I'm Sorry, There's More Sadness

 I'm very sorry to say this, but I've got some more sad news to report.

Not all that long ago, I shared with you that we lost one of our former IBK, Virgil Pettibone.  Just a few days before I got these news I had received an email from Victoria, mom to both Henry (formerly Carmine) and Agnes Pettibone.

She reported that Henry been dropping weight, so they took them into the vet to have him checked out. Things were pointing towards cancer, but at that time they were waiting for a report from the lab to confirm this.  Sadly, soon after, cancer was confirmed.  

They had hoped that Henry would have some good days left in him, but I'm afraid he did not, and he declined quickly.  They said goodbye to their boy last week.

Henry was a very dear cat and was absolutely adored by his parents, Victoria and Ian. This loss is huge for them, and I know their hearts are aching right now.   Having spent time with Henry during his kittenhood, we know how special he was.   We are so deeply sorry and saddened, Vic and Ian.  

It is very strange that that these two young brothers would pass within a couple of weeks of each other.  The vets feel it's a just coincidence because their illnesses are not related, but to be safe, advised all the Pettibone adopters to take their cats in for blood work and tests.  I haven't heard from Rosalie and Renatta's dad yet, but everything came back good for Alvie and Agnes. Thank goodness.


Pettibone families, you are deep in our thoughts right now.  We're so sorry for the loss and worry you have experienced.   We love you and your kittens,  and more than anything, hope this is the end of the sad news for a very long time.

XOXOXO




I took this photo the day the Pettibones moved in with us.  Here they are napping on Sue.  We knew from the start that they were special ones.

Here's Henry conspiring with brothers Alvie and Virgil.



Here's their first meeting with Bean.




And here's the whole beautiful family.





What a special lot.

If there is something awaiting us on the other side,  I do hope these two special fellows are reunited there.

A Loss in Our Community

 A few days ago, I received a very sad email from Evelyn, who had adopted our sweet Virgil Pettibone back in 2008.  If you were following the IBKC all the way back then,  you'll remember how dear that whole litter was.   OH, how we loved those Pettibones.

In her email, Evelyn reported that her lovely boy had passed away at the end of July due to a blood disease.  He was a very special little guy who brought a tremendous amount of joy to his mama, and we know this loss is huge for her.

We're so sorry for his passing, Evelyn, and deeply saddened by this news.  That handsome, blue-eyed,  boy was indeed a special one.  We remember him with great fondness and so enjoyed the time we spent with him while he was in our care.

This whole community shares in your loss, Evelyn, and we're sending lots of love your way.

Look!!! It's Virgil Pettibone !!!!

I was scrolling through my Flickr contact photos last night,, and look who I found! Mr Virgil Pettibone!!! What a treat to see this little guy again. My, my what a dashing young lad his is !!

Thanks for posting the pics, Richard!

Bye Bye Blue-Eyes

Another kitty left our nest this weekend. Yes, it was dear sweet Virgil Pettibone. He moved in with his new Mama and a big brother ginger cat. I'm sure he's feeling right at home.

His Mama is an awfully sweet woman who cried more tears than we did when it was time to say goodbye. Thank you to Richard, Renatta and Rosalie's dad, for sending her our way.

So now we just need to find a place for dear, sweet Alvie. I'm anxious to find a home for him, but only because as soon as he is placed, we can get another litter, and free up a cage down at the Humane Society. They are waist-high in kittens right now.

In the meantime, I am enjoying every second I have with him. I always love all the kittens equally, but sometimes some show more love to me than the other kitties do. And Alvie, my goodness, is a loving machine.

Yes, it would of been nice to place them together, but that doesn't always work out. What's important is that every kitty goes to a loving home. I'm sure there will be a little separation anxiety at first, but that fades. The same goes for us.

Goodbye sweet, innocent Virgil. We'll miss your bright blue eyes and generous purrs.









P.S. The darling catnip pillows in the top pics were a gift from the Agnes and Carmine's mom. Thanks again, Vic ! They are adorable!!

Side by Side

Parting Ways with Two More Pettibones

Dear little Agnes and big boy Carmine left yesterday afternoon for their new homes. Yes! They are staying together!!!! Their new parents are good, good people and they are going to provide a wonderful life for these precious two.

You will all be thrilled to know that Agnes and Carmine (now know as Henry) have their own blog, so you'll be able to watch them continue to grow! AND you'll be able to follow Rosalie and Renatta, they have their own blog as well!

Click here to visit Renatta and Rosalie's blog.
Click here to visit Agnes and Henry's blog.

In other adoption news,,both Hiram and Mary Liza Fairchild have found their homes as well. Mary Liza has been adopted by Sue's sister. We're all happy she'll be staying in the family. She'll have a playful big brother to keep her company.

Hiram found a really awesome set of parents and he'll have a couple of slightly older siblings to play with. It sounds like his new home is pretty much kitty heaven on earth. Lucky boy!

I'll leave you with a few pictures of the final moments with the Agnes and Carmine. After they were tucked into their carrier, Alvie and Virgil scaled the side of it to say goodbye.

Bye-bye babies, we will miss you and your loving ways. It has been such a pleasure knowing you.

Do Your Own Thing

Virgil Petttibone is a independent spirit.

Sweet Silhouettes

The light was just right,, and the kitties were right there making sweet silhouettes on the wall.

One Sleepy Sunday

Virgil Has A Reflective Moment

Plotting Pettibones

OK Alvie, when the door opens, run over there and distract her by rolling over on your back. Start purring and making air biscuits. That gets 'em every time.

Now Virgil, wait a couple of seconds, go sit on the rug and start making noises like you're going to throw up. If you can't do that, make it look like you're going to go pee. Either will do. When she runs over to you, I will make a dash for the kitchen. I know there's tuna in there. I could smell it this morning. I promise I'll eat enough for all three of us. Ready,, now here she comes...

Pretty Boy

This lovely little flame-point is Mr. Virgil Pettibone. Oh, those eyes....those eyes....