A local news story brings its share of heartache this morning.
Our cat Gomez has been missing since August 18, the day we left on vacation. He escaped the house just as we were packed and ready to go. “He’ll be fine!” everyone groaned. “Mary (our pet care person) comes tonight, he’ll be back for dinner time!”
So against my better judgment, we left. I tried not to worry. Everything would be fine, I told myself.
That was the last time I ever saw Gomez.
Mary called two days later to tell us there was no sign of Gomez. When we got home, he still hadn’t made an appearance.
We made very effort to find him–calling shelters, hanging posters, talking to people in the neighborhood. We met many wonderful people who tried to help us.
But every lead dried up. Even the black cat sightings all turned out to be other cats. I never knew there were so many black cats in Keene!
Gomez is such a great cat! I held onto a slim hope that he’d ingratiated himself into a new home, though I know that’s not how most lost cats end up. I called him every time I went outside. I watched for him as we walked or drove around our neighborhood.
Twice I was sure I’d found him. Happy, happy day!
Then I’d wake up, and realized I’d been dreaming.
Then I read the article in last night’s Keene Sentinel, our local newspaper. Three dead cats found in different Keene neighborhoods. Although there’s no evidence the cats were deliberately killed, the number of incidents, and some details about the deaths, raise a suspicion or two.
Two of the bodies were found very near our house.
I called the detective assigned to the case to get more information. Sure enough, one of the incidents involved a black cat. Actually, the head of a black cat.
It was disposed of by the home owners before the police arrived. And with no body, there was no microchip to be checked.
The head was found the day after Gomez disappeared.
The detective was sympathetic. He has pets, too, and had recently lost one. He knows how hard it is to lose a furry friend.
Some day soon, I’ll share those wonderful stories. As in any bad situation, there are good people who come forward, who cross our path, who restore our hope and faith.
It helps to know that Gomez is not lost, or suffering, or frightened anymore.
But right now, it is a very sad day at our house.
Goodbye, beautiful, beautiful cat.
P.S. See this essay for how I finally healed from this.
I’m so sorry Luann. What a sweet beautiful cat. They are part of the family, aren’t they? Hugs.
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I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Pet are important members of families.
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Gomez looks just like my cat, Monkey. Oh, LuAnn my heart just reaches out to you.
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Pets are harder to lose that people sometimes, as unfair as that sounds. To lose one in such a terrible manner must be mindnumbing and heartbreaking. I wish you peace!
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I am very sorry to hear the way that Gomez may have passed. We have lost 3 cats in less than a year. One was run over in front of pur house, and the other 2 just vanished. I hope they find the “sick” people who is doing this. I will give $500. To anyone who turns these people in… Again sorry…
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Luann, my heart breaks for you. I’m so sorry this happened.
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He is a beauty and his love will stay with you to help heal the pain. We open ourselves to these beautiful creatures and it’s so hard to say good bye. My thoughts are with you.
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So very sorry. Peace be with you.
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{{{Hugs}}}}
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LuAnn, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My heart aches for you and your family. I hope that time will make the loss easier to bear.
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I am so so so so sorry. 😦 Someone has been beheading cats in this area as well. It’s obviously some kind of sicko trend. Sure hope they catch all the perps and make a big splashy example… maybe cleaning portajohns at summer rescue animal show events. >:-(
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It is truly hard to understand how hard it is to lose a close friend / pet that has been a part of your family for so long. Take care. – bob collinsworth (KPD)
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We are so sorry Luann. We all love our furry children. So sad there has to be people out there like that…Ronda
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Luann, my heart aches for you – what a horrible thing to happen. He was a beautiful cat and his memory will live forever.
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Luann, I am so sorry to hear this — I was so hoping that the fellow you mentioned had found him for you. It’s so sorrowful to lose a dear and beloved cat, but doubly tragic that he was taken from you in such a dreadful way.
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I hope you feel his delightful spirit wrap itself around your legs. Very, very sorry for your loss.
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Blessings to you that your hearts may heal but always remember fondly the face of a beloved friend.
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He did have a beautiful face. I will miss his little nose and his little vampire teeth. Such a sweet boy!
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Luann, it was with tears in my eyes that I read about Gomez, and even more as I write this. It is so hard to lose one of our fur kids, and if he was intentionally harmed, well, that can make me go completely, irrationally out of control and want to go medieval on that person(s)! I am so very sorry for your loss!
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I know, it’s just icky. Thank you for your kind words, Donna.
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That story makes me sick and tearful. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Love Laura
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Thank you Laura. Miss your soothing yoga classes!
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I can’t imagine your heartbreak. I am so sorry.
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Oh, Lu, tears from here! He was such a wonderful kitty. I am glad you know, but what a heinous end to a loving life.
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I thought it would be better to know, but it’s still hard. Thank you, Joy.
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I am so sorry to hear your sad news. I know how deeply heart breaking losing a loved cat can be. It is so hard to believe people can behave in that way. I will be thinking of you. Art was the only way through for me when I lost Pye 18 months ago, I hope you find some healing in your work.
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Yes, good thoughts, Sarah, I have to find a way to celebrate his furry life. Thank you!
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Luann, that is so unspeakably horrible there are no words to describe it. As a veterianarian and person belonging to 5 cats I share your grief. I’m really not sure how one gets over something like that, except to remember the good times and put the rest out of your mind. It will take time for your pain to pass, but he’ll always be with you in your heart. Take care!
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Thank you, Marta. I know time will help, right now it just feels awful. He did not deserve such an end.
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Lu, I’ve just mailed a donation in memory of your beautiful Gomez to this feline rescue organization, which helps other cats in harm’s way: http://www.kittyrescueandadoption.org/index.html
I’m so sorry. I hope that those monsters are caught and have the book thrown at them. Hold Chai close and remember the happy, sweet times with Gomez.
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Ros, you are so sweet! Thank you for your kindness, it helps to know that other kitties may find a good forever home because of Gomez.
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I’m so sorry to hear about that, what a terribly sad thing to happen.
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A small loss, but a deep one. Thank you for your kind words, Elaine.
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I was so sorry to hear about your Mr. Gomez, Luann. I hope the lovely memories will soon replace the misgivings of “what if.” Your posts touch so many people in different ways, both joyful and sad, and mirrors what we’ve felt at various times in our lives. Peace to you.
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Thank you for letting me know, I appreciate your words so much. Yes, the “what if’s” are hard to carry right now, hoping time will soften the memories.
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Oh no my heart goes out to you, I have a soft spot for black kitties having owned two. Our furry kids are such a wonderful buddies & so great at comforting, entertaining &loving it’s heartbreaking to loose them. Being in the Veterinary field trust me you are not alone. Thinking of you & your family..
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I never realized Gomez might have been at risk, being a black cat. I wish I’d never let him go outside. OTOH, he could be very, very sneaky about getting out! Oh, he could be sassy…. Thank you for jogging that memory, Erika.
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