NFSI painted our cat, Bitz, today - she was 17 years old and she was put to sleep this afternoon. She lived outside for years - faithfully coming for breakfast and dinner every single day. She had this funny eye thing when she was relaxed, one would shut, as if she was winking at you. Her mother did the same thing. Years ago, when she slept inside the house, she'd bring in live presents - snakes, birds, chipmunks, butterflies - whatever she could catch, but she'd never kill them. That was always fun. Painting her today made me feel good - she was a great pet and will be missed.
Thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteSorry about your cat...I'm sure you did the right thing. Last year I had my cat Skid put to sleep. I got him when my friends landlord found out she had an illegal cat...he was suppose to stay a month..or ten years. She smoked and I did not, Skid had a terrible problem giving up the cigarettes, he's paw at the door and demand to be let out, then run over to the neighbors house every time the guys dad came out to sit on the porch and smoke. The old guy told me that his cat just loved him, I never had the heart to tell him Skid was just inhaling his second hand smoke.
ReplyDeleteSorry about having to put Bitz down.
ReplyDeleteCats are such loving creatures and their presence and ways are so comforting. My little "shadow" Vera
is about 14 and I rue the day that something like this happens. Love and light. Nina
I am so very sorry,
ReplyDeleteKaren
Karin, I'm sorry to hear about your loss.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry about you losing your beloved friend. I've only dealt with taking a cat to the vet to be put to sleep once; although it was an absolute mercy to the poor young cat and it was a devestating experience.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you have the chance to paint her portrait.
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers,
Cindy
I'm so so sorry. I'm glad painting was a help.
ReplyDeleteOh... so sad. But a beautiful portrait of Bitz. Thanks for sharing it, and also a little backstory, with us.
ReplyDeleteSorry for your loss Karin. Bitz's portrait is really wonderful, and a great tribute.
ReplyDeleteEvery cat has such unique personality traits. What a fun story Sandy also shared about the cat that got hooked on smoking! That is too funny. These are the stories we remember and love about beloved pets.
I remember our German short-haired pointer,
Sam, who failed to go on point in the hunting field all day, but later was found in the kitchen alone assuming a beautiful 'point' pose, paw lifted and all, toward the garbage can after dinner!
I am so sorry. Sounds like she was a dear old lady.
ReplyDeleteIf you get the chance at the bookstore someday, look for a children's book called "Cat Heaven" by Cynthia Rylant. It'll make you smile. I sometimes send it to clients.
I'm so sorry to hear the story behind this painting. I just wanted you to know that there are many like me who follow your work that care -- and know how special this little companion has been to you. Again, I am very sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteMy condolences Karin. :(
ReplyDeleteI'm an animal lover too with an older pet and will face the same thing before too long.
"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went." Will Rogers
ReplyDeleteI can tell by your paintings how much you love your four-legged family members. It is so hard to let them go. I had to put my 18 year dog to sleep. I can tell by the photos now that he was ready. The problem was I was not. It seemed like he had only been with me a few short years. I agree with the Will Rogers quote. My thougts and prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful tribute to a faithful friend and companion.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about Bitz, Karin. I cried over a neighboring racoon being put down not long ago. I can't imagine going through this with a long time pet.
ReplyDeleteHi Karin . . .
ReplyDeleteHat's off and respects to Bitz . . .but mostly to you and your feelings for her. It really shows in this painting!
II have been a subscriber (and fellow daily blogger/painter) to your paintings for a few months now and love seeing your work . . .and you how you articulate your feelings in words and paint.
Off the subject a bit, I hope your recent show was a sell out!
Best to you . . .and Bitz,
Mike
You all are so thoughtful. Thank you. We buried her in a bed of daylilies in our yard - I love that. Remember always, the daily joys of loving a pet, the laughs they bring, far outweigh the sadness of the loss.
ReplyDeleteKaren - my condolences. It's always has such an impact losing a pet when you've had her that long.
ReplyDeleteMy 'eldest' went when she was 18. It's great to have them get to be so old and very, very sad to lose them when they finally go. I found images of her very helpful in the immediate aftermath and I can well understand your need to paint her.
Karin,
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss.
You are very right about the joy outweighing the pain of loss. The loss hurts, of course, but the unconditional love between owner and pet, and the joy we experience continually from our pet's presence in our lives and from their memory even after they are gone enriches our lives and is truly a gift to be treasured, I believe.
As the owner of a nearly 14 year old, "senior" dog, I can definitely attest to the boundless joy and love animals bring to our lives.
I think the amazing portrait of Bitz that you've lovingly created and shared with all of us is a wonderful way for a skilled, talented, and passionate artist like yourself to honor your beloved pet. Thank you for sharing it, and, again, I am deeply sorry for your pain and loss.
I'm so sorry about Bitz. You made a beautiful portrait of her - I'm glad it helped you.
ReplyDeleteIt is a very touchy painting, indeed. The warmth of the light. The love of the painter could be felt. I started my daily painting today with the first one being my cat. She has wandering heart and always eager to explore. But she comes back every morning for breakfast and sleeps near my bookshelf. I actually adopted her when I was out in the garden painting. Cats are beautiful subjects. Mysterious and elegant. I think I will do several paintings of her in a row.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I love the way you write as well as your painting. You have your own way with words. Simple but very touching. I enjoyed reading your blog almost as much as I enjoyed looking at your paintings.
I read somewhere that when a cat winks at you like that, it's a "cat kiss". Sorry about your kitty :(
ReplyDelete