Scooby's last photo
by greg-in-washington

The House without a Soul

The House without a Soul. Scooby was the spark that drove all the activity in the house day and night. Now he is gone things are quite different. Featured photo is the last photo taken of Scooby in bed with his buddy Zeke sleeping holding Scooby’s tail. . Thanksgiving was a meal at a Dennys restaurant. No cooking no mess. All the family and friends in the generation before me are gone. Many in my generation have passed on. I remember Thanksgiving as a great gathering of people and looked forward sharing it. Now even the cats are aged. Scooby was 14 and the other two siblings are both 15. I got Zeke and Opie as kittens. We are all pushing it now.

Opie is now free to roam out of her room and now roams the entire second floor; however, she still won’t go downstairs as she thinks Scooby is down there waiting to chase her around. Carrying her down is pointless as she runs back upstairs. Zeke doesn’t know what to do with his time; Opie does not play with him. Years back they were close. I got Zeke a reindeer tent and gave it him, but Opie took it over and now claims two of them. Maybe something different would do. So Zeke just sits downstairs looking out windows. The catio is falling apart and I haven’t repaired it. My heart isn’t in it. Zeke comes downstairs to ask me for treats or food and he has been sleeping on the penguin blanket, and sitting on my lap sleeping or watching tv. Like Scooby did, he now shows up about 2:30 AM to ask for food. Opie’s hair from her grooming is growing back.

I have always had visits from “ghost” cats after a cat death but next to nothing since Scooby died. The next day; however, I found his favorite shoelace in the middle of the living room floor, and I am sure it was not there as I don’t leave strings and such out. He used to pull it out of the toy basket. I have not put away any of his things. It’s too sad. If there were one thing I could have for Christmas, it would be for him to come home alive again. He was my best friend at my side day and night.

I wasn’t going to do Christmas as it seems so sad without Scooby, but the day after Thanksgiving I was all alone and decided to put up the decorations. I remember Scooby helping me and have some photos of the two us taken by my daughter in December 2022. He never would leave the little tree alone. Today his remains are underneath the tree with his collar and some catnip mice. My heart is heavy and the days are hard and lonely.There are photos following showing all that I have described above.

LAP CAT
ZEKE THE LAP CAT
Zeke wants treats
Zeke wants treats
Opie at the window
Opie at the window
Opie not going downstairs
Opie not going downstairs
Zeke wants a turn
Zeke wants a turn
nip nana
Zeke gets the nip banana Yeoooow!
Zeke
Zeke missing Scooby on the penguin blanket
Zeke sunning himself
Zeke sunning himself
Scooby
Looks like Dad needs help
rope
Scooby loved playing with the bead rope
rope
This rope is too much fun!
greg signature
signature greg

51 Comments

  1. Unknown's avatar

    Greg, I know the unbearable pain the loss of Scooby means to you. I have suffered from it since Mixa and Lolo are no longer with me. I have a friend who tells me that cats, our pets, are angels. I firmly believe it.

    I send you a very strong hug from Bilbao, Spain.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Unknown's avatar

    Good morning, Greg. Late as usual, I read this post and immediately my eyes filled with tears. I’m so sad for you and you must know that we can all relate to what you’re feeling. Heartbreak sucks the big one, and we all know there are no words to comfort or replace everything you’ve felt for years with that sweet furry companion of yours. When we lost our old orbit, who started this blog with me back in 2011, my wife and I were devastated and could not function at all, walking around like zombies for days and crying. I was unable to go to work for two days, and I would have loved to have been able to take more time off. He passed away in my arms, and I was inconsolable well into the night. Anyway, I’m now sitting here sobbing like a child, and how many years has it been? And I won’t even go into what happened to Cleo before we found Smudge. Anyway, yeah, time heals, but. well, sorry to go on.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Unknown's avatar

    Greg, my heart breaks for you. Every pet I’ve lost has been a unique experience. None have been easy, some were the normal grief of losing a companion, and some have been soul-crushing. It took 6 months after losing one of my first-generation cats (Smokey) before I could even look at another long-haired gray kitty without tearing up. Thankfully, I’ve always had another living pet to focus on, love, and find joy in their daily antics. It sometimes felt like a chore to not be overcome with sadness for the pets I’ve lost, but focusing on those who were still here with me, needing care and love, and providing the same in return, seemed to be the only way forward.

    When Smokey died just before her 9th birthday, Felix (who was just a couple months older and had been with her since kittenhood) searched the house for her for 2 weeks. He was grieving the loss of his sister. Slowly, we both adjusted to life without her. With the second generation cats, Raven came out of her shell once Sammi passed away. She went from spending lots of time alone in a bedroom to taking over the entire house as her own. With the third generation, Wolfie took several weeks adjusting to the loss of Tilly. They had been foster kittens together and he didn’t know what happened to his “sister”. Once again, we all slowly developed new routines.

    Sorry this is so long. I just wanted to let you know that you aren’t alone in your grief and we understand the upheaval your heart and home are going through. And hopefully, in a few months, everything will be better. Never the same, but better than it is right now.

    I hope having the Christmas tree up, and Scooby’s remains, collar, and catnip mice help you find peace during the holidays. Scooby will always be a part of you, and in a way, he is a part of all of us who read your blog. His spirit is strong, and eternal.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Unknown's avatar

    I think I understand what you’re feeling. I lost “my” cat, Kommando in February. None of other cats have filled her spot. My uncle died a couple of months ago. He was the last of that generation. My kids and grandsons are still here, but it’s just not the same. I invited a couple of people from church for Thanksgiving, so there were eight of us, the most in several years. It’s strange how some cats touch us more than others. I wish you peace.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Unknown's avatar

    Greg this post tore my heart out. I can feel your pain and I understand it. Scooby was your “shadow” cat as Cody was mine. It is soooooo hard but DOES get easier. I wish you lived near me, I would invite you over to see crazy Levi and to play with Roary. Give yourself time. It’s all too raw and new…..all of the “firsts” are the worst. Your other two babies need love from you too……I am sure they are hurting without Scooby as well…….pets don’t understand what happened. (((hugs))) to you and I send you prayers of strength.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Unknown's avatar

      Shadow cat is a good name. I still can’t believe he is gone, only 5 weeks. His photos are everywhere it seems in the house. I won’t go on. Having trouble getting the other two to eat. New food seems to be helping. I don’t anticipate getting any more cats but I have said that before the currrent cats plus Scooby arrived. It is hard being alone without his constant companionship.

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  7. Unknown's avatar

    This is such a sweet, touching post! It’s heartbreaking to know that Scooby has gone on to the rainbow bridge. But I’ve always believed that pets go to heaven. I agree that the suddenness of it adds another dimension to the grief. And the other kitties don’t know what to do without him. 😢 I’m glad you still have Opie and Zeke, though. You will all get through it together, hard as it may seem. As others have said, our hearts go out to you.😢💕 It’s so hard to lose a beloved pet.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Unknown's avatar

    Greg, as does everyone here, I too know the profound loss when our dear best family member goers to the Bridge. I have wept for weeks over each of my girls and boys as they left me. It is a wrenching loss. But, that shoelace is something to consider. Several others have said that to you as well. You never know Greg…just hold tight. And I know that you know he had the loving life he deserved, and that he loved you just as much. You gave him so much.

    Katie Isabella and her Mom

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Unknown's avatar

    it’s hard, I know. hopefully scooby sends a sign that all is well, like he did the shoelace, actually on Christmas day. zeke and opie will help you get through this
    and….some day, you WILL see scooby again…I truly believe this. I knew last Christmas, that dai$y wouldn’t be here this Christmas, and even though she was my mom’s cat, she was still …my cat…which doesn’t make sense probably. I have her tree here in my house now, up where mackerull can’t get to it, and it’s decorated as FABulously as she was herself…FABulous. ….though I refuse to put a trout on it ‼️🌲💚💚💚🌲….lookin pawsum awesum zeke and opie 😺💚💚‼️

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Unknown's avatar

    I think many of us can relate to how you are feeling. With each heartbreaking loss of my cats, first Wally, then Zoey, and then the last of the original Island Cats, Ernie, I had to learn to accept a new normal. It’s not easy. Now I have Murphy and while he brings me much joy, it’s just not the same. I hope all the wonderful memories you have of Scooby helps bring you some peace.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Unknown's avatar

      I look back at the old photos of Christmas and the now missing cats appear to have a great time. So long ago. I don’t know if my two will have a great time but we shall give it a chance. Time moves on. . . . Thanks for your support

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  11. Unknown's avatar

    I am sorry for your huge sadness. We never get over losing a heart cat. I miss Flynn as much today as the day he had to leave. Of course I miss Eric too, but Flynn was different, special.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Unknown's avatar

    This November was the first anniversary of Sunny’s death. Since moving I haven’t felt her presence at all, but in the months after her passing I would feel a cat’s head banging against my leg, as Sunny would do when she wanted my attention. So I certainly think Scooby is with you, though he might be playing hide and seek with you and the other cats. It still hurts, though, not to have that one furry friend in the house. I also know what it’s like to observe holidays when most of the people you knew have passed or moved on to other places. I was lucky to spend this Thanksgiving with my two younger kids in Vancouver BC, but Canada had their Thanksgiving in October so it was just a normal day out there. We had Chinese for dinner with just pumpkin pie to mark the holiday. Wishing you good memories and hopefully a peaceful Christmas.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Unknown's avatar

      I remember Sunny. I would think losing an “only” cat would be even more of a shock as the routine of caring for him is ended, while remaining cats must still be taken care of daily if you have more than one. Glad your Thanksgiving was a pleasant one. Ghost cat Scooby is elusive.

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  13. Unknown's avatar

    Dear Greg, it is not easy, I can feel this. But please let me say this you are not alone, your cats, and your friends, and we are all here. Scooby was great. with memories alive in your heart and mind. I know it is a sadly touching, I still cry and looking for my cats who died… They are all very special characters. Be sure my heart with you too. You did great about Christmas time, I do believe they watch and feel us… And please don’t think like that, the house actually with full of beautiful souls… Much Love and Hugs to you All, nia

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Unknown's avatar

    Very sweet photos. I am sorry Scooby is no longer with you, but I am sure his spirit is with you. The shoelace was definitely a sign. XO

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Unknown's avatar

    I believe that our pets never really leave us–they’re still around us even after they’ve gone over to the other side, and I have no doubt that we’ll see them again someday. It’s never easy losing our four-legged family members, but we can feel good knowing that we gave them a life filled with love for the time that they were here. Great big hugs to you, Greg.

    Liked by 2 people

  17. Unknown's avatar

    Between Feb 1 2020 and mid-May 2022 8 of my cats died. None of them were hit in the road. All from different things – cancer, saddle thrombus, kidney disease, cardiomyopathy, old age .From then until last May, the five remaining hung in there with me. Then Moche went – kidney disease – and Buzzy just wore out. The youngest of the remaining ones is 11, the oldest at least 14. Then my cousin’s son died – age 56 – and I acquired his tortie- four and a half and still cautiously hiding. They are why I “have to” get up in the morning (other than the bathroom trips.) It is bittersweet to see them and know what we all remember together, for they miss their fellows too. Now it is a question of who will outlive me, and how to insure their continued care without letting go too soon. I wish peace and good memories for both of us, and all us “old folks” in similar circumstances.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Unknown's avatar

      If I count right Mary you lost ten and have now 3 cats left (?) That was quite a large group to care for, and even if there is only one, we still must get out of bed and care for it. Thanks for your comment.I have someone tp care for them if I cannot.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Unknown's avatar

    My heart goes out you, and those who have lost someone dear to them. The cats always live on in memory, Greg, and you honor dear Scooby well. It will take the other kitties time to adjust to him being gone too, each in their own way. 💙🌈🐾😿

    Sending love and hugs from the cats and crew here. 🙂❤️🙂❤️🐱🐱🐱❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Unknown's avatar

      Thank you Lavinia.. Why do these things happen near the holidays. It makes it worse. He is looking down at me from his cat calendar. Yes, the other two don’t know what to do without him to lead them. Thanks for your comment and all your comments.

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      1. Unknown's avatar

        I don’t know why things things happen around the holidays either. We have had our share of November and December losses over the years as well. Hard to bear at any time, it is worse in the dark time of year. Opie and Zeke need you more than ever.

        Liked by 1 person

  19. Unknown's avatar

    l’m so sorry Greg, I know it’s really hard to go through the loss of a kitty. I hope you can treasure the sweet memories of Scooby, as you care for your other kitties who need you too.

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Unknown's avatar

    I hope Opie will venture downstairs at some point. I think she will. Cats do everything on their own timetable.

    Prayers that you and your kitties will have a great Christmas together and form new memories to cherish.

    Have a great day and week. Scritches to the kitties that need you more than ever. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Unknown's avatar

    memories are good 😽 I’m sorry for the grief you’re going through. Sending love 💝 and hugs x always xxx❤️‍🩹💖🐈‍⬛🐈

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Unknown's avatar

      I think the shock of it happening so suddenly kept me from preparing my mind for the possibility of losing him like if he were sick for a while with something known and then passed away after a period of time instead of “Wham”!

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  22. Unknown's avatar

    I remember when my Tabby Cat Tigger died downstairs in our basement Daisy refused to go down there for the longest time, may you always cherish those memories of your cats

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Unknown's avatar

      Interesting about Tigger not going downstairs. Hopefully Opie will get over it whatever it is, and come down and be sociable again like in the old days. Thanks for your comment as always.

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