01-08-2012

[ Tell a friend | Save to your Corral | Make them Catster Feline Friends ]
[ See the full Merlin (1998-2012) page ]

[See the entire diary archive for Merlin (1998-2012)]

January 29th 2012 4:49 pm
[ Leave A Comment | 24 people already have ]

Three weeks ago today, Merlin didn't show up for breakfast, which was unusual, but had happened a couple of times before. I went around calling him, but didn't find him. I had cut back some shrubs awhile back, so went to pick them up &
throw them into the woods. On my way back, next to our neighbor's fence, I saw a little yellow form ahead of me. I knew immediately that it was Merlin, and that he was dead. (I'm sticking to facts here, if I write about feelings and
emotions I'll come undone). I carried him home, held his little paws, (he wasn't in full rigor yet), and stroked his face, which wasn't injured, and told him how much I loved him. Then went & told my husband, who called our next door neighbors. They have five dogs, three little ones, one medium & one large. The larger dog, Lilly, they had had for about a year, she would sometimes come over & take away things that she found in the yard, but other than that no problems. Then app. three months ago they added the medium dog, Matty. Both Lilly & Matty came from their son's home, who wasn't able to keep them. They had been brought up with cats, so I wasn't too worried about them, except for the fact that Matty used to fight other dogs. I asked my neighbor to bring her to my house, so that I could see her reaction towards the cats. She was perfectly fine, so I felt reassured. We live on three acres, totally surrounded by trees, plus two outdoor buildings with catdoors, so there were
plenty of escape routes. I think that the dog, (I suspect Lilly), or both dogs, caught Merlin out in the open & instead of running up the nearest tree he ran for the porch & didn't make it.

At this point Lilly is tied to her house, Matty's indoors, so things are quiet & peaceful. The neighbors have bought an
underground electric fence system, & are waiting for a break in the weather in order to get it installed. But I will never feel
totally secure again, those systems are not 100% foolproof, it just depends on how badly the dogs want out. Keisha &
Sylvester are housebound at the moment, since it's winter it doesn't bother them much, but come springtime it'll be a
different story. And Sillyvester is VERY adept at opening doors. It's a shame, this is such a great place for animals, that's the main reason we bought it. Such is life. We tried letting Merlin come in the house as he got older, but he never got over the urge to spray, even though he was neutered. And then Sylvester followed suit, so it just didn't work out.

One consolation in this, if one can call it that, is that Merlin & his brother Felix, (who died four years ago,) were feral cats dumped near our former home. We already had four cats at the time & were not wanting to add to that number, I was going to take them to the shelter, where, undoubtedly, they would have been euthanized. We decided to let them stay on
as barn cats, and Merlin especially had a great life. I have hundreds & hundreds of photos of him, just doing cat things, so
instead of the beautiful green eyes I'll be posting some ordinary pics of him, just doing Merlin things, enjoying life. I'm glad he got those fourteen years and that we had the pleasure of his company! I'm sorry I didn't post his passing before, I just wasn't able to do it any sooner. I miss my beautiful boy.

I buried him in the backyard and set some pansies on his grave.

Thanks, everyone, for all your support and listening,

Merlin's Mom,
Sue

Leave A Comment | 24 people already have

Purred by: WeBeesSiamese (Catster Member)

January 29th 2012 at 6:07 pm

Our hearts are heavy and sad at this time as we know yours is for sure. Meowmy is typing with tears...
We are honored to have 'known' Merlin these past couple of years, via this wonderful place.
How devastating this must be for you.
Please accept our sincere sympathy upon this loss, we just do not know what else to say.

((((((((((HUGS))))))))))
We have surrounded you with our hugs, too.

Pipo & Minko

Purred by: Merlin (1998-2012) (Catster Member)

January 29th 2012 at 6:20 pm

Thank you, Guys, we can feel the love!

Purred by: Lacey (Catster Member)

January 29th 2012 at 6:53 pm

We too are crying. What a way for him to go! But he had a wonderful and loving life with you and he couldn't have asked for a better family. I'm glad you decided to write about it. I know it's really hard but I've found that the support is valuable in the healing process. I'm so sorry this happened. Our hearts are also heavy. My Lacey had a crush on your boy. She would swoon in those green eyes.

Purred by: ❤ BonnieBell ❤ (Catster Member)

January 29th 2012 at 7:09 pm

Bonnie and I as you know loved Merlin too!! We love all your sweet kitties. I'm glad you're feeling better Sue, and I'm glad you're able to share the story now. We're all just so sorry for your having to go through that, and all. Just know we all care, and we are here for you.
BonnieBell & Renee'

Purred by: Gumpy Sweet Boy McGee (Catster Member)

January 29th 2012 at 7:21 pm

We're so so sorry about beautiful Merlin! That must have been so heart wrenching and awful to find him. He was the most gorgeous boy and you have had such wonderful photos of him on his page.

I grew up (Mom here) in the country for much of my childhood, so I understand about outdoor kitties.

We are sending support and hugs during this difficult time. It sounds like Merlin had such a wonderful life with you.

Love,
Gump & family

Purred by: ❀ Jezebel DG 29 ❀ (Catster Member)

January 29th 2012 at 8:02 pm

Sending out lotsa purrs.

Purred by: Purincess Miranda (Catster Member)

January 29th 2012 at 8:32 pm

Puurrrrs and prayers from my family to you all. Know this has been such a sad and hard time for you. Merlin was a fabulous mancat.

Purred by: Kaci Sunshine-DG #3 (away) (Catster Member)

January 29th 2012 at 9:23 pm

We are so sorry and send you lots of loving purrs!

xoxo
Kaci & family

Purred by: Simone (Catster Member)

January 29th 2012 at 10:03 pm

You gave Merlin a beautiful life, much longer than the average feral cat could ever hope for. He lived this beautiful long comfortable life because of you and your family. We are so sorry to hear how poor Merlin's beautiful life came to an end, but know that you gave him a wonderful life. You can see it in every picture how happy and healthy he was. We're purring for all of you.

Purred by: Angel Soc (Mommy's sweetheart) (Catster Member)

January 30th 2012 at 4:56 am

We are so sorry to hear this very sad news, fly free sweet merlin
((hugs)) Angel Soc xx

Purred by: KiKi (Catster Member)

January 30th 2012 at 5:19 am

We're so very sorry about Merlin! He was the most gorgeous boy and you have beautiful pics of him.

We are sending all our love and hugs during this difficult time. Merlin had a wonderful life with you.

With Much Love,
KiKi & Family

Purred by: Luke (Catster Member)

January 30th 2012 at 6:02 am

We are heartbroken about what happened to Merlin but it's obvious from his photos that he enjoyed his life with you. We're happy that he adopted you as his family and had some quality years with you. Sending lots of hugs and purrs to your family.

Love, Luke and Family

Purred by: ♥ Nikki ♥ (Catster Member)

January 30th 2012 at 9:42 am

We're so sorry about Merlin. He had a great 14 years in spite of being outdoors. Our thought and prayers are with you during this time.

Love,
Nikki and family

Purred by: Merlin (1998-2012) (Catster Member)

January 30th 2012 at 2:42 pm

Thank you all for your kind messages. It helps a lot to know that others are thinking of him too. And Mom knows that he had a good life, and as you said, it shows in his pictures. One can't help but smile looking at his antics in some of them. Thank you for all the love and purrs and gifts and above all for caring.

Hugz 'n love to everyone,
Keisha, Sylvester, Merlin & Mom

Purred by: Lacey (Catster Member)

January 30th 2012 at 2:52 pm

You're welcome Sue. Anything we can do to help you get through this very difficult time. I know if it were one of mine, I'd need all of my friends more than ever. He's going to make one heck of a beautiful angel. Some kitties just touch us a little more, you know? He definitely was one of them. Your whole family really.

Purred by: Natasha (Catster Member)

January 30th 2012 at 3:04 pm

So sorry to hear about Merlin....very tragic...You were so good to take him in and give him a wonderful family.....He will be with you in many ways...He is now your guardian angel and will take care of you....Our symapthies..

Purred by: Samhain - Away from Catster (Catster Member)

January 30th 2012 at 6:43 pm

We just now saw the diary entry about Merlin, and were very sad to see it. But I know you had it right that he had a wonderful life. That he, a feral or even semi-feral cat, lived to the age of 14 is pretty wonderful in itself! His and the lives of your family were enriched by the time you spent together. And thank you for allowing us to share a little of that special time.

Purred by: DA TABBIES O TROUT TOWNE (Catster Member)

January 31st 2012 at 9:29 am

pleez see yur mail

Purred by: Tink the Cat (Catster Member)

February 3rd 2012 at 6:29 pm

We are SO very sorry that this happened to Merlin; it just isn't fair. Things happen, and it's a terrible shame that it didn't work out for Merlin or for you. We grieve at the thought of your terrible loss. Luv, Tink & Snow

Purred by: sue J

February 4th 2012 at 4:42 pm

Purred by: sue J

February 4th 2012 at 4:43 pm

Purred by: Merlin (1998-2012) (Catster Member)

February 4th 2012 at 4:48 pm

Thank you all so much, I'm trying to think back on the good times, of which there were many. Merlin was such an affectionate boy towards me, I was his person, and I will always have those memories. ~Sue~

Had a bit of trouble with the posting. Error 4.....

Purred by: Edwina(Eddy) DG#1 (Catster Member)

February 4th 2012 at 5:31 pm

Sue, I know you loved Merlin and he loved you to. He had a great life. Some feral's always want to be out and are very smart, but thing's happen. I've had a couple of them that didn't return this past year. Never found them. He will always be with you. He was a most beautiful, beautiful boy. I love looking at his pictures.
Love, Eddy & Carol

Purred by: Merlin (1998-2012) (Catster Member)

February 5th 2012 at 4:11 pm

Thanks, Eddy!