Thursday, May 9, 2013

remembering Max

Four years ago today I said goodbye to my amazing Max after his long battle with kidney failure. It feels like he's been gone 25 years, but the calendar tells me it's only been four. Fourwhitepaws is an ongoing tribute to Max and the many gifts he blessed me with.

Max usually slept upside-down


Even with five cats in the house now, Max's presence is dearly missed. He took a significant chunk of my heart with him when he died, the pain of his absence remains vivid while the joy of his soul also forever resides in my heart. Entering into the plentiful memories brings many tears, a testament to the bond that forever connects us.



When I'm loving on one of my cats or engaging in TNR work, I often think of Max and my heart fills with gratitude. Prior to Max I was a staunch dog person with little respect for cats. I always dreamed of getting a dog but before that happened, Max entered my life and quickly opened my heart to the amazingness of cats. There's no going back, no way, no how.


Max loved to roll in the dirt and gravel when I took him for walks in the yard. 

I love you my dear Max, and I miss you immensely. I eagerly await the day to be reunited with you in heaven.

18 comments:

  1. Soft purrs to you today, as you remember Max. What a very special Cat he was, in so many ways.

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  2. I'm feeling for you, I understand the emptiness of a very special cat.

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  3. Hugs from all of us. He was such a handsome dude.

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  4. They never seem to leave you. I too hope to see mine again.

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  5. Such a handsome boy! I still shed tears for my furbabies that have gone to The Bridge, too. They always leave a hole in the heart...

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  6. awwww - it is wonderful when people find that one animal that changes them so much. Max's time here is a testiment to what you are doing now for others :)

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  7. Max certainly was a lovely, big boy. Mom knows how hard it is to lose beloved kitties. He was much like our Misty May. She loves sleeping on her back as well. Enjoy your wonderful memories. Purrs and hugs from the kitties at The Cat on My Head, Lily Olivia, Misty May, Mauricio, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Josette

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  8. *hugs* for you and Max.
    What a handsome boy and what cherished memories.
    Thank you for sharing your remembrances.

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  9. You were both blessed. Hugs.

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  10. All kittehs are wonderful, but some make a bigger dent in your heart. Just reading about Max and looking at your beautiful photos reminded me of my beloved Gadoo. He was my "best" cat, and I still miss him and get teary whenever I read someone else's tribute to their cat.
    Hugs and purrs.

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  11. What a special guy your Max was! I'm so glad you and he found each other and you now know the love and awesomeness of cats!
    hugs,
    Linda

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  12. A sweet post....Max obviously has a piece of your heart with him and will hold tightly to it until you are one day reunited. I'm SURE we all will see our cat-angels again...I have had some "Max" cats in my life as well. I dread the day when Sammy leaves me but I do know - beyond doubt - I shall see him again.

    Pam

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  13. Sending you gentle and loving ((((hugs)))) what a beautiful tribute to a cat who was quite wonderful!

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  14. What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful kitty. Max left quite a legacy. I know the pain of missing them, especially now that I'm missing Lucy so very much. You clearly had a very special relationship with Max and I can tell how special he was by these pictures of him.

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  15. You aren't alone in remembering such days. Max was beautiful and had a loving heart as well. Yes, it will be joyous when those of us who believe will be reunited. You and he had bonds that can't be broken.

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  16. Oh Max...you remind me of my present day Katie in a way. Both of you are Tuxies, yes but there is something in your sweet face.

    My Robin and certainly Admiral are deeply entrenched in my heart and losing them was as bad as any loss I have had to endure, we all loved them so much. Katie is another Heart Cat as Max was to you. I cherish the thought that we will all of us see our dear ones, furred and human, again. xxxooo to all Cat moms and dad's. I'm one too.

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  17. Brings tears to my eyes. I've lost 3 little ones in the past and they are still in my heart. Thinking of them still brings me to tears also. It's such a special bond that can't be explained. Max was a beautiful boy. xo

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  18. I would like to offer my condolences and let you know I know how it feels. We had to put our 8 year old girl, Sweetie, down last September, due to Hypertropic Cardiomyopathy and we still miss her dearly. At least we have our special memories to hold on to and the promise of being reunited on that wonderful day.

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