Casper from Somerville

by Mary Antaya
(Somerville, MA)

In one of the coldest winters we had in January of 2003, Casper and another cat, Riley were rescued from a house of over 50 cats.

We fostered them, but I admit I am a foster failure. We adopted both.

Casper was smaller than Riley but he loved all of us. He snuggled in a basket with Riley and loved his nightly belly rubs.

He followed me everywhere I went around the house so as not to miss anything. About 9 weeks ago we took him to the vet because he wasn't eating much and sneezing and losing weight.

Our vet set up an appointment with a specialist to put a tube in and see what could be the problem. We were in denial that dying was a possibility. 6 weeks ago we had the operation done and it was determined he had cancer in the soft pallet in his mouth and it had spread into the sinuses.

We had to put him down and it was so hard. Very emotional. He was cremated with other cats and his ashes spread in a pet cemetery. About 3 weeks ago we went to that cemetery to feel closer to him.

Since he has been gone I realize he was the heart and soul of this house. He brought life to it. Not a day goes by that I don't cry for him.

I love and miss him so. He was a very spoiled and loved cat. He couldn't have had a better life.

Comments for Casper from Somerville

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May 28, 2015
 miss him more and more every day
by: Mary Antaya

It is almost 23 months in a few days. For me it has not gotten easier. I couldn't bring myself to visit him on his 1st anniversary. Hoping to go this year but it won't be easy. It was such a hard decision we had to make. I pray I will see him at the rainbow bridge. He was the heart and home of the house and his brother misses him too.
Aug 21, 2013
 RIP Handsome Casper
by: Juan

I'm sad and sorry about your loss... we wish that our pets could live forever... Casper had a good life and was loved and protected by people who got to know him...
God Bless...
Aug 15, 2013
 My condolences.
by: Henritta

I am so sorry for your loss. It is so hard to put one of our babies down and you feel like there is a huge hole in your heart. But he is not suffering anymore and I would like to believe someday we will see them again. My prayers are with you and God bless you.
Aug 15, 2013
 I am sorry for your loss
by: SJM

I am sorry for your loss. While I have lost family pets in the past due to very elderly age, the first cat I ever had that was totally mine after I moved away from home is turning 17 at the end of August. She is my heart cat, and even though I have two other pets, she is the light of my life. I do not know how long it will take me to recover from her loss when it happens.

Thank you for having a generous spirit and adopting two rescue cats from a hording situation. I am certain that they both knew that you were rescuing them from a difficult life.
Aug 15, 2013
 Sorry For Your Loss
by: Laurie Amati

My love Charlie was just put to peace in November 2012. He had squamous cell carcinoma in his mouth. It is the worst disease a cat can get.

I understand your loss as he was also the "alpha dog" of our multi cat/dog household. I hope you can find peace in your memories of him, and know how much he loved you and what you did for him!
Aug 15, 2013
 So sad....
by: Jeff

I understand on a very deep level... And what a beautiful face Casper had. And, based on what you have said, he was as sweet as he was beautiful.

I lost my 17 year old cat Rastas in Feb, and no day goes by that I don't dream about having him sleeping on my lap or sunning himself under a small tree, or rubbing his soft warm face against mine.

It will get better, but the pain will never be completely gone. He was your close close friend. Prayers and blessings to your family... Jeff
Aug 14, 2013
 I understand your pain
by: Beth C

I have fostered, homed and loved many pets in my 50 years and 15 as a vet tech. It is never easy to lose one or say goodbye, but I ask myself... "would I rather have not had them in my life for how ever long as to not feel the loss"?

My answer is always the same... no. Can you imagine your life without your memories? Your house is not empty with out him, your heart is full because of him!

I will keep you in my thoughts. Find comfort in his memories, he was blessed to have you, you were blessed to love him!

Sincerely, Beth C
Aug 14, 2013
 RIP dear Casper!
by: kris Leone

I lost my "King," a strawberry blonde tabby, who was my ♥ ... When we found him and buried him, I started feeling a lightness/warmth, in my ♡, as if his spirit transferred from his broken body, to my heart... *I hope you will be able to feel Casper's love and presence.
Aug 14, 2013
 Casper
by: Anonymous

So sorry for your loss of Casper. I know how hard it is to lose our fluffy loved ones. Remember all the good times you had with him. He is such a beautiful cat! He is at the Rainbow Bridge with all the rest of his kind. God will take good care of him.
Aug 14, 2013
 Sorry for your loss
by: Mary E. Lee

I know all about fostering and adopting. I worked with the Humane Society in our county for a few years. I took in several cats and dogs and found homes for a lot of them, but my home became home for several.

It is so hard to lose one of them. I have 3 cats now and a dog. I'm too old to foster anymore so I just try to take care of mine.

I know that Casper is better off now. With cancer and you know they are in pain and can't be any better, it is the kindest thing you can do. Someday you'll cross Rainbow Bridge and he'll come running to meet you and you'll be together again. May GOD bless you in your sorrow.
Aug 14, 2013
 RIP beautiful Casper
by: Tootsie

Casper was a beautiful cat. So very sorry for your loss. Time spent with our fur babies is never long enough. Thank you for loving him and sharing your life.
Aug 14, 2013
 Losing That Special Pet
by: Diane

I'm so sorry you lost your Casper. I lost my Bubba over a year ago, and I still cry for him. He used to follow me around the house and like Casper, he was the heart of my home. It gets a little easier as time goes by, but you will never forget that one special cat that loved you as much as you loved him.
Aug 14, 2013
 aww I'm so sorry to hear about your loss
by: Jessica

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I know that losing your cat left a big hole in your hearts cause it's like losing a part of your family. Me and my family been there but God bless you for taking him in and giving him the love and need that he got.
Aug 14, 2013
 Casper
by: JoAnn Ellis

My deepest sympathies to you in the loss of your beloved cat. I know the hardest thing in the world to do is to have a pet euthanized, even though it's the only option available. Thank you for providing him a happy life with you and your other pets!
Aug 14, 2013
 Sad times at home
by: Broodycatwoman

I do feel your loss, I had a tabby that had breast cancer and it busted open... no one would help, mostly cause I live on ssdi. I really had no choice. Killian was 12 yrs old. She is buried on my bff's farm, with 2 others and 2 horses!!
Aug 14, 2013
 Sympathy
by: Anonymous

I am so sorry for the loss of Casper. We all love our babies. We have 4 inside cats, 2 of which were hand fed.

Friday showed up 2 yrs ago this month. On a rainy night. So tiny. None of the feral cats we feed had kittens at that time. She is so different from my other cats. Very timid and basically relates to only me.

Then we have Ebony. Last Oct. the mother quit feeding her kittens. It had turned cold and she and her sibling were starving and cold. The one died, but we managed to keep Ebony alive. She now is a very lively cat. She plays fetch. She will play for hours.

These little critters can get to your heart so fast. They steal their way into your deepest emotions.

Our Joey is my husband's cat. He stays close to him about 80% of the time. If someone sits down near my husband Joey will get in between them.

Patches is my cat and is very jealous of Friday. But Friday warns him when he gets in her territory.

We had 2 beautiful feral gray males. They chattered all the time. They have disappeared since spring. We have coyotes in our area and we figure that is what happened to them. We had been feeding them for over 3 yrs.

The one was so sweet. I could get very close to him when I fed him. He just wouldn't let me touch him. But he would come when called.

You get attached to them even though they aren't in the house with you... It hurts just the same when you lose them.

I hope you will get another kitty and give it a good home and let it fill your heart with more love... God bless you for your caring and loving heart for the kitties.
Aug 14, 2013
 He is always there
by: Julie

I'm sorry for your loss. I've been there a couple of times and I was lucky to have the option of having them cremated and they were all sibs and are in a shrine like place where I can be with them and reflect. It will get better. Just hug Riley because they don't understand.
Aug 14, 2013
 Casper from Somerville
by: Mary Lee

Thank you ever so much for sharing your story with us. I could tell from the onset that Casper meant the world to you and was loved to the max.

We, are animal lovers, take it upon ourselves to take these animals in, knowing full well they will not be leaving. It's a good thing though, as they prove to be wonderful pets and companions and bring so much happiness into our lives.

I'm so sorry that he became ill and had to be put down. The pain is immense right now, but in time it will lighten up and you will recall the loving and even funny moments you shared with Casper. God bless.
Aug 14, 2013
 Rest in peace... Casper. <3
by: Melody

God bless you and comfort you. I'm so sorry for your loss. I know it's hard, but just let yourself grieve. If it takes you a long time, that's ok. If it doesn't, that's ok too.

We all take our own time to get through deaths of our loved ones, and he was your loved one. He is no longer hurting. I know you are happy for that. You are in my prayers.
Aug 14, 2013
 For the loss of Casper
by: Peggy

My heart goes out to you in the loss of Casper. A family member passing is always so difficult to bear. You were both Blessed to have each other, just know that he will always be near you even though you don't see him.

The picture of Casper's face, is so darling, he had a great look. May each passing day get easier, knowing that you loved each other dearly. God Bless you, you'll be in my thoughts!
Aug 14, 2013
 Sorry
by: cindy

So sorry for your loss it's a very emotional thing and the pain never really stops you just live with it. God be with you.
Aug 14, 2013
 Casper Angel
by: Patty

I am so sorry for the lose of your baby Casper. It is so hard to say good bye when they are an every day part of your life. I lost my Boo Bear 2 months ago and darned if I did not find 2 baby ferals that a momma had a abandoned. I miss my Boo but these 2 have helped me... Take care...
Aug 14, 2013
 Casper
by: vicki vermillion

So sorry for loss but Casper is with other kitties now. He is with my miss kitty and having, fun no longer in pain, u will see him someday.
Aug 14, 2013
 So Sorry About Casper
by: Cindy

I know how it feels to lose a furbaby. I have lost quite a few over the years, and I still feel sick about it.

My husband and I just adopted one from the SPCA on Monday 8/12/13 and she came down real sick yesterday and had to spend the night in kitty ICU last night.

We got a call this morning saying she was doing much better and her temp was back to normal. She's still sneezing but she looks a hell of a lot better than she did last night.
Aug 14, 2013
 My sympathies!
by: Anonymous

So sorry to hear. I have had to have 2 beloved kitties euthanized over the years (one was 16 and the other was only 14) and it is the most horrible loss.
Aug 14, 2013
 So terribly sorry for your loss
by: joelle

Casper was beautiful and loving and you gave him a great life and the best option at the time of his death. This doesn't, though, mitigate the terrible pain at the loss of such a wonderful, intimate family member. I am so terribly sorry for your loss.
Aug 14, 2013
 Casper's story Touches me.
by: Vanessa Godfrey

18 Years ago I fostered a female cat with a litter of kittens, and decided to keep her. Missy got out and got Pregnant again before I could get her fixed... She gave me my Sebastian.

Missy passed with in an year, but Sebastian has been with me all these years. He now has major weight loss and health issues so I know his time with me is short.

Sebastian is the heart of this house, he follows me around and talks to me all the time. He is the first one of my feline babies to comfort me on bad days.

I cry for your loss of Casper, and hope when the time comes I can do as much for Sebastian as you did for Casper and allow his passing to be as pain and stress free as possible.
Aug 14, 2013
 Casper
by: Anonymous

So so sorry!!
Aug 14, 2013
 So sorry for your loss
by: Mary

So sorry for your loss. Losing an animal is the same as losing one of your own kids. Your kitty knew she was loved, and you gave her a great life.
To me, animals are angels, that love us and look over us, and I bet your kitty is watching over you now.
Aug 14, 2013
 Casper
by: W. Lee

RIP sweet kitty... So sorry for your loss... God Bless.
Aug 14, 2013
 Casper , you were truly loved.
by: Anonymous

I feel for you, and I really do understand... I also rescued 2 kitties from an elderly man, who had too many, and they were crowded onto a small porch.

When the man passed away, Family were taking the cats to a shelter, and I grabbed two pretty, medium haired ones. A female and a male...

The male, Oscar, became my constant companion, and would squeeze himself between my husband and I in bed at night. He had an adorable way of lying on his back, and doing his total spread... My husband used to say "Is he flashing me?"

I loved seeing the transformation, from a shy, matted, quiet cat, that had never been truly loved, to a grateful, beautiful, glossy, sweet and spoiled cat, that I truly loved.

We had a special connection, that I can only explain to another cat lover... Oscar had a cat door to go out occasionally. He stayed right in front of our door, and he only liked to go out there in the early morning, when it was cool.

One day before Christmas Eve, he disappeared. Called every shelter, put up posters, and went door to door in our area... I was told that a Bobcat was seen that morning at six am, on the opposite side of my pond, facing my house...

I finally had to face the truth, that my Oscar must have gotten into a scuffle with an animal too big for him to handle...

He was protective of my house, and would run out to meet my car, everyday when I pulled into the driveway from work... My heart is broken, and I miss him so much...

I was glad that I was able to show him love, and give him a happy life, for a few years... I only wish I could have given him many more years to enjoy life.

We can be grateful, that at least they know that they were truly loved. Maybe they will be friends at the bridge. My Oscar is gone for two years now...

Hugs, Sharon D.
Aug 14, 2013
 Our Heart is With you
by: JJ and Willy

PurrMeows and PurrHugs. So sorry for your loss. He knew care and love you gave to him.
Aug 14, 2013
 Condolences
by: Kitty (no, really that's my nickname)

Please accept my condolences on the loss of your beloved family member, Casper. Looking at his picture I see that he was beautiful and looking very content.

I know how hard it is to have to put down a loved pet, I've had to have a cat and a dog put down within the last 2 years. The tears are still falling when I think of them.

My only salvation is knowing that they are all at the Rainbow Bridge waiting for me. Casper is waiting for you also. They are all having a great time up there with no pain and suffering and lots of friends to play with.

I know that no words can comfort at a time like this so just know that you did the best you could for him and he had a wonderful life while he was with you. He is watching and waiting for the time when you will meet again.

Best wishes, Kitty.
Aug 14, 2013
 Casper the Cat
by: Marilyn Voss

I am the "mother" of two kitties and understand how close you can get to them. I am so sorry you "lost" Casper, but I believe that animals go to Heaven and he was very blessed to have had you care for him while he was here. Now he is in God's hands. Bless you!
Aug 14, 2013
 Sympathy
by: TALITAnonymous

I am so sorry for your loss. I know what it feels like.
Love XX
Aug 14, 2013
 Casper kitty
by: pam

I know how you feel. We also had to put a cat to sleep that had cancer on his tongue. He was unable to eat and was starving to death. His name was Bo.

But I do have a cat named Casper also and the same color, except he is short hair. He is also having some problems urinating. But we are working on him and hopefully he will be alright. It will get better on you.

I still think of my Maine Coon I had, he was 20 years old when he died. I still cry if I think too long about him. He was the one that made this home a home. Take care.
Aug 14, 2013
 AngelKitties
by: Icedancer01

Angels come in many forms.

I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved cat. Pets are given to us to help make our lives better and for some reason you were chosen to be the cat's guardian angel or maybe he was yours... YOU made his life better, the love you have experienced with this little guy was your gift from him. You will always have that and his soul will be near you always. God Bless, it won't be easy.

Maybe someday you'll save another and be an angel to a cat once more.
Aug 14, 2013
 Loss
by: Anonymous

I am so sorry for your loss. I know how it is to lose a pet friend or cat. I know I would be devastated if I lost one of my cats. God be with you.
Aug 14, 2013
 My deepest condolences
by: Anonymous

I'm so sorry for your loss! I cried reading about your beloved friend. May you see each other again over Rainbow Bridge.
Aug 14, 2013
 Grief
by: Connie

I truly grieve with you. I have had several cats in my life but one really made me cry when I had to have him put down. I understand your feelings and even now 23 or 24 years later I think of him and get teary. Just remember the rainbow bridge and we'll see them in Heaven when we get there.
Aug 14, 2013
 RIP Beautiful Casper...
by: Evelyn Kurtock

RIP beautiful Casper... You gave him a great life after a previous life of misery. I know you will grieve his loss, who wouldn't, but also be joyous that he had a wonderful life with you and your family. God bless you.
Aug 14, 2013
 So very sorry
by: Maria Ann

So sorry for your loss. Our pets become our family, and it is so difficult to lose them. Your beautiful kitty is with the Angels now.
Aug 14, 2013
 Loss... can turn to love again!!
by: Alan B.

As a cat lover, I feel your pain... I have rescued strays since I was a teenager, never paid for an animal or gone to a shelter.

The love you feel for your lost pet never goes away... but in time hopefully you can open your heart again to a precious new friend... trust me, it's worth it. If you have a remaining pet they will learn to accept a new friend too... All my best to you...
Aug 14, 2013
 Casper
by: Lois

I know how it feels losing a pet that you love. My cat precious I had for 17 years was ran over on Valentines day. I was devastated, couldn't work for three days. So I know how you feel.
Aug 14, 2013
 I know how you feel
by: Betty

I know exactly how you feel about your loss of Casper. I had a light colored orange tabby named Simba who I loved like you loved Casper that passed away in April of this year.

I do miss him and how funny he was. He'd stretch out on my lap, all the way down my legs, and he'd stay there while I watched my programs every night.

I've been very ill and my animals have been a great comfort to me. I read your story of Casper and yes, I'm a very bad foster parent too. I always wind up keeping the little ones.

God be with you and keep you safe and mend your heart from this terrible loss. Please seek out a bereavement group in your area to work through the pain and heartache you are feeling.

Sometimes the loss of our pets, like my little Gizmo, my Mom's former dog in May of this year, brings up other losses too.
Take care and much love to you.
Aug 14, 2013
 Casper
by: Mari

May Casper Rip forever now it's an angel in heaven awaiting to greet you one day God bless.
Aug 14, 2013
 Casper
by: Michelle

So sorry for your loss, always remember Casper had a wonderful life because of you.
Aug 14, 2013
 The Lost of a Cat(s)
by: Kathy

I know the pain of losing a cat or cats that entered my life. We have lost a family member we loved and they loved us right back. I strongly believe we will meet up with them again and be happy! The Pain fades away slowly, but we never ever forget them!
Aug 14, 2013
 Rip Casper
by: shary

Some day you'll be with Casper as he waits inside of heaven's gate... at Rainbows bridge...
Aug 14, 2013
 Casper
by: Kirsten Fairweather

You are just like me, there wouldn't be a day I didn't cry either, it's love in the strongest form and it shows u couldn't have given your little man anything more. One of my cats is 21yrs and the day isn't too far off, it upsets me now. Please be happy and share your love with another desperate kitty. U can't replace them, but u can help another baby to make "you" feel better. Bye Casper❤
Aug 14, 2013
 Jacquelyn C.
by: Jacquelyn

So sorry for your loss, God bless for saving the 2 kitties.
Aug 14, 2013
 Casper
by: kathy

I am so sorry to hear that Casper was so sick. I know that's a very hard heartbreaking decision. I want you to know he is now in heaven waiting for you and his kitty friends. He is watching over you.
Aug 14, 2013
 Casper
by: luna

So sorry; it is a hard thing to do and you will always have that special bond with him. He loved you and knew you loved him and gave all by letting him go. He will always be with you.
Aug 14, 2013
 Casper
by: Shirley

RIP Casper. You are now healthy again and playing with all the others at the Rainbow Bridge. Say hello to all of my babies there also.
Aug 14, 2013
 I'm sorry for your loss.
by: Kurt (Admin)

I'm sorry to hear about Casper's passing, Mary. Thank you for rescuing him and giving him a good home. I'm always glad to hear about foster failures, as I know those cats are always in good hands their entire lives. RIP little guy.

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