Curt's Online Journal
Wherever you go...there you are.
December 03, 2002
For those of you who had the privilege of visiting my parents' house, you have no doubt had the distinct pleasure of meeting, being brushed up against by, or if your were really lucky, getting jumped on by my family's cats. I found out this evening, that Bernie, our friendly fat cat, had to be put to sleep this morning. He was becoming very ill and would not have lasted more than a few more weeks as he was quite literally drowning in his own bodily fluid, grotesque I know. He would have been 15 in February, and lived longer than any other cat we ever had (the previous record holder being 8 years old), so he lived a long time and brought a lot of happiness to my family over the years. I actually spent a good deal of time with him over the weekend and I noticed he was having a harder time breathing than normal, and he had lost a lot of weight, although he still had his "sacks of fat" on his underbelly. I have little doubt that there are forces beyond my control in this world as something told me he wouldn't be with us much longer as I spent more time with him than I usually do when visiting my parents. So, in the end, I think we will all miss him (my family at least), but I am glad we had such a long time with him and that he did not suffer needlessly in his final days with us.
Bernie, you will be missed by all who had the opportunity to know and care about you. Wherever you are now, it is no doubt more peaceful as you don't have Baxter and Dickens to bother you any more and the bodily suffering that your old age had brought upon you is gone. You brought much happiness to all who got to know you and if our paths are to cross again one day in an existence beyond my comprehension, I look forward to hearing your loud purring and petting your beautiful fur again. Until that day, be assured you will live on in the hearts and memories of all those who treasured your company. Goodbye, Bernie.
Posted by Curt at December 3, 2002 09:56 PM
Bernie will be missed!
He was the friendliest of the cats (unless of course you SOMEHOW managed to back him into a corner).
His spirit will never be forgotten.
I will miss Stripes (as I liked to call him) deeply also Curt. I can't really think of anything else to say. I'm just glad you never "lost" him like I have all of my hamsters :)
Long live Bernie. That cat was probably the most lovable anti-social cat I ever met. At least he never tried to bite me all the time like Dickens did.
I'll always remember Bernie prancing over my homework and books as I struggled (along with Curt, who struggled much more than I did) at studying college material late nights in stately Gomulinski manor. I oftentimes wished I was Bernie at times like those, aloof to the concerns of "real life" and takin' things as they come, knowing that the only things really important in life are living with a family that loves you, sleeping, and well - lots and lots of food.
Rest in peace, Bernie
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Bernie. I know how hard it is to experience the death of a much loved pet. Just remember to think about all of the good times that your family had with him. He was a great companion to your family, and you gave him a great life.
Posted by: Christina at December 4, 2002 02:42 PMThanks Curt - what a wonderful and moving tribute to Bernie. It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do and I hope I never have to do that again. Best thing is to remember all the good times we spent with him. He was the best cat we ever could have hoped for. Now I am grateful that you and Nick took pictures of the furry boys to finish off rolls of film or just because they look so cute. Thanks!!!!!
Love, Mom
Bernie was one of the niftiest cats I ever met. Greg and I always tell our friends stories about how he would show up in different rooms in the house whenever we visited, but we never actually saw him walk, which led to some speculation that Bernie might actually hover. He was a good cat with a great family, and he will be missed.
Posted by: dki at December 3, 2002 11:12 PMThank you very much Curt for the gracious words on Bernie. I was brought to tears again as was mom. Baxter and Dickens would probably be thankful too if they could read. Bernie not being around has of course noticeably shaken them. Thanks again Curt.