Returning tonight to the place where I first met so many of you who taught me about roses, not least of all, Carol, who introduced me to the stunning Etoile de Hollande that grows over her patio. Carol's ascerbic humor, her great kind heart, and her passion for her pups have always been at the forefront of our friendship. That she is gone from us is surreal. LA, many hugs to you. Sue

Lynne, I love your little grey 'ornament'. LOL. Cats and trees just sort of go together huh? But that is one reason I don't put up a big tree now, I can't imagine the mischief Jazz would get in to. Years past, when kids were at home and I had a big tree, my old cats never ever climbed one. Just lay among the presents and occasionally took lower ornaments off. I'm sure 3 of mine would do that now, but Jazz isn't one of them! My fat cat couldn't get off the ground, and never gets into trouble! Eating is her only exercise in fact. I get such a kick out of Christmas photos with cats in trees and laying in the middle of a Village! Funny as long as its not mine I guess. LOL. hugs, Karen

I just found this thread again. Reminded of the pain of losing our sweet Libby, we found ourselves having to say goodbye to another beloved pet just last week. Our precious Boo Boo Kitty made her way to Rainbow Bridge following a year of unexplained weight loss and finally a rare cancer diagnosis 6 months ago. She was a rescue kitty we welcomed to our home in the Fall of 1993. We don't know exactly how old she was when we got her but at least 6 months at the time. She must have been getting close to 17 years old when she passed. We love all our pets and they are each unique in personality and demeanor, but Boo was such a bright, intuitive, affectionate and totally mischievous little soul that there will never be another like her. Always demanding the center of attention, but in such an adorable fashion that no one could deny her. She was the best companion of my husband, who historically was never a pet lover. Yet his heart was won over within the first moments of her arrival to our home, when Boo immediately crawled onto his big chest, wrapped her paws around his neck and began purring her acceptance of her new family. From that moment they were inseparable and shared a lifelong bond of love and affection, mixed with mutual joy as they practiced the art of "play battle". Boo hiding and pouncing on my husband from all possible angles of attack until he would pin her in his arms, smothering her with hugs. As her battle with cancer caused her body to thin, tire more easily and struggle to control normal functions, she still remained our loving, affectionate, ever present companion who continued to insist on being the focus of our attention. She spent long evenings cuddled in our laps, telling us it was ok to just sit and enjoy our time together, the chores and schedules could wait...our time together was limited and thus more precious. We are so grateful to have had the honor and blessing of sharing our lives with our beautiful Boo. The pain of parting is so sharp and intense, we continue to see her in our minds eye around every corner, in her favorite sunny spots and waking us in the mornings with her soft paws upon our cheeks. As much as it hurts now, the years of shared love and memories make it all worthwhile. Someday we will cross that Rainbow Bridge, warmly greeted and surrounded by our precious companions who wait for us there now. Some pics of our little Boo Boo Kitty: Her gorgeous eyes Precious Boo Sleeping Boo Curious Boo Lazy Boo Her Highness Boo

I'm sorry you lost him Rita. (Rita) I wish you wouldn't beat yourself up. I am certain you were the last thing Rex saw. Rex had been in cardiac distress for sometime before you got him to the vet's office Monday and by the time he was taken from you to the back most likely he was was too far gone to know or recognize anything. Lori Bless you and Bless Rex. He looks like he was quite a character!