Meow Monday – Jack

Meow Monday – a tribute to Jack

We had to say goodbye to Jack last week.
My heart has been shattered into a million pieces, and I’m not sure it will ever be whole again.
Jack was my baby. We were BFFs. I am lost without him.

We adopted Jack on November 30, 2003, from a pet store at the mall. Veterinarians would bring kittens to the pet store to be adopted. We would go to the mall on Saturday’s or Sunday’s, and we always walked past the pet store. They had the same litter of kittens at the store for a few weeks. On one Sunday we walked past the pet store and only one orange kitten was in the cage. Chicken Legs said if that kitten was there when we left, he was taking it home. Well, guess what? The kitten was still there and we adopted him. Our lives have never been the same!

Jack made himself at home instantly. He thought everything in the house was his. 
He didn’t like to share. Cat grass – mine! Cat tower – mine!
He played hard and slept hard. We loved to watch him. He was just so darn cute! The other cats didn’t think so, but we sure did. 
When he was a kitten, I would hold him on my shoulder and carry him around the house all day. He was just so cute; I couldn’t put him down. When I would pick him up from the vet’s office, the receptionist would have him on her shoulder. I was worried that he would never know how to walk. LOL!
He loved to be held. He had to have at least one hug per day. He would wrap his arms around my neck. It never got old.

Jack & I slept with each other every night. He was my snuggle buddy. I was the big spoon and he was the little spoon. He loved new sheet day – he would bury himself in the sheets before we made up the bed. 

Jack LOVED being outside and sitting with the catnip. When he was younger, he would constantly try and bust out of the screened porch. As he got older, he just enjoyed sitting in the catnip and sleeping.

Jack was the cat I waited my whole life to have. He was the silliest and sweetest cat. 
He was my constant companion. We spent every waking moment together. I am so grateful to have been able to work from home and spend so much time with him.

Jack knew all of our cats – Marmalade, Sherbert, Fluffy, Squeaky, Nacho Man Kitty Savage, Mack, Mango, & Felix.
He has been featured on every single Meow Monday post.
I hope Jack is in kitty heaven pestering Marmalade and wrestling with Nacho Man Kitty Savage.

While this is one of the worst days of my life, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
I loved every single day of being Jack’s Mom & BFF.

There will never be another cat like you, Jack!

I love you, J-Baby!

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Comments

  1. Dear Stephanie, I'm so sorry I didn't see this sooner. My deepest heartfelt condolences. Our pets aren't just pets they're family, mine are my babies. My heart breaks for you knowing you've lost him physically, I hope you can find comfort knowing he's always with you in your heart. Sending love from my kitty family to yours.

  2. Dear Stephanie:
    My thoughts and prayers sent with Love & Peace.
    Your Jack looks like our Tigger …. like Jack our Tigger is 14 years old…
    Yes… they are members of the family and will be missed just like our human family and friends … God Bless

  3. Oh my, I'm sitting here crying with you. I so look forward to Meow Monday, and the last few have been a little sad. You've had so much kitty loss in the last little bit, and I can truly feel your pain. We have 8 kitties, and a couple of them are right up there in age. Our oldest is 15 and definitely slowing down. The last 3 were fosters and ended up staying with us. LOL There is something special about ginger kitties. Hugs to you and CL.

  4. This post made me cry. We love all our pets, but sometimes there is one special animal that seems to understand us and makes a special connection to our hearts. Mine was a black Lab named Belle (also known as Miss Belle, since she was a fine, southern lady). She is the black dog in my profile pic, but she passed away 3 years ago, and I still miss her every day.

    Praying for comfort for you in your loss. People who say it was just a pet don't understand. They are part of our hearts.

    Remember the happy times with Jack, and take solace knowing you gave him a wonderful life which is all any kitty could ask.

  5. Oh dear lord, I am so very sorry. He was a MAGNIFICENT boy, so handsome and loving and I know I am not the only one crying with you. He was perfection. What a horrible year you've had, losing so many precious ones. I wish I could think of something to write that wasn't so trite and cliche, bu please know you and Chicken Legs will be in my heart and prayers.

  6. Its a stormy day here and tears are flowing with my heavy heart for you. I send you heartfelt hugs and love sweet, Steph. I thought he was turning around and improving, but I guess we never know. Sweetie-give yourself time because you've lost three in a short amount of time and its hard and it hurts. Furrbabies are unconditional love. Just remember in their short lives they were the luckiest and had you as there mom.

  7. So sorry for your loss losing any pet that has a piece of your heart is so hard to take. I went through it back in the early 90's and I still miss my Buttons. I finally got a cat 3 yrs ago from the humane society he is a ginger kitty and his name is Kiddee Boy and I love him to pieces.

  8. So so very sorry for your loss. So much in a short time that my heart aches for your family. Any true "fur mommy" would feel the same.I almost feel as if I knew then all and I grieve with you.
    Thank you for allowing us into your home and sharing your family (and cooking:) with us��
    God bless

  9. Just crushed. I knew as soon as I saw the subject heading. With him showing improvement each week we all had so hoped that all would be well. So much loss this year. I, too, lost my little BFF and little soul mate earlier this year so I fully understand the hurt and pain you are feeling. Take comfort in all of the wonderful memories you have. Jack could not have ever had a more loving and caring home and be sure that he knew that. My heart goes out to you and Chicken Legs. RIP little Jack.

  10. I am so very sorry to hear about Jack. Having lost my heart and soul a few years ago, I can completely understand how bad it feels. What a sweet boy and what marvelous memories and pictures you have of him. He will always be with you and in your heart.

  11. I'm so very, very sorry to learn of your loss of Jack. This has been a tough year for you and I wish there were some way to help share some of the pain you're feeling. We lost our beautiful Tinkerbell almost a year ago and I still miss her. May you find a measure of comfort in remembering the good times.

  12. God bless you…I hope you find comfort in your fond memories soon. It’s never an easy process but time does heal…be strong and comforted that people love you!!

  13. Even though I only knew Jack through your blog post I'm saddened to hear of his passing. I loved seeing Jack's pictures and hearing about how he and the other cat's are doing. Jack has been my favorite since I joined your blog. I hope you can find comfort in know you and Jack brought joy to others in sharing your journey together. You and Chicken Legs are in my prayers as you deal with this sadness.

  14. I am so sorry for your loss. Jack was my favorite of all your cats and I am crying right now knowing I won’t see him every Monday anymore. I know how you feel and nothing can make it better but time.

  15. Blessings to you & Chicken Legs. Their passing is always difficult some are harder to bare than others. I've grieved each life shared & then lost. I will miss Jack. Meow Mondays will not be the same without his beautiful face. Jack & your posts of your other fur faces are what made me subscribe to youin the first place. Finally a place to get great & tasty food recipes from a home that understood the adventures in cooking with a clowder of cats in the kitchen. Again Blessings to you & yours

  16. It looks to me like you and your husband have been wonderful cat parents. We ha have always loved our animals, cats, dogs, ducks, geese, yada, yada. We are retired to an apt. and can only have 2 cats, but they are the light of our life. I can tell by your post that a piece of your heart is in heaven. That's ok. You will see them again one day. God made animals for a reason. God's blessings.

  17. My heart is breaking for you. You have had too much to bear in such a short time. My "Callie" was born in 2003 and has to take thyroid medication. I know that we won't have a lot more time together. We snuggle, and I let her sit on my lap as much as I can. You gave Jack a wonderful life, and you will continue to give a wonderful life to Felix and the kittens. I am so glad you have them, but I know that you will miss Jack every single day. Thanks for letting us into Jack's life. Please know that, because of Meow Monday, he was loved by many who never met him in person. Be gentle with yourself and Chicken Legs as you go through this time of sorrow.

  18. I am so sad to hear about Jack; I was so encouraged and hopeful when your updates stated he was doing well. I feel your pain: we love all our kitties but there are some who are extra special and occupy the most precious place in our hearts. You and Chicken Legs and Jack were fated to share a life and love so cherished, and I know Jack felt loved every second of his existence! Yes, he joins the rest of your heavenly kitty clan and watches over you. Hope he gets to meet my Scooter (and the hundreds of other kitties I have shared my heart and life with). RIP, dear Jack.

  19. Oh Steph and CL, I can hardly write this with tears in my eyes. I am hurting for you, I know what he meant to you. I've enjoyed him for yrs now. He had a great life with such a loving family and siblings.

  20. I am sitting here crying at work. I was filled with dread when I saw your email. Jack was so beautiful and sweet. I'm glad you and he had such a sweet life together as friends and companions! Thank you for sharing Jack and all your kitties with us!

  21. I'm so sorry for your loss. You gave him a wonderful life. He is in kitty heaven frolicking. Sincerely Kathy

  22. My dear, I am soo sorry you lost your "Lovey". My heart goes out to you as tears are falling. Bless you all for your caring hearts and expressions of sympathy. It is my belief you will be reunited some great day. Deloris

  23. So very sorry. I lost my soul cat Bj a few years ago and not a day goes by that I don't think of him. I firmly believe that I'll see him again and then we'll have eternity together. Know that you gave him his best life and you'll see him again.

  24. Oh my gosh I am so, so sorry to hear this news. I knew the minute I saw just the name, Jack in the post title that something had happened. It breaks my heart to know you are going through this pain and loss yet again. Jack was an adorable cat and I am saddened that he is no longer with you. But thankful that he is not suffering and is running free and happy in heaven. I am a firm believer that animals go to Heaven too. Rest in peace sweet Jack. You will be greatly missed. Sending you hugs from all our kitties.

  25. I'm so sorry to hear this. I've enjoyed every "Meow Monday" with you all. My thots and prayers for you and your other kitties. He will be missed. <3

  26. Oh no…I too saw the subject of your email and just knew…my heart goes out to you and Chicken Legs. I looked so forward to Meow Mondays and checking up on Jack. He just stole my heart. You have had a really rough year, but know that all your kids you lost this year had a wonderful life with you both. Jack will always be with you in your heart. He was special.

  27. My heart is crushed, I undedstand his loss and it is like no other. You and CL have had so much loss and time is the only thing with your new babies that will be on your side. Much love to ya'll in this very sad time. Pam

  28. My heart breaks for you… Just last year, I lost my Shadow at 18. I know how difficult it is to lose a fur baby that you have bonded with for so long. I know Jack had a wonderful life with you and will meet you at the Rainbow Bridge.

  29. There has been too many of these posts from you. I honestly don't know how you have handled all of this heartbreak. My heart breaks for all the sadness you have felt over the last year and a half. Prayers for you and chicken legs and all of your furbabies that you have now and that are in kitty heaven.

  30. I am so sorry to read the sad news of Jack's passing ���� Both of my girls have been gone over 10 years and I miss them a lot.
    Having a buddy cat like Jack was to you is so special. Many hugs to you. Keep his memory in your heart always. ❣️❣️

  31. On no! I am so sorry! I am sitting here crying because it just brought back a flood of memories of my sweet Rowdy who was Jack's twin not only in appearance but also in personality. I have told you before how much Jack reminded me of him. I knew when you told us of his renal failure that it would not be long because I went through the same thing with him. My heart is breaking for you and I wish I had the words to take away the pain but I know the sweet memories will always be there to comfort you. Shortly after Rowdy passed away I found a yellow life size ceramic cat. I had to have it and now every time I look out my kitchen window I see Rowdy sitting in the flower bed where he loved to chase the lizards and bugs when I let him in the yard with me as I watered plants or walked around with him. So please know my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time and yes he is playing with his family and my Rowdy and Fancy in heaven!

  32. I'm devastated that you lost Jack! But you know what? He hasn't lost you cause he's in your heart forever. Everyday you live is another day for Jack. I Dred the day I lose my Jackie a.k.a. Jack. He's 17 & still going strong. I don't know what happened to your Jack and that's ok. OMG! JACKIE just jumped on my chest to comfort me & my crying & hes purring up a storm. See there..they never really leave you, they live on in the memories of the love & devotion they have given you. I will pray for you, chicken legs & your furr babies. Much paw love to you all! Lisa Giltner

  33. I am shocked! He was getting better each week. How? Why? I am crying so much right now. My heart is breaking as if he was mine. I am so very sorry. I wish there was more I could do or say. I hope you can find some peace.

  34. I am so sorry. We still mourn our Lucky who adopted us and turned my husband into a cat person. I was still mourning when hubs said it was time to get a new cat, and so we have Slick, the snuggliest cat we have ever owned.

  35. I'm so sorry. I have lost some awesome kitties, and it never gets easier to say goodbye to your furry babies. It's good you have so many wonderful memories of him.

  36. Oh Steph I am sitting her crying along with you. I was not expecting to open up your email and find this! Jack seemed to be getting better each week. I have not ever had a friend that has gone through so many kitty passings in such a short period of time. I'm sending you a big HUG. He has crossed the Rainbow bridge and may he RIP. My sympathy.

  37. I'm so so sorry for you're loss of Jack he was one of my favorites of the cats. There will not be another like him he was one of kind. RIP Jack

  38. I'm so so sorry for you're loss of Jack he was one of my favorites of the cats. There will not be another like him he was one of kind. RIP Jack

  39. I'm so so sorry for you're loss of Jack he was one of my favorites of the cats. There will not be another like him he was one of kind. RIP Jack

  40. Heartbreaking! I just knew it when I saw the subject line of the email. Please know my heart and prayers are with you as you face the coming days without that little furball of bliss. I've always loved him as well. TY for sharing Jack with us through the years.

  41. Once again my heart breaks for you. This has been a tough year for you and Chicken Legs. I read this with tears in my eyes because I understand the loss of a part of your fur family. You have wonderful memories and pictures to go with them. Peace be with you during this time.

    1. I too am sorry for your loss. last Fri we had a bad fire on our patio and the firemen could not find our 2 cats. We were fortunate that they contained the fire to the patio and Ficus and Thistle are alive and well.

  42. I'm so sorry for your loss. Ever since Jack became ill I've been dreading Monday's knowing it wouldn't be long before Jack couldn't resist running to that wonderful Rainbow. I hope Jack meets up with the
    kitty love of my life,Jojo. She left us unexpectedly at age 7. They would get along great.
    I know Jack loved every minute of every day with you. Your pictures are proof of that. He was so happy

    With Sympathy,
    Stephenie

  43. My sympathy to you. I have a cat like like that. It is important to find another like that.My husband and I did. Be sure he is in cat heaven.

  44. I'm so sorry for your loss. You've had a rough several months. May your happy memories of your fur babies, and this one in particular, bring you comfort during this time. They all had a wonderful life with you and chicken legs.

  45. so very sorry for your loss, I forget how long I've been following along but I remember all the cats but two so it has been awhile. I loved Jack because he reminded me of another cat so it was so funny to watch and hear about him. I understand how broken your heart feels now, prayers for you and your husband. I do love how you adopt so many cats, that warms my heart to no end. I'm going to miss Jack!

  46. I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you. My cat is Toby. He is orange too. He hugs me and and loves to snuggle too! My cats and dogs have been my best friends and still are. I have three daughters, with one still at home. They are all animal lovers like me. I am very blessed. I love your recipes and Meow Mondays are my favorite! Take care sweet lady. Jack is smiling down on you

  47. Steph–I am so sorry. It is so hard to lose them. Know he is with you everyday. You gave him the best life and he loved being your little man. Hugs to you.

  48. I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you. My cat is Toby. He is orange too. He hugs me and and loves to snuggle too! My cats and dogs have been my best friends and still are. I have three daughters, with one still at home. They are all animal lovers like me. I am very blessed. I love your recipes and Mrow Mondays are my favorite! Take care sweet lady. Jack is smiling down on you

  49. I am so so sorry to hear about this. I have loved all your Meow Monday posts…look forward to them every week…& he will be missed. Your cats always look so very happy to be just where they are…& that's a wonderful thing too. Lots of huggies & good thoughts to all of you & I'll let my cats in kitty heaven know there's another kitty to pester too *chuckles a bit* Thank you for sharing so much & hugs!!

  50. Sorry to hear about Jack. We also had an orange Jack that we lost early last year. There will never be another Jack for us either. I miss him every day!

  51. Prayers going up for your comfort. It is so hard. You gave Jack his purrfect family. He gave you back a mountain of memories.

  52. Sorry about Jack. We had to say goodbye to our Jack this year also. He was also a ginger and a heart stealer. And I feel the same way — there will never be another Jack. I miss him every day!

  53. So saddened to hear about dear Jack. He was always our Monday poster kitty that we looked forward to seeing. Saying prayers for you & your sweet hubs over this heartfelt loss????

  54. I am so broken hearted to hear that your dear Jack passed away. You have had a hard year of losing furry loved ones. They all had a great life living with you and Chicken Legs.

  55. I can't tell you how sorry I am to hear this. I have enjoyed hearing about him on Meow Monday. It will not be the same. Bless you and Chicken Legs for being such a great cat family. Jack had the absolute best life possible. Condolences to you and Chicken Legs.

  56. I'm so very sorry. Your heart has been broken so many times this year, but I know this was the worst. Losing our babies is never easy.

  57. My heart breaks for you. I had a cat like Jack, my Copper. He’s been gone for 2 years now and I still miss him like crazy. I’m so sorry for your loss.

  58. Awww Sweetie I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, I too understand the pain of a fur baby. As each day the sun rises, may your heart heal & smile of the awesome days Jack brought to this wonderful thing, Life…..

    1. I am so very sorry for your loss of Jack…a lot of kitty loss here of late…I still miss my Junior who was my cuddle buddy…when I had a headache he would lay behind my head….prayers for you and your family to get thru this….

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