Friday, May 2, 2014

Maestro




In 2004, mom decided that the resident cat needed a friend. She went to the local shelter and brought home an 8 week old little gray and white bundle of fuzz and named him Maestro after her love of music.

When mom moved out, Maestro and Butterscotch came to live with her. They moved with her several times through several states.

Butterscotch left us for the Bridge in October 2008.

Maestro turned 19 years old last September. He was the elder statesman of the household. Never complaining too loudly, never really making a fuss about much of anything (except maybe the occasional empty food dish). He was sweet and understanding and just wanted a lap to sit on. He never met a stranger and was really only afraid of the vaccuum cleaner. He moved over several state lines with mom and tolerated every new cat that came in the house along with the hoards of foster kittens.

And now he is gone. Those decisions are never easy on pet guardians. But with the diagnosis of a cancerous tumor on his jaw, and it was spreading fast, the issue becomes is he suffering, how do we know and how long do we let him go on. Mom has gone through this before and has sworn that she will not let any of us suffer - and that means force feeding or medicating or whatever. Maestro lived a long and wonderful life with us....and now we know that he is healthy and running across the Bridge with Butterscotch and Tigger and so many others who have gone before. This is the best decision mom could make, but it doesn't make it any less heartbreaking.

We will be taking a short break from blogging. Please know we will be back - with more stories about us and the foster kittens and everything else.

68 comments:

  1. My human and I saw the news earlier today on Facebook and our hearts are breaking with you. Many purrs to you.

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  2. The best decisions are so often the hardest. My sincere condolences. Run free, Maestro.

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  3. Oh, we are so so sorry. That is a really hard choice to make. But you did a wonderful last thing for Maestro. It is such a sign of love to let him go and we so agree with you about the quality of life. That is important. We feel the same way. Lots of purrs coming your way. Big hugs too. Take care.

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  4. We're so sorry and know you will miss Maestro but it was the kindest gift you could have given him. He will be happy and whole again and meowing with his friends over at Rainbow Bridge.
    Take care.
    Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx

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  5. I'm so terribly sorry. I absolutely agree with your decision, though of course that's neither here nor there. It doesn't really make it easier, knowing letting him go was the most merciful and loving act. Thinking of you and sending hugs and universal Light, with soft purrs from Nicki and Derry.

    Godspeed, Maestro.

    Peace and Blessings.

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  6. He lived a long and wonderful life with you and is happy and healthy at the Bridge waiting for you. We went thru this with our Yoko at age 20 - she too had a tumor on her jaw that grew rapidly. She acted fine but we knew the tumor would interfere with her breathing and eating so rather than wait we let her go - the hardest thing we ever had to do but it was the right thing. Letting Maestro go was your last gift to him. Hugs and loving light sent your way.

    Cats of wildcat woods

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  7. My deepest sympathy to you on your loss of a dear furiend. He lived a very long and happy life with you and has left his pawprints and many memories on your heart that will remain for all time. Run young and free again, Maestro.

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  8. ..... and St Francis said, "Come little one,
    there is nothing more I can do for you here, don't be afraid"

    ......and St Francis gently picked up Maestro and carried him
    into the kingdom of heaven.....when the little cat looked around, he realized
    everything St Francis told him on his journey was true....heaven was beautiful beyond what mere words could express.....

    ...... and Maestro saw there was no pain, suffering, fear, sickness, hunger, thirst or sorrow, until he looked down and saw the family and friends he had left behind.

    ......and for a very brief moment, the little cat too, was filled with sorrow.

    Then St Francis bestowed Maestro with a set of gossamer wings and said,

    "Use them to return to your family, when their need is the greatest, as nothing can separate your bond of love. Hold each other in your hearts and your memories, until you are reunited again at heaven's door."

    and when the little cat tried on his wings, he knew nothing was impossible...... when there is....love

    God's speed to you Maestro ♫♫♪♪♫ with love from Boomer, Dai$y, Tuna.....and Dude and Sauce too... you are and always will be a total lee rockin awesum dood ♥♥♥♥♥♥

    I am truly sorry Jeanne.....

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  9. I am so sorry. I know it's not easy, though it's the right decision it's still hard. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Hugs Jeanne

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  10. So so so sorry to read this. Sending you many purrs and hugs. Take care
    x

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  11. What a life he had with you.
    I know how this goes. My old purr gang lived to be 17, 19 and 21.
    It is our jobs as their Moms to know when it's time.

    You will soon remember only the good times. Just give yourself time to heal.

    XO,
    JC and The Purr and Fur Gang

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  12. Oh dear friend, we are so very sorry to hear about sweet Maestro. We all send you gentle hugs along with all our love. There are so many memories and we know they will make your heart smile with time.

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  13. Our hearts are breaking...we know just how much you loved Maestro, enough to let him go when he needed to. It's the hardest thing in the world. Bless you. Maestro, your legacy will live on through many many well-adjusted kittens, and in even many more hearts.

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  14. oh my sweet Maestro; such a grand long life and so filled with love and giving so much love. He will be a great leader for all at the bridge

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  15. Dear Maestro we were so glad that we knew you over all of these years. We saw how loving a home you had and we saw how happy you were and how much love you gave back. Maestro we know how blessed you were to have found such a perfect spot and we kitties know you were so grateful. There is never ever enough time and it always seems to go so fast. Knowing that Maestro was so blessed does not in any way make the absence of his loss any easier to bear. But, that does not mean that with the movement of time that blessing will grow deeper and more beautiful. I am so very sorry, sorry that Maestro had to leave and that you had to make the decision for mercy for him.I will hold you all in my prayers and the kitties will all purr.

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  16. Our Best Purrs Of Comfort at this difficult time.... Our thoughts are with you. And "Tembra, his arms wide"...

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  17. HI Jeanne,
    I am so sorry to hear this, but I know that Maestro had a wonderful life with the best Mom and as always, you put his comfort and well-being first. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

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  18. Oh Jeanne, I am just so sorry for your loss. When they are with us and become so firmly entrenched in our hearts and family, it is exquisitely painful. Lots of hugs and loves. Go in peace sweetheart, we will miss you till we meet again.

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  19. So very sorry to hear about sweet Maestro. You are in our thoughts and purrayers during this very sad time. (((hugs))) & <3

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  20. We are so very sorry for your loss. Peace.
    Maggie P., Grizelda & Chloe Jo

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  21. I am so sorry that Maestro had to be helped to the Rainbow Bridge. He had a long and happy life with you. I send hugs and the kitties send comforting purrs.

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  22. Sending comforting purrz to those left behind. We’re with you in not letting our fur children suffer. He was loved and he returned your love. Nicky and Autumn will meet him at the RB.

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  23. Jeanne, I know how difficult it is to make that final decision for the ultimate wellbeing of our beloved pets. I am with you, in that I have never allowed any of ours to suffer no matter how much by heart broke in letting them go. Maestro had a wonderful, long life with you. Lucky boy. He was so loved.Angels Lewis and Tulip will be there to meet him with his wings in hand. Love and hugs to you.

    Sophie and the critters in the cottage xo

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  24. Oh dear friend, I'm so sorry to hear this. Us pet parents know how difficult this time is and the agonizing decisions you have had to make. But the beautiful baby is at peace now and it was good you didn't allow him to suffer. Love and big HUGS. You have my sympathy.

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  25. It is never easy to make that decision - trust me I know. But you did what was best for him and he knows that. He is now at peace and no longer bothered by old age and that nasty tumor. Goat hugs from here and marvel at those tiny kittens who wouldn't be alive but for you.

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  26. How luck for Maestro, to have found such a wonderful and loving mom. I know how hard it is to make that call. To let him go, no matter how your heart wants him to stay.
    You are in our prayers.
    God's Speed, Maestro.

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  27. So very sorry it came Maestro's time to leave. He had a great life with you and left a big Maestro-shaped hole in your heart, along with many wonderful, happy memories. Hugs.

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  28. I am so very sorry for your loss. I so feel your pain. Love and hugs from here to help a little

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  29. We are sad to hear about Maestro. We know he is happy at The RB. Hugs and purrs from our house :'(

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  30. Oh noes... I´m so very sorry! receive my hugs.

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    1. I am so sorry for your loss. The kindest acts are so often the hardest.

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  31. Jeanne, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss, and I wish there was something I could say or do to help with the pain. Letting Maestro go before he started to suffer was the most loving thing you could do for him. My Lumpy was 18 when he was diagnosed with cancer of the soft palate and it's such a hard decision to make. How lucky Maestro was to have a beautiful long life with you! I also hope your memories will one day be of comfort to you. My heart and thoughts are with you and we are sending purrs, prayers and hugs your way.

    Yours,
    Paula and all the kitties

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  32. We are so very sorry that Maestro had to be helped to the Rainbow Bridge. He had a long and happy life with you. Sending comforting purrs and love.

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  33. Me and my mom-person is sorry to hear that Maestro had to be helped over to the bridge.
    It's never easy to make that desicion !
    XOXO

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  34. run fast and free Maestro. I bet there are lots of butterflies and lizards and mousies to chase. *I am saddened to hear of Maestro's passing, hugs to you and your furkids.

    Andrea and her house of heathens (Ellie, Hoover, Robin, Louie, Hermie, Dyson and Cinco)

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  35. We're so sorry. We know this wasn't/isn't easy. It never is. We send you comforting purrs and headbutts...and the mom send hugs.

    RIP, Maestro...you will be missed. ;'(

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  36. We are so sorry to know that Maestro has left for the Bridge. We understand and know your feelings, as our little Rainbow Angel Georgia had the same thing. It is so hard to do what is right by them when it hurts us so.
    Soar high, Maestro! We will see you at the Bridge..
    Purrs and ((hugs))
    ~ The Bunch and Mom Bobbie

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  37. Maestro must have had a very good life with you. He was a lovely senior lad. I bet he'll have some tales to tell at The Bridge

    Sending you all purrs and love

    Mungo & The Ape xx

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  38. Maestro had 10 years with you, and had 19 years altogether. He had a good long life, and it is sad to let them go, but he probably wasn't feeling to well there at the end. Many hugs and purrs and purrayers to you at this difficult time.

    Luf, Us and Maw

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  39. We are so sorry for your loss. We send our purrs and hugs to help ease your sadness. We know you shared a beautiful life together.

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  40. Run free and chase butterflies....dear sweet handsome Maestro

    Hugs madi and mom

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  41. Run free now Maestro
    make beautiful music at the rainbow bridge

    BoBo Salem n catlings
    The Meow Meow Family

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  42. Our hearts are breaking for you. Thank you so much for loving Maestro so much, and for giving him such an amazing home. Sending hugs and purrs to you and all the kitties, Jeanne.

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  43. I'm very sorry for your loss. :(

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  44. I just learned about Maestro's passing from Manx Mnews. He lived a good long life knowing true love, what a joy. And it's always hard on the heart to let them go. Blessings to you all.

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  45. We're so sorry to hear about Maestro. What a wonderful, handsome boy.
    Sending purrs of condolence and comfort to you.
    From all of us at Angel Prancer Pie.
    XOXO

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  46. We are so sorry to hear about Maestro. Our purrs.

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  47. Oh, we are so very sorry to hear that your precious Maestro has passed on. Sending you our gentlest purrs and loving thoughts. Holding you Mom Jeanne and all the kitties in our hearts.

    Be Well Sweet Maestro

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  48. We are so sad that Maestro had to leave, but take comfort in the wonderful life you gave him and all the precious memories you have of him.

    Purrs,
    The Chans

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  49. I am sorry for your loss. Rest in peace.

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  50. Sending love and purrs from all of us at Purrchance To Dream.
    Thank you for giving him unconditional love and a wonderful long life.

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  51. To take such a hard decision just shows all the love you have for Maestro. We're sorry for your loss ; we send you comforting purrs and gentle headbonks, Purrs

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  52. Oh Jeanne I am so sorry to hear about your lovely boy Maestro!!!! He had a good and long life with you but gosh I know that doesn't make it much easier. Please accept my heartfelt sympathies. Cat xoxo

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  53. We're so very sorry to hear about Maestro! He was such a special kit-cat and had a great life with you. You made the best decision possible for him - and showed him LOVE.
    Godspeed, Maestro - Zim will be there to meet you!
    Cammie

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  54. Jeanne, I'm saddened by the news of your dear Maestro and send my deep condolences.You're right, no matter how long and wonderful his life was, it's a terrible loss. I send soft purrs of comfort and may your grieving journey be gentle.

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  55. Bhu is 17 and I shudder to think someday I will have to make the "Decision." I know it isn't easy, but you gave him a good life and loved him and that's all any creature needs. You put good into the world and you will get it back. xxoo Patty

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  56. So sorry about your sweet boy. Maestro was a very special kitty. Gentle hugs and soft purrs from us.

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  57. Please accept our condolences on your loss of Maestro. We will keep you in our purrs and prayers during your time of grief. XO, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo and Mom Janet

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  58. My heart is breaking. I left a comment on Facebook and hope you saw it. My thoughts, prayers and love are with you in this most difficult time. My deepest, deepest sympathy xoxo

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  59. We are sending our heartfelt purrs and hugs to help ease the loss of your Maestro. We are so very sorry.
    Marty and Mom

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  60. So sorry to hear about Maestro, but so glad you can celebrate 19 perfect years with him. What a lucky kitten!

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  61. I know from having to force-feed my dying friend Bear-Bear that there comes a point when care becomes torment, and that should never be. Maestro had to go before that point was reached. He had a wonderful life with you, and an easy passing. Godspeed, Maestro.

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  62. So very sorry. What a wonderful life you have given him for all these years….but I know this pain (as do a lot of other pet parents who love your blog) and am wishing you peace and sympathy during this difficult time.

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  63. Sending you all sorts of hugs and comforting purrs. He was indeed your elder statesman, and we're so very happy you had the joy of him for 19 long years!

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  64. We came over from Angel Abby's blog to say how sorry we are about Maestro. It is never easy having to make that final decision. We've been there. And the absence is hard to experience. We are sending you many purrs and headbutts.

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  65. We want to support you with our prayers and purrs. It is never easy when a dear friend passes over the Rainbow Bridge but in knowing that we shall all meet again someday makes it bearable.
    Timmy Dad and Family

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  66. I was so saddened to hear of Maestro's sudden passing. What a life he led, of over 19 years, so many siblings, and all those foster kitties!
    Sometimes the hardest decisions are from our deepest love. Maestro had your love and care right to the end.
    Hugs to you, and purrs to all.
    Eileen, Sasha, Sami, & Saku

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