, thanks for commenting, and for your kind words. 🙂 I am so sorry to hear about your kitties– that sounds like a really hard thing to go through. Hugs to you, and thanks for the good vibes. I feel them.
paula rothman says
August 23, 2014 atso sorry for your loss. they take part of our hearts.. always.. i now have 3 cats over 18.. and have lost 3 in the last yr.
it never gets easier. she was loved and had a great life and will always be with you
Vaishali Honawar says
August 25, 2014 atThanks, dear Paula. So sorry about your kitties. Three cats over 18– that’s amazing, and they must have a wonderful life with you. Hugs to them and you.
Dianne says
August 23, 2014 atSo sorry to hear of your loss, Vaishali. Pie was a very fortunate kitty to have been loved by you, and I’m sure she brought sunshine to your life. Hugs to you.
Vaishali Honawar says
August 25, 2014 atThanks, Dianne, she surely was a ray of sunshine and I miss her dearly. Hugs back to you.
Valerie says
August 23, 2014 atOh no…….my heart is just breaking for you……God rest your most precious soul dearest Pie…lots of love to your loving family xxxx Valerie
Vaishali Honawar says
August 25, 2014 atThanks, Valerie. Lots of love back to you.
Carol Schmoker says
August 23, 2014 atSo sorry for the loss of your furbaby Pie. She is waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge, well and young and happy.
Vaishali Honawar says
August 25, 2014 atThanks, Carol, I sure hope she is, with all of my other furry babies who have passed. 🙂
Caren Ferris says
August 23, 2014 atI am so sorry for you Vaishali. I have followed you and Pie for many years and I am so sad for our loss. Please take care of yourself and Desi.
Vaishali Honawar says
August 25, 2014 atDear Caren, thanks for your comforting words. You take care too.
Vani Doraisamy says
August 23, 2014 atMy love to Pie and you, Vaishali. I have known Pie so very well through your blog and I feel your loss. She is in a happy place now and can feel all our love. Hugs and healing wishes to you.
Vaishali Honawar says
August 25, 2014 atDear Vani, thanks for your kind and comforting words. I am happy she is at least out of the reach of all pain and suffering now.
Vani says
August 24, 2014 atSorry for your loss Vaishali. I can’t even begin to imagine how hard it is to lose a beloved friend. Take care
Vaishali Honawar says
August 25, 2014 atThanks, Vani.
Shantee says
August 25, 2014 atOh no, I’m so sorry! You have my deepest condolences
Vaishali Honawar says
August 25, 2014 atThanks Shantee.
Richa {VeganRicha.com} says
August 25, 2014 atI am so sorry Vaishali. Keeping you in my thoughts.
Vaishali Honawar says
August 25, 2014 atThanks, Richa.
Pauline says
August 26, 2014 atPopped in for a recipe and happened on the sad news. So sorry Vaishali. We are so blessed to have animals in our lives and I know that when their lives come full circle, it never gets any easier. A tear, a hug, and some purring from
Pauline, Calico and Sesame
Vaishali Honawar says
August 26, 2014 atThanks, Pauline. Your love is much appreciated. Hugs back to you, Calico and Sesame. Such adorable names.
Mints! says
August 27, 2014 atSo sorry to hear about your loss Vaishali. It is very hard when a loving pet is gone.
Leslie Sanford says
August 28, 2014 atI’m so very sorry to hear of Pie’s passing. Cat friends grip your heart tightly and it is so painful when that grip is gone.
RIP Pie. Hugs to Vaishali.
East Meets West Veg says
September 5, 2014 atI’m so sorry for your loss. It is so difficult to lose someone you love. You gave her so much more life than she would have had without you and that is an amazing thing. Sending love and hugs.
Rebecca McDonough says
September 5, 2014 atWhen one loves animals, it’s gutting to hear of one passing – even one we’ve never known.
I’m so very saddened to hear about Pie. There are no real condolences, except that your rescue no doubt gave her a wonderful life she never would have had otherwise. While I don’t believe in an afterlife, I like to think of death as a possible passage into another room in the multiverse. In this new room, Pie has a full belly, fatigue from chasing butterflies, and lies bathed in sunlight.
Thanks to you and your husband for all you give your your animals, and to us.
Rebecca