Merlyn, our beautiful cat of 14 years, sadly died on Wednesday. He had been unwell for a while, but in the last few weeks the condition (FIV), got so bad that he was no longer eating, and in the Vet’s words, “he was wasting away”. With great difficulty we agreed it was time to say goodbye.
Merlyn meant so much to us, he was our family. The following is a collection of photos remembering the happy (and healthy) cat we loved, and who gave us such joy.
6 weeks old
An early attraction to shoes laces
So little, so cute
Sleeping in the bathroom sink. Yeh, what of it?
Surveying his world from the top of the shed
The boys are snoozing
You don’t mind if I snooze on you whilst you are trying to read, right?
Curling up to a courgette
Weeeeeeeeee. Having a good roll around
Yoghurt lid day is the best!
Do you mind – it’s belly cleaning time
Cor, nice belly
Good place for a snooze
Merlyn’s ongoing determination to eat my ornamental grasses
At least this time he wasn’t sleeping on the keyboard…
Rest in peace, beautiful Merlyn. Thank you for the joy you gave us.
Such a handsome boy. Of course you will miss him.
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. What a fantastic cat he was and clearly truly loved.
Sorry to hear your sad news my thoughts go out to you and the family RainbowBridge.com
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
Author unknown…
So sad that he has gone, but he leaves you with wonderful memories of his time with you.
I so remember you Merlyn when you were a small kitten, so mischievous and curious, in, on top, under, rolled up, in all things – mostly with his little head sticking out checking to see if he had been spotted. Jumping until he got higher and higher, curled up on the duna or under it, gently snoring his little heart restful in sleep. You gave out so much love and joy, playful and comforting, soft and funny, the pads of your little feet racing across the room. Those mysterious sapphire blue bewitching eyes full of wisdom from a time before and far far beyond. A cat has never been so loved or been so loving. Forever in our hearts you shall be Merlyn
What a beautiful puss, and what a lovely celebration of the lovely life he evidently had with you. Virtual hugs from another cat worshipper.
Thanks everyone for your comments, really appreciated. We are still grieving, it will take time to get over losing him after being such an intrinsic part of our life for 14 years. It's been helpful receiving your thoughts and looking at all our pics of him and remembering him as the happy (& healthy) cat that he was.