LOSING MY FRIEND

It’s not a happy day. My beloved cat, Pumpkin, passed away.

I brought him with us from the states, stashed under the airplane seat on that long 5 hour flight. It helped having him with me. Those stressful moments in a new country was softened by his furry persistence in catching every lizard that ran across the lawn. Life to him was simple at a time when my life was complicated.

I will miss his early morning meows and his soft belly that warmed my lap while I wrote this blog. We all anticipate there will be more time to follow our dreams, as if we can deposit those precious moments and withdraw them when we are ready.

I’m glad I didn’t wait and gave him the opportunity to catch butterflies on a mountaintop.

That’s how I will remember him.

By | 2018-04-15T18:19:55-04:00 April 18th, 2011|Categories: Uncategorized|22 Comments

About the Author:

Nadine is the author of the best-selling series, Happier Than A Billionaire. Join her as she navigates living as an expat in the sometimes confusing, always beautiful, country of Costa Rica.

22 Comments

  1. Victoria September 26, 2011 at 1:06 pm - Reply

    Oh, this is so sad.
    I am an avid pet lover and people just don’t understand that losing a pet is the same as losing a child, for many people.

    • admin September 27, 2011 at 10:02 am - Reply

      Still trying to get used to him not being here. I miss him a lot.

  2. Janice A September 14, 2011 at 12:57 pm - Reply

    I’ve been a cat lover all my life. It felt more instinctual or genetic than learned. My deepest sympathy for the loss of your Pumpkin. There’s something about those orange tabbies. Unfortunately, I’ve not had one for more than a month or two. My calico, Lily, is very jealous of her territory. I LIKE orange tabbies, but she goes more than postal when the neighbor’s “Buddy” stops by for a visit. He’s gorgeous, of course, and it was thrilling to watch him mature to a robust male. He is quite affectionate as are all the males. What am I doing with a bitchy, garrulous female? Like attracts like? I hope you don’t miss Pumpkin too terribly. But that’s never possible, is it? Soft memories.

    • admin September 15, 2011 at 9:12 pm - Reply

      Thank you so much for your thoughtful words. It was so difficult losing him, he was part of my morning writing routine. But I am glad I took him on this journey with me, and he got a chance to enjoy all the bugs and critters in Costa Rica.

      I couldn’t have said it better….soft memories.

  3. Toni September 2, 2011 at 2:23 pm - Reply

    I know it’s been a few months since Pumpkin’s passing. But I just discovered your wonderful blog and as someone whose pets are like my children I went searching for more news about the pets that you so bravely and lovingly brought with you to your new life.

    I was so saddened to read about your loss. I know from personal experience that a loss like that of your beloved Pumpkin takes more than a few months to heal from, so I send you my deepest belated condolences.

    I also commend you on the love and commitment you showed for your pets in bringing them along on your risky adventure and ultimately giving them such a wonderful opportunity to live the life you have found there in CR.
    I am seriously considering a move like yours and you are such an inspiration!
    And learning that you were willing and able to bring your pets has been a huge encouragement to me, since that has been one of my greatest concerns when thinking of moving to another country.
    I’m also sure Pumpkin really understood and appreciated all that you did to make his time with you so special.

    My sympathies also to your husband and your dog, as I know this was a loss for your whole family.And I also know you will all continue to be a great comfort to each other as you heal.
    All the best.

    • admin September 2, 2011 at 4:04 pm - Reply

      Thank you for such kind words. You are right, it is still hard. I often think that I wrote my book every morning with him on my lap. And now it’s so weird for me to write. He made the trip here so much easier. Having him was like still being home in a way.

      My husand knew I wouldn’t leave without the pets, and luckily everything went smooth and plenty of people take them along.

      Once again, your kind words are greatly appreciated and I hope if you ever consider moving you get in contact with me.

  4. Margie April 20, 2011 at 7:56 pm - Reply

    Oh, I am so sorry. I have lost beloved animal family. I still feel sad when I think about them. Pumpkin is a very pretty kitty.

    • admin April 20, 2011 at 8:03 pm - Reply

      Your kind words are so helpful. I love that picture, I know you must have felt the same about your little animals too.

  5. Todd April 18, 2011 at 11:25 pm - Reply

    Sorry to hear about your loss.

    • admin April 20, 2011 at 8:01 pm - Reply

      Thank you so much. It’s been a rough couple days but now I can remember the good times.

  6. Joe April 18, 2011 at 8:44 pm - Reply

    Nope, it’s never easy to lose a pet. I’m not so sure that we are not the pets to our pet masters. I have grieved over lost pets harder than I have over some lost relatives. They just love us no matter who or what we are. And what joy they bring us during their short stay. I’m sorry for your loss.

    • admin April 18, 2011 at 9:07 pm - Reply

      That is so true. He was a rescue, I walked past his cage and he rolled over to be petted. He was covered in paint, chewing gum, and had 75 ticks. But I fell in love and the rest is history. I feel like he picked me too. When you are a animal lover, and you allow them into your heart, you are forever changed. Thanks for your comment. Everyone is cheering me up at a time I didn’t think I could cheer up.

  7. Tammy April 18, 2011 at 8:18 pm - Reply

    I am so sorry about your loss. Pets are like family. Hubby is allergic to cats so we have hamsters and lost one of our posse last month. We were both heartbroken.

    • admin April 18, 2011 at 9:05 pm - Reply

      It’s amazing how loved these creatures are. How much laughter they bring into our lives, often at times when there is no laughter in site. Thank you for your kind words.

  8. Merry April 18, 2011 at 5:40 pm - Reply

    So sorry for the loss of your beloved kitty, friend.

    I’m of the mind, that when a pet dies, it’s time to go save/rescue another one. For myself, it really helps with the pain.

    Here’s the Rainbow Bridge for you:

    http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html

    • admin April 18, 2011 at 5:52 pm - Reply

      Thank you, that brought me a lot of comfort. I’m sure I will open my heart to another animal, I’ve done it in the past, most likely will do it again. It truly is the best way to honor the love you had for your pet.

      • Merry April 18, 2011 at 6:57 pm - Reply

        Your Punpkin is really beautiful…those eyes! I forgot to mention that I had an apricot Poodle that I rescued… named her Punkin.

        One of the best dogs ever.

        • admin April 18, 2011 at 9:04 pm - Reply

          Pumpkin was a rescue too. It’s where I get all my animals. It does help knowing I gave him the best life I could.

  9. Melyssa April 18, 2011 at 5:04 pm - Reply

    So sorry for your loss. I am a kitty lover, and feel your pain. My mom just lost her 2nd male kitty recently. But they are all playing together now in kitty heaven.

    • admin April 18, 2011 at 5:39 pm - Reply

      Thank you. I know I’ll see his furry face one day again.

  10. Karen April 18, 2011 at 3:53 pm - Reply

    Deepest condolences on your loss.

    • admin April 18, 2011 at 5:40 pm - Reply

      Thank you, our animal friends seem to take so much of our heart, and when they go, it feels so empty. But I am so glad I flew him down here and he got to see the Costa Rican sunshine.

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