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Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Goodnight, Sweet Prince
A little over an hour ago, Sam died in my arms. We are heartbroken.
I found him in the garage back in 2003 when he was 7 weeks old, and every day was gravy since he would have suffered the same fate as his unfortunate sibling had I not opened the garage that day. Sam saw me through a lot of dark, dark times. Here is his memorial.
We'll take Sam to be cremated in the morning. When he comes home, we'll scatter his ashes over his lost sibling's grave in the woods where he loved to hunt.
ntodd
April 8, 2009 in Family Life | Permalink
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Comments
I'm so sorry to hear about Sam....he is beautiful. Thanks for sharing the photos and his story.
Posted by: Em | Apr 8, 2009 9:39:17 PM
So, so sorry, guys.
Posted by: AndyMN | Apr 8, 2009 9:40:33 PM
So sorry to hear about Sam. But at least he was able to spend his years with those who loved him.
Posted by: Shayera | Apr 8, 2009 9:42:08 PM
I'm so sorry. He was such a beautiful cat. I loved the b/w pictures you took of him.
peace to your pack
Posted by: virgotex | Apr 8, 2009 9:42:15 PM
Sorry for you loss, NTodd. A very nice memorial.
Posted by: Monica_A | Apr 8, 2009 9:42:41 PM
So sorry. Beamer will show him the ropes in the garden of animals.
Posted by: Echidne of the snakes | Apr 8, 2009 9:42:50 PM
I wish words could help. I'm thinking of all of you.
Posted by: Sinfonian | Apr 8, 2009 9:43:28 PM
{{{{Hugs}}}} I'm so sorry to hear this. Rest in peace sweet kitty.
Posted by: Libby | Apr 8, 2009 9:43:40 PM
Sorry to hear about your loss. Losing a pet is never easy.
Posted by: General Zod | Apr 8, 2009 9:44:37 PM
Gosh, I am so sorry. I've tried to post three times, but I can't.
I am so sorry, NTodd and Ericka.
Posted by: Vicki | Apr 8, 2009 9:44:38 PM
NTodd and Erikca, I am so very, very sorry. Sam always brought a smile to my face. I will miss him terribly.
Posted by: Sally Helmerich | Apr 8, 2009 9:45:06 PM
you can tell he saw it all when you look at those eyes. peace to you, ericka, and the pack.
Posted by: ina | Apr 8, 2009 9:45:37 PM
So sorry to hear this NTodd.
You have our condolences.
Posted by: russ | Apr 8, 2009 9:47:20 PM
So sorry for your loss. I'm not a cat person but I know how it feels to lose a pet. They're family and it hurts.
Peace to you, Erika, and the rest of the pack.
Posted by: SoCalCommie | Apr 8, 2009 9:48:15 PM
Oh NTodd, some of my first memories on the blogs were of Sam, and your beautiful photos of him. I remember thinking it was short for Samantha, cuz he was so beautiful. My thoughts are with you. love.
Posted by: mer | Apr 8, 2009 9:48:44 PM
Sam loved you very, very much, Dearie.
Posted by: GWPDA | Apr 8, 2009 9:50:10 PM
Noooooooooooooo!
(((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))) to all in the NTodd/Ericka house.
Posted by: Buckeye | Apr 8, 2009 9:51:50 PM
Oh, damn! I'm so sorry, NTodd. Peace to you and the pack.
Posted by: geor3ge | Apr 8, 2009 9:55:29 PM
NToddler:
I'm so, so sorry about Sam. He was a special kitteh who had a lot of humans he'd never even met. I can picture he and Maxx hunting together in the Summerlands.
Posted by: flory | Apr 8, 2009 9:57:46 PM
so sorry. thanks for giving him a good life.
peace.
Posted by: jdw | Apr 8, 2009 10:00:13 PM
Shedding tears for your loss. Hugs to you both and the pack.
Posted by: mnkid, ♥'s Rachel Maddow | Apr 8, 2009 10:00:32 PM
I'm so sorry. We will all miss him.
Posted by: Lenore | Apr 8, 2009 10:01:41 PM
Far too many of us Eschateers can literally feel your pain. I've lost three cats to coyotes and dogs, just disappeared. All three wouldn't be as bad as having one of them go in my arms that way. (If His Lardship had died on my lap, you'd have heard me bawling in Vermont. And I think I better stop thinking about that).
Peace, dude...
Posted by: Meanie-meanie, tickle a person | Apr 8, 2009 10:02:17 PM
Aw, man. I am so sorry. Loved the Sammy.
.
Posted by: Jeffraham | Apr 8, 2009 10:08:17 PM
I'm so sorry NTodd and E - he had the greatest life a kitty could have because of you.
Posted by: Jill | Apr 8, 2009 10:09:56 PM
Condolences and peace.
Posted by: apres moi | Apr 8, 2009 10:19:15 PM
I'm so sorry. Sam was one of the great cats of all time, regal and rugged. I hope his end was natural and peaceful. It seems a huge surprise...please do let us know what happened when you've a mind to.
Give all the aminals a hug as this must be very hard on all of them.
Posted by: Lesley | Apr 8, 2009 10:19:22 PM
So young for a kitty to leave. Yet he left footprints on your heart and soul. He was here to help you at a difficult time. Make sure that you are patient to the rest of the pack who will also be feeling Sam's disappearance. Be at peace for the difference you made in each other's lives.
Posted by: moistenedbink | Apr 8, 2009 10:22:45 PM
In honour of Sam, the second pic is now my desktop wallpaper.
(I left an earlier comment but it's not showing up for some reason...will give it some time.)
Posted by: Lesley | Apr 8, 2009 10:28:31 PM
non, non, non. not fair. Not Sam. I said non.
Posted by: plum p | Apr 8, 2009 10:30:37 PM
Aw, shit. Tears here too.
Sam was the softest cat I've ever known, and I think probably the sweetest. A brave and independent soul that always knew just what he wanted, even when that was something as unusual as a romp in the meadow with his dogs. Sam rocked. But you're right, every day was gravy for him. With him. He had a great life with you, and now he's back on Gretchen's lap in that sunny spot.
Comfort each other. He was an awfully special cat, and I'm so sorry he's gone.
Posted by: Stefanie | Apr 8, 2009 10:32:34 PM
NTodd:
I remember when Sam came into your life, and I followed him and his adventures ever since.
My heart goes out to you and Ericka and all his siblings, and I hold him in the Light.
I hope he will enjoy playing with my Sam in the place where all good souls go to wait for us to join them.
Posted by: Mustang Bobby | Apr 8, 2009 10:51:57 PM
Dear NTodd and Ericka,
I'm so sorry to hear about Sam. Glad you had him when you did, Todd.
Hugs for all the pack.
Posted by: ErinPDX | Apr 8, 2009 10:54:25 PM
So sorry ntodd. May the empty space in your house be consoled by the place in your heart where Sam will stay.
Posted by: stormysu | Apr 8, 2009 11:01:57 PM
So sad for you and your family. Bless Sam's sweet heart.
Posted by: Satchel Pooch | Apr 8, 2009 11:28:47 PM
Just heard the sad news. These furry critters never seem to live as long as we wish they would (i.e., forever). Hang in there.
Posted by: Stunt Woman | Apr 8, 2009 11:46:02 PM
FUCK!!! FUCK!!! FUCK!!!
Sorry.
Carry on.
Posted by: aangus | Apr 9, 2009 12:08:29 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhZ2IknXetg
Posted by: aangus | Apr 9, 2009 12:15:40 AM
From an occasional but long-time lurker - I'm so sorry for your loss. Take care.
Posted by: Steve-MD/DC | Apr 9, 2009 12:38:03 AM
So sorry for you both, and the pack. Barry posted this when my Brook died, here it is for you.
http://www.alaska.net/~babyrne/Dreams.mp3
Posted by: Ali | Apr 9, 2009 1:13:50 AM
NTodd, I'm so sorry - take care of yourselves
Posted by: Andrew | Apr 9, 2009 5:07:00 AM
Sorry to hear about Sam, and so glad you were able to give those great times for years to him.
Posted by: Ruth | Apr 9, 2009 5:58:17 AM
Farewell, sweet kitty! So glad he had a wonderful family and pack to spend his life with! And you were all lucky to have him in your lives.
Peace to you all, and hugs from our troupe.
Posted by: Virginia | Apr 9, 2009 6:23:30 AM
NTodd and Erikca,
I am so very sorry. I sit here in tears and look at the snap shot that Sam sent Emily so many years ago that hangs over her bed. Sam is the reason we had a cat named Lola. You both are in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: rugo | Apr 9, 2009 6:35:44 AM
Sitting here crying, too. Sam and his adventures meant a lot to me. Hugs to you, Ericka and the pack
Posted by: M.K. in NC | Apr 9, 2009 6:58:48 AM
So sorry to hear about your loved one.
Posted by: Lenore and Bob | Apr 9, 2009 7:14:14 AM
My sympathies Ntodd and family.
Very sad news.
Posted by: Heather | Apr 9, 2009 7:40:59 AM
So sorry to read this. My conolences, and peace be on his soul.
Posted by: gbbalto | Apr 9, 2009 7:49:12 AM
I was so, so sorry to read this. Oh, sweet Sam.
Posted by: Willow | Apr 9, 2009 8:20:54 AM
oh, I'm so sad to read this. Sam was a beautiful kitty with a near-perfect kitty life. My thoughts go out to you because it knows this heartache.
Posted by: lea-p | Apr 9, 2009 8:48:56 AM
I, too, shed tears for the regal Sam. He will be greatly missed.
Posted by: L. | Apr 9, 2009 10:11:19 AM
My condolences. There are no ways to explain to a non-pet owner the way an animal gets under your skin and into your heart.
I know you gave him the best life he could possibly have had.
Posted by: Gummo | Apr 9, 2009 10:23:05 AM
Man just learned of your loss...you have my deepest sympathies.
Posted by: boomer49 | Apr 9, 2009 10:27:23 AM
My sincere condolences.
The pain of losing a companion is still rather fresh for me as well. I just lost my Dudley only 4 months ago. I've had other companions die in my arms as well, one with no warning at all. It may seem like a cliche to say it doesn't get any easier, but it really doesn't.
Again, I'm so sorry.
Posted by: BlakNo1 | Apr 9, 2009 10:30:56 AM
I'm so sorry to hear this, NTodd & Erica. At least he passed warm, safe, and loved in your arms. Would that we can all leave in that manner.
I like to think Sam is now meeting up with a certain tabby of my acquaintance that had to leave us last November. Danté will show Sam the ropes...
Peace.
Posted by: MasterD, damn yankee | Apr 9, 2009 10:33:06 AM
Pounce, pounce, wherever you may be
I am lord of the pounce, said he.
Posted by: whaleshaman | Apr 9, 2009 10:56:20 AM
Oh, NTodd, I am so very, very, very sorry. Please know that Sam may be romping even now with my granddaughter, who loved every kitty she ever met.
But I know - believe me - how your heart aches.
Love to you, sweetheart.
SD
Posted by: Sarah Deere | Apr 9, 2009 11:18:59 AM
Condolances on your loss.
He looked so regal and poised. Thank you for sharing him with this virtual community. I will miss seeing him with the herd. He was well loved and it showed.
Namaste
Posted by: Remonster in Mosul | Apr 9, 2009 11:29:01 AM
Dear NTodd, Erika and the Pack,
We are so, so sorry for your profound loss. Sam was an incredibly special boy. He was beautiful and regal and he had the greatest spirit of adventure. He had a life that most cats only dream of... a loving home -- when he wanted it --, lots of animal company (including a cat whisperer) -- if he wanted it --, and a kind-hearted human ready to do Sam's bidding at the CatMaster's pleasure. Even greater, Sam had the freedom to roam in a great wilderness for as long as he pleased. Heaven has a lot to live up to for Sam.
With is kitty sib, Cairo, and Rin Tin, Sam will roam the wilderness by Rainbow Bridge until his loving Daddy comes to take him home.
Love to all of you at this sad time,
Terrierluv and eileenleft
Posted by: terrierluv | Apr 9, 2009 1:02:04 PM
I'm so sorry. I know you loved that kitty and he loved you. What a terrible thing to endure. He was all Mr. Independent and you gave him all the freedom he could have wanted. I'm glad he was with you and didn't just go away and not come back. It's all too heartbreaking.
Posted by: nancy | Apr 9, 2009 4:50:59 PM
So sorry, NTodd.
Posted by: pseudonymous in nc | Apr 9, 2009 5:51:05 PM
Damnit. This shit is just too fucked up to bear.
I'm so sorry, brah. . .
Posted by: munkihaid | Apr 9, 2009 6:18:05 PM
NTodd, I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Sam was always my favorite, loved to look at him and his kissable pink nose. He was a beautiful, sweet boy. I know his presence will surely be missed across the blogosphere. Thinking of you and Ericka and the pack.
Posted by: kcbunny | Apr 9, 2009 6:26:53 PM
NTodd and Ericka, I am so sorry. I just found out. How lucky Sam was to spend his life with you. And you with him.
Posted by: TJ, your friend | Apr 9, 2009 7:06:12 PM
Crusaders and Zionists will pay for this.
Posted by: Al Qatta | Apr 9, 2009 8:42:31 PM
Oh, no no no ... I'm so sorry.
Posted by: Ghost of Joe Liebling's Dog | Apr 9, 2009 10:07:41 PM
n>J0 (nah lay goo new)
z\jWr (guh wah dew wee duh)
/h (knee he)
uYHSk (ooh yoh huh say luh)
[Cherokee: "unhappy about you(r) loss"]
Posted by: DocL | Apr 10, 2009 5:31:06 AM
I just read this and am in tears. Ntodd, thank you so very much for all you did for Sam and the rest of the pack. He knows he was loved and wanted, as do they all in your wonderful home. Sam was extremely special to a lot of us out here. He will be sorely missed. Peace and love to you and Ericka.
Posted by: Green | Apr 10, 2009 11:57:29 AM
NTodd, I'm choking up as I write this; Sam was too young to go. I know there's no real consolation, but think of this at least: considering the manner of his entry, Sam could not have picked a better human or a better pack to be born to. Peace and condolences to you and Ericka. We shall all remember Sam, and we'll keep you in our thoughts.
Posted by: Steve Bates | Apr 10, 2009 1:39:26 PM
oh no!
i'm so very sorry. condolences from our pack to yours.
Posted by: hipparchia | Apr 10, 2009 9:22:57 PM
Many, many condolences to you and Ericka and all dear Sam's fellow pack-members, NTodd. I heard about this day before yesterday from my sister, a fellow lurker - very sad and shocking to us, kitty lovers both. Sam was better a being a cat than most of us ever are at being anything! It's been a great pleasure to know him thru the beautiful photos and sympathetic posts of his human co-habitant of the Vermont fields and woods.
Posted by: Li'l Innocent | Apr 11, 2009 7:14:32 PM
I was sorry to read of your loss. Having recently lost sweet Cotton, I know how rough it is to lose such a wonderful part of the family. Sam was a beautiful special kitty. My condolences to you on your loss.
Posted by: oldwhitelady | Apr 12, 2009 11:41:55 PM
Damn. I'm so sorry, NTodd. I've loved watching Sam's adventures and still have his picture on one of my computer desktops and in the photos you sent me. He had quite a personality. Many hugs to you and your pack.
Posted by: ellroon | Apr 13, 2009 9:34:03 PM
I'm incredibly late in finding out about this, but you've got my condolences, too. For a while a few years back, I was keeping my spirits going on photos of Sam. I'll miss him. :(
Posted by: Scott | Apr 16, 2009 2:23:28 PM
Buy me stuff off my 
