Conference misery::feline_v1

    That was a wonderful note.  Florence was one lucky cat to have
    such a loving home.  There is a place for waiting in cat heaven
    I am sure and Florence will be there waiting for you.  It's always
    hard to say goodbye to someone you love and doubly hard when it's
    cat--they live such short lives, it's not fair.
    
    Best of all wishes.

    Florence sounds like a wonderful friend who has given you
    many warm memories. My sympathies are with you in the loss
    of your loving Florence.
    Pat

    I'm so sorry to hear of your loss - I know it's so hard to let go. 
    That was such a beautiful note - Florence will live on in your heart
    with all the wonderfel memories you shared.  Be strong.
    
    Luv,
    
    Giudi + Pippin, Gino & StItCh

    
    Kathryn,  my heart goes out to you.  The decision is a difficult one, 
    but I believe we know in our hearts the right thing to do when the time
    comes.  You have provided her with a long and happy life and she will 
    always be with you...
    
    

    Kathryn, I am glad that you reached out in Feline for support during
    your grief.  I was going to suggest it in our mail messages this
    morning, but decided to wait.  This conference is full of folks that
    care deeply for animals and understand what you are going through.  You
    take care of yourself.  I will be thinking of you.  Florence is up in
    kitty heaven now, where all cats are healthy, happy, and loved.  And
    she is in very good company.
    
    Jo

    Kathryn,, we are very sorry  to hear about Florence.. we send
    kitty hugs and prayers..
    Kate, Happy, Preschie and Kissy..

    We're very sorry about Florence.  Thank you for entering that
    lovely note about her.  I'm sure Cowboy will need even more of your
    love now.
    
    Karen, Sweetie, Holly, and Little Bit
    

    Condolences also from us, I also know what it is like to fight that
    battle.  Take care of yourself, and let yourself grieve as much as 
    you need.  Kitty cuddles from Cowboy will help you both, I'm sure.
    
    Linda, Midnight, KiKay, Penny, Max, and Sebastian

    Kathryn (that was the name of my first cat),
    
    I am so sorry to hear about Florence and I hope, when the time
    comes for one of my gang (Bumpy will be 14 in November) that I'll
    have the strength and love that you had.
    
    Florence's name has been added to the Silver Lining Memorial List
    for this quarter.  I hope that is of some small condolence.  If you
    need more details on the SLM either write to me or read note 2228.
      Nancy DC
    

    Thank you all so much for the kind words...  It has been very
    theraputic for me to enter this note about Florence and read all
    of your replies.  And also thanks to my friends who offered their
    support off-line, as well.
    
    Nancy - I'm very touched that you're including Florence in the
            Silver Lining Memorial.  How thoughtful of you - many,
            many thanks...
    
    This passed weekend was a little difficult for all of us but mostly
    on The Cowboy, I'm afraid.  He spent most of his time searching the
    house for Florence and then finally gave up, I think, and settled
    into Florence's chair on the sunporch.  He looked so sad on Saturday
    morning when I took away her cat bowl and re-arranged his alongside
    the water dish.  He assumed Florence's position with me on the sofa
    Saturday and Sunday night when my husband and I settled in to watch
    TV.  Looks like I have a new partner...  Nobody ever said this was
    going to be easy, but I sure am trying.  I tend to get more upset at
    night when I go to bed now because I could always hear her purring
    loudly in the dark before I went to sleep.  Now it's quiet...
    
    Thanks again so much everybody.  It's comforting to be here.
    
    - Kathryn
    

    Kathryn, your last note was so touching. You are going thru what
    I felt when my cat PC died last month, and The Cowboy is going thru
    what my Francis did. It is so hard to lose a friend like Florence, and
    everyone feels her loss- and that certainly includes The Cowboy. 
    You have the support, sympathy and friendship of your feliner friends. 
    Florence must surely have been a wonderful cat.
    
    Pat
    

    
            we all feel your loss too, and understand.......
    
                            Denise and gang of 10

    Kathryn,
      When you're ready I sincerely hope you'll bring a new friend home
    for The Cowboy.  I'm sure it would help him recover from his loss -
    and you too. 
      Nancy

    kathryn,
    
    i agree with nancy--the cowboy could use a new friend.  you will know
    when the time is right.  your last two notes were very touching
    tributes to florence.  our condolences...
    
    diane, stanley & stella
    

    I know Florence knew how much you loved her.  And the qualityy of life
    is so important.  As for the Cowboy - lots of hugs and kisses and
    cuddles are in store for him.  It will definitely help him (and you
    too).
    
    My heart goes out to you.
    
    Sandi and the Storm Troopers
    

    I'm sorry to read your sad news, but it was a lovely tribute to
    Florence.  You'll miss her, but the Cowboy will be missing her too and
    need lots of attention.
    
    Best wishes,
    
    Karen (and Georgie)

    Kathryn MacDonald came over today and showed me this letter she
    got in the mail on Friday.  She asked me to post it here...
    
    B.
    
    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    Cornell Feline Health Center
    Cornell University
    College of Veterinary Medicine
    Ithaca, NY  14853
    
    Dear Mrs. MacDonald,
    We learned of the death of your cat, Florence, through a very
    thoughtful monetary donation made by Drs. Carol A. Cookingham,
    Richard E. McCarthy, and Dana L. Kellerman in your pet's memory.
    We are sorry to hear about Florence's passing, for all of us who
    are involved with pets know how dearly they are loved and how
    quickly they become true members of the family.
    
    Though Florence is gone, we hope that you can take comfort in
    knowing that future generations of cats will benefit from your
    veterinarians' memorial gift.  We will use this gift to continue
    seeking to improve the health of cats of all breeds.  There
    certainly could not be a better way to preserve the memory of
    your beloved pet than this meaningful tribute.
    
    Sincerely,
    Sheryl Thomas
    Office of the Director

    That's so nice! (of the contributors & the feline health Ctr)
    
    I was out on the day Kathryn left & she sent me a nice letter via
    email. Please tell her I miss her & hope to get in touch w/ her again!
    
    Bonnie