02.09.08
Leo has passed onto the Rainbow Bridge
Our beloved Leo has passed onto the Rainbow Bridge today, Saturday, February 9, 2008. He would have turned 19 years old this coming summer. He had a long life filled with love. He passed away peacefully today, surrounded by his family. We miss him so much it hurts, but we are so grateful to have had 18 1/2 wonderful years with him.
Leo peacefully grooming himself while having a sunbath.
This is Leo demonstrating his formidable vocal range, saying he wants more hugs.
We found him on the street while we were living in Tokyo when I was in elementary school (Bambi was adopted soon afterwards). The tiny little kitten had no hair, and an awful skin rash, and was desperately cleaning himself. My mother took a bunch of tissues, scooped him up, and literally ran to the nearest vet. This vet told her that he wouldn’t make it so she should just give up. But she didn’t.
She made a baby sling for Leo, so she could keep him warm with her body temperature all day long. She fed him and gave him water drop by drop since he was too weak to drink by himself. I remember my mother coming to pick me up at school with Leo as snug as a bug in his sling while she drove. His hair slowly started to grow back, which eventually grew into a beautiful, silky coat which he maintained for the rest of his life, up through today. He had quite the personality and gave us lots and lots of laughs. He loved to be hugged more than anything (which we guess he associates with the sling when he felt so warm and safe).
As we were leaving the hospital today, it started to snow, and we knew it was Leo telling us that he is now at peace.
Leo 1989 - 2008
R.I.P.
margo said,
February 9, 2008 at 12:46 pm
What a beautiful cat… He lived a long and adventurous life travelling across the world! It sounds like it was his time to go but i’m so sorry for your loss.
m
lisa said,
February 9, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Your email and this post both made me cry. I am so glad that your family rescued Leo from the street and gave such a wonderful love-filled life, and I’m so sorry that he’s not there with you anymore.
Jessica said,
February 9, 2008 at 4:27 pm
This is very sad news. I never did meet Leo, but I know that you shared a strong bond. His life story is a beautiful one and it is clear that you provided a loving home. You did a good job.
I am sorry for your loss. Lots of love to you and the family.
mohip said,
February 9, 2008 at 4:32 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss. He’s such a beautiful cat and I always loved the pictures of him on the website. I’m sure he’s at peace and in a much better place right now, and I firmly believe that those we love never really leave us. I’m sure he’s still with you and will be always.
pawpathblog said,
February 9, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Thank you everyone for the lovely comments!
Jake & Micah said,
February 9, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Sweet Leo, our hearts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Hope you are enjoying endless sunshine and catnip at the Rainbow Bridge as you wait for your humans to join you. Purrs, Mei, Jake and Micah.
mel said,
February 9, 2008 at 9:08 pm
I didn’t remember his whole story. I am thinking of you and your family, losing a part of the family is always hard, especially on the ones left behind. I love the picture of him laying on his head with his foot by his face. I wish I could hug you. At least you have lots of warm memories left of him. oxooxx
Sarah said,
February 10, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Hugs and snuggles from Eleanor and me. Sorry about your loss.
Riley & Tiki said,
February 11, 2008 at 12:31 pm
We are very sorry about Leo. We are sending you purrs and hugs.
Joi said,
February 11, 2008 at 3:35 pm
I am so sorry about the loss of your gorgeous cat. Tears are in my eyes, not only because someone has lost a precious pet, but also because Leo looked just like my Prissy. She’s 18 now and the thought of losing her pains me more than words can say. So, I know you’re hurting like crazy.
I’m so sorry, but having lost pets before, I know that eventually the tears will be replaced with nothing but smiles and warm memories. Until then, you’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Kittyluver said,
February 12, 2008 at 11:07 am
Coping with the loss of a cat is as devastating as losing any other family member, but don’t shut off your heart to another cat. So you think you’ll never replace your beloved cat? Think again. Giving a home to a doomed cat may be the best memorial for the one you’ve lost. ALL THE BEST!!!
Ginger said,
February 18, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Sweet, sweet Leo.
Ariel said,
February 20, 2008 at 4:49 pm
What a lovely tribute so sorry to hear the sad news
HotMBC said,
February 24, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrs
We’s so sorry you can’t be with Leo right now. *hugs*
Monday Noos » Cat Blogosphere said,
February 25, 2008 at 1:01 am
[…] i’s jus finded out that Leo of Paw Path Littermat went to the Bridge on February 9th. He was 18.5 years old. We will miss hims furry much and send purr-rayers and purrs to hims fambly an sisfur, Bambi. […]
Chairman Mao said,
February 25, 2008 at 2:09 am
What a beautiful, beautiful kitty — we Ballicai never got to meet Leo, but what a blessing he was in your life, and what a wonderful person your Mom was to give him the love and care he needed to survive as a tiny little kitty boy.
Eighteen and a half years of love and a happy life are something to celebrate and hold dear in your heart, but we know you will miss Leo so very much. Our hearts go out to you, and we send comfort, purrs, hugs and lots of love.
The Ballicai (MaoMao, Dorydoo, Brainball, and Marilyn) and the Ballicus Mom.
Ruis said,
February 25, 2008 at 2:10 am
We are so sorry for your loss. 18,5 years is a lot and long, but it hurts always, we know… Leo is at the Bridge with many friends. His spirit stays with all who know and love him.
Purrs,
~Ruis
Zippy, Sadie & Speedy said,
February 25, 2008 at 2:39 am
We’re so sorry for your loss. Words can never express the pain of losing someone like Leo…He knew love and happiness as did you and now he waits for you to join him. It passes in but a moment for him but is a lifetime for you.
Karen Jo said,
February 25, 2008 at 3:28 am
I am so very sorry that Leo has gone to the Bridge. You cared for him for a long time and I’m sure that you will miss him for a very long time now. My heart goes out to you.
jane said,
February 25, 2008 at 5:19 am
What a beautiful cat Leo was, now at peace and still just as beautiful in your hearts. Take good care of yourselves xx
Parker said,
February 25, 2008 at 7:26 am
Leo certainly was a beautiful kitty. We are so sorry for your loss. It’s so hard to say goodbye.
Purrs and prayers…
Alexi said,
February 25, 2008 at 7:39 am
We are so sorry to hear of Leo’s passing. We’re sorry not to have long–he looks so lovely. We’re glad you had 18 some years with him. We will be purring for you.
China Cat & Willow said,
February 25, 2008 at 9:05 am
We were so sorry to hear about your Leo’s passing. You were lucky to have 18,5 years together and we’re sure he knew he was very much loved.
Purrrrrrrs, China Cat & Willow
Abby said,
February 25, 2008 at 12:13 pm
To live in hearts we leave behind
Is not to die.
~Thomas Campbell
Our purrs for Leo….
Artsy Catsy said,
February 25, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Rest in peace, beautiful Leo. He was so fortunate to find such a loving family, and those long years of memories will keep him alive in your hearts so he’ll always be with you.
Your lovely tribute brought tears to my eyes, especially when I read about the baby sling. I lost my precious siamese, Millard, when she was 23, and as she aged, I would carry her in a baby sling and take her for walks. Two of my kitties, Callie and Lucy, are now 18 and 16, and I cherish every moment with them.
We’re keeping you in our thoughts,
Sharolyn
Jasper McKitten-Cat said,
February 25, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Leo was so lucky to have found such a loving home. Thanks for telling us his story.
Rest in peace, sweet Leo. ::hugs::
Purrs and prayers
-Jasper
Grr, Midnight & Cocoa said,
February 25, 2008 at 1:20 pm
We’re so sorry to hear about this. We’re also sorry we haven’t been around recently. The Lady’s been too busy to let us on the internet much at all these days. Your story was so sweet - it made our Lady’s eyes drip. Rest in peace, Leo. Love & purrs from all of us.
Victor Tabbycat said,
February 25, 2008 at 1:22 pm
I’m so sorry to hear Leo is gone! But as you say, he had a wonderful life. Your Mom was amazing to do all that for a tiny kitten!
Bambi, I hope you’re ok and not too lonely. Give your beans some extra snuggles.
Purrs and nose kisses to one and all,
Victor, Bonnie, and Tabbymom
Junior said,
February 25, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Meowm and I are sorry to hear of Leos passing. We are glad h e had a long life, with a loving home. We are sending purrayers your way.
Fat Eric said,
February 25, 2008 at 3:26 pm
So sorry to hear about Leo going to the Bridge. It sounds like he had a wonderful life with you though, and a very long one. At least you have lots of lovely memories of him. Big purrs and scritches for Bambi.
The Tower Hill Mob said,
February 25, 2008 at 4:40 pm
A loving tribut to a beloved friend. RIP, Leo. We will purr in his memory tonight.
Hendrix said,
February 25, 2008 at 5:47 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss. You have our deepest condolences on the loss of your dear Leo. We will keep you in our prayers.
Leo was so lucky to have found a family as wonderful as yours. He took all that love with him. What a lovely tribute you made him.
The Zoo said,
February 25, 2008 at 7:51 pm
we are so sorry for your loss. Leo is beyootiful.
The Cat Realm said,
February 26, 2008 at 1:04 am
We are so sorry for your loss! Leo must have had a most wonderful life with such caring people like you! It is always so hard for the ones who stay behind…..
Tara said,
February 26, 2008 at 2:03 am
I didn’t know Leo, but I can tell he was a handsome and wonderful cat. Purrs and thoughts for you.
Gypsy & Tasha said,
February 26, 2008 at 2:32 am
We didn’t know Leo but we understand that you guys must be hurting a lot. Our purrayers for Leo’s human family and to his brother Bambi - he looks like he was a magnificient cat.
Purrs & gentle headbutts
Gypsy & Tasha
pawpathblog said,
February 26, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Thank you so much to everyone for the lovely comments!
- Bambi & Family
Henry said,
March 13, 2008 at 1:39 am
I’m so sorry for your loss. Leo was such a cute and wonderfully cat. I’m sure he must have 18 1/2 wonderful years with you. Take care.