RIP Rupert, 1990-2009
This past week, when I had a houseful of guests and my husband was in Germany, I discovered that my 19-year-old cat Rupert had cancer all through his liver and pancreas. I made the decision to have him euthanized, and held him while the vet did it. I didn’t think I would cry because it certainly wasn’t a shock that it was Rupert’s time to go, but I bawled like a baby as I held him in my arms. He was a wonderful companion from the time I was a senior in college; he was with me when I got married, when Eric and I lived in the Netherlands for half a year, when we bought our first house, when we adopted our baby. What a great cat. [lf]
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Oct 26, 2009 Writing


Working from home, alone, I can safely say that my cat is one of the few things that helps me maintain my sanity. I hope, in time, you’ll find another cat that is worth loving just as much as Rupert
Oh, I am so, so sorry…
(And, writer or not, there simply are no other words to say. I just really sympathize.)
I’m so sorry for your loss. It is such a hard thing to go through. What a blessing to have 19 years with such a sweet friend though!
I’m so sorry to hear about your cat! They really do become members of the family, especially after so many years of companionship. I have a cat named Kirby (she turned 9 this year) and she pretty much runs the house. I always say that I don’t have her trained, she has me trained.
It’s good you were there for Rupert at the very end so he was comfortable.
You have my full sympathy! Give yourself time to grieve, losing a pet is just as sad and emotional as losing a family member.
BTW, I love the name Rupert! Awesome name for a cat!
The death of a pet – a family member – is never easy. I’m sorry for your loss.
Awwww…. I’ll miss the little guy. It was nice to spend a month with him a few years ago while you were visiting Japan.
Linda, I am so sorry to hear about Rupert. I hope you are able to find another cat that can keep you company and become a member of your family.
I’m so sorry to hear about your cat. I’m glad he had a long life, but it’s always difficult to lose a loved one.
Thanks for all your nice comments! Brian, Rupert loved you!
We have two other older cats (11 and 13 years old) who we adopted from the shelter after Rupert’s buddy Ivan Ivanovich passed away 2 years ago. Although two cats is a nice number to have, now our hearts are open for a third kitty should one show up (which they always do).
Linda, I’m so very sorry about Rupert. We recently had to euthanize one of our cats because of failing kidneys. It’s such a difficult thing to know you’ll never see that beloved, fuzzy face again. You have my complete empathy, and I’m glad you have other kitties to comfort you.
Katey, I’m so sorry you lost your kitty! Rupert had kidney disease as well (we were giving him fluids twice weekly), but in the end it was cancer that got him.
That’s a tough thing you had to go through. I’m so sorry to hear about Rupert (animals are just so special) but I’m even happier to know he had such a long and wonderful life.
Very sorry to hear about Rupert – what a sweet face ….and a great name! Allow yourself time to grieve. One day the time will be right for another kitten to come into your life. How amazing to have had 19 years with an animal! The life span of cats is so incredible compared to dogs.
Thank you, everyone! I miss mu little buddy.
Rupert’s last name is Woland. Kudos to the first person who can tell me where that’s from! (Gwynneth?)
I am so sorry for your loss, I recently lost one of my kitties, Furball, after fifteen years. I’m so glad Rupert had a long, happy life!
Sending prayers your way while you are grieving,
Ashley Barrett
Bye,Rupert!
tonight the veil is thin, and maybe he will make a brief appearance around you– I believe this!
My old familiar,Merlin, had to be euthanized also at age 19– he was my sweetheart! I too held him in my arms as he left.. very very very hard even when you think you’re “ready..”
It’s been a long time now but I still see flashes of Merlin as he “visits” occasionally!
My blessings and hugs go with you!!!!!!
Maddie
Thank you, Ashley and Maddie! You’re right, Maddie…maybe I will see Rupert tonight.