Tuesday, June 8, 2010

A very sad day

I sing in praise of Kiffer the Bold whose life was short but full.
Who would walk in the wild without fear.
Who could lay out a line of rats and almost label them so that all would know that these were the rats that Kiffer had taken.
Who was big and warm and welcoming.
Who would sit on a lap with a weight like a dog.
Who would wrap paws around your leg when he was hungry and politely bite to demand that you hurry for a cat has business to be about.
Who would sometimes decide that your dinner was his dinner and try and climb on your plate.
Whose eyes were like amber jewels so bright.
Whose whiskers were long and straight.
Whose fur was a blush of strawberry roan.
Who could smile with the secret smile of a cat.
Who could raise a smile from the saddest of people.
Who lay beside the puppy when she was sleeping and whispered stories of giant cats into her dreaming ears to teach her manners.
Who walked with his head on one side almost as if the world looked better that way.
Whose miaow had the curious croak of the corncrake's cry, as if he had stolen the voice of a bird.
Who was loved.



Kiffer moved on from this life this morning after a brief illness. Yesterday evening he came for food with all the other cats then curled on a cushion underneath the table, quiet. He did not seem to suffer any pain and right to the last his glorious cat eyes were bright and shining. In his last moments he stretched a small stretch and breathed his last breath and moved peacefully on to whatever adventures await a cat. 
And I am sad.


An old picture of the Kiffercat in his beautiful prime

107 comments:

dinahmow said...

We send our softest purrs to all of you.
We, too, are sad.

Dinah and the black twins

Rowan said...

I'm so sorry to read of Kiffer's passing, it's always hard to say goodbye to a much loved friend and companion.

Rima Staines said...

Sending hugs and strokes for you all. How sad.
Beautiful words Jackie :)
x

Alistair said...

Sorry to hear that Kiffer has gone. He'll be missed.

take care.

regards......Al.

Penny said...

Oh and I am so sad too, I have followed Kiffer's life with you and I feel as bereft as if he was mine.
Chase the great rats in the sky Kiffer.

Ms Brown Mouse said...

I am so sorry to read of your loss, sad is really the only way to feel. They leave a hole inside, our furry friends, a hole that sometimes thrumms with remembered purrs. I hope you find some of his sleeping spots in the garden, spots where the plants are flattened in a circle, spots in the sunshine or shade, spots lightly decorated with ginger fur. Find those spots, remember and smile.

ChrisJ said...

Oh, so am I! Your words of tribute are wonderful. I do know a little of how you feel since I lost Bailey only four weeks ago. It hits me at the strangest times. Worse this week because my husband is away and Bailey and I shared the house together when he was gone. There are no words to console or describe the hurt. It's definitely a pain deep inside.

mia said...

Oh~I'm so sorry..Kiffer sounds like an amazing cat who will be sadly missed. Sending a hug your way..

Becky S said...

I'm so sorry to hear this, poor Kiffer.

Serena said...

I'm so sorry to hear that. He'll be much missed, I know.

MTVA said...

I am very sad also, to hear of Kiffer's passing. Our beloved pets, their lives are always too brief. But what a wonderful life dear Kiffer had with you, such explorations and adventures that other cats can only dream of. The ginger glow that Kiffer brought to your family (and to us who read of him) will always bring warmth to our memories and thoughts of him.

maryom said...

Such sad news. Our thoughts are with you and the other cats.

The Oil said...

We are sad too - for you and the gingers and the dog.

Kipper was so lucky to live with you and walk on the cliff top paths.

Loving purrs from the studio assistants - the ginger one and the tabby one.
xx

jamjar said...

Such a fine tribute for a fine feline, he was loved by so many.

Sue said...

I'm sad for you all. Kitty heaven is a better place. Best wishes....Sue.

The Mole said...

and we share your sadness Jackie. We knew him only briefly but are better for knowing him.

Narrative jewelry said...

Kiffer, my little boy, you will stay in my heart for the rest of my life. Hope you are in peace.
Cuddles to you, beloved ginger family.

trash said...

Oh. That is sad.


Vale Kiffer the Brave.

Birchsprite said...

Goodbye sweet puss, I have loved watching your adventures from afar... I am sure you will be sorely missed...love to you all

Jennifer Rose said...

:( I am sorry :(

wendy said...

So very sorry to hear your news - I lost my Ginger Kipper a few weeks ago at fifteen and my heart is broken; They always go too soon, the longest friendship is never long enough. In time we will remember just the good bits, but for now I know how you must be feeling, and nothing anyone can say can make it any better.
'For there is nothing sweeter than his peace when at rest.'

walter and me said...

Oh Kiffer, your beauty will shine on, wherever you are. I'm so sorry.

Jane said...

We are so sorry to hear about Kiffer and we know how you will miss him. He was so lucky to know you all and to be part of the great House of Ginger and he will be spreading gingerness wherever he goes and wherever it is needed.

cathy cassidy said...

so sad...
xxx

Julia Guthrie said...

Shedding a tear for your dear ginger friend.
May his adventures be wonderful, & may there be rats galore wherever he has gone to!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Anonymous said...

A fine tribute to a fine cat

Robin

Yarrow said...

Oh, I am soooo sorry for you all. I'm glad Kiffer went softly on his way, at home where he was loved. Love and hugs to you all.x

Lyn said...

Oh Jackie, how sad. Kiffer had a wonderful life but far too short. It is a bleesing he went so peacefully and in his sleep. Thinking of you and all your furry friends.
Love
Lyn
xxx

jodi said...

I am so sorry. A beautiful tribute.

Windsongs and Wordhoards said...

So sorry to hear about Kiffer Jackie... He was lovely and it was an honour for us to meet him before he slipped away...
Best wishes
Carrie, Tony, Elora and Elswyth...

verobirdie said...

Oh no! I'm sad too to hear this bad news. Although I do not comment often, I follow the ginger cats day after day, they are part of my life.
And I'm so sad for you.
A big compassion hug to you and all the other gingers

A Brit in Tennessee said...

A sincere and fitting tribute, to a feline, so loved...
My heart is heavy, yet knowing even in his last moments, he was such the refined gentleman, and passed to kitties heaven with the knowledge of embarking amidst endless fields of mice, and bountifuls of food. RIP dear Kiffer, you were indeed loved >^..^<

Anonymous said...

Oh no! Poor little Kiffer! He really seemed to be a special cat.
Hugs to you and your family

Karen L R said...

oh, this is sad, sad news. henry and i send our love and condolences across the wide atlantic ocean.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like his passing was calm, his life long and eventful, full of love and the sort of life a cat should have since being with you. Huge loss, but what a big life he had. You couldn't have done more.

Anonymous said...

Sad purrs, meows and strokes from the Lair. May Kiffer find many plump rats at the other sidde of the Rainbow Bridge.

Angel Simba said...

We feel your sadness and are sad too, especially as there was no warning. Fly free, Kiffer.

Sue Krekorian said...

What is left to say? A very sad day of saddest news. Kiffer filled his space in our lives so well, even if virtually. Commiserations and love to you all xxx

Daisy said...

I am so sorry Kiffer had to go to the Rainbow Bridge. Soft purrs to you during this sad time.

Jenny said...

Sad we all are - all but Kiffer who hunts and sleeps and sunbathes and roams over the hills and far away.

Ambermoggie, a fragrant soul said...

so sorry, I know how he will be missed but he lives forever in your hearts and in the hearts of all who read about him

Life in Orange said...

My condolences for losing such a wonderful cat. Peace to you and your family.

a quiet life said...

i am sorry for your loss, it was a peaceful passing, you cannot wish for more...

Deb Morse said...

The SoCal Gingers are draping the door in black crepe. We join in your mourning. Oh Jackie, I am so sad. My heart lurched when I read the news. Sending you great hugs of condolence and love.

Everycat said...

Fly free Kiffer sweetheart cat. Blink slowly as you smile down on your family. Sending love and rumbly purrs


Whicky Wuudler

Mary Beth said...

I am so sorry about Kiffer. Beautiful tribute for a wonderful cat!

Giulia said...

A lovely & fitting tribute. We are so sorry about Kiffer...very relieved he did not suffer, though.

xoxo

Anonymous said...

Kiffer is now hunting mice, playing with many other cats, and after that having nice relax while sleeping in the grass, in a sunny day.
He is a joyful cat, for he knows we all remember him with love.

Marlene said...

My condolences on your loss. Dear Kiffer.

Hugs & purrs,
Marlene, 9 and Chani

Kitikata-san said...

I am so sorry to read that Kiffer passed away. Kiffer was a nice kittycat, and I really liked seeing Kiffer on this blog. Much love and purrs to you.

ibcmeir said...

good-bye, Kiffer.

Gail said...

Sorry to hear this news Jackie ... (((((HUGS)))))

Beautiful tribute ... x

Stacy Hurt said...

We are sad to hear the house of Ginger is diminished of one in the present; but glad to know his spirit is with you always. Love and purrs to all of you now and always.

Mishkat said...

We're so sorry to hear this! We are sending you many purrs.

BumbleVee said...

just seeing the title..... my throat began to tighten....

reading the words.... tears began to fall....

a sad read to begin the day...


Rest in peace sweet Kiffer....

Maggie Marsland said...

Oh Jackie! My heart is in shreds for you all. We loved Kiffer. How he came to live with you after such a difficult start and how he fitted in so wonderfully well. How he was loved by you all. A beautiful, beautiful boy. He will be missed. Our thoughts are with you. Loving vibes. Maggie & Roger Marsland xxx

Jamie Lee said...

I am so sorry that you have lost your friend, but thankful that his passage to his next adventure was a peaceful and painless one. Thank you for sharing your memories of him with us. Sounds like he lived a wonderful life on his own terms. Journey well, ginger cat.

Anonymous said...

I am sad also. RIP Kiffer; thank you for sharing your life with us. *hugs* to all who remain, four- and two-leg alike.

MrsDuncanMahogany said...

Sad, sad news...sending our love and purrs all the way from Canada.

Salem, Abbey and Luna with mom Dianna

halloween said...

a gud life an a peecefull ending -- all in love and cayr.

may it bee that fer us all.

~^:^~

Tammy said...

So very sad to hear this news. I've been following your tales from Canada and look forward to each post. Sorry for your loss. May Kiffer's spirit roam wide and free and may the rats and mice be plentiful.

Lydia said...

Through your glorious photos and words, including this sweet tribute, I came to love Kiffer - and to admire the love between you and him. Truly, even his final act was one of love. I am in awe at the peace in his passing.

Kitty love coming from my cats in Oregon.

Sandies' Patch said...

I'm speechless....a lovely life celebrated in beautiful verse.
bye bye Kiffer.

Sandie xx

Amanda Blackwood the Survivor said...

It's not often that I am moved to tears, but I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like if I ever lost my Oliver, and just like that I lost my composure instead.

I'm so very sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

so sorry to read of this sad news, thankful for the peaceful nature, thoughts with all left here.

Threads and thoughts said...

I'm so sorry to hear about this beautiful creature's passing. I hope he can meet my Puma in cat heaven to share stories and go for a good hunt together. Purrs from Wellington and Nessie to the other furry friends

Ikaika said...

We are so sorry the lovely Kiffer has left you, and send gentle purrs and comforting thoughts. Beautiful tribute.

Run free at the Bridge, Kiffer ... look for our pale boy, Nigel, who will welcome you.

'Kaika and his mom

Unknown said...

Best wishes, david

M Dawson said...

Oh no, no not Kiffer :-((

LIke others here I feel bereft at the loss of your beloved Kiffer. You must be so upset, words are never enough at times like this. I grieve with you.

God Bless you little Kiffer. Sleep well Angel.

Morris said...

Travel well to the Rainbow Bridge, brave Kiffer. There are many there to meet you and look after you.

Purrs of condolence *softpaw*

The Curious Cat said...

Oh I am so sorry...so so sorry...but what a peaceful way to go - no vet trip...just as nature intended...I hope you can find peace in that...it is so hard when this sort of thing happens though...sending you my thoughts and prayers. xxx

Mary Hoffman said...

I'm sorry you are one ginger darling the fewer. Very sad but what a good way to go! I hope he is somewhere happy.

Jenny said...

I hope your sadness may soon be replaced by wonderful memories of his happy life.

Anonymous said...

While it is of some comfort that Kiffer departed quietly on his last ramble after a long and well-filled life, tthere remains so much of him in the hearts and minds of those who knew him even slightly.
I am so very sorry for your loss... It is said that there is a special kind of magic about ginger cats, and that they disperse it around them wherever they go. It was certainly true of your beautiful Kiffer!

Ann said...

Cats are such remarkable animals-they give love and in turn allow us to love. And when they leave as they all must do one day-they take a little of us with them -a small price to pay for all that they have given to us in our lifetimes together. Kiffer has left his legacy and that will hopefully make us all smile when we think of him-right now, I think he is looking over his shoulder and sending purrs to you and your family. Angie

Dreaming Stone said...

Such sad news - Kiffer was blessed in life to be surrounded by love and good companions.

Anonymous said...

We are so sad to hear of Kiffer's passing.Our thoughts are with you all. He will be waiting for you all at the Rainbow Bridge, we are certain,
Trisha and pussycat Cyrus

Liz in Kansas said...

So many others have already said it . . . I'm so sorry for the loss of Kiffer. It is truly a sad day - and a truly beautiful way to pay tribute.

Jamie said...

I was just directed to your blog today but see how special Kiffer was and is in your memories. Sending love and hugs across the sea.

Dovey said...

It sounds like Kiffer's life was a very full, happy one, and it is comforting to hear that he passed peacefully. My condolences, take care.

Anonymous said...

those that burn the brightest often burn out the quickest -

here is to the meteorite of Kiffer - an orange glow long in memory...

quiltcat said...

Oh Jackie, i'm so sorry to hear about Kiffer's passing. What a magnificent cat he was...and how lucky to have found his way to your household and to fit in so well with the other gingers. It's a blessing that if he had to go, it was so quiet and gentle a departure.

Deb said...

I am so sorry for your loss. It is so hard to lose a loved one. I am of the belief that we will see our beloved animals again. I send a hug your way. Deb =^..^=x5

Victoria said...

I'm so very sorry for your loss of beloved Kiffer, and very glad that he did not suffer. My cats and I have been reading your blog from California, and I don't think that any cats could have a more wonderful life that the one you provide for yours. All who loved Kiffer, both two legged and four legged, are in our prayers.

Anonymous said...

6-dinner Jim (who is also a ginger) and I were very, very sad to hear of Kiffer the Brave's passing. We hope the 2 legs and 4 legs will be sustained in the sure knowlege that Kiffer is now with that great soul and protector of all animals, St.Francis, in that special place where cats can roam, see the sky, hear the skylarks, and smell the sweet clover and be at one with nature.

Moonroot said...

So sad to hear this. Hugs and strokes to you all.

Nan and =^..^= said...

So very sad...thankful to have had the opportunity to know Kiffer over here at we three cats and
may he live in your hearts forever...

Goldie, Shade and Banshee said...

We are so sorry to here about Kiffer. What beautiful prose to mark him passing. We wish to all go so peacefully when our time has come, surrounded by all who love us.

Comforting purrs across the waves,
Goldie, Shade, Banshee and Danica

Griffin said...

So sad to hear of Kiffer's journey into the Other Place. Sad to hear that you are sad too, but glad that he had a wonderful life within a family who loved him.

Goodnight sweet prince, flights of angel-cats sing thee to thy rest.

Requiescat in Pace

Librarynan said...

You have made lovely words for Kiffer, Miss Jackie. She read them to us this morning. We are sending softest purrs to comfort you at his passing.
from Lucciano, Kitty Parker, Dorian, and Barnaby in Oregon.

Anonymous said...

Oh bless him. Kiffer had a lovely life with the Morris family and the Pride - you could tell how happy he was in all those great pictures on this blog. Deepest sympathies to you, and RIP dear old Kiffer cat xx

Janet said...

My mum and I have been following the Ginger Cats and their adventures from Canada and Hawaii and are sad to hear about Kiffer. We will miss his stories. Plenty of snuggles and purrs will help Her.

Carolynn Anctil said...

So very sorry to hear of Kiffer's passing and your loss. Small blessing that he went peacefully in the comfort of his loving home and with a full belly.

Karen said...

...With tears running down my face- My thoughts are with you All.
xoxo

Daffycat said...

***cries***

A sad day indeed. Hugs, all around.

Coco said...

Please accept our sincerest sorrows. Hoowwwwllll. From the scotties who follow your lovely posts.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful words for a beautiful cat. My thoughts are with you at this very difficult time. xxx

Leanne said...

Oh Jackie, just been catching up on blogs and i am devastated to read this.I too am so sad. what a touching tribute you have written for him. May his next life be as fabulous as this one was. and may my own ginger boy, just 9 months old, help spread gingery smiles throughout the world in his stead...

Leanne x

Casey said...

I'm so sorry to read about Kiffer's passing. I know you are all sad, but maybe you can take comfort in knowing that he's in a beautiful place right now.

spacedlaw said...

So sad!
My furries are sending purrs your way and I just mumble nonsense in the background, wringing my hands.

Joanie Hoffman said...

what a wonderful tribute to kiffer.

Pip said...

We are very sad to hear of the loss of Kiffer the Bold. Your Eulogy is wonderful and I am sure somewhere he is wearing his best grin, pleased with your glowing praises.
You and the rest of the kitties are in our purrares.

Karen said...

So sorry to hear about sweet Kiffer x

Mr. R.W. Emerson said...

We are very sad to hear of Kiffer's passing. We love reading and viewing the activities of the House of Ginger. Your blog is so beautiful and usually very uplifting, but even with this sad news, you delivered it with hope. We send much sympathy across the big pond to your home. Kiffer will be missed.

Mr. Emerson & Nancy
Virgina, USA

Vincent said...

:-(

Anonymous said...

bless kiffer's little furry feet; and [[[hugs]]] and tickles to those left behind. xxx

Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats said...

Has it been a month since we visited? Truly has been. We are sending our purrs as good vibrations for Kiffer's passing to another plane...