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Conference misery::feline_v1

Title:Meower Power is Valuing Differences
Notice:FELINE_V1 is moving 1/11/94 5pm PST to MISERY
Moderator:MISERY::VANZUYLEN_RO
Created:Sun Feb 09 1986
Last Modified:Tue Jan 11 1994
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:5089
Total number of notes:60366

5001.0. "Tamba - We'll miss you" by WILLEE::MERRITT () Wed Oct 09 1991 16:23

    
                         T A M B A
                        
                    3/20/89  -  10/6/91

My sweet loving Tamba died this past Sunday night from Cardiomyopathy,
which is an enlarged heart.   Tamba did not show any symptoms of being
sick until Sunday afternoon when we noticed he was having difficult
breathing.  Since not many vets were open we immediately went to the  
Animal Emergency Center in Acton.  The vet was very upfront with us from 
the beginning and told us that they needed to do more test but she suspected 
Asthma attack (that would have been the best case), tumor on the lungs, 
or heart problems.  God...I was shocked I was thinking URI!  Tamba passed
away in the middle of the tests and his X-rays clearly showed a very
enlarged heart surrounded by alot of fluid.   

Tamba was two and half years old (much to young) and was my baby.  
Tamba is my only cat that I actually saw him the day after he was born,
chose him from the litter and took him home when he was 8 weeks old.
Most of all my other cats are strays that found us!  Tamba was pampered
his whole short life...and never knew what it was like to be hungry...
cold or not have love.    He was our baby from day 1....and what
a baby he was!
 
Tamba weighed about 15 pounds,  was so mellow, had a wonderful dispostion
and was such a happy cat.   I swear he was part human because he
had some wonderful qualities and was very smart.  Tamba was one of
my cats that actaully came to you everytime you called his name..he
not only came to you...but he would look so excited and happy to
see you....I swear that cat could smile.   The big boy loved to fetch
tin-foil balls, give head butts (to humans and cats), and loved to
sleep next to you leaning against your body.  He truly hated when
my husband and I were in bed...and he would wiggle his way until
he was between both of us.  I swear he was jealous!!

One of his best qualities was his love for other cats....Tamba was
with me when we were a one cat family and since that time he
has seen 7 other cats join our household.   He made the introductions
of these strays so easy.....I would bring in a new stray....all my other 
cats would have "hissy fits" and start spiting...but Tamba would go over 
to the stray, sniff, touch noses, give a head butt, lap the top of the 
head....and the stray and him would walk away together.   Even though 
Tamba was not aggresive, not many cats in my house would attempt to go 
against him...so they figured if Tamba accepted the new one...we can 
too!   Anytime one of my cats wanted loving...they always walked over
to Tamba with head bent...waiting for that head butt and lap. He
never failed to give love to anyone.

His favorite kitty was his girlfriend Poco, who was number two, in
my house.   Poco and him were forever hugging, cleaning and playing
with each other....I have so many pictures of those two in each others
arms.   Those pictures I will cherish forever.   Poco misses him 
terribly...and I swear she is grieving right along Mom and Dad.

I would like to specially think Jo and Roberta...who have helped me
that last few days by giving me a better understanding of this terrible
disease, sharing their personal stories, helping me realize that thier
might not have been earlier symptoms, and just letting me know
that I did all I could do for my baby.  They both also made me realize
that Tamba could have suffered alot more prior to passing away.

Tamba...thank you for all you gave us...and you are missed by all.
Tamba...leave it to you to pass away on your own...and not leave Mom
and Dad with that very hard decision.  Your heart was so big and I 
you always thought of others before yourself.  I know your in a place 
that you can make many new friends...and just think of all the new 
head-butts you can give.  We all love you and will miss you forever.
Life is so empty without you!
    
Love always and forever

Mom and Dad,  Poco, Barkley, Angus, Chloe, Dewey, Abby, Bogie
              Van Gogh and J.C. (outdoor strays)
    
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
5001.1AUKLET::MEIER1 cat, 3 kittens, and 1000 glass insulatorsWed Oct 09 1991 16:487
    Dear Sandy,
    
    I'm so sorry to hear about Tamba...and you have me fighting back tears
    in class again.
    
    love,
    Jill
5001.2TENAYA::KOLLINGKaren/Sweetie/Holly/Little Bit Ca.Wed Oct 09 1991 16:565
    I'm very sorry.  What a wonderful cat, and such joy he brought you
    while you shared your lives.
    
    Karen
    
5001.3SONATA::MCCURDYWed Oct 09 1991 17:063
    We are very sorry to hear about Tamba.. we will remember all of you
    in our prayers..
    Kate, Happy, Preschie and Kissy..
5001.4JUPITR::KAGNOTo cats, all things belong to catsWed Oct 09 1991 17:2112
    Sandy, I know we have spoken in person, but add my condolensces as
    well.  Animals, like people, become a very intregal part of our lives. 
    To lose one is comparable to losing a member of the family, or a very
    close friend.
    
    Take comfort from your other cats; they will help ease the pain, and
    time, as always, will lessen the hurt your are feeling.
    
    HUGS to you and your family,
    
    -Roberta
    
5001.5Sending gentle hugs...SANFAN::BALZERMAWed Oct 09 1991 17:274
     
    Sandy, you are in our thoughts...
    
    
5001.6Sorry...SOLVIT::IVESWed Oct 09 1991 17:3511
    Sandy, I am so sorry to read of Tamba's passing. Your note
    brought tears to my eyes and saddness to my heart that we
    have lost another of our furfaces to that terrible disease.
    
    You certainly have wonderful memories of Tamba. Aren't you
    glad you took those pictures. They become so precious at
    at time like this.  Give lots of hugs to your other four
    legged family (and fur makes a great place to loose those
    tears that fall from your great loss.)
    
    Barbara
5001.7FORUM::ANDERSONWed Oct 09 1991 17:5416
    Sandy,
    
    I can barely write this note through my tears...how sad!
    
    As my Otis is the same age as Tamba - I can relate to your
    feelings of loss.  It makes me want to take him to Dr. Mulcahy
    for x-rays - I guess it's my protective instinct.
    
    Please accept my condolences!  Tamba sounds like the perfect
    companion and how blessed to have found you and your family
    to share so much love.
    
    Regards,
    
    Marilyn, Otis and Tiffany
    
5001.8BOOVX1::MANDILELynne a.k.a. HRHWed Oct 09 1991 18:034
    Our condolences, Sandy.....
    
    Lynne & Casey, B.K., Pepper, Rusty, Moochie & Dominique
    
5001.9Tears for TambaMODEL::CROSSWed Oct 09 1991 18:048
    Sandy,
    
    Thank God for the Tobins napkins....I'm crying all over the keyboard.
    I'm so so sorry for your loss.  I'm sure he will be missed ...
    especially by all his brothers and sisters who he took in with such
    patience and love.
    
    Nancy, Zuzu, Bear and Suki
5001.10SympathyCASCRT::LUSTHugs - food for the soulWed Oct 09 1991 18:145
    Sandy, 
    
    I'm so sorry - he loved, and was loved.
    
    Linda
5001.11WR1FOR::RUSSELLPE_STWed Oct 09 1991 18:547
    I'm so sorry.  I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes.  What a
    wonderful cat Tamba was, and how loved he was, and how loving.  Take
    comfort in knowing that you gave him a wonderful life and he never knew
    anything but your love.
    
    Steffi, Misty, Lizette, Misha, & Marnie
    
5001.12WR2FOR::CORDESBRO_JOset home/cat_max=infinityWed Oct 09 1991 20:017
    Sandy,
    
    We have spoken off line too and you know that I send my condolences
    along with the others. Losing a cat suddenly like this is such a shock,
    it just knocks the wind right out of you.  
    
    Jo
5001.13we are sorryPARITY::DENISEAnd may the traffic be with youWed Oct 09 1991 20:054
    
         Our heartfelt condolences,
    
         Denise and the gang of 11
5001.14Our condolences, tooFRAGLE::PELUSOPAINTS; color your corralThu Oct 10 1991 10:026
    Sandy-
    
    We're so sorry to hear about Tamba.....
    
    Michele & Nippa
    
5001.15So sorry ...ESIS::FEASEAndrea Midtmoen FeaseThu Oct 10 1991 10:255
    Sandy,
    
         Our condolences as well.  What a beautiful tribute to Tamba ...
    
    					Andrea, Bigfoot, Loki & Midnight
5001.16CRUISE::NDCPutiput Scottish Folds DTN:297-2313Thu Oct 10 1991 10:3811
    Sandy -
      We also spoke off-line and I wanted you to know that Tamba's name
    is the first for Q2 FY92 Silver Lining Memorial.  If you have a request
    for a recipient please let me know.
    
    Tamba may not have had a long life, but he certainly had a perfect one.
    He was a lucky kitty to have been chosen by one such as you.  
    
      WIth deepest sympathy -
       Nancy DC, Jack and all the Putiput Kitties.
    
5001.17CIMNET::GLADDINGNoters do it with a 8-)Thu Oct 10 1991 11:4811
    Sandy,
    
    You know how I feel, after speaking with you shortly after
    you found out the bad news.  Try to take comfort in knowing
    that Tamba is in a much better place, and is still looking
    over you and your other babies.  He couldn't have asked
    for better parents, and I know he appreciated every moment
    of his life with you.
    
    take care
    Pam
5001.18TPSYS::TAMIRACMS design while-u-waitThu Oct 10 1991 14:305
    Sandy,
    
    Us, too...we're so sorry...
    
    Mary+7
5001.19We're sorry tooKOPEC::COCHRANERack and RuneThu Oct 10 1991 14:536
    Sandy,
    
    We're so sorry about Tamba.  I know how it feels to lose a
    beloved friend.
    
    Mary-Michael, Misha, Mips, Bele and Dream
5001.20JJLIET::JUDYIt's leather weather!Thu Oct 10 1991 15:408
    
    
    	Sandy,
    
    	We're so sorry about Tamba.....  sniff....sniff
    
    	JJ, Brandi, Sasha, Chloe, Audrey and Sylvester the stray...
    
5001.21PANACH::sandyErr on a G StringThu Oct 10 1991 18:005
	We send our thoughts and purrs out to you, too.  It's so sad to
	lose even one sweet baby.

	Sandy + 6
5001.22SSVAX::DALEYFri Oct 11 1991 17:524
    I am so sorry about the loss of your beloved Tamba. 
    
    Pat
    
5001.23Sad to hear the newsVIA::COLBURNMon Oct 14 1991 19:559
    Sandy,
    
    YOU are the best Mommie a kitty could have.  Tamba sounded special,
    we are all sorry to hear of your loss.
    
    I'm going to go home and hug all my kittys.
    
    Robin, Bosco, Money and Smudge
    
5001.24WILLEE::MERRITTFri Oct 18 1991 16:0719
    I can't thank you feliners enough for all you have done for
    me in the last two weeks.   The pain and hurt is still there...
    but each day seems to be a bit better.
    
    My husband (the sweetheart) bought me a beautiful mug at the
    cat show in Fitchburg. On one side it says #1 CAT...and on the
    other side is a gorgeous picture of Tamba.  It was so beautiful
    and I will cherish it forever.   Poor Ernie went to use the mug
    the other night...and I bit his head off saying "nobody....but
    nobody drools on my Tamba".  We did have a good laugh!!
 
    I want to thank you for the notes on-line and off-line.  Believe it 
    or not...I just keep re-reading them...and for some reason it makes 
    me feel better.   
    
    You guys are the best.....
    
    Sandy
    
5001.25So SorrySANFAN::FOSSATJUMon Oct 21 1991 20:064
    I've been out for the last two weeks and just got to this note - I'm so
    very sorry for your loss - my thoughts and prayers are with you.
    
    Giudi +3
5001.26I'm sorryMCIS2::HUSSIANChristmas is only 9 weeks away!!Wed Oct 23 1991 13:114
    I'm in the same boat as Guidi, I've been away from notes & have just
    learned of this. I'm so sad to hear about Tamba passing away.
    
    Bonnie