UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

Since it has been quite a long time since we have been active, we are going to be Under Construction for a while - trying new fonts, designs, and updating our sidebar stuff. Hopefully we will get it how we like it soon so it won't change too much!

Also - Can someone tell me how to get rid of the giant gap below this notice - I cannot figure out how to do it - thanks!!




Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Floyd - A Tribute


Thanks to Zoolatry for the above picture!

So today would have been Floyd's 14th birthday. It is also Kirzon's Gottcha Day (on Floyd's 1st Birthday) but he is ok with Floyd getting the attention on this one. It is kind of disjointed but it is just everything I could think of to let you know about him. Also, I am going to warn you - it is VERY long.

From House of Cats


I brought Floyd home on February 10 of 1996. I had just moved into my first apartment and knew that I had to have a kitten - I had grown up with cats and they had been well, lets go with standoff-ish. I don't blame them - they came to our house when I was little and I was an only child - they were my playmates if they liked it or not.

From House of Cats


Floyd was so different. I went to meet him after begging the volunteer at the shelter to let me - after hours, I met this little black ball of floof. He was so friendly and was the only kitten in the shelter at the time. I knew I was in love.

From House of Cats


I picked him up that Saturday (the day they do adoptions) and he got his first kitten shot then too - he purred the entire time. My apartment was basically empty - I had a papasan chair in the living room and a bed and tv in the bedroom. The second he walked out of the carrier it was like he had always been there, and already knew his name. I sat in the chair, he ran over when I called and he climbed up to the back. I really regret that I don't have any pictures of him from then but I didn't take too many while I was at the apartment. Actually I just started pretty recently with the pictures, relatively speaking.

From House of Cats


Floyd was the sweetest kitten you could ever see, and also one of the craziest. He would bite and bunny kick like I have never seen, and hold on when he bit like a bulldog. He loved to sit at the end of the bed with his front paws hanging over. He would only eat his food when I was in the kitchen, I think he was lonely when I was not in there with him. His one weird quirk - he would try to lick your eyes while you slept. Don't know why and he did grow out of it thank goodness! He also learned to play fetch, but only in the bedroom. He would play with his ball on the bed, and I woudl throw it to get him to play with it on the floor. He would bring it back. Eventually he realized what a good game it was. He would even go get the ball to play when you asked. He stopped once we moved but he would play every once in a while at the new place.

From House of Cats


I decided to paint the apartment not long after getting him - probably a few weeks, and spent all day doing it - he was good most of the time. The only problem came when he decided to try and climb the screen door and got stuck (as he did often), while both my hands were covered in paint. He was already getting to be a big boy so I hurried to rescue him, and he had paint stripes from my fingers for a few weeks. But he was ok with it.

From House of Cats


Around this same time my dad was out of town, so I decided to have a barbecue at his house - and I brought Floyd with. He was amazingly popular and the party was a huge success - which I attribute to him being such a good boy!

From House of Cats


He also loved to eat - he was really good at the yawn and stretch - but instead of trying to put his arm around a girl (which, by the way, he would also do) he would do it to try and get your food. He was tricky - he would do it in a couple moves instead of just one. His classic food attempt, however, was his jump into the bowl of chocolate pudding. He wanted it, I wouldn't give it to him (chocolate is bad for kitties) so he got more aggressive and jumped in. I ran with him, holding his feet sticking out - to the kitchen and he got a quick rinse.

From House of Cats


Floyd loved to sleep in the sink in the bathroom when he was little, and didn't even get out if you turned the water on. As he got older and got too big he kept it up for a while, although he did stop around the time we got Lola.

From House of Cats


One of Floyd's nicknames was Smokey Bacon - we were in the bedroom watching Yan Can Cook and Yan said something about smokey bacon - Floyd meowed. I said "isn't all bacon smokey" out loud (and of course now I know it really isn't all smokey) and he meowed again. He loved the way Smokey Bacon sounded - for years after he would meow when he heard it (later we would learn he loved bacon - a lot).

From House of Cats


Floyd was always very popular at the vets office too - he had such a long, floofy tail that people just loved it. And he was always so friendly to them, even though he was getting a shot or checkup or whatever.

From House of Cats


Floyd had his favorite sweater that he would carry around the house and suck on - it had shrunk in the wash so it was fine with me if he took it. I realized it was because he was weaned too early and talked to the vet - he said as long as he was not eating it, it would not be a problem. He never ate it, just sucked it for comfort I think. He looked so cute carrying it around, and would suck on it every night at bedtime.

From House of Cats


I thought it would be nice for Floyd to have a buddy, so he wouldn't be home alone while I was at work. So in November of 1996 I got Kirzon (yes, I admit it - from a pet store - I know better now, but I was young). I brought him home on Floyd's birthday and he was so little but Floyd was ok with him right away. I had a bunch of big boxes on the floor (unassembled exercise equipment - don't know what I was thinking then)that Floyd loved to sit on - they were stacked like two stairs, he sat on the lower one and Kirzon would run around and try to play with him. They got along real well even though Kirzon was a pesky little brother.

From House of Cats


Not to many funny storied from that time that I remember - just your average kitty stuff. They were both good and sweet to each other. And in 1999 we got Lola - she was a little gray alien/mouse kitten. Kirzon was not a fan (still not huge fans of each other but for a long time Kirzon would leave if Lola came to sit by anyone) but Floyd warmed up to her quickly. She would snuggle with him in this laundry basket he had claimed as a bed (which had clothes in it - we still have the basket and the clothes are still there - with more fur on them then anything I have ever seem - but they loved it so much I didn't have the heart to ever get rid of it). He was a very good mom to her.

From House of Cats


We also had these shelves - the were near the bed and so each cat had claimed a shelf. Floyd was usually the top. It always made me nervous when he would jump up there.

From House of Cats


Not too much happened for a long time - Floyd was a great boy, and got very big - his head was literally twice as big as Kirzons. It was bizzare. He was a huge floofy boy - he was almost all black but his front armpits were brownish and curly - very funny to see.

From House of Cats


So in 2004, we bought our house (townhouse really). We knew it would be a tough adjustment but we got as much ready before moving the cats as we could. They hated it - we had no couch (the futon from the old place was trashed by that point so we didn't move it) so downstairs there was a small table and the TV. The cats hid under the table for a few days. Eventually they all ventured out to explore and it was so exciting for them - it was their first experience with stairs! They learned quickly, and grew to love the stairs - they are open (no riser) so they were like really cool, easy access shelves. Floyd loves shelves - I have a few open areas where I would not put anything so he could sit there. His laundry basket also made it to the new house and into the bedroom closet - I thought that would be a good hiding place for him, with something comforting he was familiar with. He would still go there to hide if he didn't want to go to the vet (he hated the car after a while even though he was ok at the vet). He also hated storms and whoudl hide during them too. He woudl also hide under the bed, which is why I ended up putting boxes underneath - he would go in the middle of it and I couldn't reach him. For a while, while there were less boxes there, and while I was on this one medication that would make me sick like you wouldnt' believe (I would have to sleep on the floor because the dizzyness was awful on the bed - we have a tempurpedic - great unless you need a stable spot) and he would sit under the bed next to me and make sure I was ok.

From House of Cats


He was seriously the one cat that I am convinced always understood us - he was so smart. He was also a ladies man because he would always put his paw on your shoulder or rest on your leg. Even at night he would do that in bed. And after his sweater was lost (it has to be in the house somewhere but I can't find it) we got him a new one (ok, it was a hat but it was the most similar thing I could find) and he would suck on in before bed. Eventually he did start to use the blanket on the bed - which is really gross if you roll over in the middle of the night into cat spit. But I let him have one of his own so it was ok. Sometimes I would come home and it was off the bed and in the hall - he had tried to take it with, and it is a king size!

From House of Cats


Floyd was just such a sweet cat - but he was also a big guy. The problem is he didn't really realize that. He would try to get into places that the others could fit - like at the apartment he'd try and sit on the air conditioner - the other 2 fit, he didn't. He would want to come in the bathroo if you were in there - he wouldn't tap the door, he would bodyslam it (nearly gave me a heart attack the first time). He would try to get in boxes the others could fit in - he was just too big. We didn't have a cat tree because I was afraid he would knock it over, and we didn't get little cat houses that were rigid because I thought he would get stuck (we had one when he was little and it just was obvious he was getting too big).

From House of Cats


Floyd was a pretty healthy cat for most of his life - he started to loose weight in late 2007 and well, things just went down hill from there. He was diagnosed with Lymphoma in February of this year - they said he could have anywhere from 6 months to 2 years (he had 8 months) with treatment, and that the less aggressive had basically the same life expectancy as the more aggressive chemo, but with less vet trips, cost and stress to him. I am sure that it would not have helped to switch over - from what the vet said it would have been the same outcome. I had always held out hope that he would go into remission - it has happened, though not often. But for most of that 8 months he did very well - he was in good spirits most of the time, even to the end. He was always the one to take care of me when I was sick - he was always there. He was there for me when my dad died. He was just extremely intuitive - and I know most cats are but he really seemed more so - he was the most humanlike of all the kitties. I really just miss him so much. And it is very hard to visit some blogs - some of you kitties out there look a lot like him and so I get a bit weepy when I visit. I know it will pass and hopefully all I will remember is the fun and love and good times.

From House of Cats


I have been thinking about if there is anything I would do differently - for his whole life, and not just while he was sick. And honestly, although I am sure there are little things that I could change, like getting him a really good cat tree to climb or a few more of his favorite sparkly balls, there is nothing I would change. I mean, obviously if I could change him getting sick I would, but I know that larger cats are more likely to live less years, and I think he would have gotten sick no matter what - he was not really overweight, I tried to get him the best food I could (of course now we know a lot more but I did get him the best quality foods from what I knew). I just think it was his time - he touched a lot of lives and his job was done.

From House of Cats


So now what happens - I love the blog and love that it has helped me meet so many wonderful bloggers, but I have to be honest, it is a bit tough to be on sometimes. I can't put up the headings with him in the pictures, but I can't bear the thought of getting one without him done. I decided to go to the old header for now. I decided that I would do the Christmas cards as planned - keeping Floyd as Santa. I just can't picture any of the others filling in for him. Christmas will be tough - but I think it hopefully won't be as bad as I think. See, we have stockings for all the cats (except Barney) and I know that if Floyd's is there I will be extra sad (his was the red one) but I also believe that it is the one I had to get rid of because someone barfed all over it last year - so that makes it a little easier. I get super emotional at Christmas anyway (we used to do a tree of all the sentimental ornaments and one that was our own tree - that stopped when Virgil came to protect everything from breaking - our own tree was done in all glass). I am going to be doing a card exchange with a bunch of my blog buddies (at least I hope a bunch -I am writing this much earliler then it will post so I haven't mentioned it yet) and that will help.

From House of Cats


All the wonderful posts I received that day - well they just really touched me that so many people cared to comment. I just can't tell you how much it means to me, and to my boyfriend too. He has taken this all very hard because he was convinced that Floyd would be ok and come home and get better - I had at least prepared myself in case of the worst happening, which it did. Even though he isn't really a poster on this blog I know that it really did mean a lot to him to know that you all were there saying such wonderful things.

From House of Cats


Wow - this is like a marathon post. I haven't even added the pictures yet and it is crazy long. If you made it all the way down here congratuations! What are you - crazy :)? Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and then the next day is Brad's birthday so we won't be posting until Monday most likely - but this is long so it may have taken you that long to get here. Sorry it is so disjointed - I really was just kind of typing as I thought of things. I am usually a much better writer (at least in my own mind).

From House of Cats


So to everyone who made it down here - have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving and weekend (or if you don't live in the US, just have a happy and safe weekend!)

From House of Cats


Ok, so I thought I was done - I typed this up only a few days after Floyd left. Now that it is almost time to post it (it is 11/17 as I add this) I have to admit it - I still miss him so much - as much as I did the day I had to let him go. I know it is for the best but I am going to say it - it isn't fair. I want my baby back. I know that can't happen but I just had to say it.

From House of Cats


From House of Cats

31 comments:

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

And Floyd would gladly khome bakhk if he khould...

As my mom babbled in this week's Walkin' Wednesday, it is sadly The Cykhle of Life (we were talking about the loss of Miss Snikhkers - we saw the news shortly befur our walk)...

Tank woo fur sharing such a pawesome tribute to Floyd!

As fur the rambling, it is what we expekht from our moms! Just look at mine!

Happy Thanksgiving and Purrday to Brad!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

Angel, Kirby and Max said...

Amy, I was where you are a year ago. I had to let Wizard go just before a big family gathering and on my Granddaughters birthday. I have found myself in tears most of the day. I dusted his beautiful box and removed Kirby tracks and tears. It does get better, I promise. There are just some days that are bad, now.

You did a wonderful tribute to your beautiful big baby. I understand wanting him back. I want my baby back, too, but not in the pain he was in.

Have a good Thanksgiving and cuddle the rest of your babies and Brad!

dArtagnan Rumblepurr/Diego Hamlet Moonfur said...

A beautiful tribute to a very, very special boy.

RIP special Floyd.

Milo and Alfie's mom said...

This is the most beautiful and heartfelt post and it is a fitting memorial for adorable much loved Floyd. You are right ~ he touched many hearts and that includes mine, and milo and Alfie's.
I read every word, I looked at every photo ~ and I can feel the love pouring out for Floyd, as well as the pain of missing him. I really do understand ~ my Lilac Point Siamese cat Henry (1985 ~ 2004) was just such a beloved pet and it broke my heart when he died.
The pain of losing such a cat never fades ~ but eventually you will be able to smile at the happy memories and remember the joy and the good times ~ and you will know in your heart you did your very best for Floyd. And Floyd will know it too ~ he will feel the love continuing, wherever he is now ...

Amy, I am posting some words for you in a seperate comment box (this wouldn't alow me to posst them for some reason).I hope you can attain the final stage of living love:



Very best wishes from Jan (Milo and Alfie's mom)

Milo and Alfie's Mom said...

Part Two from Jan (Milo and Alfie's Mom)

Living Love

If you ever love an animal, there are three days in your life you will always remember...
The first is a day, blessed with happiness, when you bring home your young new friend. You may have spent weeks deciding on a breed. You may have asked numerous opinions of many vets, or done long research in finding a breeder. Or, perhaps in a fleeting moment, you may have just chosen that silly looking mutt in a shelter - simply because something in its eyes reached your heart. But when you bring that chosen pet home, and watch it explore, and claim its special place in your hall or front room - and when you feel it brush against you for the first time - it instills a feeling of pure love you will carry with you through the many years to come.

The second day will occur eight or nine or ten years later. It will be a day like any other. Routine and unexceptional. But, for a surprising instant, you will look at your long-time friend and see age where you once saw youth. You will see slow deliberate steps where you once saw energy. And you will see sleep where you once saw activity. So you will begin to adjust your friend's diet - and you may add a pill or two to her food. And you may feel a growing fear deep within yourself, which bodes of a coming emptiness. And you will feel this uneasy feeling, on and off, until the third day finally arrives.

And on this day - if your friend and God have not decided for you, then you will be faced with making a decision of your own - on behalf of your lifelong friend, and with the guidance of your own deepest Spirit. But whichever way your friend eventually leaves you - you will feel as alone as a single star in the dark night. If you are wise, you will let the tears flow as freely and as often as they must. And if you are typical, you will find that not many in your circle of family or friends will be able to understand your grief, or comfort you. But if you are true to the love of the pet you cherished through the many joy-filled years, you may find that a soul - a bit smaller in size than your own - seems to walk with you, at times, during the lonely days to come. And at moments when you least expect anything out of the ordinary to happen, you may feel something brush against your leg - very, very lightly. And looking down at the place where your dear, perhaps dearest, friend used to lie - you will remember those three significant days. The memory will most likely be painful, and leave an ache in your heart. As time passes, the ache will come and go as it has a life of its own. You will both reject it and embrace it, and it may confuse you. If you reject it, it will depress you. If you embrace it, it will deepen you. Either way, it will still be an ache.

But there will be, I assure you, a fourth day when - along with the memory of your pet - and piercing through the heaviness in your heart - there will come a realization that belongs only to you. It will be as unique and strong as our relationship with each animal we have loved, and lost. This realization takes the form of a Living Love - like the heavenly scent of a rose that remains after the petals have wilted, this love will remain and grow - and be there for us to remember. It is a love we have earned. It is the legacy our pets leave us when they go. And it is a gift we may keep with us as long as we live. It is a love which is ours alone. And until we ourselves leave, perhaps to join our beloved pets - it is a love that we will always possess.

~ Written by Martin Scot Kosins, Author of "Maya's First Rose" ~

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

One thing is immediately clear from your lovely post: that Floyd had a life full of love and kindness. He was one lucky kitty, and he will be with you always.

Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at
The Poupounette

Kaz's Cats said...

Thanks for telling Floyd's story so we can all share a little in knowing such a wonderful cat. He sounds like a great leader for the other kitties at your place. Sending our hugs to you and your family,

Gypsy & Tasha & Karen (Mum)

The Creek Cats said...

What a wonderful tribute to Floyd. Happy 14th Purrthday at the Bridge, Floyd. We know Cal is there to help you celebrate your very special day.
XOXO

umi_e said...

Floyd will always with you - in your heart :)

* reading this n3 make me cry :(( I have lost few cats but they are not as long as Floyd (more 13 yrs with you)

~ hugs ~

The Monkeys said...

Beautiful tribute to a beautiful cat! It is so hard to adjust after you lose a best friend like Floyd. We send our purrs for you and your family to have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Happy Gotcha Day to Kirzon!

Quill and Greyson said...

What a lovely tribute to a great mancat. Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Birthday to Brad too.

Jasmim said...

This is a very beautiful tribute ^^

One Cats Nip said...

What a lovely tribute to Floyd, it's really hard letting go of something you had so many great times and experiences with, but again always remember you are only letting go of him physically. Floyd will always be with you

Lisa Kolosey said...

My heart goes out to you Amy. I found myself crying for my boy Bustopher just a week ago. He's been gone since Feb 2008, but he is still in my heart and I've blogged a little bit about him. As you may remember, we are experiencing the same problem with Moseley as you had with Floyd...not eating much at all, losing weight. We've had some tests, been to the vets and will go back after the holiday. He's doing well at the moment, but I'm bracing myself for the worst.
Just know that I think you should keep Floyd's picture on your banner and tribute him as an angel kitty. He is still a part of your kitty life and we want you to keep blogging!
~Lisa Co9T

Anonymous said...

Amy, that was the most heartfelt tribute I have ever read! I don't think I got the the 3rd picture and was reading the rest through tears. We are grateful that we "knew" Floyd for a part of his life. He will always be with you in spirit. We wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and are thankful for your furriendship!

L. Alida said...

Amy, I am so touched by your tribute to Precious Floyd. My eyes just became more full with tears with each picture and paragraph and then I read Jan's 3 days comment. Now I'm a snotty teary mess and trying not to let my husband see. Billie is on my lap purring.
You are very brave to post all of those memories and pictures. I had a kitty soulmate too. It's been over two years and I still have to go somewhere alone, (Usually the bathroom) and cry for her. It just literally brings you to your knees, doesn't it?
Floyd was a beautiful, wonderful cat. I can see how happy he was with you. He was certainly his Momma's boy. I'm touched that Brad loved him so much too. No one in my family shed a tear for my Tookie and she was over 21 years old. Oh, here I go again...
You will carry your Love and memories of Floyd always. He blessed your life and you blessed his.
Gosh, he really does look like Cody. Even the rusty red under arm furs. They are a lot alike. Cody will try to make friends with almost anyone. I bet if there truly is a Rainbow Bridge, Floyd has lots of fur friends.
Please know that we all understand how you are feeling. I wish you still had a healthy Floyd with you, just as I wish I had a healthy Tookie back. But, like you said. It was his time.
I am sending you loving thoughts and wishing Kirzon a happy Gotcha Day. I'm glad you have sweet kitties to give you comfort. It really does help to have those little ones around to focus on.
I hope you have a great Thanksgiving and birthday celebration. Holidays are hard. I have become a complete Scrooge about Christmas since Tookie passed. That's why I'm doing cards too, I think. It keeps me busy and helps me connect with other pet parents who get it.
I wish you peace and joy and comfort.
Gentle Hugs and take care of yourself, okay?
Love,
Lorianna

Anonymous said...

We had to come back because Mom forgot to say FROM US>>> HAPPY GOTCHYA DAY KIRZON!!!

Robyn said...

Oh, Amy - such a lovely tribute! I got teary-eyed at the end.

::hugs::

catsynth said...

That was a very beautiful tribute, and wonderful photos of Floyd. We can tell how much he was loved, and how much he gave in return.
Sending good thoughts, and wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving.

BeadedTail said...

Such a beautiful tribute to the most handsome Floyd! We enjoyed hearing his story and his photos.

Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Cheyenne -Millie said...

That is a really lovely tribute.
Thank you for sharing about him.
Floyd was a really handsome boy!

The Kitty Krew said...

This was a beautiful tribute to Floyd. It's made our Mommy all leaky; sad on your behalf, and remembering our Cats Who Have Gone Before, expecially the last two (both in 2007) who went completely unexpectedly. It's tough, no doubt...but it does get easier. (Until you read a post like this, that is.)

Our very best purrrrrrrs and hugs to you. While the other kitties can't replace the love of Floyd, do let them give you the love they have for you to help lessen the loss a little. It *does* help.

We hope you have a good Thanksgiving, and a happy birthday to Brad.

Purrs and hugs,
The Kitty Krew and The Mommy

Unknown said...

What a bootiful tribute to Floyd.

We hope yoo all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

TwoSpecialWires said...

It was good to read about Floyd, and about you. We know you will treasure this tribute.

We hope your Thanksgiving was good, and that some good special memories graced your table.

Love
Jake and Fergi xxoo

House of Mystery said...

Better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved. Personally.. I'll take risk, because the heartache of loss will always pale in comparison to the quality and quanity of love while their there with you and the beautiful memories when they aren't.

ZOOLATRY said...

Dearest Floyd, and family...

you also touched our life.

The Zoolatry Girls

kittykye said...

Hi Amy ~ I don't comment very often (just a regular reader from a distance, mainly). But, I just wanted to send you a quick note to tell you how sorry I am about Floyd. That was a really nice tribute to him, and it's wonderful that you have so many terrific memories of him. I lost a few very special kitties (as I'm sure many of us have) ~ so know that all of us readers (and friends from a distance) have an idea of this sad time, and we are here to help, listen, and support in any way we can.
Sending my bestest wishes and thoughts to you *hug*

Percy the Cat said...

Thank you for posting such a lovely tribute to Floyd. We loved learning more about him, and it sounds like he had the best of homes, and the most loving of mums.

*hugs*

My Mind's Eye said...

Hi Amy,
My friend you did Floyd proud with this tribute. I know how hard it is to lose a pet. Each time ours have passed I say no more heartache but each time we get another. You can tell by this post how much Floyd added to your life. Down the road you'll think of Floyd with fond memories...the saddness will always be there but the happy memories will rise above the saddness.
Madi and Mom

Laura said...

Amy,
That was such a beautiful tribute, I have to admit it has left me in tears. I really can`t understand the pain you`re going through, to have had a cat for that long and to now have lost him. You must feel like a big part of you is gone.

I will say that when Joplin got sick and I was really upset and talking to my mom she told me that no matter what happens that I had given her a great life with me and that she was loved and cared for, that was when I had only had Joplin for a year. You had Floyd for 14 years and I bet for 14 years you gave him the best life he could have ever had, with anyone. I`m sad that I`ve only recently come into the blogging world because I`ve always found your blog helpful and comforting (you were my first friend!) so being selfish I really hope that you don`t stop blogging. I`m sure you`ve helped many others as well!

Unfortunately, I`ve lost family members, quite a few actually, in only 23 years of life but my family never stops talking about them or looking at pictures. I have always found that the best way to cope is to remember and share.

I aspire to be just as wonderful a pet owner as you are.

Hope your Thanksgiving as been relaxing and cheerful.

Best,

Laura

Brian's Home Blog said...

I just saw this post and it was such a wonderful tribute to Floyd. I really enjoyed seeing all the pictures. Memories are forever.