Oh...I am so sorry. This is the first time I've ever posted, but I just had to this time. I'll be thinking of you.

Oh my dear Laurie. My heart to you darlin.
That song reminds me of my daddy - who is in heaven too. tears for both of them from me.

OMG, I'm crying at work and it is 7 hours before I can rush home to hug my dog. My thoughts are with you - every pet owner dreads the moment you just described so eloquently.

I'm a long time lurker but just wanted to share my sympathies on the loss of your best friend. He found pure happiness in you and died peacefully knowing a good life in the end. *hugs*

I'm so sorry Roy's gone. I know what it's like to lose the cat who's there for you. It's hard.

I am crying right now having just read about Roy. My sincere condolences. Pets are special--they always accept you for who you are. Give the other kitties a big hug, if they'll let you!

Oh, Laurie. I am so SO sorry. I am sitting here at my desk crying uncontrollably. Even though we've never met, and I have never seen Roy in person - I have always loved to hear about your sweet, old man-cat.

What a lovely story, a lovely tribute to him. Losing a much loved pet can be so painful. I am so happy that Roy found a home where he was loved, and that he -in turn - could offer you love as well. I'll be praying for you!

xoxo
Julianne

((((hugs)))) Laurie - I'm so sorry. Roy was a good kitty and we'll all miss him.

Sad, sad, sad day. His love will always stay in your heart of hearts.

Oh, poopy doop. When I finally realized you were talking in the past tense, I started tearing up. I'm so sorry for your loss Laurie. Hugs, JAM xo

My sympathy and empathy to you and your whole furry family. Irreplaceable and loved. Almost a year ago my dog left us, really old the vet told me at 13 years, and I threw myself on his bed and sobbed even though I got to have 13 wonderful years with him. [hugs and back pats from Los Altos] Now if I could just stop crying before my 10:00 meeting.

Oh, I'm so sorry. I wish I knew what else to say. Many hugs.

Oh Laurie! :( That was such an amazing story and a wonderful tribute to Roy. I don't think I've ever posted before, but that story moved me and I figured I had to say something.

I'm not really a "cat" person, but I do love all your stories and now, especially this one.

Thanks for sharing. Spread the love to the other cats. :)

I'm so sorry. I feel like crying but I can't because I'm at work. Roy couldn't have had a better mom. You were both blessed to have each other.

Oh hun...so sorry about Roy. Losing a much loved pet is heartbreaking.

-

Oh, I'm so sorry. Your post has me weeping like a loon, and I'm in work. Poor Roy, but lucky Roy too.

Laurie, the story of Roy's passing made me tear up. I'm glad his end was peaceful.

It reminded me of when I had to let go of my little princess. Like Roy, she'd had a sketchy background, but came to trust me. Complications from (very) old age (20) and diabetes caused us to have her put to sleep. Even thought it was for the best, it was very, very hard.

Laurie, I'm so sorry about Roy. I've been through lots of cat death and it's hard. They are family. And I was getting used to seeing pictures of his soulful face and was fantasizing about fixing him up with my kitty Willow (not her real name, she won't tell me what it is)(picture follows if I can figure out how to send it to you). I think you are doing a good thing, celebrating Roy by telling his story.

I am so so very sorry.
There is no way to ease or comfort.
But I am so sorry.

Oh Laurie, I'm so sorry for your loss! Not many cats come when they're called... (((hugs)))

Oh, I am so very, very sorry. Poor Roy, and poor you for having to say goodbye for now. I'm so sorry he's gone. He's been such a great cat and such a good companion.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Oh, Laurie, I'm so sorry. I was afraid I knew the ending as soon as I read the post title. . . All of my pets (2 dogs, 2 cats) are 13 years old now, and one of the cats is already terminally ill, so I dread having to go through what you're going through now.

At least Roy's life with you was full of love. And your sweet stories about him have given him a lot of internet fans who will cry for him & miss him right along with you.

((((hugs))))

Oh Laurie. :-(

Jesus, I am so very sorry for you. I'm so glad you two found each other. I hear that the roads in kitty heaven are paved with bacon. Old man cats are the best. Goodness, I miss him already for you.

I am seriously sitting here at my desk, eyes welling, hoping nobody comes to talk to me or else I'll burst out into tears. I'm so sorry for your loss, Laurie.

I'm so sorry for your loss. I had no idea where this post was reading until you stated that he has passed on. Oh, Laurie. Everyone will miss Roy. I'll be sure to hug my kitties extra tight when I get home, and tell them about him. I AM crying at work-I can't help myself.

As I was reading this fabulous story of Roy and how you two came to be, I was just filled with kitten love...it's such an amazing story! When I came to the end, I just had to write you to say how incredibly sorry I am that you lost such a special friend. I am so sorry for your loss.

Oh, Laurie, I'm so sorry! Such a loss, to lose an old and loving friend like that! You are in my thoughts.

So sorry to hear of Roy's passing. He was more than a pet to you - he was a good friend, part of your family. Long live Roy's memory. (hugz)

I am so, so sorry. You and Roy and the other kitties will be very much in my thoughts and my heart. Much love to you all.

Oh, Laurie, I am so sorry. I'd cried buckets before I got to the end of your post. I feel your pain.

Laurie, I'm so so sorry for you and the other kitties. I hope you're holding up okay.

Fiona, Dapper, Sasha and I are all so sorry for your loss. Hugs from me and my furry friends.

The tears are rolling down my cheeks. I've loved all your Roy stories,....I'm so sorry you lost your dear friend.

I'm so sorry, Laurie. He was something special. Now I need to find the tissues...

I am so sorry Laurie, I wish i were home, i could have a cleansing cry.....I had to take my glasses off, wipe my eyes, blow my nose.....

I was reading your story, and my heart just sank when the words turned to past tense, oh no! I thought, no.....

It has been 5 years, July 26th, that my Rusty dissappeared, he loved ME like that.....and i him...damn here come the tears again!

Take care, let the tears flow.

Sherri
SW Minnesota

Oh, Laurie. I am so, so sorry. I started crying as soon as I read the first line. I just knew. You wouldn't be telling the Story of Roy unless it was the end of the story.

I am so glad to know his story. I send so many animals off in the pet placement business, and even though I know they are well placed, the ends of their stories are uknown. I can only wish them happiness with their new people, and hope they have many years full of love.

You gave Roy that love, and after he had such a bad start in life. He'll be patiently waiting for you on the other side, to sing to you and purr, when it's your turn to cross over.

Oh sweetie, I am crying now, for Roy, and for my little hamster, Penfold, and for my fishie, Bob. Much love to you. I'm glad you have The Story of Roy, even if you cant have Roy any more.

I was starting to tear up before I realized what was going on--what a beautiful story. Now I'm trying hard not to cry at work. My deepest sympathies are with you. I lost my 2 old cats in the last few years and still miss them so much.

I remember something I read here on the interwebs, a few years ago -- I understood it profoundly, and I think you would, too: "All the love that I don't know where to put at the end of the night would go into this pet. And she gave it back to me in subtle ways."

I'm glad that you and Roy had each other, and that neither of you felt the need to be subtle about your love.

Oh baby Roy! We all loved you so much and you brought such happiness to your Mama. Enjoy Kitty heaven and keep an eye on your family.

Laurie, Thanks for sharing your wonderful baby. It is never easy but it is so worth every minute you got to spend his love.

Love and Hugs,
Clara

Laurie, I am so sorry to hear about Roy. You both are lucky to have had each other. there is nothing better than an "Old Soul". My heart goes out to you and the rest of your fur baby family.

Oh Laurie, I'm so sorry! I was afraid that's where you were going when I started reading.

I lost a cat this winter to kidney failure (and maybe to the poison cat food, but no way to know for certain) after 12 years. Ghost was much like Soba - small, evil, and destined to take over the world. Morgan the poofy-cat spent much time lurking around corners waiting to ambush her, but she never would show up. The dog didn't know what to do without a tiny little cat to boss him around. (And you haven't seen anything until you've seen a seven-pound cat make a hundred-pound dog _heel_.)

I'm glad that you and Roy had so much good together, and so damned unhappy that they just don't live as long.

Laurie, I'm so sorry to hear about Roy. I'll hug my kitties in his honor tonight when I get home.

Oh Laurie, I'm so sorry. He was a very special little old mancat, and that was a beautiful tribute to him. Thank you for sharing. Big hugs to you during this sad, sad time.

Oh honey. I'm so sorry for your loss. I still remember losing my cat, the same summer I lost my father, and that emptiness that just seemed to grow and grow and grow. But then I remember my kitty, who used to meet me at the corner to walk me home from school, who let me pet her belly when nobody else was allowed, and who loved me. Hang in there.

Oh Laurie, I'm so sorry. He was a very special little old mancat, and that was a beautiful tribute to him. Thank you for sharing. Big hugs to you during this sad, sad time.

Oooh Laurie. I am so sorry.

you were so lucky to have roy in your life.

roy was so lucky to have you.

that kind of love will always come back to you.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Give the rest of the kids (and yourself) a hug from me.

Such a beautiful tribute. May Roy find you in your dreams.

Bye, Roy...

*hugs*

I am so sorry Laurie.

Laurie -

I noticed the past tense and started crying before I got to the end. There's really not much else I can say, but I'm sorry and my thoughts are with you. The pain is so hard, but all that joy they bring really makes it worth it I think. I big hug for you from the Stuff family and Livi too , of course. XO

Cats are the best. Roy was an exceptional friend. He will be in your heart, where you need him most.

Whisper to Roy that we loved him too.

Oh, Laurie, I didn't even see that coming, and now I'm sitting here crying at work. I'm so sorry. So very sorry.

Goodbye Roy. Your wisdom, even at a distance, has inspired us all. We'll miss you.

I'm truly so very sorry.
I started crying when you started writing in past tense and when I got to the end I was literally Roy T Cat will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge.
RIP Roy.

So sorry Laurie.

Such a beautiful and touching post. I'm sure Roy is waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge.

you made every day of roy's life better. he will be missed by an entire community - my thoughts are with you.

I got as far as "All the other cats adored Roy, he was their Hemmingway,..." and realized what you were about to say. I'm so sorry.

I've been lurking for a while but just had to comment today. I'm so sorry!! Every time you wrote about Roy, it was so clear how much you loved each other.

Laurie,

What a lovely tribute to good Ol' Roy! I can't remember if I've commented before (probably not), but I've been enjoying your blog, ever since a friend noted it as one of her favorites.

Pets are wonderful companions, and Roy is a great example of how much they can fill your life with joy and comfort it with companionship.

I don't consider myself a "cat person" (not that there's anything wrong with that ;) ), since I grew up with dogs for pets, but have had cats and loved them, and they're special animals. We don't always enjoy the special-ness you had with Roy; how wonderful that you not only had that gift, but also the delightful eloquence to share with us while you're grieving his loss.

Hugs,
Margie

I am so very sorry you lost your (our) Roy. You made his life happy for so many years, Laurie, and in return he gave so much love. Roy's in kitty heaven, in a kittie pi, eating some bacon, sending you comfort and kisses for all the wonderful years you gave him.

I can only say I'm sorry and I'm sorry and I am so very sorry. The Sobakawa, Frankie and Bob will miss him as much as you, so I hope you all snuggle together and comfort each other.

Laurie --
I am so very, very sorry to hear about Roy. Having had two of my "old men" cats pass away, I know how you must feel. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Roy was very, very lucky to have you as his mom.
Peace,
Chris.

Roy!!!
(had to say it one last time)

Laurie, I'm so sorry. I'm sitting here crying too.

I'm sure there's bacon at this end of the Rainbow Bridge where he's waiting -- and of course at the other end too.

I"m so sorry to hear about Roy. Poor little guy. He was blessed that came into his life when you did. You made a great life for him.

RIP

Oh, Laurie. I am so sorry. Virutal hugs to you and the other kitties from across the USA.

I am crying at work, I have had to close my door. I can't even imagine your pain right now. My family's thoughts are with you.

Oh I'm so sorry to hear about Roy's passing, but it sounds like he had a wonderful life with you, and a peaceful passing, and that is all anyone can hope for.

What a lovely tribute.

Oh Laurie, I'm so sorry to hear it. I'm glad you had so many good memories.

Oh, lord, I am crying as I write to you. I had no idea where your blog post was going. Hugs to you, but you seem to have a good attitude about your loss, better than mine at the moment. I lost my Buggsy last May and was totally devastated for 4 days (hysterical crying) before my grief began to ease up. I hope you believe as I do that all cats go to heaven...I'm sure my Stripe and Buggsy have already met and welcomed Roy. I chose them the same way you chose Roy and Soba...give me the cats no one else wants. Roy was lucky to have found you.

Oh god Laurie, I can't even imagine. ((hugs)) to you. Roy was so incredibly lucky to have you.

What a lucky, lucky cat Roy was to have found you. I'm so sorry, Laurie.

Laurie, I'm so sorry. You and Roy were very lucky to have each other.

Laurie... my heart goes out to you. Just last year we had to put down my childhood dog of 14 years, so I know how hard it is. Hang in there and give the other kitties lots of love.

Thank you. I just wanted to tell you that from your stories over the past few years I loved Roy already. Many many condolences. I didn't know that a blog would ever make me cry...

I am very sorry for your loss. Try to focus on how he will always be warm now and no longer in pain. Please convey my condolences to your other fur babies, who must miss him terribly.

My Patchy cat, whom I adopted when she was 11 years old, was the ugliest bowling ball looking calico, passed on at 18 years of age due to mouth cancer. She left the world in my arms, and when her body went limp I swear I could feel her pain leave her and knew she was at peace.

I'm glad I have a cold right now so I can blame my teary eyes on the virus. I am so sorry to hear about your loss, Laurie. Roy was a wonderful cat and I'm so glad I got to know him vicariously through your writing.

RIP Roy 'ole boy. I'm sorry for your loss, Laurie. :hug:

My special cat, Phoebe, and I wish you, Bob, Frankie, and Soba the comfort of fond memories of sweet Roy.

Laurie, I'm so very sorry. I lost my Shane in February after 11 years together--just him and me so much of the time--so I know how you're feeling. Roy knew how very much you loved him, and he obviously loved you, too. You gave him such a happy life, and that's the best thing you can do. You're in my prayers.

Laurie (((((hugs))))
Sounds like you two were destined to know one another. Love to you and your kitties!

Oh Laurie I'm so sorry for your loss - they leave a huge hole when they go - I'm sitting here with a lump in my throat and tears hovering - I never dreamed that was where your post was going. Hugs

I'm so sorry for your loss. It sounds like you were incredibly lucky to have each other.

Oh dear.. I'm so so sorry, Laurie. You and Roy had true love. He lived a grand life once you saved him and he paid you back with his love.

Sending hugs your way.

What a beautiful post....the best eulogy that I have ever heard or read. Much love and strength to you.

so sorry, laurie. no advice to give, just sending you good thoughts and hugs through this here internet. i'll miss roy, too.

I am so sorry to hear about Roy. Our thoughts and hugs go out to you and your furry babies.

Dear Laurie,

Your post is beautiful and brought tears to my eyes. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Oh honey, I'm in tears here. Sending you the biggest virtual hugs I can. He'll always be with you.

laurie,
you dont know me, but i know you. i have been reading but have never posted. i was hoping this day would never come. im so sorry. this makes me cry.
=^..^=
xo, amy

Oh Laurie, my heart is breaking for you and all of us that love Roy. As you always say, everyone loves Roy. We will miss you sweet boy. Love, GL

Laurie, I'm so sorry. Your story of Roy is so touching. Yep, I'm shedding a few tears here too.

Oh Laurie, my heart is breaking for you and all of us that love Roy. As you always say, everyone loves Roy. We will miss you sweet boy. Love, GL

Lost my kitty last September. He'd had me for 14 years. I cried when I read about Roy, but you're so right that you'll encounter him again.

I wrote about my kitty, Wooster, on my blog. It helps to share their stories.

Here's to Roy!

that is sweet- and I am sorry. big inappropriate hug...

Laurie, I am so sorry. What a wonderful tribute to your old man cat. Roy was my favorite.

Laurie, I am so very sad for you and the other kids. I rescue older cockers so I have had my share. They usually tell me their names too so I am there with you on that one. Hugs and blessings to you, Barbara

I'm so sorry Laurie. It's a beautiful story about you and Roy.

Love to you, Laurie, from another total stranger to whom you speak across the innernets. Lola and I will celebrate Roy with an extra Pounce tonight!

Oh, I am so sorry to hear this. I couldn't stop crying here at work. I'll be thinking of you and Soba.

Oh, Laurie, I'm so sorry! You caught me off guard here... now my SO is going to come out here and find me sobbing over a cat I never really met.

{{{{{{{{{ Laurie }}}}}}}}}}}}

I'm so sorry for your loss.
May he be in a place with lots of bacon and catnip.
Best thoughts to you and the rest of your kitties. All ya'll will miss him.

Laurie, Roy was way my favorite of your cats. My grandfather's name was Roy, my brother's middle name was Roy, and my little one's middle name is also Roy. So I have loved me a big pile of Roy in my life, two of whom are now gone. It's a good good name. I hope you are able to someday find another Roy, as I have. It is a fine thing to love, and be loved unreservedly. Some would say, the only thing. My deepest condolences.

Having followed your blog for a couple of years and also lost a cat of my own in that time, it really touched me to hear of your story with Roy. I hope you are doing well and you are in my thoughts.

Laurie,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss- he was a beautiful cat. You wrote a wonderful tribute.

So I was having a bad day at work and had to take 5 minutes from day 3 of an intense 4 day training session and I thought "oh good, I'll go read CAP." So I log in and to my delight there is a picture of Roy and I started reading and it was lovely and halfway down I got the feeling of dread and then, as I knew what would happen, got to the end with tears streaming down my cheeks.

Laurie, I am so sorry for your lost of the one who loved you the best.

Oh my God Laurie, I was not expecting the end to that story, that's how good a writer you are. I did not see that coming. I was laughing at "big grey smoky lonesome" and thinking how sweet it was that he waited for you at the door every night, and now I am nearly sobbing. Sweet, sweet Roy. Laurie, I'm so sorry.

(((hugs))) and love to you and Frankie and Soba and Bob. Roy was so lucky that you found him and took him home when you did, and so were you - you brought so much to each other's lives. And I'll never hear that song again without thinking of Roy. :)

I am so very sorry.

Oh my God, Laurie! I'm so sorry. I can't imagine how you're feeling right now. :o( Just know that my arms and 22 sets of kitty paws in Ohio are virtually on your shoulders right now.

I lost my very much loved bichon 3 years ago, it was sudden. He was only 8 years old - very young for an otherwise healthy puppy. I too was heart broken...he was the first critter that I had raised from a puppy myself and he had been with me though some very difficult times as well. He actually died at my mother's house while she was dog sitting while I was having some work done on my house. As a result, he couldn't spend the day at home...I think it was best that he passed there.
One night when I was on the phone to my mother sobbing because I missed my boy, she told me something that still sticks with me and helped then and now. She told me that, perhaps, my bichon knew that better times were ahead so he knew it was OK for him to move on to a better place. Maybe, as difficult as it is now, Roy somehow knew your life is better and more settled and that you didn’t need him in the same way as before. He knew it was OK to move on to play with the other kitties that have passed. Not to be all metaphysical (‘cause, really, I am not usually) I really do think our fur babies can sense these things...

My heart goes out to you.

I am so terribly sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences.

your beautiful tribute had me in tears since Roy looks very much like one of our cats Ceylon who passed away 4 years ago. He was very beautiful.

PS: Definitely piano player in a martini lounge. And I hope to see him there someday. :)

I'm so, so sorry Roy is gone. This was a wonderful tribute to him and your memories together. I know what it's like - every time you give your heart to a pet it's a heartbreak waiting to happen. But always worth it.

Laurie,
Even though I don't actually know you or Roy, I feel like I do. I am soo sorry for your loss. I will miss him too.
{hugs}

We always get more from the four-footers than we can possibly give them.

Darling, I'm so very sorry you lost someone so beloved. Please keep in mind that you gave him probably all the love and so much more to eradicate the cruelness of his earlier life. (It was we owners of rescued animals do.) My thoughts are with you.

My heart goes out to you and your kitty family. I understand how a special feline can fill your heart completely (I have several myself)what a beautiful tribute you have written for Roy.

I'm so sorry, Laurie. I know what it's like to lose a pet and it's as awful and wrenching as losing a human loved one.

I started reading with a coffee and cookie and by the end the cookie was all crumby tears :(

Sending hugs, tea and sympathy xx

That was a beautiful story (for a handsome cat). I'm sorry for your loss.

Sometimes you lock eyes with a cat when he comes into your life and you know you have known each other for a long, long time.

One of my baby cats, Reggie, looks so much like Roy that your pictures always make me do a double take. And Reggie is so beautiful and gentle and loving, I know he has a part of Roy's soul.

Other parts are in Bob and Frankie and especially Soba. And a big part is in the next cat to come into your life, who will sometimes do things so much like Roy you won't know where they came from. And the biggest part will be waiting for you, because if our cats aren't in heaven, why bother going?

You had said before that Roy was sick so I have been dreading dreading this day, but now I'm sitting in my cube sobbing hysterically.

I'm so glad you had each other and I'm so sorry he's gone.

Oh Chicky i'm so sorry.
We can't have cats cuz the Guy is allergic. We only just got our pup a couple of months ago.

For over 3 years before that we've had a siamese fighting fish "Gordon". When we moved to this new house i found him dead the next morning. I cried my eyes out but then i realized that pets are
reincarnated. Because Gordon told me, as he lay in the bowl, that he would be at the pet shop next week and to pick him up. I told the Guy and he held me and beleived me too.
And of course i walked into the store and there was Gordon smiling up at me :)
Pets add so much to our lives.
hugs

I am so sorry for your loss. I understand all to well how you feel. I had MY cat from the time I was two until I was 19. You gave Roy so much, and he gave back to you, unconditionally.

You are in my thoughts and prayers, always, but especially due to your very understandable sadness.

Adrienne

I am so sorry. Roy was an amazing cat.

Laurie - De-lurking to pass on sympathy. I am so sorry for your loss. Your tribute to your beloved pet was quite beautiful. Best - Laura

That was a really lovely story and now I'm sitting here crying. I'm so sorry he's gone (for now) and I send you all the good thoughts I have.

That was so, so beautiful. I'm sobbing while I'm sitting at my desk.

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Roy was a special guy and he was very lucky to have found you. Scratch that - you were lucky to find each other.

Oh nooo! God, I so did not see that coming, and I'm sitting here absolutely SOBBING. I'm so sorry, Laurie, so completely sorry. I know what it's like to have that cat that's a true love - almost like a life partner, he's so close to you. I love all these wonderful sweet memories you have of him, and I'm so glad Roy got to know a good complete love from a good person; thank goodness you picked him up and gave him that chance at a happy kitty life. (And maybe a little bit of zucchini terror plots.) Hugs to you, lots of long hugs.

I subscribe to your blog via syndicated feed on livejournal. I don't generally comment, but I just wanted to pass along my condolences on the loss of your beloved old man cat. My heart breaks for you. The kind of unconditional love that you get from a pet is unexplainable to those who aren't animal people and you're never quite the same after they pass away.

I will go home and spoil my 5 furballs tonight with much catnip and tuna juice and light a candle in Roy's name.

I am very sorry to learn of your loss. I hope you can find peace and comfort in the memories of your cherished one.

Oh my, I'm crying like crazy at work. I think you and Roy shared a bit of heaven with each other, how unutterably sweet. What a spirit he had that you found and nurtured to fullness. Here's to bacon, catnip and crinkle caves. I send best bacon-energy to your home for you and your furry family.

Laurie, I'm so sorry to hear about Roy. My thoughts and prayers will be with you, and with him.

Oh, Laurie. I am so sorry.

I am so very sorry for your loss, deepest sympathy.

I am so so sorry. Roy must have been an awesome cat, and loved you very much.

I'm a big believer in that cats tell you their own names, in their own time.

Kitty love is the best. I will hug mine for Roy

dang.

We are so lucky to have them in our lives but it sucks when we lose them.

I have to go pretend like my allergies are bothering me now. stupid work cubes with no privacy.

Sweet Roy boy.

Laurie, you and Roy are in my thoughts and my heart. Thank you for sharing him with us.

So sorry to hear about Roy. Be sure to keep an eye on the other cats. When one of my cousin's cats passed, the other cat was depressed for weeks.

Oh, Laurie, I am so so sorry. I know how it is to lose the cat of your heart. He was so lucky to have you, and you were so lucky to have him.

laurie,
Hope you can find comfort in the wonderful memories you have of Roy. I am so sorry for your loss. That was a beautiful tribute to Roy and the song is just as lovely!

I am also a long-time lurker, and so truly sorry for your loss; pets are the most wonderful people in the world, and it just plain hurts all over when they leave us.

Roy was clearly the King of Cats - quite handsome, I might add - and will be missed. I hope Soba is taking the loss okay - I think they know and prepare for it better than we humans do. Many, many hugs of sympathy to her and you - oh, and extra treaty-treats help, too.

Rest a while, both of you, with your memories and Roy's peace; before you know it, you'll be ready to open your heart to another one.

It's all good, Crazy Aunt Purl. Be well.

My heart goes out to you and my thoughts are with you, for the loss of the love of your life.

I'm so sorry about Roy. You and he were lucky to have each other.

Oh, I'm sitting here bawling, now. I'm a long time lurker and only occasional commenter, but felt compelled today. I'm so, so sorry for your loss. I know nothing can fill the void you feel right now. But, take a little comfort in two things. First, you both loved each other and shared a very special bond that can't be broken. That's always been obvious from the way you've written about Roy. Second, there are lots of us out in blogland that are sharing your sorrow and sending hopefully comforting thoughts your way.

Oh, and I forgot - this link is to the Abbie the Cat blog, and he wrote it when his sister, Martha died. I've read it a thousand times, and it still makes me cry. But its really wonderful.

http://abbie.blogspot.com/2005_09_01_archive.html

I'm so very sorry to hear of Roy's passing, but thank you for sharing that wonderful story about him - what a lucky, lucky cat he was to find such a loving owner after all he'd been through earlier in his life. My deepest sympathy to you on your loss.

i am so very sorry for your loss.

Oh Laurie- I'm so, so sorry. I'm going to hug my own little man now, whether he likes it or not. Big hug! Rose

Laurie,
I am so sorry for your loss.
Roy was very blessed to have you, and you him.
{{{HUGS}}}

You poor thing! Loosing our furry friends is just as tough as our human ones. I don't care how crazy I sound. I can still cry over my dog that got hit by a car when I was a freshman in highschool and my cat that died a few years ago that was mine since I was in Kindergarten.

Dear Laurie:

I am crying at work. I am so sorry about Roy. Many hugs.

Magda

that post so did not go in the direction I thought it was going. Need.To.Go.Find.Tissues. Sniff...

I've never posted before but I love your blog and I love reading about your cats (we have 2). I just wanted to say how sorry I am about Roy - you and he obviously had a very special bond.

My cat was there for me through some ridiculously hard times, too. And he always waits at the door for me, too. And now I have to go and annoy him with hugs and cuddles because I'm crying so hard.
Bye bye Roy.

Roy has always been my favorite--
I love the Hemingway image--
But this is one of the best lines ever--

Crazy people love being vindicated, especially by nature's purest accomplice, the house pet.

Roy will always inspire you. Have no doubt that your amazing writing is one of the many places he still lives....

I am so very sorry. Now when I hear that song I'll think of Roy. As an owner of cats and having gone through this a few times, my tears are flowing.

I am so sorry you lost your friend. Like most everyone else I am crying for your little family like a crazy woman at work. Thank you for giving him such a loving home and a beautiful ending to his story.

Oh Laurie, I'm so sad for your loss. I started welling up when I began reading your post - I have two cats that have been my babies for ten years, and I can't imagine life without them. I'm so sorry. I wish you peace and healing.

Laurie

I am so sorry for your loss, but am grateful that you had so many wonderful years with your old man cat.

Oh, Laurie, I'm so, so sorry for you. In the past 5 months, I lost all three of my pets (a mouse and two gerbils). My last gerbil, Gilbert, passed on about two weeks ago and I cried so much for him. It's so lonely in our house now (even though he was in a cage, he was still such a big part of my day) and I miss him so much. My thoughts are with you.

Laurie:
You and Roy were so lucky to have each other.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Be gentle with yourself and hug and love the kitties.

Oh my, this is tough... I had my own kind of Roy who was the cat love of my life and died at only 8. I'm so sorry.
Jeanne

Laurie,
You (and the rest of the heard) have my deepest sympathies; cat people understand each other and I can feel your anguish and love in the words you've written for Roy. I'll miss him all the way here in Minnesota; and will give my heard a few extra treats tonight in Roy's honor.
- ((Hugs))

I'm so sorry.

Now I'm crying at work and reminding myself that it's not strange to cry over a cat you've never met, because you made him so real for all of us...I think all your readers had a special soft spot for Roy. I don't suppose my boss would understand if I asked to go home so I could hug my goofy, needy, adorable cat Fred, another one of those "he needed a home and I needed a cat" kind of stories. We are blessed to have them in our lives and it's never long enough, is it?

I've never commented here before but I look to your blog everyday to make me smile and laugh, but I just wanted to say that I'm sorry for your loss. I have an old man kittle at home who waits for me at the door every day and I can't even imagine how hard it is for you right now. I am sobbing at work right now because I think people like us who love our pets like they are our children have a deep connection even if they've never met. I know words won't bring Roy back but I hope you know everyone here is thinking about you and your kitty family.

Jenn and Felix the kittle in VA

Hi,

Once more with the longtime lurker first time commenter, i just wanted to say how sorry i am about Roy.

Hope you can take solace in all the happy memories you have of him

*hugs*

one last thing: have you told Mr. X? He helped bring Roy into your life, maybe he should know.

*SNIFF SNIFF SNIFF*
I'm so happy that the two of you found each other, and that he didn't end up living his last days in that cage at the shelter.

Whew--didn't see that coming. Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful story.

Oh honey, I'm so sorry to hear that Roy has passed on. The love between you won't pass, and hearing you speak of it has made me cry. I lost my own beloved in 2003, he also was my love, my Big Brave Lion. I was honored to have known him. We will all miss Roy along with you (and Soba). Take good care of yourself and know that we are all thinking of you.

Oh, Laurie...I am so sorry. Even when you know it's coming because they're ill, it doesn't make it any easier. Your tribute to him was beautiful. I am so glad that you two found each other. Hugs to you and your other furbabies.

Oh, Laurie, I'm so sorry. I once lost a cat that was very dear to me so I know your pain.

It is always amazing how something so small can fill such a big space is your life. Thank you for sharing Roy and his life.

I can barely see through my tears and blubbering to write this (thank GOD I have an office with a door). Your story of Roy is SO. TOUCHING. Like you, I find my single, childless self filled with love from my pets (dogs). They are/were the children I don't have and, as ignorant as it may sound, I can't imagine loving a child any more than I love(d) my dogs. My heart goes out to you, Laurie, and I hope your memories comfort you. You and Roy were very lucky to have had each other. ((HUGS))

*hug*

I'm so sorry Roy had to leave. It's a good thing you knew how much you meant to each other and that you had years of knowing each others' names.

I'm so sorry for your loss. You wrote a beautiful tribute to your friend.
{hugs to you}
Kris

Oh, Laurie. I cry whenever I read that a blogger lost a cat, but yours are special - I guess because I think I know them so well. I'm so very sorry. I don't know how I will function when I lose Maggie and Mitsy. I don't think I'll be able to get out of bed. I was sitting here crying at my desk and my boss came over to talk to me and wanted me to tell you that she's sorry too. She has no idea who you are, but she understand your loss, as we all do. Hang in there.

Laurie, I'm so, so sorry. We lost our old man kitty just about a year ago and I think about him every day. Thank you for sharing your beautiful Roy with us.

Oh, Laurie, I'm almost crying but I"m at work so I can't. My thoughts are with you, and thank you for sharing the story of Roy.

Now I can't wait until I get to go home and hug my kitty babies.

Oh, no. I was enjoying the story and the writing, and then I noticed the past tense and jumped ahead and had to grab a tissue before I got caught crying at work. So, so sorry for your loss, but I'm so glad you and Roy had each other for so long and were able to comfort each other.

And if Mr. X was good for nothing else, he was able to give you that story about Roy knowing you were coming!

I am so sorry. Roy was a good, good cat. Your tribute was beautiful and beautifully written. You were a wonderful friend to him.

so sorry for your loss... I am a pet owner, can't imagine how you are feeling :(

Laurie,

I'm so glad you had Roy in your life. It sounds like my Tommy who I lost six years ago. i still miss him. They are all special -- but some of them are extra extra special.

I have tears in my eyes. I knew the end of the story before I finished reading.....
Good thoughts to you today and always.

Why can't our best friends live as long as we do?

I'm so sorry.

Thank you for sharing your baby with us, and thank you for letting us know of his passing so we could mourn with you. Many tears are being shed for Roy from all over the country it looks like.

Good-bye Roy.

I'm so sorry, Laurie.

I can not find the words.

So long snaggle-toothed Roy.

Special people (and I do firmly believe that cats are just little people with fur) come into our lives just when we need them the most.

Roy was your special person.

My heart goes out to you, Laurie. I read your blog all the time and have become as attached to your babies as is humanly possible without ever having met them and as I am a crazy cat lady, that's quite a lot! My best to you and the rest of the fur family.

I am so sorry for your loss.

I need to go hug my cats now.

Oh -- I'm so sorry! Your story of Roy is bringing tears to my eyes. You gave him a wonderful second chance at life when you rescued him and that is so touching. I hope the happy memories of him can cheer you up now when you miss him so much. hugs.

Dearest Laurie,
As is everyone else, I am sitting hear in tears reading your story of Roy. Although we have never met, I check your blog everyday. I, too, was a divorced mother of four cats, only a couple of years older than you. I, too, lost one of my dearest friends of over 19 years only 2 weeks ago. Schoolbus. She was a small grey tabby. But the boss over me and everyone else in the house - the other 3 cats are boys. It is strange to feel so in synch with someone half the way across the country but with so much in common. Roy was as lucky to have you as you were to have him!!

Please remain hopeful in regards to your love life. I unexpectedly found a wonderful (10 years) younger man who is definately my soul mate. I have confindence that you and your kitty family will be as fortunate!

Thanks for everything you share with us,
Tabbetha

Laurie - I'm right there with everyone else who's crying at work. What a beautiful story you told about Roy. I will miss the pictures and stories, but not as much as you will miss him. I's so glad you had him in your life, and you in his, to help each other heal and move on. With hugs and sympathy, Kate

Laurie, I am so so sorry about your loss! I'm reading this at work and people must be wondering why I'm bawling... When I go home I'm going to give my 4 cats an extra hug.

I am so sorry, Laurie. And it will be all right, with time.

I'm so sorry Laurie. Thanks for sharing him with us.

Laurie, you can take comfort in the fact that Roy touched a lot of people all over the world. He was the cat that cheered everyone up when they felt down. He reminded me a lot of my own cat, having been abused before he came to live with me. Both of our kitties opened up and gave us love despite being hurt by others. Cats are special like that. I loved Roy like his was my own kitty and I know whereever he is right now, he's probably eating bacon. We're all thinking of you right now. Hugs are available.

Roy look so like my cat, Asia, who is a chocolate lynx-point siamese. They are a special breed of cat. My husband tells me that as soon as I leave the house Asia paces by the door and will only come sit on him after 20 minutes or so when she has determined that I am not coming back right away. If we are downstairs when she wakes up she yells to us all the way down the stairs as if to say "Where the H-E-doublehockeysticks are you guys". I am so sorry that you have lost him and I hope you find another who is that loving and of course intelligent enough to tell you their name.

I am so sorry. I am glad you could be there when he passed, and you really do have great stories of him. He sounds like a great pet and a wonderful friend.

I will add my hugs from Sweden. I am a lurker too - I enjoy your writings and visit everyday.

Roy was fantastic, as you are to make so many people smile and laugh..........and just feel normal.

Big big hugs on your loss........

Another crier and first time poster. I'm truly sorry for your loss. (((hugs)))

I'm so glad you found each other; both of your lives were the better for it.

oof.
that totally got me.
i'm sorry for your loss. i'm glad you had him in your life, and he you.

I've been lurking for a year but never commented. I'm so sorry. Roy was my favorite to read about.

Long time lurker delurking to say how sorry I am. He sounded like a very loving, sweet pet. My thoughts are with you.

:tears streaming down my face: My wish is for peace to you both. I"m so sorry for your loss.

I'm so sorry. I loved Roy from afar and I'm sitting here in tears now. That sweet little cat angel. Just know that the love too of you have is a special bond that will never end.

Big hugs to you and your cat family.

Damn you, Laurie for making me cry at work. I'm the office hard ass. These people will never take me seriously again.

I'm so, so sorry for your loss. On a lighter note, it took 6 months for us to name our dog. Forever, she was just "Pup". I was certain the time would come that we would find the perfect name, but when the deadline had come to register her we were still at a loss. We sat at the kitchen table. Just staring at each other. I warned him. "If you do not come up with something, I am going to name her Snapperdoodles." And he said fine. I said fine. And out of spite...the greatest dog in the world has the gayest name in the world.

I like Roy's story better. We'll all miss him.

Oh Laurie. I am so, so sorry. Of all your funny animals that you've written about, I loved hearing about him the best.

god's peace be with you.

I am so sorry for your loss. Big tears are pouring.

Oh Laurie, I am so sorry for your loss!!! Roy will always be with you in your heart! That was a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing!

Aw, man.
I know how much you loved that cat.

I am so, so sorry for your loss.

I am so very very sorry.

So sorry, and I've been there so I know how you feel. You will be sad and weepy for a while, but will always remember him fondly.

Remember there's a little bit of Roy in each of the three kittens he helped you raise. I'm sure they'll rise to the occasion and help you through this hard time. They can tell when their people need a little extra love.
My thoughts are with you, and I'll hug my furry friends extra tight this evening.

I'm so sorry for your loss Laurie. We've never met but I think of you as a friend just from reading you and Spicy and I loved Roy. He was such a cutie. Thanks so much for sharing his and your story. Spicy's little ghost sister Fuzzy, aka Chubbers, will keep an eye on him and keep him warm. :)

Oh! I am so sorry for your loss, yet it is lovely to read about Roy and know that he passed on peacefully. I hope his 3 other furry companions will manage without him.

What a great old age he lived! You truly rescued him from kitty hell and gave him a loving home. I hope someday in the future that you'll be able to rescue another darling in need.

We got our Samson and Gracie from the Human Society and have loved them ever since. They become a part of your family!

I'm so sorry to hear about Roy's passing, but thank you so much for sharing his story. I wish I had known him.

I'm another longtime lurker and new poster. I am sitting at my desk crying right now. What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful friend. I'm so sorry for your loss.

I had a feeling when I started reading this post that this would be the news. But I hoped I wasn't right. I'm so sorry for your loss, Laurie.

I'm so terribly sorry for your loss.

Stupid internets. What kind of sense does it make that so many hundreds and hundreds of people can dread the death of a cat they've never even met - because we have all been dreading it, haven't we, even before we saw the subject heading today - and then get so totally broken up by it when it happens? This hits me practically as hard as when my own cats died (each of them with his own bittersweet rescue story). And this is the good news, isn't it, because it's the price we all pay for having had so much joy for so long from a cat we've never even met. It's sad and puzzling and moving and astounding and wonderful all at once.

You gave him a good life and a good death and a beautiful tribute. Can't ask for better than that. Sigh. Time to go hug the cats who are still here.

Divorced, with 3 cats, first time poster, but long-time lurker...I am so sorry that Roy passed on. Through your words I can tell how much you love your cats. Roy was so very lucky to have found you and you were so lucky to have found him. My thoughts are with you :)

I can't read this closely right now because I'm at work, with no privacy, and I will cry buckets for your special cat (I've already gone through a dozen tissues). When I get home, I will read it slowly, and let it all out. I will give Roy his due. There is no doubt in my mind about how loved he is.

Oh God. I am so, so sorry. I have lived for photos of Roy for so long, and I can't believe he's gone. He was my favorite little guy too, even though I never met him.

Thanks Laurie for sharing him with us. I am thinking of you sweetheart.

Lots of love and hugs

Here's to Roy and his Fang: May he always have extra crispy bacon and the sweet love of a Torti Cat. We'll miss you!

Oh Laurie!! A big hug from me and a leg rub from Simon. Roy was a great soul, and I'm sure he's still keeping an eye on you where ever he is.

You can be sure that baby will be waiting at the Rainbow Bridge for you, girl.

Hang in there..........bless your heart. I am so sad for you today.

Oh Laurie...I'm so sorry to hear about Roy's passing. You wrote such a beautiful and loving tribute to him! I'm thinkin' about ya!

oh Laurie and kitty company,

I'm so sorry to hear about Roy. I am crying at work and need to wait till I get in the privacy of my own living room to finish the post; but know that you, Soba, Frankie, and Bob will be in the thoughts of me, Pannenberg, and Dorothy.

(((((((((((((Roy))))))))))))))))

He will be missed by many, whether we were close enough to stroke his fur or could only love him from afar.

Oh, I knew the moment this post started how this was going to turn out. I am so, so sorry, Laurie. You gave Roy a wonderful life. He was so lucky to have you, and you him.

Dear tenderhearted, loving Laurie - I'm sending you virtual hugs. Roy was incredibly blessed to have you in his long life.

About midway through your post, I realized the reason you must be writing it. I hate it when people say 'I know how you feel' - but I do. I lost my heart-kitty to old age a few years ago and I have a similar story about her adoption. Other furry beings have moved into my home, but none into my heart the way Snowy did.

I'd like to think that Snowy was at the Rainbow Bridge to greet Roy upon his arrival...

Much love to you.

Lorrian

Roy reminds me of my Jeremiah whom I rescued from a rat pack family of BOYS when my marriage was just 10 months old. He was a scrawny, long haired Siberian cat, completely petrified of moving legs. One of his first acts in our cramped 400 sq. ft. house was to run out the back door. But since we didn't have a backyard to speak of, he dove under the back stoop steps. I couldn't find him and couldn't find him until I bent down to peek under the stoop. He came to me right when I called him (I already knew his name without asking). It was like a test. "Do you really love me??" After that (and some bribing with tuna juice) we were buddies. My hubby told me Jeremiah, like your Roy, would wait by the door just before I got home. Weird, huh? I wonder how they know.

He passed away just before Thanksgiving. So I am very sorry you lost such a close friend.

Oh laurie, I wish there was something better to say than, "I'm sorry"..but I'm so sorry. You gave Roy the best home he could ask for.

Laurie, I've been lurking for a year now, and finally feel compelled to "come out" of the lurking closet to share my most hearfelt condolences with you. I've been where you are, I've felt the same inconsolable grief, and most importantly, I've known the same unconditional love for an old curmudgeon of a cat that chooses you as his only person. Sometimes the silent kind of love is the best kind, you know?

Roy was a character - the fang, the yellow flower smeared all over his face, the innumerable cuddles with Soba, and the eyes (oh! the eyes) - the kind who leaves a mark on your life through all the years to come. Thank you so much for sharing him with the rest of us crazy knitting cat lady types the whole world over; our lives, too, were enriched for his antics. And you must have noticed - surely, you saw - how angelic he looks in his last portrait.

I am so sorry.

Probably someone told you this already, but did you know that Roy is French for king?

Laurie, my eyes started tearing up as soon as I saw the title of the post. I'm so sorry for your loss, I know nothing I say will help but I'll hug my boys even harder when I get home tonight in his memory, you are in our thoughts.

I am so sorry.

Oh man, we will all miss Roy. I always wondered how he got his name - it makes purrfect sense to me now. Lots of cyber-hugs being sent to you today.

So so sorry to hear of the loss of Roy.

He was lucky to have found you!

My sincerest condolences.

Laurie-

I'm sooo sorry about your loss. But so happy to hear that you rescued Roy from such a terrible life and gave him such a great one! It's such a horrible thing losing such a special friend. I know he'll be missed.

Oh God, I'm so sorry. I'm sitting here crying at work and everyone thought I was crazy until I explained why.

Roy was lucky to have you just as you were lucky to have him. Friends like that are always special and always remembered.

I've lost 4 cats that I loved dearly. I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm sitting here at work with tears in my eyes. There is nothing like the feeling of loving a cat who loved you back unconditionally.

Laurie-

I'm sooo sorry about your loss. But so happy to hear that you rescued Roy from such a terrible life and gave him such a great one! It's such a horrible thing losing such a special friend. I know he'll be missed. My heart goes out to you.

Laurie, that was both sad and beautiful. How wonderful that you and Roy had each other, even if for too short a time.

Be well and know that many are thinking of both of you.

Oh, honey! *giant hug* How sad. I'm glad the two of you had such a special relationship though. I know this is tough.

Losing pets just sucks, especially our special, special old guys.

My condolences.

I just had to delurk and tell you I'm very sorry for your loss...I just don't know what to say.

You totally snuck in his passing in that story though...I'm sitting here bawling at my desk. I'm a nerd, and apparently very hormonal today.

I'm so sorry. Roy will be missed by his fans. My old guy, Guido, who died a month ago, will be there to hang around with him.

Laurie - I haven't read the other comments yet - but I'm weeping and petting on Evangeline and thinking of Roy dancing around over the Rainbow Bridge, and you're the dearest cat-lady I've ever encountered and I'm sending love to you. I am so sorry. Thank you for telling us in that tender and loving way.

Oh, Laurie! I'm just in tears. My sympathies at your loss of Roy.

Oh no!

Oh no.

Godspeed, Roy...I'm one of those late-realizers too and I cried through the last half.

Hugs,
Jen

Oh gods, Laurie. I am so sorry. About halfway through I noticed the past tense seemed... I don't know and then I started crying before you said it. So many Southern hugs from one Texas girl to another.

I am so sorry, not for the life he lived, not that he is at peace now, but that you had to let him go.

I am actually face-scrunched-up-gasping crying, not just teary. That damn Abbie the Cat link was the last straw.

My 19 year old cat still comes when I call... her littermate died last winter, and we still miss her so very much.

I'm so sorry. I really didn't expect that ending when I started reading. I'm glad that poor abused kitty got to know so much love in his life, and that you got so much love in return.

Hey Laurie and kitties,

So sorry to hear about Roy. Bast was certainly looking out for him when she dropped him into your life.

*coming out of lurkdom* Oh - I'm in tears at work. So sorry for you loss.

My heart hurts for you Laurie. I've never even met you or Roy. But it's taken me quite awhile to stop crying at my desk at work for you and your lovely bacon boy. I am lucky I can cry here. My boss brings his dog in every day and understands what these animals mean to us.

For some reason, I had swiped the picture of Roy surrounded by zuchinni the other day and put it on my computer desktop. Everybody loves Roy, you said. Even the vegetables. yes.

I'm so sorry. That was a great story, though. I'm about to cry my eyes out at work.

Laurie, I'm so sorry that Roy has gone on. However, you gave him such a wonderful life and he gave you so much back that it can't be too sad. (She types, sniffing). What a wonderful story. What a wonderful cat.

My heartfelt sympathies to you, Laurie. I lost my best furry friend 4 months ago...I know the pain and loss is great. Hugs to you!

Laurie, Thank you so much for being a good mama to Roy, and giving him such a wonderful life and a loving home. The world needs more people who seek out the forgotten and the unloved. And thank you for sharing Roy with us - I can't help but smile when I see his furry little face, even today, when I am sad to hear he's moved on.

I'm sorry to hear that you've lost your little guy, but I'm so, so glad that you two had each other when you needed to. Hugs to all your fuzzies.

Laurie,
I too am delurking to say how glad I am you and Roy had each other. His death is a lot less sad because of the life he led with you!

I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Roy was pure love and his pictures and antics touched my heart.

Oh, honey.
{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}

I am so sorry for your loss.

My dog Duke is my little man, too, and told me his name was Duke. He says he also would have gone by Cinco.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is sometimes harder than losing a person you're close to, because pets never hurt your feelings.

NO!!!

When I pulled the page up today, I said to myself, "Oh, goody, Roy. I love to read about Roy. How can I love a cat from afar, even if he does look like my cat? I am weird." I even sent a friend invitation to Roy on Catster one time.

I had to run to the bathroom here at the office to cry.

Laurie, I'm so, SO sorry for your loss.

laurie, i am so sorry for your loss. you, roy and the rest of your furry posse are in my thoughts and prayers.... as i have a roy, his name is just max and i feel so lucky to have found him when i did. warm wishes and hugs, s

Laurie,

Your sweet story brought tears to my eyes. I loved hearing about Roy and your other kitties and the joy they've brought into your life. I know you bring just as much joy into theirs. I'm sorry for your loss. Hang in there girl!

ps. I've already pre-ordered your book and can't wait to read it!!

Oh, Laurie, I'm so sorry. My eyes began filling with tears halfway through when I realized, this is the story you tell when you lose your love. My shirt and even purring Lola, sitting in my lap, are splashed with tears. I wish I could hug you. The most passionate affairs of my life have been with kitty-cats; I don't care what that says about me. They are pure souls and it is an honor when they love us back. I'm going to imagine Roy's next life as a piano man in a martini bar. Take care, sweetheart.

Oh, Laurie. I too knew as soon as I started to read your post. I wish there was something that I could do.

I have been there, too many times. But this past January, I had to put my 21 year old cat to sleep. I'm 33. She was my best friend. She was the 'one'. Like Roy, she spoke to me. After having cancer for about nine months I had to let her go. So one Sunday, we were home alone, about to read the NYTimes, and I asked her. I said, out loud, "If you're ready to go, I'm ready to let you go." And she climbed up my chest and "head butt" me SO hard for a four pound cat. And I knew. We were both ready.

It's never easy. (BTW, you were there for me, Laurie, when I commented about this on your blog.)

Bye, Roy. You were a good cat. You will be remembered.

Thank you for your lovely story. The very best kind of friend. I'm so sorry for your loss. You gave each other the best there is.

Laurie: I'm leaving work now to go hug my old cat, Domino - that is, if I can see to drive through the tears.

Laurie, I don't ever leave comments, but felt I had to today. I'm so sorry. I'm crying and petting my kitty (who was the one no one wanted and waited three weeks for a name). How lucky Roy was to find such a compassionate, kind, and loving place in your home. Thank you for sharing him with us. What a beautiful tribute you wrote for him.

What an absolutely beautiful tribute. While I was in high school we had a boxer named Tabby. She was beautiful, loving and she was MY baby. After I was in college and married, she died and the day it happened I was 3000 miles away. I sat on the couch in our itty-bitty apartment and told my husband about all the dumb things I used to do with the dog and how much I had loved her.

Laurie I am so sorry to here about Roy. I'm crying here in my cube thinking about the pure love our pets carry around for us.

I am so sorry Laurie, he was a wonderful guy - just from reading your stories we have all come to love him too.

I will miss the incredibly adorable pics of him.