20 September 2016. Our little cat Libby passed away today. She had completed 14 years and 2 months. The last few months were tough as her health was in decline and the doctor could not identify exactly why.
Libby (full name LibertyJean or LibbyJean) was much-loved not only by us but also by the many temporary moms-and-dads who stayed with her and her “sister” Jane while we traveled. It fell to one such wonderful couple to see her through her final days as we are in the Scottish Highlands. We are eternally grateful to them and to our veterinarian who tried so hard to treat her. In the final analysis, it was probably cancer that claimed her.
Cutie pie Libby at about 10 weeks. Always a little clown.
LJ (she had MANY nicknames) was a funny and personality-filled kitten from the start. Even at 8-weeks she was less afraid of our giant collie dogs than they were of her. She was independent and could be adventurous, but was terrified of strangers. We have friends who have visited our home but never saw her. One lovely cat-sitter couple was able to draw her out last year and she became much more comfortable with visitors from that point on. It was nice to see her grow and adapt even as an old lady.
In 2007, a photo of Libby sitting in the Christmas Village was included in the “365 Days of Cats” calendar. She was very proud!
Libby leaves behind an older sister, Jane (20 years) and Ric and I who will miss her goofy and sweet self. We have brilliant memories of our funny little calico.
Rest in peace, LibbyJean. We love you.
The girls made the transition to Rome swimmingly and traded carousing in our small Portland garden for a window seat with a view.
Libby never really got used to our travels, but she coped well. Every trip she would hang out on-or-in Ric’s suitcase while he packed. This last trip, she did not. I think she knew what was coming.
This is Libby with “sister” Janie in 2002. They did not always get along so well, like any sisters.
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I am so, so sorry about the loss of your beloved cat. What a wonderful photo of her in her snow cloud.
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Chloe, It is so sweet of you to write! Thank you for noticing our girl’s cute picture.
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Hi Laurel, I am so sorry. Miss Libby saw more of the world than most humans! She certainly chose her humans well. I know you will miss her so much.
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So sorry to hear this sad news. Sweet pets leave a hole in our hearts when they go.
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Thank you Gracia! I know you are a kitty person and understand our sadness.
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Dear Laurel, Ric and Janie, My heart broke when I read this message about LibbyJean. I can only imagine the big hole in each of your hearts. I am thankful for all the wonderful memories you have of her. May these always float to the front of your mind after your grief is less. I have hugged Shadow, Shasta and Keeper Gym more times than usual today in memory of LibbyJean. RIP pretty kitty. Love ya, Carolyn
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Dear Carolyn, Thank you for your lovely empathy! She was a great kitty and we will always treasure our 14 years with her.
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I am so sorry…endured the same about six months ago!
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Thank you Susan, Jane told me about your guy, You know how tough it is, bless you!
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I’m so sorry! They really do become our babies and it is so hard when they leave us. Poor Jane will be lonely now and need extra hugs.
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Thank you, Anita! Our sitters said that Janie has been looking for Libby. So sad! They are giving her lots of attention and we can hardly wait to get home and love her ourselves.
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We’re so sorry – a loss in the family can be difficult. Will you get another cat?
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Hi Bill. Thanks for your note. Our old girl Janie, now 20, will be allowed to live out her life in peace. Then we will think about another cat. Hard to imagine we won’t adopt again!
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Oh my goodness. So sorry for your and Ric’s loss. This must be a real wrench so close to your relocation. Carol and I send our sympathies. Give Janie a hug (a gentle one) from us when you get back to Italy….
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Dear Nige and Carol, You were among the first to spend “quality time” with the girls, and I know Libby was elusive back then, but I am sure your attentions were nonetheless appreciated. I can hardly wait to get home and hug Janie! Thank you for commenting.
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So sorry to hear this. I join all your other pet-loving friends in extending my most heart-felt sympathy to you both. We’ve all been there and know how painful it is…..no matter how prepared you think you are.
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Thank you, dear Susan! There is no real preparation, is there?
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I’m so sad. My deepest sympathies. So happy I got to spend time with her last November. Love, Kim
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Dear Kim, You are among the privileged few who got to meet Libby! She was special.Thank you for writing.
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So sorry to hear about your fur baby. This is always hard. She had a lovely life with you. Keep the memories close and they will help you in your grief. Loving thoughts to you both and to Janie!
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Thank you, Catherine, for your kind thoughts. The fact that we were (are) away made it even harder. The memories are good and we know we did all we could for her. The cat sitters were amazing!
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Ooooo. Tears. I bet you cried your eyes out when you heard this news while away. I just love the photo of her sitting in the Christmas display. Nothing can fill the hole of losing a pet. They are so part of the family. I my case, it is my ‘child’!!!
Looking so forward to seeing you and my heartaches for you.
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Ah, Marcia, the grief is deep and it will take time to work through. She leaves a large hole in the household. See you soon!!!
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We are so very sad to hear this news. She had quite an adventure with you guys! We know how hard it is to lose a pet, they are part of the family. Much love to you and Ric. ❤️
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I am so glad the you got to meet her when you visited! She was indeed a “child” to us, as all of our pets have been. Thank you for your lovely note.
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Oh, so sad. But I am sure Libby Jean was grateful for the great life you gave her, even the travel part. I mean, how many American cats get to live in Italy?
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Dearest Jonnie, I do hope she knew how special she was to us. And she coped very well with both travel to Italy and our month in the mountains, Such memories!
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I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your kitty. You both are in my thoughts.
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Thank you Kristine! We appreciate your note.
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Laurel & Ric, You have my deepest sympathy. Losing a pet is always so painful. But I’m sure you gave her a wonderful life and that she gave you all her love. Take care.
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Thank you Christine! We had a terrific relationship with little Libby and I do like to think she was a happy girl.
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Our thoughts are with the two of you. We just went through the same thing about six months ago. Great memories of her will comfort you. Take care.
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Sorry to hear that, Carl. So hard, but we have wonderful memories! Thank you for your note.
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She was quite a girl! I so loved our time in Rome a year ago August and getting to know both Libby and Janey well. Love to you & Ric…I know it’s hard.
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Dear Barb, I know the girls had quality time with you and Chuck. Thanks for your thoughts.
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Laurel and Ric, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your fur baby. Cheers to the many wonderful and adventurous years you showed her!
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Dear Jenn, Thank you for the kind words.
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Laurel, I’m so sorry to hear about your kitty. I can only imagine how hurtful it is when you loose a pet . I look forward to seeing you soon Mary
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Thank you Mary! Probably see you in November!
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