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Washington, United States
loves: you win if you guessed "pets" and "museums". Also books, art history, travel, British punk, Korean kimchi, bindis, martinis, and other things TBD. I will always make it very clear if a post is sponsored in any way. Drop me a line at thepetmuseum AT gmail.com !

Friday, April 08, 2011

baci flies away

Here's Baci a couple of days ago, the last time she felt like looking out of the window. It was time to set her free this morning, and I made sure she went out like a queen: flowers, candles, sunshine. My most heartfelt thanks to Dr. Smith of Tacoma Cat Hospital for everything he did to make both our lives easier. And now - well, to stop crying, and to start figuring out what Elizabeth will do with all this fresh space for domination.

And, also, to offer a bit of this tribute Joachim du Bellay (1522-1560) wrote for his gray friend Belaud in "Epitaph for a Cat" . . .

Belaud was my favourite,
Belaud my companion quite,
In my room, at bed and board,
Closer friendship did afford
Than by any dog is lent.
He by night ne'er howling went,
Like those dreadful cats who wake
Sleepers and night hideous make.
Oh, my little Belaud! would
To heaven I had wit so good,
And a style of such high worth,
As to blaze thy merits forth;
Then, Belaud, I swear and vow,
That in verse as fine as thou,
You should live on earth, while cats
Wage unceasing war on rats.

37 comments:

Katnip Lounge said...

My sincerest sympathies on the loss of your Dear Baci. It is so hard to lose a loved one, but as long as you remember her, she will always be with you. Purrs from the Kitties.
Love, Trish

Rowdy and Bette said...

Sending warm wishes your way on the loss of your beloved Baci.


((hugs))

A few Good Cats said...

We're sorry to hear the sad news about Baci, and are sending comforting vibes and purrayers. She was well-loved her entire time with you, and you'll always have many good memories of her.

cate said...

Oh gosh! I'm so sorry to hear the news! I feel very sad, cats own your heart and when they go they take a piece with them. That's really a sweet picture - sending lots of love XOX

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

I am so deeply sorry. This made me cry...I remembered when I had to let my Bobo "fly away"....I am so sorry....

Quill and Greyson said...

We are so saddened to hear of your loss Curator. Purrs and healing hugs to you.

Quill and Greyson said...

I hope you don't mind, I just let the CB know of your loss.

KC and the Giggleman Kitties said...

Fin just let us know about sweet Baci.
We are so saddened to learn of your loss.
I's maked a tribute to Baci on The Cat Blogosphere.
We are all sending you purrs and soft headbumps.
Love,
KC (Reepurrter for The Cat Blogosphere)
Missy Blue Eyes
Faith Boomerang
Sol
Smokey
Brutus Jr.
Mom ML

Catsparella said...

That is a lovely picture..I'm very sorry for your loss of sweet Baci. Please accept my condolences *hugs*

Karen Jo said...

I am so very sorry that Baci had to fly away. Herman and Emma send comforting purrs.

Everycat said...

Curator, we are so sorry to learn that dear Baci has gone to frolic with Belaud and all the other wonderful cats that have come before. We send you love and rumbly purrs and know that sweet memories of Baci will make you smile again one day soon.

Whicky Wuudler
Oliver
Gerry
& Jane The Ape

Kea said...

We're so sorry it was Baci's time to go to the Bridge. We're sending soft purrs and universal Light to help comfort you.

(((Hugs))) and kitty kisses,

-Nicki, Derry, angels Annie and Chumley and mom Kim at Fuzzy Tales

Hannah and Lucy said...

We are so sorry to hear your sad news - we didn't know Baci but we know that she was your dear ladycat. She is now at Rainbow Bridge looking down on you with love and enjoying the sunshine and beautiful scenery. We are sure she will keep watch over you with love.
Luve Hannah, Lucy & mum Sue xxxxxx

Alasandra, The Cats and Dogs said...

Our deepest sympathies on the loss of your Dear Baci. It is so hard to lose a loved one, but as long as you remember her, she will always be with you. Comforting purrs.

Jans Funny Farm said...

We too are very sorry for the loss of your dear Baci. Hugs, purrs and tail wags.

meowmeowmans said...

We're so very sorry to hear about Baci's passing. Please know you are in our thoughts, purrs and prayers.

Random Felines said...

We didn't get to know Baci, but please know that mom has tears for you. We are sending purrs and kittie kisses.

Forty Paws said...

We are so sorry that Dear Baci had to cross over. Our purrs and purrayers are coming to you. And many hugs. It is difficult to lose a loved one.

Luf, Us and Maw

Elaine Pritchard said...

So sorry to hear of your loss.

Our thoughts are with you xxx

Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats said...

We did not know Baci before she flew away, but we can see she was a very special kitty and may the sweet memories of her love soften your sadness...

Meowers from Missouri said...

oh, woes! we's furry sorry to read that baci haf gone to the bridge. we knows you did right by her the whole time you liffed wif her, an' at the furry last, too. we blesses you fur yer love an' kindness, an' are sure SHE does, too.

The Misadventures Of Me said...

Tears will always fall, its when we remember the happier times do we smile again. (((hugs)))

Mom Laure

Headbutts and purrs,

Molly
Shadow
Trooder
Mooch
I is Jake!

The Tower Hill Mob said...

We are sorry that beautiful calico Baci has gone to the Bridge. We will purr in her memory tonight.
Toby and Cupcake

Poppy Q said...

So sorry for the loss of your sweet Baci. Hugs to all.

Julie and Poppy Q

The Island Cats said...

We are so very sorry to hear about Baci. We send you comforting purrs and hugs to help during this sad time.

Wally, Ernie, Zoey and mom Sue

Kaz's Cats said...

I'm so very sorry for your loss. It's wonderful that you put her needs first and found the right time to let her go. She'll always be with you in memory,

{{{hugs}}}

Karen

Cats of Wildcat Woods said...

Sending you lost of purrs in sympathy for the loss of your dear Baci.

Kat's Kats said...

May the memories of love outweigh the grief of loss.

Purrs & prayers,
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Kitty Horde & their Feeders

Ikaika said...

Gentle purrs and comforting thoughts on the loss of sweet Baci.

The Lee County Clowder said...

Sending comforting purrrrrrss and gentle headbutttss to Elizabeth and the Curator.

curator said...

Dear friends old and new,

How wonderful you have been and how kind to take a moment tosend love for me and Baci. I miss her so. It'll be a while before I can even think of a new kitten; losing her was the end of an era. But I really am comforted by how sweetly I could let her go - and by all your words and headbutts.

jen said...

I am so sorry to hear about your loss, sending warm wishes your way.

parlance said...

I'm sad to hear of your loss. I was once told to honor my tears. Honor your tears as a symbol of your love.

DamnCuteBunny said...

Curator, this post was so sad to read. I hope you can feel my deepest sympathy and comforting vibes sent to you over the loss of your magical feline companion. Fly free, sweet Baci!

Felted House said...

I'm so sorry to hear that you too have lost a precious companion, and thank you for your message about Archie, they do leave such a hole in your life don't they, sending love to you too xxxx

GalleryJuana said...

I've been following your blog for several weeks now and came in just as you were trying to keep Baci comfortable.

You gave Baci many happy days as I'm sure you received from Baci. Hugs to you during this time.

Ann Dziemianowicz said...

Oh my goodness. I was out of town that week and didn't know. I am so, so sorry. Sending warm thoughts to you. I believe what Katnip Lounge said. She will always be in your heart. xoxo