Who Rescued Whom?

by Jenny R.
(Kenosha, WI)

In Oct. 2006, I dropped off a donation at the local Humane Society and walked out with the kitten that turned out to be the love of my life. A big white furball with a gray plume of a tail and a few other gray markings. I had no intention of adopting another cat (already had 3 DSH rescues) but there was just something about Toby that compelled me to take him home.

Toby was the biggest snuggle bug and had the most vibrant Maine Coon personality. He followed me everywhere chirping/trilling/talking the entire time, always "supervising" everything I did. He was always reaching out and touching me with a huge white paw - never far from my side.

He greeted me at the door every night and woke me every morning with headbutts and Toby kisses. Every night he sprawled across my lap, snuggling and sleeping. He was my best friend during some really tough times and I don't know what I'd have done without my Tobinator.

On the morning of 4/13/12, I woke to find my baby boy on the floor outside my bedroom dying from unexpected acute renal failure. After a short but brave battle, I had to make the agonizing decision to let him cross the Bridge. There isn't a day that I don't miss him and cry over his loss.

Was he a Maine Coon mix? I believe he was without a doubt but you tell me. :) I know I'll see my Toby again some day. He can never be replaced but I've since acquired 2 Maine Coon kittens and the girls are doing a good job of filling his big white paws. Caoimhe is now 8 months old and over 9 lbs and Maya is now 5 months old and close to 7 lbs. They bring so much joy and that wonderful Coonie personality that I'd missed so much. :)

comments:

Jul 25, 2012
Who Rescued Whom
by: Joy
Oh how well I know what a great loss to you.. My Goliath died last Sept. and i still cry for him, especially when I read about your loss and others too, who fall so deeply in love with our Maine Coons or Mixes.

What a blessing they are with their beauty, love, chirping and communicating better than many humans I know. I too have another rescue. They each have their own personality and winning ways. God bless all Maine Coons. How fortunate we are to have discovered them.

Jul 25, 2012
Filling big paws
by: Jenny R
Thanks to everyone who's left a comment/message - it means more than you know. Toby's in a better place, chasing butterflies with all those who crossed the bridge before him. My condolences to all of you who've lost your furbabies - my thoughts are with you.

No kitty can ever take Toby's place but there's always room for more. :) My 2 new little angels have really helped me get to the happy memories stage. There are so many happy and hilarious memories from before and new ones in the making.

I love looking at the pics of all the beautiful cats on this site - makes me realize that there are many people who are "owned" by a Maine Coon just like me. :)

Jul 25, 2012
I feel your pain
by: Mia
Im so sorry for your loss. I know your pain all to well. I too just recently lost my fur baby Bruce to cancer. I cried as I read your story, Your toby sounded so much like my boy Bruce in every way. I cry for him everyday, he was such a huge part of my life.

I two just recently got two little sister's Maine Coon kittens . It doesn't completely take away the pain we are feeling over the loss of our fur baby's, but it sure does help in the healing process.

I know Toby and Bruce are chasing butterfly's and having the time of their life in Rainbow Bridge. May your broken heart soon heal. ... .... >^.^<

Jul 25, 2012
Sorry about little Toby
by: Maddy
My heart sunk as I read about Toby.
Your heart must really hurt!
I hope the new babies help relieve the pain!

Jul 25, 2012
So sorry for the loss of Toby
by: SB Smith
Sometimes our pets are better family for us than the 2 legged ones.
RIP Toby.

Jul 25, 2012
My condolences
by: Marty
Your Toby was very beautiful. Pretty face!
One day you will see Toby again at the rainbow bridge.

Jul 25, 2012
Furry Angel
by: Susan
I'm sure he loved you just as much as you loved him. Bless you and your 2 new angels.

Jul 24, 2012
So sorry
by: Deidra
God bless you and keep you, make his light to shine upon you and give you peace!

Jul 24, 2012
rip
by: goatman
sorry for your loss