Monday, June 29, 2020

With Love From Waffles to Katie

WAFFLES:  Hello, earth to Boss! Are you there, Boss? Come in, Boss. 


WAFFLES:  Lots of people are really sad that you're not here, Boss. Especially Glogirly. We're OK, but I'm not really sure what I'm supposed to do without you. Like what if I need advice about girls and stuff. 

And what about breakfast? I don't have anybody's food to steal except my own. And that's not as much fun as stealing yours. 


WAFFLES:  Glogirly says you're not coming back, Boss. Are you sure?? What if I send you directions or something. Is there GPS where you are, Boss? 

Don't worry about your frog and your purple fuzzy heart. I'll take care of them until I see you again. 


One Week
A week ago Saturday, I said my final goodbye to my sweet Katie Girl. It took me a few days to gain the courage and strength to read through all the beautiful comments friends left on our blog and on Facebook. I was scared to read them. Missing her so much, I wondered if I would miss her even more. But when I started reading, I realized how much my sweet little girl meant to so many people. People who've been following us since the beginning "shoelace incident" to those that just recently stumbled onto us.

I've never really written about serious topics like nutrition, health, training, etc... It's always been about smiles and fun, with some occasional heartfelt wisdom sprinkled in when Katie tried to explain the meaning of love, life, and loss to Waffles. I hadn't realized what a difference the silly conversations between two cats had made in the lives of our friends and readers.  And how the photos enabled them to become part of so many families other than our own. 

Knowing that someone started their day with Katie, and because of that it was a good day, means the absolute world to me. That her cheeky wisdom and sarcastic wit wiped someone's sadness away is one of the greatest gifts of my life.

I guess what I'm trying to say is thank you. Thank you for loving Katie. Thank you for loving Waffles. Thank you for loving me. I've read through every single comment here and on Facebook and have them all saved with my many memories of Katie. I don't ever want to forget a single one. You all have made this heartbreaking loss bearable. I've felt your love and comfort wrapped around me like a soft blanket.  


I've been keeping Katie's special things close, where I can see them, touch them, and remember her. Her green frog that Gloman gave her 12 years ago. Her purple MOM heart she carried around in her mouth. Our photo from her very first night with us that I later used in our first blog header. And my favorite, the purple ribbon and Happy Anniversary tag she was wearing when Gloman brought her home to me. 

Forever missed.
Forever loved.

Monday, June 22, 2020

Broken Hearts

Dear friends,

Our hearts lay in pieces today. This is a day we knew would come, but prayed never would. We've had to say goodbye to our dear Katie.

Katie passed away peacefully in my arms on Saturday afternoon with the help of a very caring and compassionate vet who made a special trip to our home in the mountains. She let me hold and comfort Katie through everything, which was one of the hardest but most important things I've ever done.

Katie has faced many health challenges in her sweet and furry life. She's rallied and recovered time and time again. We knew her time was fragile and uncertain when she was diagnosed a few years ago with pancreatitis and IBD, diseases that can be treated, but unfortunately cannot be cured. About 10 days ago, Katie's condition deteriorated suddenly and rapidly. She spent the night at the emergency hospital and the results of her blood work were very troubling. When she was stable, I was able to bring her home. The ER vets suggested coming back for more tests in a few days. Katie has been a trooper and a fighter through so much, but after receiving compassionate and wise council from her regular vet, and listening to my own heart, I knew that any outcome would not change the course of her illnesses.

It was time to say no more.

No more Jeep rides to the vet, no more needles, no more tests or exams, no more overnights at the hospital. It was time to make her comfortable at home, where she is most happy and surrounded by love.


In the days leading up to Saturday, Katie spent most of her time snuggled up right next to me on her favorite blanket. We had many hours of quiet conversations, reflection, and girl-time that I will cherish forever. I love her to pieces and I know she loves me with the most unconditional love imaginable.

On Katie's last night with us, Waffles came up to Katie in an uncharacteristically gentle way, touched her face with his nose, and settled down next to her on the blanket. I never knew my heart could melt and break all at once.

I promise to share more about Katie sometime soon. She has shaped my life, my relationships, my career, and this blog since the moment she entered our lives nearly 15 years ago. She deserves a tribute that honors that. I just need some time to hold her memories, and her biggest fan Waffles, close to my heart.

With love and gratitude,
Glogirly


Katie's last portrait, taken by Gloman.



Monday, June 15, 2020

Knock-Knock! Who's There???

WAFFLES:  Hey Boss! Your 2:00 is here. 


KATIE:  My what???

WAFFLES:  Your 2:00. He's right here waiting outside the office door. Don't you have a meeting?

KATIE:  Uh, NO. Just like everyone else, we're working from home. So if some guy is showing up here for a meeting, he better go home and zoom us, or skype us, or something. 


MR. TWO O'CLOCK:  Zoom??? Skype??? What the heck does that mean? I'm here for snacks, not some zoomy-skypey thing.


KATIE:  Don't feed the interlopers, Waffles.


WAFFLES:  I think he likes me, Boss. Did you see his shoes?! 


MR. TWO O'CLOCK:  Shoes??? Who ARE these clowns?



WAFFLES:  Yup, he totally likes me.


Oh, DEER!
We were all hanging out in the office today when all of a sudden, a young deer just walked right up to the door. He was super curious and was completely fascinated with us. He especially had eyes for Waffles. He must have stayed by the door for 30 minutes. If we had opened it, (which we NEVER would) he'd have walked right in.

Hopefully, Mr. Two O'Clock hasn't been given food by any humans, but we're afraid he maybe has considering how brave and tame he seemed to be. We have a very strict do-not-feed-the-wildlife rule here. Except for the hummingbirds. The sweet, sugar-water bar is always open for them.

Monday, June 8, 2020

The Stud Finder has Found Waffles

WAFFLES:  Hey look, Boss! Glogirly's stud finder really works. She's pointing it at me and it's beeping like crazy! 


KATIE:  Clearly this thing is defective if it thinks you're a stud, Waffles. It's supposed to find studs in the walls


WAFFLES:  You mean there are other handsome mancats living in our walls???


WAFFLES:  I don't have to share my breakfast with them, do I?


About Today's Photos
We're starting some repair work in the house we've been anxious to tackle ever since we moved in. Waffles and the stud finder are ready! Not sure if the people doing to work are ready for Waffles though! 

Monday, June 1, 2020

Strange Bedfellows

WAFFLES:  Hey Boss, are you sleeping?

KATIE:  I was.


WAFFLES:  What's Gloman going to say if he sees us sleeping together?

KATIE:  Frankly, you should be more concerned about what I'LL say.

WAFFLES:  Who's Frank?


WAFFLES:  Here he comes! Act natural, Boss.



About Today's Photos
When Glogirly woke up the other morning, she couldn't believe her eyes. Both Waffles AND Katie were sleeping soundly side by side, next to her in bed. She actually texted Gloman who was in the living room to tell him he should sneak into the bedroom to take a look. He did. And of course, he grabbed his camera on the way.

Because without photographic evidence, it never happened.


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