Monday, July 5, 2010

Farewell, Rascal





I started reading Rascal's blog when I discovered cat blogging.  I read it regularly back in the days where you could get through the entire Cat Blogosphere blog list in a few hours.  Then the Cat Blogosphere expanded exponentially and I found myself reading it less and less, trying to visit more and more blogs.  I regret that.

Rascal has a remarkable gotcha story, which you should really read in its entirety.  It starts here.  Rascal came into his new home as a tiny kitten in 2000 and started off his new life by forgetting where the litter box was and pooping on the carpet his very first day. His Dad had been a cat-hater not long ago and his Mom was afraid that Rascal's time with them was going to be very short, but his Dad laughed and said that he just needed to be shown the litter box again.  That was the start of ten wonderful years.  I wrote a short bio and limerick for Rascal which you can find here.

In February of 2008, Rascal was diagnosed with feline lymphoma and the vet gave him six months to live with chemotherapy.  Rascal was always a fighter and an mighty wrestler.  With the help of the chemo, he wrestled his lymphoma to a standstill and went into remission for two years.  Not long ago the lymphoma came back, but Rascal managed to fight it off for another five months.  He lost weight, but not his zest for life.  The morning of the day he was helped to the Rainbow Bridge, he had been out hunting mice and chipmunks.  When his Mom found him panting on the kitchen floor that afternoon, she knew what had to be done.  The lymphoma was filling his lungs with fluid and it was time to help him to the Bridge.

                                              Rascal had his good days and bad,
                                              Which made his family happy and sad.
                                                         One really bad day
                                                          He just went away
                                               To the Bridge where none of his days are bad.

19 comments:

KC and the Giggleman Kitties said...

Rascal will really be missed, his story is inspirational and full of love.
Great post and limerick.
Love & Purrs,
Mom ML & KC

Kas said...

THat really touched my heart, I have tears in my eyes.

Brian's Home Blog said...

Sweet little Rascal, you will be missed.

Leigh said...

Karen Jo, thank you so much for this. It comforts my heart. I didn't realize you had a Catzee button here too. I still miss here terribly as well. Hugs and purrs to you.

The Island Cats said...

We are sad that Rascal went to the Bridge. This is a nice tribute to him.

The Island Cats said...

We are sad that Rascal went to the Bridge. This is a nice tribute to him.

Jans Funny Farm said...

We came by to say we're glad to see you'll be posting here again and we were greeted with the big photo of Rascal. Now we're all teary because we too enjoyed Rascal's blog and were happy he stayed in remission for so long. We were very sad when he left!

Samantha & Mom said...

We also followed Rascal's blog when we first started blogging!! This is a wonderful Tribute to him!! We shalll miss him lots!!
Your TX furiends,

The Creek Cats said...

RIP sweet Rascal.

cats of wildcat woods said...

We didn't meet Rascal until recently and was so sad to hear he went to the Bridge. Nice tribute to him!

Debra Taylor said...

Thanks for this tribute. Rascal reminds me of our cat, Panther. I'm happy to learn Rascal was out doing some of his favorite activities right up until his passing.

For all the folks (I consider cats and dogs as persons) reading this, my blog has stories and information helpful for cat helpers everywhere.

I pray that all the cat blogosphere kitties stay well!

Debby

http://homelesscatcare.blogspot.com/

JB's Big and Small Worlds said...

We are so sorry to hear about Rascal. It sounds like he had a wonderful life.
Purrs,
JB

The Misadventures Of Me said...

Rascal was well loved. Soar high Rascal!


Molly
Shadow
Trooder

meowmeowmans said...

Thanks for doing such a nice tribute to our friend Rascal. We miss him.

Kylie said...

It is so hard to let go of something very special to us. When I found my bunny lifeless in her rabbit hutch I was so sad and depress for a long time. Actually, I still miss her until now. Anyway, I am sorry for your Rascal.

Anonymous said...

Cash in cash advance plans are usually constituted for providing immediate financial aid to those who may have fixed salary and are not able to meet his or her dire wants by the end of your month [url=http://www.mikespaydayloansuk.co.uk/]payday loans uk[/url] payday loans uk This can be used to take money making use of your local ATM or create local buys http://www.gucxk.co.uk/

Anonymous said...

The idea of Persepolis is usually to become the community [url=http://www.mikescashloans.co.uk/]http://www.mikescashloans.co.uk/[/url] http://www.mikescashloans.co.uk/ It is important to use only short term money advances in the way that they are intended http://www.pdtji.co.uk/

Anonymous said...

Or you could forever sunbathe and enjoy the local of Indian athletes on the national and international degree volition improve dramatically with the correct ontogeny strategies. [url=http://www.computersoc.com/posting.php?mode=newtopic&f=11]Home Page[/url] Get the Facts erudite some beneficial suggestions, methods and On-line dating advice i forever motivation to show you. http://vitalforseniors.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=6142

Anonymous said...

What did the New York Fed get from [url=http://sicksite.homelinux.com/forum/addMessage.php?replyTo=1196&redirect=%25252Fforum%25252Fmessages.php?thread%25253D123&page%25253D2%3Cbr]Discover More[/url] Go Here Boots designed for Wintertime weather are typically climbing iron-compatible, eye-catching attractions and offers a perfect stage setting for Valentine s Day celebrations. http://xn--12c1bn3bb7dvb7b2dud.net/forum/index.php?topic=54245.new#new