Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Figaro 1992-2008 R.I.P.

Figaro

Orlando, Florida 1992, Figaro The Cat was adopted and quickly became a great companion for my little dog, Bradley. For the next eleven years, Figaro and Bradley were best buddies.

Figaro was the sweetest cat, he never, ever hissed-- his entire life. He was incredibly docile and mellow, with a strong affinity for baked salmon.

In November of 2003, Figaro's life was turned upside down when we brought our first child home from the hospital and two days later his best buddy, who had been very ill for about a year, finally had to be put to sleep.

Figaro and Bradley by you.

After adding a second child to the mix, we moved from Dallas to Florida. Then a year later we picked up and went to Australia while he stayed in Florida with my mom.

My mom has been the sole support person for us since we've been in Australia.
Mom, I hope you really do read my blog...

Dear Mom,

In the last year and a half you've taken such wonderful care of the cat, and we really appreciate it. Thank you for brushing him, snuggling him, and making him purr so loud we could hear him through the phone.


We know you gave him all kinds of special attention, and it's so comforting for us to know how much you loved him.

Thanks Mom, I love you.

Love,
Laura

Figaro, a.k.a. Figgy, you will be missed.

Figaro by you.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3197/2960503709_f681c833cb.jpg?v=0



Share

24 comments:

Karen said...

What a beautiful cat. My sympathies, I know how hard it is to lose a pet.

Gypsy said...

Oh, what a beautiful little sweetheart. I'm so sorry he's gone. {hugs}

Just Me said...

Hi Laura,

I'm not really a cat person, but Figaro is GORGEOUS! I'm so sorry for your loss, it's difficult losing a pet, especially when you're overseas. I know how hard it is to say goodbye when you move, we had to give away our beloved Labrador, Teddy, when we came to the US. Bless your mother for looking after Figaro!

Bimbo Baggins said...

Awwwwwwww....poor Figgy.

He reminds me of the cat in that movie, "Cats and Dogs". You know, the evil one?

Dianne said...

So sorry, Laura, about the loss of Figgy. Sending hugs from the Southern Highlands, from me and our seven furry felines.

Marvin said...

What a lovely animal. How nice of your mum to take care of him...how sad that he had to leave while you were away.

JD at I Do Things said...

Oh, I'm so sorry. Figaro was obviously beautiful, sweet, and loved. It must have been so hard for you to be away from him, but it sounds like your mom took real good care of him. I'm really sorry for your loss.

JD at I Do Things

Rassles said...

So sorry for fluffy gato. He looks clean and lazy and glorious and loved, like pets should be.

Jill Stevens, Licensed Acupuncturist, Chinese Herbalist said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jill Stevens, Licensed Acupuncturist, Chinese Herbalist said...

Thanks for making me cry at work. This is a sad sad thing. I will miss him sooo much. :(

But alas Figgy will live on this year at the San Francisco Dia de Los Muertos/Halloween celebration. I dedicate this years annual San Francisco Day of the Dead celebration to the Figgster, and will be dressing as a big white fluffy kitty in honor of the little guy. Poor little fellow, but I will tell you that some cultures got it right when they learned to celebrate the deceased and not just grieve. I'll send you pictures- because let me just tell you my Figgy tribute is gonna be awesome.

Jill Stevens, Licensed Acupuncturist, Chinese Herbalist said...

god. i can't stop reading your blog. i am so sad about figgy. he really was the best cat ever (besides teven and bogie) and just the sweetest thing ever. i remember when i slept in your apartment in orlando one time with a friend and had a full on asthma attack from all his white fur. but i got over all that didn't i? who says asthma and cat allergies aren't curable? they never knew a cat that made it worth it. oh figgy. you really will be missed. :(

Laura said...

Thanks guys. It's so sad, and my mom is the saddest about it. I'll pass all the sympathy on to her! Y'all are the best.

PamelaRose said...

Figaro. I am the first one to be surprised at...ME! Never liked cats and never expected to do much more than tolerate; however, he and I hit it off when I met this little kitten on a weekend visit to Orlando many moons ago. You, daughter, were still asleep and I, trying to be quiet, crept into the living room. Figgy and I bonded. He sat on my lap, meowed his little meow-bark, purring so loud I thought that alone would wake you. Then, only weeks before your move to Australia I was asked to take charge of the little fellows' care, feeding and well being because you knew "I would take loving care of him and ENJOY IT"! Though I denied it so, you were right. I enjoyed this white fluff, making me laugh at his meow-bark, watching him toss a crumpled paper "toy" across the room, and then chase some phantom from room to room at dizzying speeds! I loved when he would slink towards my lap, as though he were invisible, stop a moment, then slink the rest of the way onto my lap, tuck his paws under himself and have a good nap!
I believe that his last week, while not feeling well, he knew I loved him. His last days he not only lay on my lap but truly wrapped himself onto me and I felt he became a part of me.
I was surprised tonight to see your tribute to that little fluffy ball of fur...and you know how easily I cry, and cry I did. I admit it....I loved Figaro. I am going to miss him.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful kitty. We're sorry to hear he passed on. Have you seen the Rainbow Bridge poem?

Laura said...

Anater- Yep, it was posted at my old vet's office-- made me cry everytime I went there.

Mom- You really should get another pet, well maybe you should just move to Australia instead. I love ya.

Boy looking at those photos it's pretty obvious who never makes their bed huh?

traceyleigh said...

awww that is so sad when a pet dies and I cried when I read your mom's response!
{{hugs}} to you both

Anonymous said...

your cat looks lovely, sounds like he was well loved too.

Bluestreak said...

sorry to hear about your kitty.

SuperMindy said...

sorry to hear about your kitty cat :(

It's awful to lose a pet especially when you have to be so far away from them.

Anonymous said...

It's funny how many cats are named Figaro! My sister had one and my college roommate also had one. Beautiful cat and I'm sorry for your loss...

Anonymous said...

Aw sorry to hear about your kitty. :(

Laura said...

Tracyleigh- I felt the worst for my mom.

SSG- Thanks.

Bluestreak- Thanks.

SuperMindy- Thanks, yep.

Anonymous- I had no idea there were lots of Figaros. Thanks.

Tors- Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Awwww.. So sad. :-( Losing a pet sucks. I'm sorry to hear about Figaro.

Laura said...

Thanks Corrina :)