Hello, there. This is going to be a sad post, I am going through a pet loss. We lost our second kitty yesterday to cancer. It is hard.
Ever since I moved in with my husband, around 13 or 14 years ago we had two kitties living with us, a mother cat and a daughter cat. Both full of mischief, we loved them dearly. The younger one passed at the end of Summer of 2019. And the older one passed yesterday. Both had cancer. I am feeling very sad and also, happy and relieved. I’m sad, I’m devasted they are no longer with us. I used to think of our family as a family of 4. It’s been down to 3, and now, just the 2 of us. We ate our dinner last night and there was no meowing. The phone rang, and there was no meowing. We came home, and there was no meowing at the door to greet us. There is an emptiness around me.
I am also happy that my kitty isn’t suffering anymore. I’m happy she is in heaven, they both are and hopefully, they met again. I’ve been crying all day yesterday. I’ve also been laughing when remembering their antics. And crying again. I’m crying now as I am typing this post.
I wanted to make a card last night, I have several cat stamps from Simon, Christmas cat stamps and I wanted to use one to make a card. I have no one in mind to give this card to, I think I made it for myself, to help me deal with the loss. I enjoyed the process and re-lived many happy kitty memories while making this card. I’m sorry this is such a sad post. I wanted to say that if you’ve had a pet in your life, you understand, but I hope you don’t because that means you’ve also lost a pet.
I stamped the kitties in Memento Tuxedo Black ink onto Neenah Solar White 80 cardstock. I used Copics to color: W1 (shading on the white stocking areas), R20, R22, R24, R27, R39, YG03, YG17, YG67, E51, E31, E33, E15, E37. Once colored, I cut these out with a coordinating die set.
A while back I foiled polka dot backgrounds in various foil colors, I picked one in Matte Gold to use for this card. I die-cut a heart in the center of the panel, the panel was die-cut using an essentials rectangle die. I foam mounted the panel onto A2 white card base. Next, I added the kitties. I used a mini action wobbler for the kitty with ribbon, just to make this card funny.
The sentiment comes from the new Let’s Make A Tag stamp set from CZ, I heat embossed it in white on red, cut out with a coordinating die and foam mounted to the card. I also die-cut little poinsettias and leaves and used those to embellish my card along with a few clear droplets.
Carmaking helps. It is my therapy and my escape from reality.
I hope you have a wonderful day. Hugs to you all.
SUPPLIES
I’m listing the products I used below. Click on the link to go directly to the product. Where available I use compensated affiliate links which means if you make a purchase I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!
 Spellbinders Forever Love Hearts Dies Shop at: SSS |
 Spellbinders Essential Rectangles Shop at: SSS |
 Spellbinders Sunday Drive With Santa Shop at: SSS |
 Spellbinders Platinum 6 Die Cutting Machine Shop at: SSS |
 Glimmer Hot Foil – Matte Gold Shop at: SSS |
 Spellbinders Polka Dot Strip Glimmer Hot Foil Plates Shop at: SSS |
 Spellbinders Glimmer Hot Foil System Shop at: SSS |
 Neenah 110 Lb Solar White Cardstock Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Stamp Lipstick Red Cardstock Shop at: SSS |
 Mini Misti Stamping Tool Shop at: SSS |
 Art Impressions Mini Action Wobble Shop at: SSS |
 Memento Tuxedo Black Ink Pad Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Clear Stamps Meowy Catmas Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Stamp Meowy Catmas Wafer Dies Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Stamp Cardstock Gold Glitter Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Stamp Embossing Ink Pad Shop at: SSS |
 EK Success Powder Tool Applicator Shop at: SSS |
 Hero Arts White Detail Embossing Powder Shop at: SSS |
 Hero Arts Heat Embossing Gun Shop at: SSS |
 Cz Design Clear Stamps Let’s Make a Tag Shop at: SSS |
 Cz Design Let’s Make a Tag Wafer Dies Shop at: SSS |
 Cz Design Stamps and Dies Let’s Make a Tag Shop at: SSS |
 Copic Sketch Marker R20 Blush Pink Shop at: SSS |
 Copic Sketch Marker R22 Light Prawn Shop at: SSS |
 Copic Sketch Marker R24 Prawn Shop at: SSS |
 Copic Sketch Marker R27 Cadmium Red Shop at: SSS |
 Copic Sketch Marker R39 Garnet Shop at: SSS |
 Copic Sketch Marker YG03 Yellow Green Shop at: SSS |
 Copic Sketch Marker YG17 Grass Green Shop at: SSS |
 Copic Sketch Marker YG67 Moss Shop at: SSS |
 Copic Sketch Marker W1 Warm Gray Shop at: SSS |
 Copic Sketch Marker E15 Dark Suntan Shop at: SSS |
 Copic Sketch Marker E33 Sand Shop at: SSS |
 Copic Sketch Marker E37 Sepia Shop at: SSS |
 Copic Sketch Marker E51 Milky White Cream Shop at: SSS |
 Copic Sketch Marker E31 BRICK BEIGE Cream Shop at: SSS |
 Pretty Pink Posh 4MM Clear Droplets (small) Shop at: SSS |
I’m so sorry for your loss, Yana. Pets do leave footprints on your soul, don’t they? Our furry family has gone down from 6 to 3 cats in recent years, and we also have a dog that was dumped into our garden 7 years ago. 2 of our cats are ginger ones, just the way you coloured yours, and the other one is white and black. Your card turned out so sweet!
Hugs, Marianne x
Aw, Yana, so sorry for your loss. I wish you comfort, strength and good memories of your furry family. I agree that cardmaking is wonderful therapy. Your card is an adorable, special tribute to your kitties.
I’m so sorry fro your loss, Yana. Our furry friends truly become family members much like kids to us. My husband and I have always had 2 dogs at the same time over the years, we have 2 now, the loss is great, but the love we receive in return is indescribable. I hope in time you will heal and be able to think of your fur babies and no longer cry but laugh and smile at the memories. Your card is stunning and beautiful as always! I hope you keep it for yourself. Hugs to you, Chris Bartlett
So sorry for your loss. Your home will seem so quiet in the days head.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your cat. I know it’s very hard.
Yana, I have no words for what you are going thru. I think the crying helps and so does the cardmaking. I have not lost a pet recently, I have had them pass away when I was a kid— over 45 yrs ago. However I did lose my father recently and two uncles and three aunts so grief has been present in my heart a lot, since of late.
I hope you and your husband can heal and work together to move forward in your lives. Your kitties, They are out of pain now and in a heavenly home together!! This is a wonderful tribute card! Remember the gold times and cry when needed & hug each other often. I wish you healing! With love and healing thoughts, Liz
Sorry for the loss of your beloved pet, Yana. I hope you continue to find comfort in your card making in the days and weeks to come.
Hugs to you too. I’m so very sorry for your loss and the pain you’re feeling. Grief is so very difficult, take care of yourself and be well.
So very sorry for your loss,Yana! To some, a pet is just a pet, but to most, they are family. It is a loss that is felt very deeply. Please know that you are loved by so many and that hearts are hurting for you and your husband. Prayers to you for healing and May all the lovely memories of your sweet babies comfort you as you go through this journey. Hugs to you both from Virginia.
I’m so sorry for your loss. It really hurts when you loss a member of the family.
I’m so sad for you, I’m crying reading your post. I think all animals work their way into our hearts. It is such a sad time, but hopefully the beautiful memories will make you happy again. Big hugs.
I’m so sorry for your loss Yana. Our fur babies are such an important part of our lives and live forever in our hearts.
I am so sorry for your loss Yana. I like to think someday I will be reunited with my precious babies.
Hugs, Terri
Oh, Yana, I am so sorry for your loss of your precious kitties. I know how devastating it is to lose a pet. They truly are members of the family. Your card is great therapy.
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your kitties. Over the years we’ve lost a 19 year old cat and three dogs. Each one was so hard to bear. You’ll be in my thoughts.
Sorry for your loss. Simple sentiment but grief is difficult and words seem hollow at this time. Peace to you soon.
Love the very special card. I too lost a beloved kitty to cancer several years ago, I did not want him to leave. Take care of yourself and hubby.
i am so sorry for your loss. i know all too well the sorrow with losing a beloved pet. i have lost many in my lifetime. I cried while reading your post as we are in the process of probably losing my beloved Pug dog named Newt. She will be 15 in February, very old for a Pug. you know how it is in the later stages when they get to that age when you know what is invevitable. She is showing her age and i know that we are getting close. Take care of yourselves and I hope you find comfort and peace in your memories.
Fur babies are very special
So sorry for your loss. I do know what you are going through. I had my last cat for 18 years and was devastated when I lost him. But there are so many happy memories. It’s a blessing that we have our card making to turn to. Take care.
Yana, I am so, so sorry for your loss. We have been thru what you are going thru 4 times…and it seems to get harder and harder as we get older. Our animals are our life. Our children. We have mourned and missed them dreadfully when they departed for the Rainbow Bridge. I can only hope they are there with each other just waiting to meet us again. Although time will soften the sharp edge of pain, the imprint they have left on our hearts will always be with us. I hope the emptiness and sadness you feel now will eventually be replaced with the many happy memories you have. Take care.
Beautifully written Amy. You expressed my sentiments exactly with much fewer words. Many blessings, Stephanie Clapper
Sending love at this sad time for you and your husband, Yana; I’m so sorry for your loss.
I am sorry for your loss! I know exactly what you are going through. We also lost a beloved fur baby last year secondary to cancer after a year long attempt to cure her. We still think we see and hear her everywhere. We love our pets and they do become a dear family member and we grieve their leaving us as much as the loss of anyone. Time does help – my heart goes out to you! I loved your awesome cards!!! I believe we will see them again in heaven when we die!
Oh, Yana, I feel for your loss! We recently lost or kitty as well. I am crying right along side you. You have made a wonderful card to honor them. Lots of Love and Hugs my dear! Take care and be safe.
Oh, sweetie, I am so sorry for your loss. Last year around this time we lost our wonderful cat after 21 years! My husband suffered the deepest, I think, because once he retired, he and the cat had become best couch buddies. After the holidays, we went to our local shelter and found an older hard-to-adopt “bonded pair” and they have brought so much comfort to us both. When you are ready, I hope you find new babies to love.
So sorry for your loss! Our pets leave such a big impact on us. My kitty, Cleo, has been gone for 6 years and I still miss her! Your card is such a wonderful tribute to your cats!
I am so sorry for you sorrow but you are not alone. Our hearts go out to you as you go through this difficult transition. I still physically feel the difference in my home with my kitty gone. But it was a blessing for her and she knows how very much she was loved. And I know too. That has to be enough for now. Blessing for peace to you.
Losing a furbaby is so hard.
They love us all the time and
never think bad of us. We love
them with all our hearts and
miss them so much. So sorry.
Beautiful card though and glad
it helped you feel better.
Carla from Utah
I’m so sorry for the loss of your kitty… It’s so hard when our furkids leave us. They are never with us long enough… I hope your kitties are snuggling together at the Rainbow Bridge, and you find some peace knowing they are not in any more pain. Love you.
Yana – I am so sorry for your loss, and am sending you a big virtual {{{hug}}}
Im so sorry for your loss
Dead Yana,
I cried reading your blog. Please consider adopting two fur babies to love and to remove the echo. Know your precious cats are over the rainbow bridge and are well. We too have had our hearts broken by the loss of our fur babies. However it is hard to live without the earth angels that love us unconditionally.
Peace be to you and your husband.
Thank you, Yana, for sharing your sad heart with us. It means a lot that you can open yourself up to your loving followers. I know your pain and I hope it won’t be long before some new kitties that need loving homes are helping to ease your pain. Thank you for your trust and for your inspiration. Much love to you, Sherry
I am sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your loss and sharp sadness. I think sharing your bereavement is the first step in the healing process. Anyone who has lost a beloved pet knows that the death of a pet is equal to the loss of any person who you love and loves you. It is difficult and sad time. These furry family members love us unconditionally and enhance our lives in so many ways (i.e., providing love, joy, companionship, helping us deal with problems (they know instinctively when we need a cuddle), making us laugh at their antics, physical contact, etc.) I won’t lie you will experience grief tempered with lovely warm feelings when you relive some wonderful shared moment with them that you recall. Just remember our hearts have an infinite capacity for love and when you have mended your broken heart, there is much to gain, for you and another pet, by allowing yourself to love again and bring joy and love to that new pet and they to you. Pets enrich our lives and we, in turn, enrich theirs. Know you have support through out this process/journey!
aw Yana, I’m so sorry to hear about your kittens. It’s so very hard when they leave us as they are our constant companions and members of our family. Thankfully you have many happy memories to console you. Sending hugs
Oh Yana, I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s never east when one of our babies leaves us. Sending big hugs your way. And your card you made to help you grieve is adorable and such a lovely way to remember your kitties.
Dearest Yana,
First, I’m so very sorry for your loss. My husband and I lost our beloved Sasha almost a year ago, I know exactly how you feel. Our Sasha, just like your dear kitties, had her own personality and just like you, it was my husband, myself and Sasha. The 3 Musketeers. She was very much a part of our everyday life and we still think we hear her paw steps. I’ll never forget the day she walked in our garage as a kitten, jumped into my lap and fell asleep on my shoulder. She adopted us. I’m grateful for the time we had together, so many happy memories. My nephew shared a beautiful poem called “ The Rainbow Bridge” and it really helped. ( I think that’s the title). Anyhow, time has been the only thing that’s helped me heal. I pray your pain is easing and in time, your tears will turn to warm smiles and chuckles.
The other thing is that I wanted to thank you for all your GORGEOUS work, all year long. Every single card you create is truly beautiful. This past year was exceptionally stressful and I know many of our artists are hurting financially. I’m making a special effort to purchase products where I can, through the links left on your blogs. Most of my favorite products are from another company but I am a Spellbinder kit member, so I’ll help where I can.
I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and here’s to a more normal New Year. I wish you and your husband, good health.
God bless.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Clapper