Minus: In Memoriam

Thank you for visiting this memorial to Minus, our cat.
After nearly a year and some wonderful comments,
we've closed this 'book' to new comments.

Status report (Jan 2002)

I come back to read this page a couple of times a year and I leave with tears every time. Tangerine, the "successor cat" would make Minus proud, I think, and the extra successor, Scampi, probably would, too. But the more I think about his life and his death, the more I realize just how blessed I was that this cat was a part of my life for 13 years.
Minus looks gentle and dignified; he would have bookended with my Shadow, a tabby with a shortened tail. She had kidney and liver failure, and hated her one Ringer's treatment. The vet had tears in his eyes when he put her to sleep. Needless to say, so did I. Your tribute to Minus made me cry again.
Ladye Sparks <ladye_sparks@ev1.net>
Carrollton, TX USA - Thursday, November 02, 2000 at 13:32:00 (CST)
My condolences on the passing of Minus. That was beautifully written, Bill. I have a lot of empathy for you. My cat Catura, who currently lives with my ex, also found us in 1986. I now have Ginger, an organge tom who lives with me and my daughters. He is so much a part of our family. There is no such thing as "just a cat."
Sharon <sharon@sintecmedia.com>
Jerusalem, Israel - Monday, October 02, 2000 at 06:55:39 (CDT)
Beautiful story, Bill. Thank you. Although I am a dog person now, I have had many cats choose to live with me in my lifetime. My last left three years ago. I will not have another where I live because the wildlife is too tempting for them where I live, and much as I appreciate the guesture, I do not want to be presented with little gifts of furry (or feathered) bodies every day. I will always have a special place in my heart for my loved and lost pusses though. Best wishes Iris
Iris Smithers <i.smithers@uws.edu.au>
Kurrajong Heights, NSW Australia - Thursday, September 21, 2000 at 18:50:33 (CDT)
Sorry to hear about Minus. It is too bad that our grandson, Tally, never met Minus. I think that they would have been third cousins. Tally would have liked Minus more than he likes our dog, Karleigh. He sleeps with his brother Frooster (the rabbit) in Frooster's cage. May he RIP.
The Grosses <grossouts8529@aol.com>
Canton, Ohio USA - Wednesday, July 26, 2000 at 15:25:23 (CDT)
My condolences. I'm sure Minus is at Rainbow Ridge high-fiving Katzy about how they both ruled their worlds. Katz has probably already told him about how she chased a German Shepherd down the street. I am surrogate mamakitty to a three-year-old curtain climber named Lily. Our animals (dare we call them that!) are always remembered.
Maria <mtnorton@erols.com>
Virginia USA - Thursday, June 29, 2000 at 22:08:25 (CDT)
You sent me such a nice letter of sympathy at the loss of my kitten, that I came to visit your site. I found myself crying, because Minus sounded so like our cat Mab (named after Queen Mab in Romeo & Juliet). She was 18 years old and behaved a lot like Minus. She developed cancer in her mouth and when she couldn't eat any longer, we had to put her to sleep. She didn't want to go--it was a difficult euthanasia. I wish she could have departed like Minus did. I hope Cheese is doing well.
Eve Tordoff <eat@wirural.net>
USA - Wednesday, April 26, 2000 at 16:15:08 (CDT)
Thank you for such a Heartfelt and moving tribute to your beloved companion. My sympathy goes out to you and your family. My family has had many feline companions over the years that we had taken in as strays, and we have lost many of them over the years as well. Most recently, Bruno, a very large, but very timid tabby cat with a strong cry and a mouth of drool. We had him for 14 years before we had to give him to God because of his kidney failure. That is why your story of Minus touched me also. Bruno lost his body weight as well and did nothing but lay in his cat bed w/ his companion Zoe at his side. Zoe has not been the same since he left her and now sleeps very close to me at night. The love we have for animals is equal to or stronger than the love we could have for any human, and I hope it comforts you to know Minus died as he had lived..Loved and cared for by Wonderful, compassionate human beings. May I refer you to a very moving website ; www.Petloss.com. And ask you to read the story of the Rainbow Bridge. You may want to add this poem to Minus's Tribute Page and take comfort in the fact that he will be waiting for you all when you get there. God Bless
Brooke Ryan <Bryan@cmsoptions.com>
Oxford, CT USA - Friday, March 10, 2000 at 16:28:40 (CST)
That was a lovely story about Minus. I am in tears as well. My family has taken in many stray feline companions over the years and have lost many as well. Your story was particulary touching because I could sense the strong feelings and emotional bond you had with Minus. I always wonder if people find me silly for feeling the same. It is never easy to withstand the loss of a loved one, but I hope it comforts you to know Minus died as he had lived...Content and loved by wonderful compassionate human beings. I would like to reference a web page www.petloss.com. There is a poem here called "The Rainbow Bridge". You may want to add this to Minus's tribute page and always know that he will be waiting for you there. God Bless
Brooke <Bryan@cmsoptions.com>
Oxford, CT USA - Friday, March 10, 2000 at 15:48:49 (CST)
What a handsome boy Minus was. I'm typing through tears at your loss. My boys, Boz and Bentley have been with me since I moved alone to Indianapolis 12 years ago. They've been through so much with me, apartments, jobs, men, now they've got a new daddy in my husband and I'm having to give back to Bentley. He was diagnosed with Feline Diabetes last August. We canceled a trip to Maine because it was a new enought situation for us that we didn't want to leave him in someone else's care. He takes his insulin injections with dignity and even asks for them if he's not feeling well. I watched his hind legs improve to jumping again from taking 6 steps and resting. I know he won't get to be an old cat, but he'll always be a good cat and my buddy.
Johnna Dinse <vandinse@iques.net>
Indianapolis, IN USA -
What a fitting tribute to the love and spirit of Minus. We, too recently lost one of our furry loves. His name was Mittens. Mittens, Gloves, Twinx (my sons said she looked like a black "twinkie" as she was born, are black/white Tuxedo cats and their fluffly long hair sister affectionately called "Fat Fat" found us by secretly hiding in the womb of their Mom, only 6-7 weeks old and left on our doorstep. Through a most difficult personal time, these beautiful & loving cats have brought me so much joy and hope to my own life through observing their frenzied chasing about the house, slamming into walls as they race each other around tight corners, roaring their meows for food, pawing my belly for a comfortable spot to rest and generally following me underfoot and into bed...just because they like me. Your touching stories bring tears to my eyes as I recall the memories and the passing of their Mother and their brother Mittens now romping in Heaven.
Deborah Manika <deborah@BOLABOLAusa.com>
Phoenix, AZ USA -
What a wonderful, warm tribute to a great friend. I wish I could have met him. So do my four 4-legged furry friends: Wade, Joey, Keyboard, and Chicken.
Doug Johnston <dougj17606@aol.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA -
Cats: some of the very finest people I know!
Edward Franchuk <Ed_Franchuk@hotmail.com>
St-Jean--Richelieu, Quebec, Canada USA -
I was chosen by a kitty once. His name was Rocky. He lived at the SPCA in Rockville, Maryland. He was a scruffy adolescent with a scrape on his nose, in a roomful of cute, fluffy kitties. But when he reached out his paw and softly batted my arm through the bars of his cage, I knew I'd been selected and I had no choice but to say "yes." What a wonderful guy. Thanks for sharing the tale of Minus with us. I know you miss him.
Andrea Zuercher <andreaz@sunflower.com>
Lawrence, KS USA -
Cats prepare us to become better humans. They stay in out hearts forever... I remember you all: Grey and Happy, Nutt and Callie, Ra (tiger with the seal pt. dad)and Bob (without much of a tail), Old Joe (who challenged the neighborhood horse) and Tabby (whose paws were so big & strong she moved the rocker when kneading the rug). All of you were my mentors, teaching me that it was OK to feel - even if I wanted to appear stoic. You taught me to cry the tears I couldn't shed for my 16-year-old-best-girl-friend, my mom and dad, or for the many smaller losses of my lengthening life. You teach me to be more flexible in my living. You are all gifts from my Higher Power. I hope I can be worthy. Barb (with her current mentors: John, Molly, Hedda Hopper, Roo, & 4 new foster kitties on temporary leave from the AZ Humane Society)
Barb <caswellbc@uswest.net>
Mesa, AZ USA -
Reading your tribute brought back memories of when we had to put our cat, Penelope, to sleep. I was a junior in college and she had been a part of out family since I was 6. My mom was devistated and I cried all night. I talked with Liz shortly after Minus died and I knew how sad she was. Cats seem to be more like four-legged furry people as opposed to just a "pet." Once they become a part of your life, it's hard to let go.....even after a "new" one joins the family. Although mom and I both have other cats (she SWORE she'd never have another) we still talk about Penelope and I have pictures of her hanging in my bedroom. Perhaps she and Minus are pouncing around in giant catnip fields and snoozing on big comfy couches. But no matter what they're doing, we can be certain that they're watching over their beloved families they left behind. Rest in peace....you are respected...you are missed...you are loved....
Sharon <Tigger2riffic@yahoo.com>
Reynoldsburg , Ohio USA -
Reading this brought back memories of when our cat, Penelope, had to be put to sleep. I was a junior in college and we'd had her since I was 6! i talked to Liz shortly after Minus died and I know how she felt. Cats aren't just animals...they're more like four-legged furry people. Once they become a part of your life, it's very hard to let go. We never forget them...even after a "new" one joins the family. I still think about Penelope and I have pictures of her hanging in my bedroom. Perhaps she and Minus are basking together in fields of catnip and snoozing on giant comfy couches add watching out for their beloved family members left behind.......
Sharon McCann <Tigger2riffic@yahoo.com>
Reynoldsburg, Ohio USA -
Bill, I lost my Stashe on December 22. Your tribute to Minus made me cry but also let me know others grieve the loss of their pets as hard I have. I have had cats all my life but never one who was so single-mindedly mine. She met me at the door when I came home, slept with me, and generally made me feel I was the greatest thing next to sliced bread. She too made it known she was ready. I am sure she and Minus are comparing notes. Thanks for the cry.
Terry DiDomenico <tldido@ark.ship.edu>
Carlisle, PA USA -
Minus could have been my Misty's twin, complete to the M on her forehead. Misty died, with equal grace, three years ago, and I still miss her.
Dorothy Holden <DWHat75@aol.com>
Nashua, N.H. USA -
I cried when I read your tribute to Minus. I lost my cat, Koshka, last March, and would like to share with you what a friend said to me: "A life, perhaps especially a pet's life, is measured not by its length, but by the joy that life brings to others." Minus, I'm sure that you have lots of friends in kitty heaven.
Denise M Shorey <shorey@innw.net>
College Place, WA USA -
I too am going to bed in tears. Although I send greetings from Elsie and Gordie, and the tabbies Tommy and Tweeny, their predecessors Candy, Molly, Holly, Puffy and Bubba rest in peace in the front yard, and many others in my memory.
Christine Frank <ivyhouse@infi.net>
Virginia Beach, VA USA -
I, too, have had a feline companion die in my arms. Nothing ever prepares us for the pain. We know we shall outlive our companions (under normal circumstances), and yet we choose to forget and love anyway. Minus was, and is, well-loved. No cat could ask for more.
Erin <erinhart@cheerful.com>
Davis, CA USA -
I was so very sorry to hear of your loss. Perhaps one day you will all see Minus again. "For Heaven will not Heaven be, unless my cat is there with me". Nancy
Nancy <hisss@infinet.com>
Granville, OH USA -
Minus picked his pets well, Bill. I know Elizabeth and Cheese will be having a particularly hard time of it, but remember, cats have nine lives, and they only get to spend one of them with you.
Karyn <kpopham@sph.uth.tmc.edu>
Houston, Texas USA -
Minus did indeed go with grace. All my sympathy to your family.
Janis Foster <jfoster@entelchile.net>
Santiago, Chile -
Heartfelt condolences.
Crystal <cwood@tattersallpub.com>
TX USA -
I'll write more after I stop crying. When I hug my 3 cats tonight I'll tell them about Minus.
Alice Duncan <aduncan@psghs.edu>
Hershey, PA USA -
Thank you for this moving tribute to princely pet. Sharing in your affirmations of his life helps me prepare for the inevitable, as I have a cat with CRF. I only hope Keevis will make it as clear to me as Minus did to you when it's time for her to go.
Julie Pitt <jkpitt@erols.com>
Suitland, MD USA -
What a beautiful tribute to Minus. I've been there, too, and hope you can find comfort in knowing he's in a place with valleys of tuna and rivers of cream - and his love for you will always be safe in your memories.
Pati <ph@grahampr.com>
Denton, TX USA -
Pets teach us how to be better humans. Minus did his job and now he's moved on. If he runs into Calley and Ives, he should hi. Dax is still teaching me.
Carol Calamia
USA -
I am so sorry to hear about Minus, truly a cat among cats. I hope he runs in to Reuben, our special friend who went -- with great dignity -- after 18 wonderful years. My sympathy to you all, espceially Elizabeth. Nancy Gendell
nancy gendell <gendell@pilot.msu.edu>
east lansing, mi USA -
So many do not understand the love we have for our pets and when they must leave us how hard it can be to say good-bye. There are those wonderful memories. Today I'm making memories with my two, Maxine & Henri. They both have a special place in my heart as Minus had in yours.
Toni
USA -
The dignity and affection of this remarkable cat is apparent in every word and image. Thanks, Bill, for the remembrance. (Cinder, as usual, is helping me write this by resting her front paws on my trackball hand while sitting in my lap. This is why I don't use a mouse. She joins me in sending condolences.)
Hilary Fried <tekwritr@erols.com>
Shelton, CT USA -
I think losing pets is as bad as losing friends and relatives. Animals trust you and that's more than you can say for a lot of people.
Jim Chilton <jchilton@socal.rr.com>
USA -
Struggling with what I want to say here...when my own much-loved cat died in February of 1997, I was stunned that I could feel that kind of grief about anyone. Knowing you feel the same about Minus helps me remember that it's part of the cycle of loving. Thank you.
anna h <entropy@timestreamer.com>
Albuquerque, NM USA -
I've heard that cats become the spirit of the house they inhabit. The personality of a place certainly changes when a beloved kitty leaves it, but his footprints are always on our hearts. Look for George and Gracie, Minus. They are the sweet ones sniffing the air for chicken.
Deb Imelmann Bennett <dibennett@uswest.net>
Minneapolis, MN USA -
What a beautiful tribute to a very special cat! Thank you for sharing his story. I'm so sorry this had to happen!
Allene Goforth <agoforth@aros.net>
USA -
Bill, what a touching tribute to Minus. After I read it, I had to go find my cat and give him a good scratching under the chin. I'm so sorry you lost this treasured member of your family.
Elena <elena@enerjazz.com>
Fairview, TX USA -
A charming pictorial and written tribute to a well-loved pet. Thank you, Bill! Dee
Dee Longenbaugh <deelong@#alaska.net>
Juneau, Alaska USA -
Minus -- a lovely friend and a Plus for the Blinn family. Bill, your eulogy made Minus live again in my imagination and brought sympathetic tears to my eyes. I know he will endure, his sterling self, in your memory.
Mary Joan O'Connell, Vince Kohler, Gremlin, and Loki <vkohler@teleport.com>
Portland, OR USA -
Bill, These cat creatures sure have a way of finding a place in our hearts (the most comfortable place, of course!) and taking up residence. My heart goes out to you and your family. Marcia
Marcia King <mking@extron.com>
Anaheim, CA USA -
Your touching memorial to Minus made my heart ache for my friend Remington. I lost him a year ago. He was Siamese, full figured, and (I suspect) Republican. Condolences from Remingon's family: Kellie, Kathrine, Elise and Svein.
Kellie Purce Braseth <kbraseth@spscc.ctc.edu>
Olympia, WA USA -
Your tribute brought smiles and tears. I've had cats since I was 7 years old, and have had to say goodbye a few times. When I look back, it always seems worth it. My sympathy on your loss.
Carol Kennedy <colfaxgp@minn.net>
Mpls., MN USA -
Lots of people are lucky (luckier than they deserve) in their cats; but Minus was clearly smart enough to choose the right people.
Alice Falk <afalk@cais.com>
Alexandria, VA USA -
"with grace"--may we all learn it.
joanne sandstrom <easia@uclink.berkeley.edu>
berkeley, ca USA -
There is, as Dorothy Parker said, no good end to love. Your family is richer for having shared it with Minus--and I'd bet the farm he was a happy cat.
Gail Heinsohn <intrepidrider@taconic.net>
Millerton, NY USA -
We were fortunate that our first generation of three cats all lived into old age. I remember saying goodbye to our 21-year-old Iris, brought home as a kitten a few days after our marriage--in a way, we lost our young selves when we lost her. It's amazing how our lives are colored and enriched by our animals. Our first set of cats raised our babies; our current three are cheerfully seeing them through adolescence. We've been blessed, Bill, just like you.
Kristine Batey <kbatey@nwu.edu>
Evanston, IL USA -
To the Blinn family: I was so sorry to hear of Minus's death. Cats are quite particular; they only love those who respct them. (Although they will cuddle the allergic and the cat-hater as well!) May the memories of your good times carry you through. Ereshkigal, our black tabby, will sleep on the good blanket tonight in Minus's honor. Naomi and Hank Young, and Ereshkigal
The Youngs <naomiy@mail.smu.edu>
Dallas, TX USA -
Minus, if you run into a cocker spaniel being walked by an old Norwegian, say Hi to Rasmus and Olav (respectively) for me.
Bob Allen <robert.allen@pnl.gov>
Richland, Washington USA -
Minus, you certainly were a good looking cat. Please, say hi to Sybil for me. She'll show you around.
Tracy Hoffman <nibstar2@aol.com>
USA -
Thanks for the beautiful tribute to a special friend. Makes me appreciate my little angel-boy all the more!
Sara <saralouise99@yahoo.com>
Columbus, OH USA -
I am a dog and a cat person. I am sorry for your loss of this ball of fur. I know she will be missed.
Julie Loe <julieloe@thegrid.net>
Morro Bay, CA USA -
Thanks for the wonderful memorial statement. Makes me appreciate my little fuzzball even more. P.S. I still recall Kiley and Finster with great fondness!
Jo Ellen (yes it's me)
Carrollton, Texas USA -
Cheese -- you have some big shoes to fill. But it sounds like you have been well-mentored. Minus reminds me of Lorris (loREESE) who lived with us for many years. She was apparently at least part Maine Coon cat, according to people who recognized the coat and the "purr-chirp" of her voice. Our cats live in the garage, with several handy curl-up places with pads, cat-nests, etc, and are allowed to roam free outdoors during the day. At night they come in for dinner, and their cat-door is secured overnight. Lorris, too, lost weight and energy and spryness, and one morning I came out to the garage and found her peacefully gone -- at age 16 or so. So, condolences from Sunny, Isabeau, and Tabitha, and the canine cousins: Darth and Solo. --g
Guy K. Haas <gkhaas@usa.net>
Milpitas, CA USA -
I was always a dog person -- until wild Mamacat decided to have three successive litters in our barn. Now I understand a little of what those cat people were talking about! When we lose one, young or old, we can always console ourselves with the though that we gave our furry friends the best life possible while they were with us. Sounds like Minus had that!
Amy Schneider <ajschn@vbe.com>
Wautoma, WI USA -
All my sympathy on your sad loss of Minus, and blessings for your kindness and courage on his behalf, right up to the end. I am so sorry for your trouble.
Brida Connolly <catrandom@earthlink.net>
Los Angeles, CA USA -
They come on their own good time and that is how they leave. And in between they teach us to love and be loved while wrapping our ankles with their beauty and grace. What magic cats are. Fear not, Minus will send along someone else to fill the void.
Francoise Vulpe <fvulpe@hotmail.com>
Toronto, Canada -
We're there with them at the beginning and we stand beside them at the end. This is our greatest privilege; it is also our most savage grief. May you find peace in the days to come.
David Harnden-Warwick <DavidH-W@worldnet.att.net>
Bellingham, Washington USA -
Special thoughts for Elizbeth from Astro and Blazer, Sam-I-Am, Harry and Gracie. Oh, and from Jimmy, our Dalmatian. He's learned to love cats.
Axel Schonfeld <axxess@earthlink.net>
Long Beach, CA USA -
We lost Bob, a fine cat, to cancer earlier this year. He passed as Minus did, and as they both lived, with great dignity and grace. Bob and Minus were lucky cats; they had people who loved them very much and cared for them kindly right through the end. We are lucky in return to have known such wonderful animals. Rest in peace, Bob. Rest in peace, Minus.
Scott Bridgewater <scottyb@his.com>
Silver Spring, MD USA -
We can never own cats. They just allow us to let them live with us for a while. How fortunate you were that Minus chose to live with you. Perhaps Missy and Othello are showing him where to find the best catnip as we speak.
Elliot McIntire <elliot.mcintire@csun.edu>
Chatsworth, CA USA -
To the Blinn Family: My sympathies on the loss of your magnificent Minus. As a fellow cat lover, thank you for the wonderful life you provided Minus. You made his 13 years of life the very best they could be. Elizabeth Jamison
Elizabeth Jamison <ejamison@auditorgen.state.az.us>
Phoenix, AZ USA -
I'm sorry that your Minus has gone to kitty heaven. I hope he befriends our Ginny, who died in 1998. Minus sounds like he was a very special cat indeed.
Mary Tod <mtod@earthlink.net>
Baltimore, MD USA -
Minus was a very handsome Cat, indeed. Mr. Lucky, my 13 year old guy, died of kidney failure 4 years ago and I still think about him all the time.
cat lover <cazape@ncs.com>
USA -
What a touching memorial to a much-loved cat!
Simon Cauchi <cauchi@wave.co.nz>
Hamilton, New Zealand -
I know that when Andy Rooney's time with me is up, my world will be a different place. I hope that Minus will greet him and show him around when that time comes. Linda
Linda Kerby <kerby@microlink.net>
Leawood, KS USA -
What a special cat and what a special bond you had with him. Remember him often.
Jeannie Trizzino <jtrizzino@moon.com>
USA -
Remember the good times - that's the way he would have wanted it.
Emery Reiff <emery@freewheeling.com>
USA -
Well done, Minus. You have acquitted yourself superbly as friend, teacher, companion, bed warmer, philosopher king, and all-round superior being. Rest well, and save a few other-side mice for us. We still have work to do. Dufus Crowninshield, Patch, Jasper, Onyx, Severian.
Cass Peterson
Warfordsburg, PA USA -
Ah, the look. Our cat Sherlock (who also died earlier this year), had it, too. If he came upon one of the other cats (we had 6 then) sitting in one of his spots (or one of their spots, for that matter), all he'd have to do is give him the look and they'd be gone. What is it about dignified grey/brown tabbies? My sympathies to all of you, including Cheese.
Judy Grobe Sachs <judygs@uic.edu>
Chicago, IL USA -
Cats are special beings who know who to attach themselves to. They are unforgettable--notice you never forget the names--as they become part of the family. And they know it's time. Our Lulu was sick and declining, and we couldn't face taking her to the vet. She suffered through one night under her favorite chair, then waited until I came to see her the next morning before she died within seconds. Don.
Don and Mary Alexandre <jazelvan@columbus.rr.com>
USA -
I miss you Za-Boo-Boo... I hope you have catnip and a green blanket where you are!! The Mommy
Elizabeth <ellie69@rocketmail.com>
Worthington, OH USA -
My thoughts are with you. It sounds as if Minus earned a permanent place in your hearts. We lost a cat earlier this year in a similar way, and we will always miss him.
Clayton Bennett <cjbennett@uswest.net>
Minneapolis, MN USA -
From a cat lover . . . with 6 feline friends who will some day go the way of Minus . . . to you: Minus was a special cat indeed, and you are special for having loved him so well.
Kendra Boileau Stokes <kboileau@indiana.edu>
Bloomington, IN USA -
Our thoughts are with you. Family members come in all shapes and sizes. The most loyal and caring ones often have tails. Joe, Sally and Anastasia Bradley
Joe Bradley <jbradley@columbus.rr.com>
Hilliard, Oh USA -
Minus was probably the smartest cat I ever knew. When he wanted something, he found a way to make us understand even though we didn't share a common language.
Bill Blinn <bill@blinn.com>
Worthington, OH USA -