Missing Zack…

I was at my window today, looking out over the gardens and I heard the call of a mourning dove, soft and sad. I saw her on the lawn earlier today, alone and I have to wonder if she lost her mate. Usually I see the pair of them, just like I see Mr. and Mrs. Goldfinch and Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal. I feel sad for Mrs. Mourning Dove if she has lost her mate. Like me she must feel sad and lost.

It has been hard for me to think of what to write about my dear beloved Zack. Any words I can come up with don’t seem like enough… Zack and I had a special bond. He was such a special cat, amazing and brave. The best friend and fiancé any kitty girl could ask for. Zack and I had hoped to grow old together, comparing stories of our days, aging and loving our families, but that was not meant to be.

Most cats here know Zack well, but if you don’t you should visit his page and see his story. Zack was rescued as a kitten by his Dad after being kicked by some evil boys. Zack suffered seizures due to this, but being a brave cat, he did not let them stop him from being a loving, smart and friendly cat. He was truly a very special soul. As his Mom says, he was the center of his home and so very loved by his family. I know that all of the cat families here can understand how very sad Zack’s family is to lose him. Losing a beloved family member is like losing a part of yourself. As much as I miss him, I know his family misses him even more. They loved him so very much, just as Zack loved them.

I am reminded of a poem that my Mama has read to me many times; it is by Elizabeth Barret Browning. It really says how I feel about Zack. The last lines of it are especially meaningful now


How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of being and ideal grace.
I love thee to the level of every day's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for right.
I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.


I do believe firmly that our souls are eternal, that Zack is still with us. I am sure he will be back to visit his family and perhaps he will even find his way to visit me too. It is different though, like a dream almost, a fleeting shadow or glimpse from the corner of your eye. Sometimes you can feel your kitty angel, pressed against you in a familiar way. You just have to watch and be open to the visit.

Zack- I will love you forever.

I am especially sad today because Zack’s younger brother Harry is very, very ill today. I am sad for his pawents, this is more than anyone should have to bear. So I am purring, as loud and hard as I can, and my mama is praying for a miracle for Harry. I hope others cats will join my family in purring for Harry.

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