Thursday, July 30, 2015

Anna and Tabitha -- Together Again.

This is one of my favorite pictures of my mother walking her cat Tabitha. Anna departed 2-1/2 years ago and Tabitha went to join her yesterday. Now it's only Webster and me and we miss them both. Tabitha had been failing for the past couple of weeks and her passing didn't come as a big surprise. I actually thought she was improving since her appetite returned, but I was wrong. She lived a good life here and she loved keeping watch and sleeping in "her" chair next to the front door. Who will guard the cottage now? Not Webster. He's too busy sitting under the air conditioning duct that blows down on his dog bed. 


38 comments:

Lee Owenby said...

So sorry to hear about Tabitha. She seemed to be a very special cat. I know you will miss her. She was very lucky to have such a wonderful, caring Mom.

coasterkim said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Tabitha. Sending prayers your way. Hope you're comforted to know you gave her a wonderful, long life.

Deb said...

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear this. I always enjoyed when you featured Tabitha on your blog. It was wonderful that she was able to live out her senior years in comfort with you. Rest in Peace, dear little cat. Hugs, Deb

Catherine said...

I am heart broken for you. I am so to hear you lost Tabitha.

Sorry you lost them both for that matter.

A big hug from Kilmouski & me.

Recycled Cottage & Garden said...

I'm so sorry, those furbabies mean as much to us as our people family.

Sunny said...

Farewell, sweet Tabitha.

Malcolm W. said...

I am so sorry to hear this news. It breaks my heart when we lose our four legged friends. It will be sad to not hear what she is up to.
Malcolm

Mama Pea said...

Oh, Rosemary, I'm so sorry to hear of Tabitha's passing. I'm certain she and your mother are together. It's absolutely the right thing to believe. You gave Tabitha such a good life, both before and after your mother's passing. What better home with two loving women and dear Webster could a cat have had? Hugs to you.

Pam said...

Very sad for the loss of Tabitha, but she certainly had a good life with you and your mother. I haven't been reading your blog long, but it is apparent that you view your pets as members of your family (as do I), and when one passes, life changes. Thank goodness for your fine fellow, Webster! Bless you.

Cleo from Jersey said...

Rosemary, I'm so sorry to hear about Tabitha's passing. They just don't live long enough, do they...all those that we love!

donna baker said...

Tabitha was too cute on a leash. I've never seen a cat on a leash before. Good girl.

Unknown said...

Rosemary - I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing once again the classic photo of your mother and Tabitha taking a stroll. Thinking of you . . Linda

debra @ 5th and state said...

a terribly sad passing, the loss of the link, and her companionship.
blessings to you and a big hug rosemary.
debra

JudyMac said...

Tears are flowing, Rosemary. Can't help it. I will miss seeing her sooo much. Such a dear kitty. oxox

Jeannine said...

I am so sorry to hear of Tabitha's passing. We lost a dear cat this year as well. Leaves a hole in your life as they're as dear as any family member. I'm sending prayers your way.

Unknown said...

So sorry for your loss. It is comforting to know that she and your Mother are together again.

kathiquilts said...

Dear Rosemary-
so saddened to hear of your loss. I know the loss of a four legged child can be so difficult, especially when they have also been the link to someone else we dearly loved. I'm sure your Mother must have found peace knowing you would continue to care for and love her girl and I'm sure the two of them are so happy to be reunited

Gail, northern California said...

So, so sorry, Rosemary. I'm going to miss her too.

jusaweecatnap said...

My heart goes out to you. I loved looking at your pictures of her; thanks for sharing them. I'm sure she loved The Cottage as much as you do. She seemed to have savored many a comfy nap throughout your lovely house. I had to give up my cat when I married a man terribly allergic to cats. I still think of him 28 years later. I trust you'll carry many happy memories of Tabitha with you always. The picture of Mom and cat is so dear. Hugs.

Janie said...

Rosemary, you have had a couple of very tough years. Please be comforted with the idea that they really are together now. No one could have been a better daughter or cat carer (sp?) than you. thinking of you and sending lots of positive thoughts.

SALLY said...

Both Tabitha and your mother were lucky to have you. Sure Webster will help with your loss.

Anonymous said...

HI!

I have missed your beautiful mother. And now I will miss Tabitha. I have loved seeing pictures and hearing about her. I am sure Webster misses her, too..

Adopt another cat? OH, I hope so! Such a warm and lovely and loving home for a cat. And there are so many who need a home....(not a kitten; mind you!) What joy we receive from our adopted "Louie" he was 2 and had been in the shelter 7 months; he brings us joy every day!!!

Savannah Sue said...

I'm so very sorry Rosemary that Tabitha went to the �� Bridge. I had no idea she belonged to your Mom or even that she was that old and ailing. I delighted when you spoke of her and the pictures you posted. I know Webster would never admit it but he will certainly miss her...

Cathy said...

So very sorry. I will miss hearing of her but I know she and your mother are happy to be together again.

He Who Loves an Old House said...

Oh, Rosemary, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of sweet Tabitha. The only consolation is that she is with your mother. Sending good thoughts your way.

xoxo

Tim

Content in a Cottage said...

Dear Everyone --
Thank you so much for your comforting comments.
Yes, Tabitha was my mother's cat. We got her from a shelter after a long day of searching. They bonded immediately. Tabitha was an adult cat who had been a stray. She had a litter of kittens while at the shelter and they were all adopted. Nobody wanted her - maybe because there was a sign on her cage that she had a "hairball" problem. She was the last cat I took to the visitation room for my mother. She immediately jumped into Anna's lap and started purring. That was IT and we took her home. My mother was always afraid she would run away so she walked her on a leash. I was sure she would stay and she never left the yard after I gave her back her freedom.
It was only very recently that she started going downhill and refused to eat. That's always a bad sign. I don't really know how old she was but I think she was Webster's age (13) or older. She did start eating again from my hand and then by herself. I thought she might rally and recover but she didn't. It was just her time.
I'm okay and I don't know if Webster has noticed her absence yet but he probably has. He will miss eating the cat food when I'm not looking. I am going to take the food I have on hand to my mason. He did some repointing of my walk recently and he said his cat was almost exactly like Tabitha.
xo, Rosemary

Jaybird said...

Posie Cat sends you a big hug. She knows that Tabitha is happy and free from any pain now!! She is guarding the very gates of heaven!
Blessings to you and Webster.
J

Karen said...

Rosemary,
I'm so sorry for your and Webster's loss...our loss too, since we all enjoyed your images of Tabitha and her favorite places to rest. I was surprised that it has been 2 1/2 years since your mom's passing. Time goes by so quickly.
Enjoy the upcoming weekend.
xo,
Karen

Unknown said...

I am so sorry of the passing of Tabitha, it broke my heart. Tabitha was blessed to have the company of your Mother and yourself and of course Webster. She made a lasting impression. I will have you in my prayers.

Teresa

Christine said...

Thank you for sharing Tabitha with us.
Peace!

Cristina said...

So sad Tabitha is gone. She will be missed by many. My heart goes out to you. And Webster. He will miss her too. As you say, she is now happilly walking with your mother. Side by side forever.

Anonymous said...

SOB!!!

It is so hard!

Yesterday my littlest dog Georgie walked off a second floor roof! (she apparently didn't know she was on a roof!) and fell at least 11 feet onto a sidewalk! she dislocated a hip; I was afraid she would be dead!

she spent the night at the vet; and is home. I have been in tears; but so grateful she didn't injure more!

I loved Tabitha.

Penelope

Vickie H. said...

Dear Rosemary....I am so very sorry to note Tabitha's passing....she was blessed to have you and your mother. RIP, sweet girl. Our 13 1/2 yr old dog died suddenly today and we are grief-stricken. Except for a bit of arthritis we were treating he seemed to be doing well and thriving. You just never know. Thank you for sharing your animals with us. I love this blog!

Sue said...

Oh Rosemary, I'm so very sorry. Tabitha will truly be missed.
Hugs to you.

Content in a Cottage said...

Vickie H. -- I am so sorry to hear of the sudden passing of you dog. That is Webster's age too. I cannot imagine how grief stricken I will be when he passes. I keep waiting for him to die but he refuses and for that I'm thankful.
Take care and be glad you gave your dog a good life.
xo, Rosemary

Lisa Smith said...

Oh Rosemary, I am very sorry to hear about Tabitha's passing. I have so enjoyed reading about her, and love your photos of her. Bless her heart, she was such a sweet girl. It is so difficult to lose our furry family members. I felt a special connection with Tabitha,as one of my cats, Miss Tibby, could have been her twin littermate. Miss Tibby, like Tabitha, was a stray. She graced our family with her sweet presence for 14 years. I love what you wrote about Tabitha never leaving the yard after you gave her back her freedom. Please know that you and Webster are in my thoughts; may you bring each other comfort in the days ahead.

The Queen Vee said...

Rosemary, I love this photo of Anna walking Tabitha. I know Tabitha had a great cat life. I can't help but think that she's been a comfort and reminder for you of your dear mum. I love the thought that your mom and her cat are now together. I'm grateful you still have your faithful Webster by your side.

I'm sorry I'm late commenting, I've had a lot on my plate the past few months, still do...such is life.

Millie said...

Having Tabitha in your life was just meant to be Rosemary & what a beautiful ornament she was to the Cottage. She reminded me so much of my old girl Miss Chloe Cat, also a tabby who passed 5 years ago. Thank you for your recent message over at The Hedge, I really appreciated it. Life has given me a big challenge to deal with this year, so I've not been able to update the blog, my heart just isn't in it.xx