Safe

Here is Pip, occupying the position he has kept in my office since yesterday morning, except for when Lissie has been sitting there - they have both hardly left my side since the awful events of Wednesday night. Surely, they understand. Both Pip and Liss have also been extraordinarily affectionate to me, with much sitting upon my lap, purring and rubbing against my hand. Again, they understand. Cats seem to have a bypass straight to the heart, without needing to pass "Go" - or collect £200.00

The next image is just a thumbnail - click on it if you feel you can bear to have your heart touched deeply by seeing the full sized image. It is of Pip, saying "Goodbye" to Lily, which I encouraged him to do while I was digging her grave. This image is not gruesome, just immensely sad - but I felt that it was better for him that he could see, smell and gently wash his sister one last time, rather than just be mystified by her disappearance.

When I went to the post box to collect the mail yesterday lunchtime, I found these beautiful flowers, left by the young woman who had the misfortune to hit Lily. The two white flowers are - Lilies.

The kindness of strangers. Putting aside her own distress, which it was clear she felt when she alerted me to the accident, she came back and thought of me. I will not print her name, but I know some local residents read this Blog - if they know who she is, or if she herself is reading, please know that I am deeply touched by this gesture, and by her bothering to stop at all, so preventing any further mutilation of my little cat. Thank you so very much.

Finally, can I thank everyone who left comments here? Please forgive me if I do not reply to them all personally, just believe me when I say that each word meant so much to me.

Here's Lily's little grave - Goodnight, my sweet Princess.

Comments

[possumlady]

This post is so moving. The photo of Pip saying goodbye to Lily broke my heart. After losing three of my cats in a little over four months, I still am grieving. What a wonderful gesture with the flowers. Yes, accidents do happen and if I were to ever hit and kill a cat, I would be haunted for a long time.

The last photo of Lily's grave--it looks like the heavens were shedding a few tears for Lily too.

[Caitlin]

That is heartbreakingly sad. I'm so sorry about Lily. I agree that it's important to let the animals say goodbye. When we lost our little Cavalier I let our retriever, his best friend, say goodbye - it was one of the saddest things I've ever seen.

Lily's grave is beautiful.

[Fran aka Redondowriter]

What a beautiful memorial to Lily as you committed her dust to dust, ashes to ashes. I love her playmate's pause at her grave; I do not find this gruesome at all. Most of our family pets have been buried in our yards. California is funny about releasing bodies, but a vet can usually be talked into it. I love the blue and white ceramic kitty.

How adorable the other kitties are. Cherish them. Do not find them new homes because you are fearful for them. They belong with you, Roz.

[Darla]

A very moving post Roz. My heart breaks for you but it also goes out to the poor youong woman involved. Clearly this was difficult for her. The flowers were a lovely gesture and probably helped her deal with this as well.

Darla

[Imelda /GreenishLady]

Oh, Roz, how sad! I am really sorry for your loss, and was so touched by that photo of Pip's farewell. I lost my beloved dog last year, and know what it is to lose a companion animal, but in such a sudden way, it must be really hard. I'm glad the driver was so kind and thoughtful. Wishing you well.

[annieelf]

So much goodness here, Roz. Pip's endearing good-bye; the floral tribute, Pip's and Lissie's comfort-giving. A truly heartwarming and life affirming post.

[Angela]

So sorry about your beautiful Lily. She was one of the prettiest girls I've seen. I read from "across the pond" and wanted you to know you have my sympathies. It's so hard when one of our little ones leaves us.