I'm very sorry to say this, but I've got some more sad news to report.
Not all that long ago, I shared with you that we lost one of our former IBK, Virgil Pettibone. Just a few days before I got these news I had received an email from Victoria, mom to both Henry (formerly Carmine) and Agnes Pettibone.
She reported that Henry been dropping weight, so they took them into the vet to have him checked out. Things were pointing towards cancer, but at that time they were waiting for a report from the lab to confirm this. Sadly, soon after, cancer was confirmed.
They had hoped that Henry would have some good days left in him, but I'm afraid he did not, and he declined quickly. They said goodbye to their boy last week.
Henry was a very dear cat and was absolutely adored by his parents, Victoria and Ian. This loss is huge for them, and I know their hearts are aching right now. Having spent time with Henry during his kittenhood, we know how special he was. We are so deeply sorry and saddened, Vic and Ian.
It is very strange that that these two young brothers would pass within a couple of weeks of each other. The vets feel it's a just coincidence because their illnesses are not related, but to be safe, advised all the Pettibone adopters to take their cats in for blood work and tests. I haven't heard from Rosalie and Renatta's dad yet, but everything came back good for Alvie and Agnes. Thank goodness.
Pettibone families, you are deep in our thoughts right now. We're so sorry for the loss and worry you have experienced. We love you and your kittens, and more than anything, hope this is the end of the sad news for a very long time.
XOXOXO
I took this photo the day the Pettibones moved in with us. Here they are napping on Sue. We knew from the start that they were special ones.
Here's Henry conspiring with brothers Alvie and Virgil.
Here's their first meeting with Bean.
And here's the whole beautiful family.
What a special lot.
If there is something awaiting us on the other side, I do hope these two special fellows are reunited there.
I'm so sad to hear this. My heart goes to them in this troubling times. They'll always be loved.
ReplyDelete*hugs* to all that loved him. I think it's important that we hear the bad as well as the good, but it doesn't stop it hurting.
ReplyDeleteMy heart aches for them. All the Itty Bitties are special to those who follow each of them from the moment they enter the door and depart into their forever homes. I am so sorry for Vic and Ian. Hugs to them both.
ReplyDeleteI'm so very sorry. they were such a lovely litter. you all have my deepest sympathies. rest in peace sweet Henry.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for their loss. Hugs and purrs to all.
ReplyDeleteWhat crushingly sad news. We have lost two cats to cancer over the years (one of them just a kitten), so we can empathize. It sounds trite to say so, but at least the brief lives of Virgil and Henry were of the highest quality, thanks to the loving people who rescued, fostered and adopted them.
ReplyDeleteI want to echo what Mara said. It doesn't help take away the pain, but Virgil's and Henry's lives--although much too short--were full of love from the beginning to the end. I hope that you are able to find comfort in your memories, and I hope that Rosalie and Renatta also receive good news.
DeletePlease let Henry's family know we are sending purrs....it is never easy and we are very sorry for their loss
ReplyDeleteI am SO sorry to hear that Henry passed, may he Romp In Pleasure.
ReplyDeleteMy deepest sympathy to Victoria & Ian and sweet Agnes for their loss.
Thanks for the update though.
My heart hurts for Vic and Ian...so very sorry for your loss. As reynardo said, thank you for sharing the happy and sad news. This blog is such a special meeting place for compassionate, caring people. Who better to understand and appreciate the heights of happiness and the depths of sadness. Romp with joy beyond the Rainbow Bridge sweet boy.
ReplyDeleteWhen two creatures are very close and one dies, the other's health can suffer from grief. In humans, it's a decrease in immunity, slowed healing, and generally worse health, and when a spouse dies, the widow(er)'s odds of also dying sharply increase. This weakness from grief can cause two people to die within months of each other, from unrelated illnesses.
ReplyDeleteOh, I am so sorry. Much warmth and care to all lucky enough to love and be loved by Henry. :(
ReplyDeleteHow tragic, and I'm so sorry for their families.
ReplyDeleteOh, sad...very sad...hugs all around. :(
ReplyDeleteHenry/Carmine was one of my favorites. I'm so sorry to hear that he crossed the Bridge. No doubt he and Virgil are together and catching up on all their post-IBKC adventures.
ReplyDeleteMy deepest condolences to their families.
My parents and I lost a cat to cancer almost ten years ago in a short period of time (about a month). My deepest empathy to Henry's family for their sudden loss, my continued sympathies to Virgil's family, and my most fervent, sincerest hopes that these two deaths truly are coincidences.
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry to hear this. Please send my condolences to Victoria, Ian and Agnes. And to you and Craig for fostering all these kittens. He was dearly loved.
ReplyDeleteSo sad to hear the news of both sweet Pettibone brothers, they are together in a garden somewhere, catching up on their lives and loves on earth! I lost my dear tabby boy Commander Kitty a few months ago, he left a hole in our hearts - hopefully he can catch up with Henry and Virgil in the garden and have some fun together! Condolences for the families who miss them!
ReplyDeleteHuge hugs to the family, Foster and Fur-ever, of dear Henry. His little candle burned so brightly when it was here. Love, Darin
ReplyDeleteVictoria and Ian, so sorry for your loss. Be comforted that you gave Henry a wonderful life. I like to imagine that right now Henry and Virgil are busy reminiscing about their IBKC days, and swapping stories on all the great times they had with their forever families.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely heart breaking. Especially at such a young age. Peace and comfort to all who loved this beautiful fur baby.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for his family's loss. Poor, sweet Agnes. I used to read the blog Victoria kept on Henry and Agnes, and the love for them was clear to see from the start. I wish we could help with their broken hearts.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry. Much love to Henry's family from me and my boys.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful tribute. Thank you for loving them.
ReplyDeleteOh Pettibones. <3
ReplyDeleteSorry very very sorry for the loved ones' families.
Victoria and Ian, I so hope you can take comfort from these expressions of care from the IBKC community. Henry was indeed a special kitty. Every moment he spent with you was filled with love - and in the end, isn't that the most important thing in life? Yes, he should have had many, many more years with you, but think of great love he enjoyed as a member of your family. Hugs to you both, and scritches to Agnes.
ReplyDeleteI randomly found out years ago that a friend of mine also followed IBKC and she had come to the blog because she's friends with Henry and Agnes's mom. I'll be sure to touch base with her.
ReplyDeleteIf there is a one good thing of all this, and perhaps someone else has said it, I would guess it's a very, very small percentage of cat owners who are made aware of their cat's family health history. It's wonderful that the associated families can share the information and take care of their kitties.
I am so very sorry for your loss
ReplyDeleteIt is truly heartbreaking to hear of this loss. I know that everyone who loves this site also feels great attachment to the kittens who have been here. We all want the little ones to have as much love and care as anyone could give them-and you have. And somehow, we all think that love will shield their families from loss. So, we are very, very sad to hear this news. Victoria and Ian- I am so very sorry for your loss. I hope you are soon able to smile when you think of Henry. He was a very special boy. Hugs to you both from all of us. And a hug for Agnes, too.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for the loss of such a lovely young cat. Over the 40 years of having cats, I have been surprised and shocked at how many develop cancer. At least 5, and 4 in prime years. It is such a loss to all.
ReplyDeleteVery sorry to hear about the loss of this special boy. As others have acknowledged, there is comfort to be taken in the fact that he loved and was so cared for and loved by his family. Sincere condolences to all who played a part in Henry's life, and may Victoria and Ian eventually be able to focus on all the happiness he gave and was given.
ReplyDeleteMy condolences to you and your family. I know this community has endured personal losses and we understand what you are going though at this time. Please know you are in our thoughts
ReplyDeleteVictoria and Ian, I'm so very sorry for the loss of your precious boy. May the memories that you made during his short, but very loved life bring you some peace during this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteMy sincere condolences.
ReplyDeleteThoughts and prayers. Hang in there-- I think we do not ever get over these losses, instead we only get beyond them. That doesn't say it very well, but it does become bearable after awhile,and eventually all the happy memories balance it. Meanwhile, T&P, and hugs too.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry. Much love to all.
ReplyDeletePurrs to Virgil's and Henry's parents. It is a very sad thing to lose a kitty, especially when he is in his prime. The best part of this is that both Virgil and Henry had loving homes and happy lives, albeit brief ones.
ReplyDelete:( Hopefully their parents will be filled with peace.
ReplyDelete