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.
ana
I'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
Thanks for your comforting thoughts, dear Ana. I do have many great memories.
Gaelle
Oh 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
Hi 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.
sarojinididi
So 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
Thanks, Sarojini, you are so kind, and I appreciate your generous words so much. 🙂
Jack
I 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
Hi 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.
Ellen Lederman
So sorry about your gorgeous kitty. Thanks for giving her a great second chance in life. I know you will greatly miss her.
Vaishali Honawar
Thanks very much, dear Ellen.
candace lawrence
So 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
Dear 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.
mary
Hi V.
So sorry about your poor little muffin of a kitty. My thoughts are with you. xoxoxoxoxo
Vaishali Honawar
Thanks, dear Mary.
Paula
I 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
Thanks for your kind words, Paula. We were so lucky to have her. I miss her terribly.
Michelle
I'm so sorry. She's beautiful. <3 Goddess Speed Cutie Pie <3
Vaishali Honawar
Thanks, dear Michelle.
Judeen
I'm so sorry. Hard to lose pets. They are definitely part of the family.
Vaishali Honawar
Thanks, Judeen, they definitely are no less dear than any family member.
Suzanne
So 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
Dear 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.
Jacqui
So sorry for your loss. I guess she's enjoying seeing Lucy again in pet heaven.
Vaishali Honawar
Thanks, Jacqui. 🙂 I hope they are playing together somewhere nice.
Deb @ Saving the Crumbs
Ohhhh....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
Thanks, Deb. 🙂
giri
Oh, 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
Thanks, Giri. You don't have to say anything-- I am comforted by the fact that you cared enough to reach out. 🙂
geetha
R.I.P,Sweetie Pie! A big hug to you at this difficult time!
Vaishali Honawar
Thanks, Geetha, and a big hug to you. 🙂
Chessie
Vaishali, 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
Dear 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.