GoodBye Baby Sam

Well, as those of you who have been in chat the past few days know, my
cat, Sam, has been dying. Well, he did die yesterday afternoon. It
was peaceful and quiet and he went in his sleep. I realized about a
week ago that the process had begun when he stopped eating. He had
always been a thin cat and would sometimes not eat all of his food,
but this was different. I realized it during that day as he had not
touch the food except to lick the little bit of gravy that canned cat
food usually has. After this happening for 3 or 4 days I did start
researching more on the web and asking others who have cats about this
and quickly realized he was checking out. Sam was a ripe 17-1/2 years
old and had a good life. He had had an accident and lost his front
right leg when he was about 18 months old, but that never stopped him
from getting around and living his life on his terms. He came to live
with me when he was about 8 weeks old and since I stopped work in 2000
we have been nearly inseparatable so I had realized all year that he
was slowing down and that sooner or later this day would come. He
never had any sort of problems that required seeing a vet and since my
income is so limited I did not take him, but I think that overall that
seeing a vet would not have made any difference. As he stopped
eating, he withdrew to a corner of the room and simply laid there half-
asleep most of the time only getting up occassionally to drink some
water and come over and 'talk' a little with me and then go back to
his lair.

Once I realized that he had died, I called a buddy of mine who happens
to have access to his backyard [a rarity here in NYC] and Sam is now
buried next to a Tree in Brooklyn, not too far from where I lived when
he moved in with me in 1990. Sam was a very outgoing critter.
Anytime I had company, he would always come over and check out the
visitor and either gave his approval or quickly let me know he did NOT
like the person. Usually, I would take Sam's advise and politely but
quickly encourage that person to leave because it was Sam's place as
much as mine. <G>

Getting up this morning was different as I did not have his way too
early 'starving Pussy Aria' in my ear and him being underfoot as I
fixed his food and made the coffee. He was more than a cat for me and
I will always cherish the love and bond we had together. As much as a
cat can be happy, Sam was, and I am very glad we shared his life
together.

I did post some of the photos I have of him here
http://picasaweb.google.com/FlatironMikeNYC/SamPix if any of you would
like to see them. They are pix since I moved here and he had
perfected the art of sleeping, so most of them are pix of him on the
bed or under a pillow but he was a real pisser at times.

Thanks to all of you who have been supportive for me in chat as you
guys were as helpful in your own way as my friends here in giving me
support at this time.

Hugs,
FlatironMike
Seven months, one week, 13 hours, 47 minutes and 32 seconds. 4391
cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,317.20. Life saved: 2 weeks, 1 day, 5
hours, 55 minutes.

My most sincere condolences and heartfelt empathic thoughts to you. Sam
was loved and will be missed.

Best wishes

mmm
OOF
7Y10M2W

On Sep 18, 11:18 am, FlatIronMike <FlatironMike...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Well, as those of you who have been in chat the past few days know, my
> cat, Sam, has been dying. Well, he did die yesterday afternoon. It
> was peaceful and quiet and he went in his sleep. I realized about a
> week ago that the process had begun when he stopped eating. He had
> always been a thin cat and would sometimes not eat all of his food,
> but this was different. I realized it during that day as he had not
> touch the food except to lick the little bit of gravy that canned cat
> food usually has. After this happening for 3 or 4 days I did start
> researching more on the web and asking others who have cats about this
> and quickly realized he was checking out. Sam was a ripe 17-1/2 years
> old and had a good life. He had had an accident and lost his front
> right leg when he was about 18 months old, but that never stopped him
> from getting around and living his life on his terms. He came to live
> with me when he was about 8 weeks old and since I stopped work in 2000
> we have been nearly inseparatable so I had realized all year that he
> was slowing down and that sooner or later this day would come. He
> never had any sort of problems that required seeing a vet and since my
> income is so limited I did not take him, but I think that overall that
> seeing a vet would not have made any difference. As he stopped
> eating, he withdrew to a corner of the room and simply laid there half-
> asleep most of the time only getting up occassionally to drink some
> water and come over and 'talk' a little with me and then go back to
> his lair.
>
> Once I realized that he had died, I called a buddy of mine who happens
> to have access to his backyard [a rarity here in NYC] and Sam is now
> buried next to a Tree in Brooklyn, not too far from where I lived when
> he moved in with me in 1990. Sam was a very outgoing critter.
> Anytime I had company, he would always come over and check out the
> visitor and either gave his approval or quickly let me know he did NOT
> like the person. Usually, I would take Sam's advise and politely but
> quickly encourage that person to leave because it was Sam's place as
> much as mine. <G>
>
> Getting up this morning was different as I did not have his way too
> early 'starving Pussy Aria' in my ear and him being underfoot as I
> fixed his food and made the coffee. He was more than a cat for me and
> I will always cherish the love and bond we had together. As much as a
> cat can be happy, Sam was, and I am very glad we shared his life
> together.
>
> I did post some of the photos I have of him herehttp://picasaweb.google.com/FlatironMikeNYC/SamPixif any of you would
> like to see them. They are pix since I moved here and he had
> perfected the art of sleeping, so most of them are pix of him on the
> bed or under a pillow but he was a real pisser at times.
>
> Thanks to all of you who have been supportive for me in chat as you
> guys were as helpful in your own way as my friends here in giving me
> support at this time.
>
> Hugs,
> FlatironMike
> Seven months, one week, 13 hours, 47 minutes and 32 seconds. 4391
> cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,317.20. Life saved: 2 weeks, 1 day, 5
> hours, 55 minutes.

I hope the pain passes quickly.
I hope the pleasant memories never do.

"They come into our lives for a while,
leave footprints on our hearts,
and we are never, ever the same."

(((((((( Mike ))))))))))

Thank you for sharing such a personal and heartfelt story.

~Echo

Sorry to hear this, Mike. My cat has been with me for 11 years (had him
since he was 5 weeks old), and I have become more aware than ever that
he is starting to slow down, kinda like his owner!
RIP Sam.
SteveS
OOF

FlatIronMike wrote:
> Well, as those of you who have been in chat the past few days know, my
> cat, Sam, has been dying. Well, he did die yesterday afternoon.

Oh, Mike, I'm so sorry.
As you know I have two kitties of my own, 10 and 11. I have had them
both since they were very small and they have been my best and most
constant friends through the years. I can't stand the thought of
anything happening to either of them but of course I know they won't
live forever.

Take comfort in the fact that Sam didn't suffer, that he lived a full
and rich life, and that you had more than 17 years with him by your
side. Big big hugs to you.

(((((((((((((MIKE)))))))))))))

Love
Ashley

Oh what a beautiful cat. I am sorry to hear about your loss.

- Heather

I'm so sorry for your loss. I saw the pics of Sam that night I was up late
looking through your album. I am a LotR fanatic so did not forget the name.
lol

Words do not do justice in this situation, so I hope a hug will suffice.

Hugs,
Kathleen


"FlatIronMike" <FlatironMikeNYC@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1190132297.506549.65740@57g2000hsv.googlegrou ps.com...
> Well, as those of you who have been in chat the past few days know, my
> cat, Sam, has been dying. Well, he did die yesterday afternoon. It
> was peaceful and quiet and he went in his sleep. I realized about a
> week ago that the process had begun when he stopped eating. He had
> always been a thin cat and would sometimes not eat all of his food,
> but this was different. I realized it during that day as he had not
> touch the food except to lick the little bit of gravy that canned cat
> food usually has. After this happening for 3 or 4 days I did start
> researching more on the web and asking others who have cats about this
> and quickly realized he was checking out. Sam was a ripe 17-1/2 years
> old and had a good life. He had had an accident and lost his front
> right leg when he was about 18 months old, but that never stopped him
> from getting around and living his life on his terms. He came to live
> with me when he was about 8 weeks old and since I stopped work in 2000
> we have been nearly inseparatable so I had realized all year that he
> was slowing down and that sooner or later this day would come. He
> never had any sort of problems that required seeing a vet and since my
> income is so limited I did not take him, but I think that overall that
> seeing a vet would not have made any difference. As he stopped
> eating, he withdrew to a corner of the room and simply laid there half-
> asleep most of the time only getting up occassionally to drink some
> water and come over and 'talk' a little with me and then go back to
> his lair.
>
> Once I realized that he had died, I called a buddy of mine who happens
> to have access to his backyard [a rarity here in NYC] and Sam is now
> buried next to a Tree in Brooklyn, not too far from where I lived when
> he moved in with me in 1990. Sam was a very outgoing critter.
> Anytime I had company, he would always come over and check out the
> visitor and either gave his approval or quickly let me know he did NOT
> like the person. Usually, I would take Sam's advise and politely but
> quickly encourage that person to leave because it was Sam's place as
> much as mine. <G>
>
> Getting up this morning was different as I did not have his way too
> early 'starving Pussy Aria' in my ear and him being underfoot as I
> fixed his food and made the coffee. He was more than a cat for me and
> I will always cherish the love and bond we had together. As much as a
> cat can be happy, Sam was, and I am very glad we shared his life
> together.
>
> I did post some of the photos I have of him here
> http://picasaweb.google.com/FlatironMikeNYC/SamPix if any of you would
> like to see them. They are pix since I moved here and he had
> perfected the art of sleeping, so most of them are pix of him on the
> bed or under a pillow but he was a real pisser at times.
>
> Thanks to all of you who have been supportive for me in chat as you
> guys were as helpful in your own way as my friends here in giving me
> support at this time.
>
> Hugs,
> FlatironMike
> Seven months, one week, 13 hours, 47 minutes and 32 seconds. 4391
> cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,317.20. Life saved: 2 weeks, 1 day, 5
> hours, 55 minutes.
>

(((((((((((((((((((Mike))))))))))))))))))))

I am so very sorry to read this. I know how much you love Sam and can
only imagine how difficult this must be for you. You gave Sam a full
and happy life and he loved you for that. E-mail me if you need
anything Mike, anything at all.

Lots of love and gentle hugs
Summer (007) -- 8M+
__________________________________________________ _____________________

e-Mail: summer DOT cashmore AT ntlworld DOT com
http://www.summcash.blogspot.com/
"When I found the skull in the woods, the first thing I did was call
the police. But then I got curious about it. I picked it up, and
started wondering who this person was, and why he had deer horns."
-- Jack Handy
__________________________________________________ _____________________



FlatIronMike wrote:
> Well, as those of you who have been in chat the past few days know, my
> cat, Sam, has been dying. Well, he did die yesterday afternoon. It
> was peaceful and quiet and he went in his sleep. I realized about a
> week ago that the process had begun when he stopped eating. He had
> always been a thin cat and would sometimes not eat all of his food,
> but this was different. I realized it during that day as he had not
> touch the food except to lick the little bit of gravy that canned cat
> food usually has. After this happening for 3 or 4 days I did start
> researching more on the web and asking others who have cats about this
> and quickly realized he was checking out. Sam was a ripe 17-1/2 years
> old and had a good life. He had had an accident and lost his front
> right leg when he was about 18 months old, but that never stopped him
> from getting around and living his life on his terms. He came to live
> with me when he was about 8 weeks old and since I stopped work in 2000
> we have been nearly inseparatable so I had realized all year that he
> was slowing down and that sooner or later this day would come. He
> never had any sort of problems that required seeing a vet and since my
> income is so limited I did not take him, but I think that overall that
> seeing a vet would not have made any difference. As he stopped
> eating, he withdrew to a corner of the room and simply laid there half-
> asleep most of the time only getting up occassionally to drink some
> water and come over and 'talk' a little with me and then go back to
> his lair.
>
> Once I realized that he had died, I called a buddy of mine who happens
> to have access to his backyard [a rarity here in NYC] and Sam is now
> buried next to a Tree in Brooklyn, not too far from where I lived when
> he moved in with me in 1990. Sam was a very outgoing critter.
> Anytime I had company, he would always come over and check out the
> visitor and either gave his approval or quickly let me know he did NOT
> like the person. Usually, I would take Sam's advise and politely but
> quickly encourage that person to leave because it was Sam's place as
> much as mine. <G>
>
> Getting up this morning was different as I did not have his way too
> early 'starving Pussy Aria' in my ear and him being underfoot as I
> fixed his food and made the coffee. He was more than a cat for me and
> I will always cherish the love and bond we had together. As much as a
> cat can be happy, Sam was, and I am very glad we shared his life
> together.
>
> I did post some of the photos I have of him here
> http://picasaweb.google.com/FlatironMikeNYC/SamPix if any of you would
> like to see them. They are pix since I moved here and he had
> perfected the art of sleeping, so most of them are pix of him on the
> bed or under a pillow but he was a real pisser at times.
>
> Thanks to all of you who have been supportive for me in chat as you
> guys were as helpful in your own way as my friends here in giving me
> support at this time.
>
> Hugs,
> FlatironMike
> Seven months, one week, 13 hours, 47 minutes and 32 seconds. 4391
> cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,317.20. Life saved: 2 weeks, 1 day, 5
> hours, 55 minutes.
>

((((Mike)))))
Im so sorry for the loss of your kitty.I looked at his pictures,he was a
beutiful cat.
Becky
"FlatIronMike" <FlatironMikeNYC@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1190132297.506549.65740@57g2000hsv.googlegrou ps.com...
> Well, as those of you who have been in chat the past few days know, my
> cat, Sam, has been dying. Well, he did die yesterday afternoon. It
> was peaceful and quiet and he went in his sleep. I realized about a
> week ago that the process had begun when he stopped eating. He had
> always been a thin cat and would sometimes not eat all of his food,
> but this was different. I realized it during that day as he had not
> touch the food except to lick the little bit of gravy that canned cat
> food usually has. After this happening for 3 or 4 days I did start
> researching more on the web and asking others who have cats about this
> and quickly realized he was checking out. Sam was a ripe 17-1/2 years
> old and had a good life. He had had an accident and lost his front
> right leg when he was about 18 months old, but that never stopped him
> from getting around and living his life on his terms. He came to live
> with me when he was about 8 weeks old and since I stopped work in 2000
> we have been nearly inseparatable so I had realized all year that he
> was slowing down and that sooner or later this day would come. He
> never had any sort of problems that required seeing a vet and since my
> income is so limited I did not take him, but I think that overall that
> seeing a vet would not have made any difference. As he stopped
> eating, he withdrew to a corner of the room and simply laid there half-
> asleep most of the time only getting up occassionally to drink some
> water and come over and 'talk' a little with me and then go back to
> his lair.
>
> Once I realized that he had died, I called a buddy of mine who happens
> to have access to his backyard [a rarity here in NYC] and Sam is now
> buried next to a Tree in Brooklyn, not too far from where I lived when
> he moved in with me in 1990. Sam was a very outgoing critter.
> Anytime I had company, he would always come over and check out the
> visitor and either gave his approval or quickly let me know he did NOT
> like the person. Usually, I would take Sam's advise and politely but
> quickly encourage that person to leave because it was Sam's place as
> much as mine. <G>
>
> Getting up this morning was different as I did not have his way too
> early 'starving Pussy Aria' in my ear and him being underfoot as I
> fixed his food and made the coffee. He was more than a cat for me and
> I will always cherish the love and bond we had together. As much as a
> cat can be happy, Sam was, and I am very glad we shared his life
> together.
>
> I did post some of the photos I have of him here
> http://picasaweb.google.com/FlatironMikeNYC/SamPix if any of you would
> like to see them. They are pix since I moved here and he had
> perfected the art of sleeping, so most of them are pix of him on the
> bed or under a pillow but he was a real pisser at times.
>
> Thanks to all of you who have been supportive for me in chat as you
> guys were as helpful in your own way as my friends here in giving me
> support at this time.
>
> Hugs,
> FlatironMike
> Seven months, one week, 13 hours, 47 minutes and 32 seconds. 4391
> cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,317.20. Life saved: 2 weeks, 1 day, 5
> hours, 55 minutes.
>

Mike,

I'm very, very, very sorry for your loss but that magnificent Love you
will never lose.

Take care,
Marvin

On Sep 18, 12:18 pm, FlatIronMike <FlatironMike...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Well, as those of you who have been in chat the past few days know, my
> cat, Sam, has been dying. Well, he did die yesterday afternoon. It
> was peaceful and quiet and he went in his sleep. I realized about a
> week ago that the process had begun when he stopped eating. He had
> always been a thin cat and would sometimes not eat all of his food,
> but this was different. I realized it during that day as he had not
> touch the food except to lick the little bit of gravy that canned cat
> food usually has. After this happening for 3 or 4 days I did start
> researching more on the web and asking others who have cats about this
> and quickly realized he was checking out. Sam was a ripe 17-1/2 years
> old and had a good life. He had had an accident and lost his front
> right leg when he was about 18 months old, but that never stopped him
> from getting around and living his life on his terms. He came to live
> with me when he was about 8 weeks old and since I stopped work in 2000
> we have been nearly inseparatable so I had realized all year that he
> was slowing down and that sooner or later this day would come. He
> never had any sort of problems that required seeing a vet and since my
> income is so limited I did not take him, but I think that overall that
> seeing a vet would not have made any difference. As he stopped
> eating, he withdrew to a corner of the room and simply laid there half-
> asleep most of the time only getting up occassionally to drink some
> water and come over and 'talk' a little with me and then go back to
> his lair.
>
> Once I realized that he had died, I called a buddy of mine who happens
> to have access to his backyard [a rarity here in NYC] and Sam is now
> buried next to a Tree in Brooklyn, not too far from where I lived when
> he moved in with me in 1990. Sam was a very outgoing critter.
> Anytime I had company, he would always come over and check out the
> visitor and either gave his approval or quickly let me know he did NOT
> like the person. Usually, I would take Sam's advise and politely but
> quickly encourage that person to leave because it was Sam's place as
> much as mine. <G>
>
> Getting up this morning was different as I did not have his way too
> early 'starving Pussy Aria' in my ear and him being underfoot as I
> fixed his food and made the coffee. He was more than a cat for me and
> I will always cherish the love and bond we had together. As much as a
> cat can be happy, Sam was, and I am very glad we shared his life
> together.
>
> I did post some of the photos I have of him herehttp://picasaweb.google.com/FlatironMikeNYC/SamPixif any of you would
> like to see them. They are pix since I moved here and he had
> perfected the art of sleeping, so most of them are pix of him on the
> bed or under a pillow but he was a real pisser at times.
>
> Thanks to all of you who have been supportive for me in chat as you
> guys were as helpful in your own way as my friends here in giving me
> support at this time.
>
> Hugs,
> FlatironMike
> Seven months, one week, 13 hours, 47 minutes and 32 seconds. 4391
> cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,317.20. Life saved: 2 weeks, 1 day, 5
> hours, 55 minutes.

{{{{{{{{{{Mike}}}}}}}}}}

Sam looks very much like one of my very first kitties from a gazillion
years ago. Her name was Misty and she was a real pisser, too. I'm
sure Misty is showing Sam around the Rainbow Bridge area, and I'm
quite sure they're having a swell time. I just hope Misty isn't
teaching Sam how to be rude & ignorant around any dogs they may come
across. :-)

May his memory always make you smile.

Leslie
--
BessieBee

"Mirror Mirror on the wall
What the %^&* happened?"

Thanks, Marilyn. I certainly have many fond memories with Sam to fall
back on and I know he's in a good place now and out chasing mice...

FlatironMike
Seven months, one week, 19 hours, 42 minutes and 34 seconds. 4396
cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,318.68. Life saved: 2 weeks, 1 day, 6
hours, 20 minutes.

Thanks, David. Since I had a few days knowing that he would die, I
was able to process a lot of the grief while he was still with me and
keep it positive. I can now look back at all the fun times we had
when he'd tell me all of the wonderment he would see when I was out of
the house as well as sing to me his Starving Pussy Aria each morning.
<G>

FlatironMike
Seven months, one week, 19 hours, 44 minutes and 16 seconds. 4396
cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,318.68. Life saved: 2 weeks, 1 day, 6
hours, 20 minutes.

Thanks, Echo. I really do feel priviledged that Sam and I were able
to spend nearly all of his life together. I did learn so much from
him and he gave me a lot at times when I might have felt that life was
not worth living. I am confident he's in Rainbow Ridge out singing
with other cats and eating whatever he wants and not have to put up
with my sillyness of telling it that it's good. <G>

Hugs,
FlatironMike
Seven months, one week, 19 hours, 46 minutes and 39 seconds. 4396
cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,318.69. Life saved: 2 weeks, 1 day, 6
hours, 20 minutes.

Thanks, Steve. As I told my sister the other day, other than my
relationship with my parents and her, the 17+ years that Sam & I had
together was the longest I've had in my life. He certainly gave me a
lot to look forward to and rarely had me vexed. Even as he slowed
down a lot this past year and did start having bathroom issues, we
managed to work around it and I knew that it was simply that he was
slipping away slowly. He's in a good space now and I can only imagine
all the wonderment he must be experiencing.

FlatironMike
Seven months, one week, 19 hours, 49 minutes and 29 seconds. 4396
cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,318.70. Life saved: 2 weeks, 1 day, 6
hours, 20 minutes.

Thanks, Heather. He had a great personality to go with his looks and
he was a very outgoing cat to boot. I could not have asked for more.
<G>

FlatironMike
Seven months, one week, 19 hours, 52 minutes and 39 seconds. 4396
cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,318.72. Life saved: 2 weeks, 1 day, 6
hours, 20 minutes.

Thanks, Ashley. Certainly cats teach us much more than we even can
teach them and frankly it's a good exchange. The past 7 months that
I've been smober were especially rewarding as Sam really did sleep
most nights right next to me usually hogging over half the bed <G>
which he usually did not do when I smoked. I know I'm going to
remember him always and have fond memories long into my own life.

Hugs,
FlatironMike
Seven months, one week, 19 hours, 51 minutes and 41 seconds. 4396
cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,318.71. Life saved: 2 weeks, 1 day, 6
hours, 20 minutes.

Thanks, Summer. Sam came into my life at a period when I was in a
dark space and he gave me much to life for when I was uncertain about
the future. We did share a lot of joy together and I know he's still
on his own quest and having a ball.

Hugs,
FlatironMike
Seven months, one week, 19 hours, 56 minutes and 2 seconds. 4396
cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,318.73. Life saved: 2 weeks, 1 day, 6
hours, 20 minutes.

Thanks Becky. Sam was my confident and knew so many secrets that I'd
never tell anyone else. I do know I'll miss him on some levels but
he'll always be with me for the rest of my life in my heart and that
is a sweet feeling.

Hugs,
FlatironMike
Seven months, one week, 19 hours, 57 minutes and 21 seconds. 4396
cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,318.74. Life saved: 2 weeks, 1 day, 6
hours, 20 minutes.

Thanks, Marvin. You are so right about the love that we shared
together. Sam was the first cat I had ever had or even really been
close to and we both learned much from each other. I know he's still
on his quest and his discovery now will be fun to find out when we
meet up again some day.

Hugs,
FlatironMike
Seven months, one week, 19 hours, 59 minutes and 31 seconds. 4396
cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,318.75. Life saved: 2 weeks, 1 day, 6
hours, 20 minutes.

Thanks, Kathleen. Yes, Sam's full name was Samweis Gamgee as I have
read Lord of the Rings over 20 times and totally knew when Sam came
into my life that he was my loyal sidekick which he was all his life.
I can imagine him now out in a meadow chasing butterflys and other
wonderment and having a ball singing with the other cats.

FlatironMike
Seven months, one week, 19 hours, 54 minutes and 37 seconds. 4396
cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,318.73. Life saved: 2 weeks, 1 day, 6
hours, 20 minutes.

Thanks, Leslie! Sam was a looker as well as a very outgoing cat.
When I would have company he'd always go over and introduce himself to
the folk and expect a response from them. If they ignored him, he'd
turn and tell me to give them the 'heave-ho', which I did at times. I
did trust his instinct a lot! <G> I am sure that he's having a lot
of fun finally getting to meet up with other cats as he was a housecat
and rarely ever saw another cat. I expect that on a lot of levels he
thought he was a people too.

Hugs,
FlatironMike
Seven months, one week, 20 hours, 2 minutes and 40 seconds. 4396
cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,318.76. Life saved: 2 weeks, 1 day, 6
hours, 20 minutes.

So sorry to hear this Mike, though he had a great long life and died
peacefully, you'll have to get another !

Iz

On Sep 18, 6:46 pm, "Bambam" <Bam...@boulder.rock.com> wrote:
> So sorry to hear this Mike, though he had a great long life and died
> peacefully, you'll have to get another !
>
> Iz

Mike - You were so lucky to have him for so long. He enriched your
life and stayed with you way beyond his life expectancy cause he loved
you so much and knew how much you would miss him. Give yourself time
to grieve if you must, then please give another creature a home. There
are a lot of them out there just waiting for a chance to love
somebody. And you need someone else to care for as well.
Hugs,
Pam

( <sniff> So sorry, Mike. I know how important he was to you.
You must have taken extremely good care of him for him to have reached
such an advanced age. I'm sure he appreciated all the love and care
you gave him.
Sue

On Tue, 18 Sep 2007 16:18:17 -0000, FlatIronMike
<FlatironMikeNYC@gmail.com> wrote:

>Well, as those of you who have been in chat the past few days know, my
>cat, Sam, has been dying. Well, he did die yesterday afternoon. It
>was peaceful and quiet and he went in his sleep. I realized about a
>week ago that the process had begun when he stopped eating. He had
>always been a thin cat and would sometimes not eat all of his food,
>but this was different. I realized it during that day as he had not
>touch the food except to lick the little bit of gravy that canned cat
>food usually has. After this happening for 3 or 4 days I did start
>researching more on the web and asking others who have cats about this
>and quickly realized he was checking out. Sam was a ripe 17-1/2 years
>old and had a good life. He had had an accident and lost his front
>right leg when he was about 18 months old, but that never stopped him
>from getting around and living his life on his terms. He came to live
>with me when he was about 8 weeks old and since I stopped work in 2000
>we have been nearly inseparatable so I had realized all year that he
>was slowing down and that sooner or later this day would come. He
>never had any sort of problems that required seeing a vet and since my
>income is so limited I did not take him, but I think that overall that
>seeing a vet would not have made any difference. As he stopped
>eating, he withdrew to a corner of the room and simply laid there half-
>asleep most of the time only getting up occassionally to drink some
>water and come over and 'talk' a little with me and then go back to
>his lair.
>
>Once I realized that he had died, I called a buddy of mine who happens
>to have access to his backyard [a rarity here in NYC] and Sam is now
>buried next to a Tree in Brooklyn, not too far from where I lived when
>he moved in with me in 1990. Sam was a very outgoing critter.
>Anytime I had company, he would always come over and check out the
>visitor and either gave his approval or quickly let me know he did NOT
>like the person. Usually, I would take Sam's advise and politely but
>quickly encourage that person to leave because it was Sam's place as
>much as mine. <G>
>
>Getting up this morning was different as I did not have his way too
>early 'starving Pussy Aria' in my ear and him being underfoot as I
>fixed his food and made the coffee. He was more than a cat for me and
>I will always cherish the love and bond we had together. As much as a
>cat can be happy, Sam was, and I am very glad we shared his life
>together.
>
>I did post some of the photos I have of him here
>http://picasaweb.google.com/FlatironMikeNYC/SamPix if any of you would
>like to see them. They are pix since I moved here and he had
>perfected the art of sleeping, so most of them are pix of him on the
>bed or under a pillow but he was a real pisser at times.
>
>Thanks to all of you who have been supportive for me in chat as you
>guys were as helpful in your own way as my friends here in giving me
>support at this time.
>
>Hugs,
>FlatironMike
>Seven months, one week, 13 hours, 47 minutes and 32 seconds. 4391
>cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,317.20. Life saved: 2 weeks, 1 day, 5
>hours, 55 minutes.

Mike,

I am so sorry about Sam. It sounds like it was his time but I know that
doesn't make it any easier.

{{{{{ Mike }}}}}}}}


ConcordPhil
I have not smoked in 2M 1W 3D 6h 37m. That's 72 days! I have not used
any nicotine at all since 9/03/2007.

FlatIronMike wrote:
> Well, as those of you who have been in chat the past few days know, my
> cat, Sam, has been dying. Well, he did die yesterday afternoon. It
> was peaceful and quiet and he went in his sleep. I realized about a
> week ago that the process had begun when he stopped eating. He had
> always been a thin cat and would sometimes not eat all of his food,
> but this was different. I realized it during that day as he had not
> touch the food except to lick the little bit of gravy that canned cat
> food usually has. After this happening for 3 or 4 days I did start
> researching more on the web and asking others who have cats about this
> and quickly realized he was checking out. Sam was a ripe 17-1/2 years
> old and had a good life. He had had an accident and lost his front
> right leg when he was about 18 months old, but that never stopped him
> from getting around and living his life on his terms. He came to live
> with me when he was about 8 weeks old and since I stopped work in 2000
> we have been nearly inseparatable so I had realized all year that he
> was slowing down and that sooner or later this day would come. He
> never had any sort of problems that required seeing a vet and since my
> income is so limited I did not take him, but I think that overall that
> seeing a vet would not have made any difference. As he stopped
> eating, he withdrew to a corner of the room and simply laid there half-
> asleep most of the time only getting up occassionally to drink some
> water and come over and 'talk' a little with me and then go back to
> his lair.
>
> Once I realized that he had died, I called a buddy of mine who happens
> to have access to his backyard [a rarity here in NYC] and Sam is now
> buried next to a Tree in Brooklyn, not too far from where I lived when
> he moved in with me in 1990. Sam was a very outgoing critter.
> Anytime I had company, he would always come over and check out the
> visitor and either gave his approval or quickly let me know he did NOT
> like the person. Usually, I would take Sam's advise and politely but
> quickly encourage that person to leave because it was Sam's place as
> much as mine. <G>
>
> Getting up this morning was different as I did not have his way too
> early 'starving Pussy Aria' in my ear and him being underfoot as I
> fixed his food and made the coffee. He was more than a cat for me and
> I will always cherish the love and bond we had together. As much as a
> cat can be happy, Sam was, and I am very glad we shared his life
> together.
>
> I did post some of the photos I have of him here
> http://picasaweb.google.com/FlatironMikeNYC/SamPix if any of you would
> like to see them. They are pix since I moved here and he had
> perfected the art of sleeping, so most of them are pix of him on the
> bed or under a pillow but he was a real pisser at times.
>
> Thanks to all of you who have been supportive for me in chat as you
> guys were as helpful in your own way as my friends here in giving me
> support at this time.
>
> Hugs,
> FlatironMike
> Seven months, one week, 13 hours, 47 minutes and 32 seconds. 4391
> cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,317.20. Life saved: 2 weeks, 1 day, 5
> hours, 55 minutes.
>

Some folks wont get it Mike, but just as many (or more) will.
Very sorry for your loss. :-(

~August


"FlatIronMike" <FlatironMikeNYC@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1190132297.506549.65740@57g2000hsv.googlegrou ps.com...
> Well, as those of you who have been in chat the past few days know, my
> cat, Sam, has been dying. Well, he did die yesterday afternoon. It
> was peaceful and quiet and he went in his sleep. [...] Sam was a ripe
> 17-1/2 years
> old and had a good life.

My sympathy over losing Sam. Only someone who has been owned by a cat
will understand the bond between you and him. Seventeen and a half
years is a real success story.

Ann

On Sep 18, 11:18 am, FlatIronMike <FlatironMike...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Well, as those of you who have been in chat the past few days know, my
> cat, Sam, has been dying. Well, he did die yesterday afternoon. It
> was peaceful and quiet and he went in his sleep. I realized about a
> week ago that the process had begun when he stopped eating. He had
> always been a thin cat and would sometimes not eat all of his food,
> but this was different. I realized it during that day as he had not
> touch the food except to lick the little bit of gravy that canned cat
> food usually has. After this happening for 3 or 4 days I did start
> researching more on the web and asking others who have cats about this
> and quickly realized he was checking out. Sam was a ripe 17-1/2 years
> old and had a good life. He had had an accident and lost his front
> right leg when he was about 18 months old, but that never stopped him
> from getting around and living his life on his terms. He came to live
> with me when he was about 8 weeks old and since I stopped work in 2000
> we have been nearly inseparatable so I had realized all year that he
> was slowing down and that sooner or later this day would come. He
> never had any sort of problems that required seeing a vet and since my
> income is so limited I did not take him, but I think that overall that
> seeing a vet would not have made any difference. As he stopped
> eating, he withdrew to a corner of the room and simply laid there half-
> asleep most of the time only getting up occassionally to drink some
> water and come over and 'talk' a little with me and then go back to
> his lair.
>
> Once I realized that he had died, I called a buddy of mine who happens
> to have access to his backyard [a rarity here in NYC] and Sam is now
> buried next to a Tree in Brooklyn, not too far from where I lived when
> he moved in with me in 1990. Sam was a very outgoing critter.
> Anytime I had company, he would always come over and check out the
> visitor and either gave his approval or quickly let me know he did NOT
> like the person. Usually, I would take Sam's advise and politely but
> quickly encourage that person to leave because it was Sam's place as
> much as mine. <G>
>
> Getting up this morning was different as I did not have his way too
> early 'starving Pussy Aria' in my ear and him being underfoot as I
> fixed his food and made the coffee. He was more than a cat for me and
> I will always cherish the love and bond we had together. As much as a
> cat can be happy, Sam was, and I am very glad we shared his life
> together.
>
> I did post some of the photos I have of him herehttp://picasaweb.google.com/FlatironMikeNYC/SamPixif any of you would
> like to see them. They are pix since I moved here and he had
> perfected the art of sleeping, so most of them are pix of him on the
> bed or under a pillow but he was a real pisser at times.
>
> Thanks to all of you who have been supportive for me in chat as you
> guys were as helpful in your own way as my friends here in giving me
> support at this time.
>
> Hugs,
> FlatironMike
> Seven months, one week, 13 hours, 47 minutes and 32 seconds. 4391
> cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,317.20. Life saved: 2 weeks, 1 day, 5
> hours, 55 minutes.

Mike,

So sorry to hear about Sam. May Sam be watching over you and leaving
you little tidbits of comfort, letting you know that he is in a better
place.

Peace,
Theresa

>I expect that on a lot of levels he thought he was a people too.

"Dogs have owners. Cats have staff."

--
BessieBee

"Mirror Mirror on the wall
What the %^&* happened?"

Mike,

I'm so sorry to hear about your cat, Sam.
I think the both of you were very lucky to find
each other. I'll give my cat, Zerk, a special hug
and squeeze out some purrs in your direction.

jacks

I am sorry for your loss mike, these critters are sooooo important to our
lives. I have a fuzzy one too.

Tracy.
10M

FlatIronMike <FlatironMikeNYC@gmail.com> wrote in
news:1190132297.506549.65740@57g2000hsv.googlegrou ps.com:

> Well, as those of you who have been in chat the past few days know, my
> cat, Sam, has been dying. Well, he did die yesterday afternoon. It
> was peaceful and quiet and he went in his sleep. I realized about a
> week ago that the process had begun when he stopped eating. He had
> always been a thin cat and would sometimes not eat all of his food,
> but this was different. I realized it during that day as he had not
> touch the food except to lick the little bit of gravy that canned cat
> food usually has. After this happening for 3 or 4 days I did start
> researching more on the web and asking others who have cats about this
> and quickly realized he was checking out. Sam was a ripe 17-1/2 years
> old and had a good life. He had had an accident and lost his front
> right leg when he was about 18 months old, but that never stopped him
> from getting around and living his life on his terms. He came to live
> with me when he was about 8 weeks old and since I stopped work in 2000
> we have been nearly inseparatable so I had realized all year that he
> was slowing down and that sooner or later this day would come. He
> never had any sort of problems that required seeing a vet and since my
> income is so limited I did not take him, but I think that overall that
> seeing a vet would not have made any difference. As he stopped
> eating, he withdrew to a corner of the room and simply laid there half-
> asleep most of the time only getting up occassionally to drink some
> water and come over and 'talk' a little with me and then go back to
> his lair.
>
> Once I realized that he had died, I called a buddy of mine who happens
> to have access to his backyard [a rarity here in NYC] and Sam is now
> buried next to a Tree in Brooklyn, not too far from where I lived when
> he moved in with me in 1990. Sam was a very outgoing critter.
> Anytime I had company, he would always come over and check out the
> visitor and either gave his approval or quickly let me know he did NOT
> like the person. Usually, I would take Sam's advise and politely but
> quickly encourage that person to leave because it was Sam's place as
> much as mine. <G>
>
> Getting up this morning was different as I did not have his way too
> early 'starving Pussy Aria' in my ear and him being underfoot as I
> fixed his food and made the coffee. He was more than a cat for me and
> I will always cherish the love and bond we had together. As much as a
> cat can be happy, Sam was, and I am very glad we shared his life
> together.
>
> I did post some of the photos I have of him here
> http://picasaweb.google.com/FlatironMikeNYC/SamPix if any of you would
> like to see them. They are pix since I moved here and he had
> perfected the art of sleeping, so most of them are pix of him on the
> bed or under a pillow but he was a real pisser at times.
>
> Thanks to all of you who have been supportive for me in chat as you
> guys were as helpful in your own way as my friends here in giving me
> support at this time.
>
> Hugs,
> FlatironMike
> Seven months, one week, 13 hours, 47 minutes and 32 seconds. 4391
> cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,317.20. Life saved: 2 weeks, 1 day, 5
> hours, 55 minutes.
>
>