Tigger, our 18 year old gray tabby cat, died this last week while we were back in our home area of Virginia. He was quite old and frail and had a bad heart condition. We knew that he would not last too much longer, but seemed to be enjoying his cat’s life. Up until about his last 4 or 5 days.
We brought our senior cat with us on the road exactly one year ago as I decided to retire from work, sell our home of 21 years, buy our truck and camper, and seek the freedom of a life on the road with new adventures, sights, and places to explore.
Our daughter Audrey was 4 years old when she was with Pat at the vet’s office. They had several kittens to give away being rescues from someplace in West Virginia. She picked up the tiny gray and white striped kitten and mom could not say no.
Tigger has always had a very sweet disposition. He loved being around people and loved our dog Abby.
He would enjoy walking the 40 foot length of the camper to go back to our front closet, where he would sleep under a shelf in the corner. We called it his hutch.
Then he would come out and eat something, then sleep in his bed in the living room. Occasionally, we would put the halter and leash on him and take him outside to explore. Very slowly of course.
Each time we would sit in our recliner seats, he would appear and put out his paw for us. No longer able to jump or climb up. He knew we would help him up to us.
He loved to sit with us and have his ears and head scratched. It was a daily ritual over the last year.
As for a traveling pet, he was very little trouble. Just a little attention, some food and water and his cat box in the corner. The perfect traveling pet.
In his last week, he slowed down even more. He went downhill quick. Tigger was the last of our three pets. Our dog Abby died three years ago and our other cat a year before that. So no more pets anytime soon.
Pets can provide us much enjoyment, but it is also very sad when they are gone. I guess this is just another reminder of our limited time.
Tigger, you will be missed.
Sorry to hear about the loss of your cat Randy. It’s always a sad time when a pet passes.
Thanks Rick.
😢 you were all so good to him
Thanks Tammy. Yes, definitely our favorite cat.
Sorry you lost your kitty. Guess he wanted to be buried in VA.
Thanks Cherry.
Am so sorry to hear about Tigger. He was very sweet and we enjoyed meeting him in Savannah. Know it will be hard on you both for a while. Your blog tribute was very sweet. He was a furry family member . Glad he could die in his home state of Virginia with his whole family. Luv Lorna
Thanks Lorna.
Sweet Tigger! It was good seeing the pics and reading the stories. Yes, pets are a blessing and it is sad when they die. I’m glad for you that no more pets for now in this season.
Thanks Laura
Sorry about Tigger. I know he was an important part of the family and the past.
Yes, indeed. Thanks.