I have spent many an hour looking out the mouse house dining-corner window at the beauty of my surroundings. I know I am a very lucky lady to live where I do and love it so much. The tall, bare maples that are so familiar to me, with a back-drop of beautiful fir trees covered in snow all helps to calm the soul.
And so does this little one.
For some odd reason she is letting me photograph her today. She's not perturbed...this is her face.
Annie is very clingy the last few days. More so than usual.
These two little cats are feeling a bit lost. I wish I could explain to them why they are missing their little friend. But, I can't. I just hold them closer, hug them more and keep them busy.
I stayed up late last night to put together this post. I still sit here in disbelief that Sierra has left us.
Our beautiful Sierra is terribly missed by all of us. The retired-guy took this one hard as she was 'special'. He has shed tears over her as we both feel she was too young to go.
Sierra was a bit of a loner but always willing to share a space with another cat if they so wanted. She was an affectionate cat with us; a cuddler. She was a lover of the out-doors but never left the property at our old home or here. She would join us as we gardened and did work around the property but was very well supervised by both of us. She loved to hide in the flowers at the old pump and supervise from her familiar little bench. She loved to follow us like a little dog might.
If you have followed me for awhile you will remember that she was stolen 17 months ago off our front porch at our older home. It was a terrible 25 hours for our family. But with the help of our local police and the internet, she was returned to us quickly and unharmed. From that day on she was only outside under supervision. Little did we know then that she would be leaving us forever in less than two years.
I will always be thankful that she was brought home to us and that we were here to help her when she needed us the most. Cancer took our little tabby girl but she will always, always live on in our hearts.
hugs, Deb
And so does this little one.
For some odd reason she is letting me photograph her today. She's not perturbed...this is her face.
Annie is very clingy the last few days. More so than usual.
These two little cats are feeling a bit lost. I wish I could explain to them why they are missing their little friend. But, I can't. I just hold them closer, hug them more and keep them busy.
I stayed up late last night to put together this post. I still sit here in disbelief that Sierra has left us.
Our beautiful Sierra is terribly missed by all of us. The retired-guy took this one hard as she was 'special'. He has shed tears over her as we both feel she was too young to go.
Sierra was a bit of a loner but always willing to share a space with another cat if they so wanted. She was an affectionate cat with us; a cuddler. She was a lover of the out-doors but never left the property at our old home or here. She would join us as we gardened and did work around the property but was very well supervised by both of us. She loved to hide in the flowers at the old pump and supervise from her familiar little bench. She loved to follow us like a little dog might.
Wasn't she magnificent.
Her favorite spot all summer.
If you have followed me for awhile you will remember that she was stolen 17 months ago off our front porch at our older home. It was a terrible 25 hours for our family. But with the help of our local police and the internet, she was returned to us quickly and unharmed. From that day on she was only outside under supervision. Little did we know then that she would be leaving us forever in less than two years.
I will always be thankful that she was brought home to us and that we were here to help her when she needed us the most. Cancer took our little tabby girl but she will always, always live on in our hearts.
Oh God, we will never understand why she left us so quickly.
We know that our Kane will look after her now.
Rest in Peace, Cee Cee.
Thank you to those who have left such kind & thoughtful comments.
My thought are with you .Tears in my eyes and i can't find more words .Take care Deb
ReplyDeletelove Elisabeth
Oh Deb, this hit hard as it was so unexpected. Sierra was such a lovely girl and I remember the scare when she was taken and thankfully returned. She did love her postman also! As I look at my sweet Charlie and know that he is in the sunset of his life I also know Sierra went too soon. Not ours to understand I guess, but such a heartbreak. My love and hugs go out to you and the retired guy and the sweet kitties still at the mouse house.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Linda
Deb, I read your post just before this one yesterday, and I am so terribly sorry, my pet-loving friend! I know the loss is incalculable, and the other cats do not understand. Hold them close and let love help you all heal. It will always be painful, as you know. But it will lessen a bit over time. Holding you in my heart...
ReplyDeleteBrenda
There are never any words that can help ease the pain of the losses we must accept. It is our cross to bear as we love each of these elegant creatures as they come and share their lives with ours. We accept the responsibility knowing that their life will be far far far too short. But the love that they give us makes our hearts grow and expand making room for the next one which will enter our life to enrich it. Sierra IS a beautiful girl and now she is a beautiful spirit guide, nothing will make the pain any less except time which will only soften it. I am so so sorry for your loss. You've had too many so close together. My deepest sympathies.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry Deb. Sierra was special and it was easy to see how much you loved her. Rest in peace, Sierra.
ReplyDeleteDear Deb & family,
ReplyDeleteI am so sad hearing about Sierra's passing away. She was such a sweet, sweet and beautiful little cat. She always looked so friendly and "lieb" (don't know the English word), she was very close to my heart.
It was new to me, that she was an outdoor cat - that's what I allways wanted to ask you.
All the pictures you have choosen are so very nice and show her great beauty.
I think we all world-wide are sad about the losts you have had the last months and be asured that they will not be forgotten.
Now your great love is asked from the two cats, Annie and Audrey, as they feel lost as you write.
Hugs to you all
Bärbel
I'm so very sorry, Deb. A beautiful tribute to her.
ReplyDeleteOh, we are so so sorry. This is our first visit and so sorry you lost your sierra. It is just way too hard to lose our fur friends. We just lost our Girl Kitty too. She looked like she was a wonderful cat and we are sure glad she knew all your love for her before she left. Take care.
ReplyDeleteYour pain is felt and shared. Be glad for the time you had with her. She will always be in your heart.
ReplyDeleteMy profound condolences to you and the Retired Guy, and to Annie and Audrey too. Sierra was beautiful; a very touching tribute.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry...but l've lost it..!
ReplyDeleteCompletely...Perhaps l'll try and
get through it tomorrow! Bless!x
❤️❤️❤️
ReplyDeleteA dear and beautiful cat. We spent last evening with the friends whose cats and dogs we cared for during their absence over the holiday. We took turns speaking of the beloved pets we have lost who took such a large piece of our hearts when they left us. We go on to make homes for other animals, to love them also, but each one has its own claim on our affections.
ReplyDeleteThe death of our pets is always difficult, the more so when cancer or some other incurable takes them much too soon.
Beautiful tribute to your precious Sierra. She was loved and loved back. Wishing you well.
ReplyDeleteLove, hugs, and purrs.......
I once again, was heartbroken over your news of your sweet Sierra. I just don't know if I could take this loss. You must however, when you love these precious creatures. They make our lives so much richer. I was fearful of her diagnosis when you first posted about her. Our Boone had the exact same cancer. We lost him shortly after we moved to Maine at the age of 19. Devastating. He will be forever in our hearts as will your darling Sierra....may God hold her in the palm of his hand...gentle hugs Deb.
ReplyDeleteMy heart aches for you and your husband, Deb. I have three cats I adopted a year and half ago when they were abandoned at 2 weeks of age...two black and whites that my granddaughter calls the Oreo twins, and a long haired beautiful gray girl. These treasured fur babies are our family members and to lose one hurts beyond words. You are such a wonderful pet mom, Deb. Your blog and story was the impetus for my adopting my three.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you
I am so very sorry for your loss. There are just not adequate words to convey my sympathy. I loved dear Sierra even though I only knew her from what I read on your blog. She was such a wonderful feline! Remembering you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteI know where you were coming from when, in your post yesterday, you asked that we not leave any comments as you could not bear to read them. I remember that feeling. For that reason, all I will say now is that your Sierra was obviously well loved, and you can rest assured that she knew it and still knows it.
ReplyDeletePurrs, prayers, and peace to you in this time, Deb.
I cried too when I read about Sierra. Cancer is such a horrible God bless you all.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear the news about your lovely girl Sierra, coming so soon after the loss of Kane and Lily. She had a wonderful life with you full of love.
ReplyDeleteJulie and Poppy Q
So sad Deb!! Beautiful name and beautiful cat! In fact tabby very like our cat Willie who left us last year at 20 years of age.
ReplyDeletekeep well
Amanda :-)
It is so very unfair that you have lost two loved ones so close together. One never gets used to loss. I do recall that Sierra was kidnapped. She was brought back to you so that she could live her remaining time in love and comfort, with her family. Every animal is beautiful but especially Sierra. Magnificent indeed. Godspeed, Sierra.
ReplyDeleteDeb, I am so sorry that you lost your beautiful Sierra. I know your heart is broken and I so understand.
ReplyDeletehugs
Sissie
I am so very sorry for your loss. Sierra was beautiful inside and out. Linda
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Deb, for sharing this lovely and loving tribute to Sierra. She was "special", wasn't she. So beautiful. So unique. So herself.
ReplyDeleteI remember when Audrey was still very young and having a bit of a hard time learning a new relationship with Annie and she was so excited when she was "napping with Aunt Sierra!". I loved that sequence of photos. I was so grateful to see Sierra allow a place for little Audrey to share in her world.
I will always remember her as being the cat who loved a man in a uniform. That gave me many smiles.
Thank you for sharing her life with us. It was sweet to see unfold through the years.
I am holding you, Gary, Annie and Audrey close in thoughts and especially prayers.
Much Love,
Lily
Thank you for your greeting on my blog. I am sorry you have lost your fine cat. I do not know how old she was, because it is the first time I look in here. But it's always difficult when a four-legged family member dies. We have just lost our cat Tiger. He was 14,5 years and very special to us.
ReplyDeleteNew Year Greetings
Elisabet
Oh, Dear Deb! I'm so so sorry for your loss of your beautiful darling Sierra! I know your heart is breaking and you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Sending love to you.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Shelia ;)
Dearest, dearest Deb my heart is just broken for you. She looks so much like my lovely Lola, who is the love of my life and now my only cat since we recently lost our Siames, Tut, to cancer a few months ago. I know she is with Kane and looking down on you. I am sending you prayers.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, she definitely was magnificent, and I can imagine how Audrey and Annie are wondering, and how hard it is to make them understand being they are kitties - but I think they do. So very, very sad for you all dear Deb, my heart goes out to you at this time of bereavement. Those of us who have lost feline friends know how you feel, and right now no words really comfort. So please just know I'm thinking of you, and I'm sure Sierra knows you did everything to try to help her.
ReplyDeleteHolding you close in thought - sending love.
Mary x
Dear Deb,
ReplyDeleteI so know what you are going through as we had a wonderful male tabby whom we lost for the same reason. My heart breaks for you and your family, but I know that Miss Sierra knew she was loved and will be missed. Prayers and hugs for you.
What a wrench...my sympathy and long warm hugs to you both. I hope Heaven has a postman for your darling girl to love. Godspeed, Sierra.
ReplyDeleteI am soo sorry for your loss . My prayers and thoughts for you all .
ReplyDeleteOh....gosh Deb....and Retired Guy....
ReplyDeleteI did not get to your other post....til now....
Horrible news...you must be a wreck...knowing your love for your 4 legged friends♥️
Hugs from me
Linda
So sorry to hear about dear Sierra.
ReplyDeleteThese little souls take such a hold of our hearts.
It hurts when they go, but we are better for having known them.
The special love they give is not to be missed.
Love and hugs, Nancy and the kitties
Dear, dear Deb and Retired Guy ~ My heart aches for your loss of beautiful Sierra.
ReplyDeleteLove, hugs & prayers ~ FlowerLady
Deb, so sorry to hear about your loss of Sierra... and for it to have happened so fast (and so soon after Kane). I know you are hurting. It's obvious that your other cats feel the loss too. We've seen it in our house-hold with this past year's loss of Jack and Molly... and we try to dole out comfort where it is needed. I will keep you and yours in our thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteJust saw this and am so very sorry you lost Sierra to this awful disease. I have had two cats with oral cancer - Yoko was 20 and had the bone cancer - her jaw was getting out of alignment and it was hard for her to eat. We let her go 2 years ago. This year our Lily who was only 9 had a lump under her tongue - same thing on in her mouth tissue not the bone. We let her go in April. This cancer does not respond to any treatment - you can buy time but it comes back relentlessly. You gave Sierra one last gift by letting her go rather than suffer. I know only too well the heartache. Think of her young and healthy waiting for you a the Rainbow Bridge. Comforting purrs from all of us.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry your have lost your dear furry friend much too soon.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you and your family.
I can't believe it...I'm so very sorry to hear this.
ReplyDeleteSending you and your retired guy hugs and prayers on the sudden loss of Sierra. A beautiful girl. I loved hearing about how she loved to wait for the postman. Cuddles, too, for Annie and Audrey.
PS- I adore the photo of Sierra with the tea pot.
((hugs))
I am so sorry that you and your family are once again experiencing such a painful time. I prayed that God will bring you comfort.
ReplyDeleteDear Deb, Everything that I would say has been said here so I will just tell you that I had my retired guy read this post because when we lost our beloved white kitty he took it so hard, and he cried too, like your hubby. When he read your post, he said, "Oh, so sad." Please know that our hearts ache for both of you and you are remembered in prayer here. From Nebraska with love and tears. ><>
ReplyDeleteDearest Deb, I am soooo very sorry to read about dear Sierra. She was just the most beautiful girl. Your photos are gorgeous & I wish I could just reach into my screen & give her a gentle pat ... & also give you a gentle hug. Never forget my friend, the wonderful life that she had with you all there. Sending love & thoughts to you all. x x x x
ReplyDeleteMy heart hurts for you and the retired-guy. It's so hard to say that final goodbye. And especially when they are so young. Purrs and prayers for you all as you grieve.
ReplyDeleteDeb, I can't begin to tell you how sorry I am. My heart aches for you and the retired guy. You have really been through a lot recently, losing Sierra and Kane. I didn't know about Sierra being stolen. What a miracle that you got her back. You have certainly given your pets a good, loving home. Looks like Audrey and Annie are trying to comfort you.
ReplyDeleteoh Deb...I am so sorry.......you know that I lost my Kizzy cat this past summer, also from a tumor on his kidney. One day he was fine, and the next he was gone. I still look for him, and still miss his sweet self. My heart breaks for you and your husband. It is so hard. It is the price we pay to have these lovely creatures in our family, and it's so worth it, as I know you understand. HUGS.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Deb! Sierra is indeed with Kane and Lily and Ed. Such good company. All these little souls waiting for us on the other side of the bridge... Annie and Audrey are there for you and the retired guy.
ReplyDeleteOoh Deb. My heart breaks for your loss of sweet girl Sierra. She had a beautiful life with you and her companions there at the mouse house.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you all.
Jo
My eyes are full of tears ... gorgeous sweet pussy ... Embrace Jarka
ReplyDeleteI'm tearing up over your 2 recent pet deaths. I prayed when she was stolen. Nothing comforts us when we grieve but hoping that soon you & Retired Guy will have more space in your heart filled with happy memories rather than loneliness.
ReplyDeleteI'm off early to transport shelter cats to the vet for their snips (s/n). Gail
I can't even find the words to say how sorry I am. Sierra and Kane will look over you all.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Sandra
It's not fair!! Not ever at all, but especially not to so close to losing Kane. I can only think that Sierra didn't want Kane to be alone. My heart aches for the human and cat family members left behind. Love and wishes for comfort are coming to you from Connecticut and a fellow animal lover.
ReplyDeleteHugs xxx
ReplyDeleteDear Deb, I am so sorry for you and the Retired Guy. I am crying as I write this and cannot imagine how you feel. Hugs.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeletethx
شركة تنظيف بالرياض
thank you
حراج السيارات
thank you
احلى سينما
I'm so sorry Deb.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your beautiful Sierra.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your lovely Sierra. I know how you must feel. Our handsome 17 year old orange tabby, Jasper is in the late stages of liver failure and we're just treasuring each day he is still with us.
ReplyDeleteYou and yours are in my heart and prayers. We recently lost our Toby, way too young, same reason. Cokie, our sweet tabby, left us all too soon last year. We now have Lucy and Maggie. Lucy is a tuxedo and Maggie is a cross between a snow shoe siamese and calico. Quite a distinct set of colors.
ReplyDeleteLittle Sierra has so many of us mourning her passing, she has touched so many lives through your postings that I feel like I lost her too. Hugs and prayers to you both, and to Annie and Audrey. Ellen in N.C
ReplyDeleteSo sorry Deb. What a lovey tribute toSierra.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to read this. I lost a beloved kitty to cancer several years ago. It was devastating.
ReplyDeleteWE are sending biggest hugs and purrs to all of you.
Oh, Deb, I am so sorry. I always thought your Sierra was so beautiful. Praying for you. xo Deborah
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss of Sierra. Our pets leave us too soon. I will miss her sweet face.
ReplyDeleteShe was a beauty! I'm so very sorry, Deb.
ReplyDeleteGentle hugs....so so sad for your loss. What a beautiful kitty girl. So hard to say goodbye...
ReplyDeleteWe are so, so sorry for your tragic loss. When you first told us of Sierra's passing , we lit our special memorial candle in her honour and to guide her across the bridge. We hope there was a gentle, loving postman to walk with her as she crossed. We must believe there is a cat heaven and Sierra is there, full of happiness and joy, healthy once again. Comfort comes from knowing how much she was loved and that she will not be forgotten; her name will be said.
ReplyDeleteOur prayers are with Sierra and those left behind who loved her.
We are here to offer our condolences far too quickly after Kane left you. Sierra was truly a beautiful cat. We love the photos of her outside and in her favourite spot. It's comforting to know she established a favourite spot in her new yard that she relished. We wish we could place some healing balm on your broken hearts but we can't. We can let you know that you are both in our thoughts. Sierra was one of the lucky ones. She was so well loved. We hope that in time you will take comfort from knowing that.Rest in peace sweet Sierra. It was a pleasure knowing you and we will miss you too.
ReplyDeletethe critters in the cottage and their Mama Sophie xo
I am so sad you have lost Sierra, sad for you and sad for G as well. I remember well the time she was taken from you, and what a relief it was to have her home again. It is so unfair that this has happened. So sorry, and sending hugs. She was a beautiful cat and I am really glad I got to meet her and know her. She was taken from you far too soon. xoxo
ReplyDeleteWords are so very hard to find at a time like this. They can only offer so much comfort when a heart grieves so much. She was beautiful, Deb. I remember her abduction and how frightening it was for all of us, but especially for you. Each and every photo shows a different part of her sweet personality and oh, the cuddles.
ReplyDeleteI would give anything to take away the heartbreak you have endured in 2015. Loving so hard makes losing so much more difficult. Sending love and hugs and prayers for healing.
I'm so sorry your beautiful Sierra had to leave you so soon. This is such a beautiful tribute to her. Purrs and head bonks.
ReplyDeleteWe are soooooo sorry fur your loss. She is bootyful and magnificent. She looks so majestic in hers yard. We know you miss her terribly and she will be missed in this universe. But she will always live on in da bytes and bits of da innernet and all da hearts of those she touched. We will member her fondly. Weez sendin' lots of purrs and purrayers.
ReplyDeleteLuv ya'
Dezi and Lexi and mommy Audra
We had three lovely cats over the years. One I honor tremendously because he protected me from big dogs and played a game with our handicapped daughter without being asked or encouraged to do so. All three have come back after death and visited to give a little love. One woke me out of a sleep with kneading like he used to do. Similar with the others. I am sure they are enjoying heaven together.
ReplyDeleteDearest Deb, I'm so sorry about dear Sierra's passing. I remember the worrying time when she went missing from your front veranda in your old home and the relief when she was found agian. Sorry she had to go so soon, but you gave her a wonderful life. You are the best pet-lover ever. Blessings and hugs for your loss. Jo xx
ReplyDeleteI just stumbled upon your cats page. It made for some interesting reading. I am sorry to hear of your loss with your little sierra. She looks like she was a wonderful furry four legged family member.
ReplyDeletePurrs & prayers for all of you. I had missed your blog for some time. Sierra graced your blog with dignity & a little humour. Was she also the cat who got abducted off your porch a while back? And if that was her face in the bowl on the table (I loved it), I felt like I was drawn into your life with cats & you described her so I feel I knew her. & Know all of you by peeking in to this blog. I feel for all of you. Bless you for caring for her. She was blessed & bless you all. Car & Bogey
ReplyDeleteDear Deb - I'm so sorry for the loss of your lovely girl - your beautiful words and photos are such a lovely tribute - she was so blessed you gave her such a lovely home - Jo - Albany, Western Australia xxxxxx
ReplyDelete