Your beautiful spirit, though feisty and self-determining brought much joy during your 18 years. Your name is Indiana Blacker, a furry feline small in size with a larger than life personality. You were a treat, a real prize.
You brought your mother and me together. Your mathematical gymnastics made four from two and from four we became seven. Three in flesh, four in fur, a small taste of heaven.
I only knew you for fourteen years. Such a brief amount of time. A flash, a blink of an eye, a moment caught and then lost, a crime. You were feisty and belligerent on occasion. You loved me fully, your silky fur now weaved as a loving cloak around my heart.
You showed me how to be. How the moment is all we need to live a little more free.
You got mad when you needed to, but grudges you never held. You showed patience with my human failings and impatient faults. You were the best of people and the sweetest of cats. Memories I’ll keep locked safely in vaults.
You were stoic in the face of failing health. You shouldered more than your share of struggles for such a sweet soul, but you never complained for you were a being of great wealth.
Your “sock” half up on your back leg. “Pull up your socks” we said in glee as you peered out the window crackling at birds in the tree.
Always dainty, a lady to the end. You might not have been quick to befriend but you were loyal to the very end.
A furry angel with lessons to teach. I fear I was not the student who was easiest to reach. Yet the gaping hole in my saddened soul, a world of pain, seemingly without end.
Now I know the lessons taught, and this naked ape hopes to honor you life as I travel a more empty journey through life with struggles and strife.
My life now seems, as Bill would know, a “[boiling] to death with melancholy”. Yet I soldier on as we must and will, for how else could I honor you but by swallowing this bitter pill.
“Now cracks a noble heart. Good night sweet [princess]: And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!”
My heart is aching, the soul is breaking but your paws on my heart are impressions still in the making.
I love you sweet furry friend and I mourn your passing. I would tear down the heavens and upend hell if I could have just one more moment with you, and keep you well.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Jason. I understand it very well. I lost my princess 7 years ago. Sending you strength and loving hugs.🙏🤗❤️
Thank you Meenaz,
It’s not easy… you know that all too well. But I wouldn’t change it, not considering all the joy she brought these many years 🙂
My heart hurts for you. Within a week two of our dogs have passed, Bryan’s small LP and our border collie Dash. Last summer 2 Siamese kittens came through the fields to join our family teaching Dash that cats can be friends when they stubbornly refuse to run. May your loving memories fill your heart.
Jan
Thank you for sharing your loss Jan,
I’m sorry for your pain too. Animals are great teachers and friends. I hope your 2 kitties are bringing you joy 🙂
Dear Jason,
I have loved and lost a number of cats and dogs over the years and each one has touched my heart in a unique way. Thank you for sharing your memorial for Indiana Blacker with us. I know it has affected your family and that you will never forget her. I’m so sorry for your loss. Remember the good times.
Thank you Barbara,
I too have had to say good bye to many companion animals. It doesn’t get easier, but the joy they bring helps to comfort during this loss 🙂
Dear Jason,
I want to offer you my sympathy and condolences on the loss of your beloved cat and furry friend Indiana. The story you told about her was very touching and will be a great way to remember her along with the many memories. Her spirit lives on forever in your heart.
Thank you Darcy,
Indy was a special kitty and I wanted to write the memoriam as something to capture my thoughts at the time so that I’ll be able to look back at it in time 🙂
I’m so sorry for your loss it’s heartbreaking her memory will always be with you your books are an inspiration to me thank you xxx
Thank you Elizabeth,
I really appreciate your kind words. Her memory does bring me comfort and I know in time the pain will soften 🙂
My condolences on the loss of your furbaby. I’m 70 years old now and I have lost furbabies as well. It doesn’t get better. It hurts just as bad as the first time. All one can do is go on. Remember ALL the times. Go through the photos from time to time. Smile. Laugh. Cry. Sob. Then, when it doesn’t hurt quite so much. Go visit the shelters from time to time. Go visit PetSmart from time to time. Look. Wonder. See who looks at you. See who wants you, your attention. Kitten or adult. Adult or senior. Just remember to not break up bonded pairs. Wonder some more.
Thank you Rose,
Great advice. My wife and I still have Bingo (another cat) to bring us solace until we’re ready to explore another furry soul for our home 🙂
So sorry to hear of this loss. You will miss her,but also be seeing her as well everytime you turn around.
Thank you Arlene,
You’re right. I’ll get to see her again in time. In the meantime I have fond memories to offer comfort 🙂
Your Memoriam to Indiana Blacker is the most sweetest.
Sending you a warm hug to hold you throughout this time of sorrow and loss. My condolences.
Thank you for your kind words Linda 🙂
I am so sorry for your loss. RIP sweet Indiana, run free and healthy at the Rainbow Bridge. 💜
Thank you June 🙂
So sorry on the loss of your fur baby. They become such a huge part of our lives. I have three cats, mom, son and daughter that we rescued from a cardboard box on the side of a gravel road 12 1/2 years ago. Hubby and I would be lost without them.
Thank you Cathy,
Your story is uplifting, and you’ve done them a great kindness. I don’t understand how some people could abandon their companion animals. I’m just grateful that most of us are beautiful people like you and your husband.
The joy they bring and the love they share add such color to our lives. I hope they live long, healthy lives with you 🙂
A home isn’t a home without non-human, is it? They wake you from needless sleep at 3am, help you lose hours of work on your laptop by walking backwards & forwards on the keyboard & are there whenever you need them, no questions asked!
We’ve all been where you are now & unfortunately you will feel the same pain again but it’s so worth it, isn’t it? They come into your life all cute & shy but by the following day you have used every bad word you know & some you’ve made up because the really bad words weren’t enough for the utter devastation left in their wake of destruction. The curtains no longer hang from rails above the windows & you would think Freddy Krueger had visited with the sole intention of leaving his signature scratches …. on everything from the cushions to the kettle! You look down all ready to continue …. then you look into their eyes & you will forgive them anything, well, almost anything – I really liked my slippers that are now used instead of a litter tray LOL
Each time my fur-balls have gone to a better place I ALWAYS say “never again” …. within 48 hours I will have taken more fur-babies that have been abandoned or abused to which I never say no because they have huge hearts with so much love to give & I will love them right back!
Sending lots of love & hugs from the (not so great) UK 💜💜💜
Thank you Tracey,
You have described them purrfectly 😉 They do come into our lives and create a whirlwind of devastation (sometimes). But they have love and a lack of meanness. They teach us so much.
We will always miss them, and right now we’re focused on comforting and being comforted by our remaining kitty, Bingo.
As for the UK and the rest of the western world… we seem to have lost our collective minds lately (groan). Oh well, I like to think that we’ve taken a step back before we move 2 steps forward again 🙂
Jason, pets one has loved and have a strong connection to do return in spirit form to visit. I have experienced this and a friend in Texas has also. Her fury angel named Boomer never shared his favorite toys and would always put them away where his owners could never find them. After he passed they would find his toys laying in the area he played with them. Then they would disappear again. He was coming back to visit them and letting them know by leaving his toys in his favorite space. Told my friend to sit and talk to him which would be healing for both. I did the same with my furry angel Bons. I also learned if they choose they can return and be your pet again. Love truly knows no limits and lasts forever.
Thank you Bobbi,
That was a very comforting story you shared with me. As I replied earlier, my wife did have a vision of seeing Indiana with my wife’s mother and they seemed happy and peaceful. We had the sense they’d be waiting for us when our turn came.
In the meantime, I hope we’ll be blessed with a sign that she’s been back 🙂
Jason my heart breaks with yours as you weather through.
As I wait day to day for my 20 yr old lover of my life Tigger to pass over the rainbow bridge. Even tho I know he will be waiting for me as I begin my crossing
Any animal that give or allows us humans to be in their lives is a blessing, may we always remember the honor of their love.
Much Caring
Susann
Thank you Susann,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Tigger. May the passing be peaceful and loving. I believe they will be waiting for us when our time for crossing over comes.
My wife had a vision of Indy safe and sound with my wife’s mother. Waiting for us in love. That’s comforting to think about 🙂
i am so sorry,, they are like our children and to lose them is a heartache. prayers sent
You’re very right Mary. They are like our children, and we miss them. Thank you for your sympathy 🙂
Hi Jason,
My husband and I are so very sorry to hear of your loss. We know the devastation well. We no longer have any cats (have lost all 6 over the
years) and each still holds a very special place in our hearts. We feel fortunate to have known each of them as each was a unique and joyful blessing. 3 weeks ago we lost our 19 year old dog and the 20 year old one will probably follow soon. It never gets easier to lose one but with time it becomes possible to focus on the joy and good memories more than the pain. They give us so much more than can be articulated with mere words. They nourish the soul and psyche with their unconditional love and devotion. Please accept our sympathies and know there are others who know and understand your pain in this difficult time.
Thank you very much Kim,
I’m sorry to hear you lost one of your dogs recently. You’re right, it doesn’t get easier, but time does give space from the pain and the ability to focus on the loving memories. The past five or so years have been particularly challenging for my wife and I.
We’ve lost three cats, an uncle, my wife’s mother and father as well as a good friend. Hoping the next five years are more tranquil… fingers crossed.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your husband and your 20 year old doggo 🙂
Our friend Tiger passed a decade ago. He’s still with us today in memory.
Thank you Jay,
It’s amazing how they do leave their imprints on our hearts and minds 🙂
You moved me to tears. I’m so very sorry for your family’s great loss.
Thank you Tracy,
It is difficult, but we had a good length of time with her and our other cat (Bingo) is a big comfort 🙂
I’m so sorry to hear! So beautiful! I’m crying right now!! I’m an animal lover!! Rescued a dog in the street and found their owner! They were appreciative of me saving their dog from being hurt by a car. Found her in the street! I’m sorry for your loss, but remember all the good times you had.
Thank you Beth,
She was a sweet soul and I am trying to focus on the good memories over the year 🙂
So sorry for your lost i know how hard it’s to loose a favorite pet.In 2003 i lost my dad and is dog Max a few month appart that year it was reall.y hard
Thank you Christiane,
That must have been a devastating year for you. My sympathies are with you too 🙂
I am so sorry for the loss of your furry family member. I’ve lost a number of furry family over the years. It’s hard sometimes, but they live on our hearts.
They sure do live on in our hearts and minds. Thank you for your sympathy Andrea 🙂
So sorry for your loss. Losing pets is rough
Yes it is Maritza,
Thank you for your sympathy 🙂
I understand completely. I lost Celcie, my princess of 19 years just a month ago. She was so much joy. I still cry when I think or talk about her. Thank you for being a wonderful caring person as well as a great author.
Thank you for your kind words Linda,
19 years is a great length of time. I’m sorry for your loss. I’m focusing on the good memories, the silliness of her personality on occasion 🙂
I feel your loss. I’ve lost one cat & 5 dogs, & I love & miss them all. Prayers for you!
Thank you Alice,
Dogs and cats are amongst the best people 🙂
So sorry for your loss of your little girl. I loss my little boy after 18 yrs of being together. But, I have the memories to rely on now.
Thank you Maddie,
I’m trying to stick with the good memories, and they certainly help 🙂
Jason,
Your cat may not have meant much in the eyes of the world, but your cat meant the world to you. The sadness of the loss is terrible. The best now is not only to reflect on the happiness she gave you, but the happiness and contentment you gave her. My condolences
Mark Sussman
Thank you Mark for your kind words.
You’re quite right 🙂