For Fangy

© Laura E. Swan

For Fangy

Uploaded: July 17, 2014 | Entered: July 17, 2014 15:55:12

Description


FANG BABY SWAN
Aka: "Fangy"

Yesterday We Lost Our Kitty From
Diabetes. He lost his 7-8 year battle.

About 5 months ago he stopped using his tall tower.

About 3 months ago his back left leg looked weak.

Saturday he fell down three stairs and I caught him.

It was all downhill from there.

FANGY HAD THE MOST HORRIBLE LIFE WHEN
HE FOUND US AND WE TOOK HIM IN YEARS AGO.

His owners had him 1 year
Then Fangy Lived On The Streets
(Of Freezing Cold Canada In The Winters)For 4 Years.

We found his owners and they didn't want him. They had replaced him with 2 Dogs and 1 Cat. They reluctantly came and got him and he ran away from them. Two days and three miles later he found his way back to us! He had crossed a very busy 4 lane road to do it! When that happened we realized he was ours.

So for the rest of his 17 years of life he was our baby.
In his last 7 years of life he acquired diabetes.

Exif: F Number: 3.2, ExposureTime: 1111/100000 seconds, Flash: fired., ISO: 108, FocalLength: 12.70 mm, Model: HP PhotoSmart C812 (V08.28)

Comments

Terry Cervi level-deluxe July 17, 2014

Oh, Laura. I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved and sweet Fangy. What a beautiful tribute this is to him. You saved his life and gave him many years of happiness. He gave you many wonderful years as well. RIP sweet Fangy. #1579687

Laura E. Swan level-classic July 17, 2014

Terry, Thank You So Much.

We are a mess here right now. We look at his things and burst into tears. And yet out of respect and love we leave Fangy's belongings where they are. For now.

We will pick up his ashes in a few days and his remains will be on the mantel where Lucky and Pookey's remains are as well.

Gosh this hurts. Dale and I have been crying almost non stop. Just a few laughs and smiles thinking about our three kitties and their antics and love.

They loved to RV camp with us. Silly kitties. We have so many funny stories. We told some last night and it felt great and terrible at the same time. Tears through the laughter.

I think I have your e-mail address. If I do I will send you his Memorial.

Love and thank you again,
Laura #11087238

Laura E. Swan level-classic July 17, 2014

My Sister Wrote This Poem Today. She Just Gave Me Permission To Add It here.

Thanks Sis. #11087242

Laura E. Swan level-classic July 17, 2014

There was a little kitty
That lived far away
Roaming the neighborhoods
Day after day.

He stopped at a house one day
And they were so nice to him
The kitty wanted to live with-them,
The kitty wanted to stay.

They kept the kitty secluded
In a different part of the house
Because the other cats were jealous of him
And didn't want the kitty living with them.

So they gave attention to the all the cats
Just in different parts of the house.

Then one day, the family decided,
After they nursed this cat back to health
They better search out his owners
And return this now healthy cat back.
To a place on the other side of town
Do you know what that kitty did?

He ran, miles and miles, to find his way back
To the people, that really wanted him.

The husband seen the kitty running up the street
And he looked astonished, at the kitty that found his way back.

So he looked at the kitty and told him, himself
If you want to live here that bad
You can call, this house, your home.

Oh, was the wife happy
She had wanted to keep this cat
They kept and loved this cat,
And the cat, was the one, that chose, them.

This is just, one of the many stories
Of people that love their pets,
This one could be in the newspaper
Of how a cat, found his way
Miles and miles,
To a family that cared for him
And nursed him back to health.

That kitty wanted to live with them
Even if the other cats, terrified him.

He was willing to live secluded
In a different part of the house
Cus this family really took care of him
Just in a different part of their home.

Eventually that cats were little nicer to him,
But never buddies, you see
This little kitty, was afraid of them
Afraid of getting in brawl with them.

All the kitties in this home
Got their own special attention
Living their lives, in a happy home
With people that had rescued them.

By goob #11087244

Kathy Salerni level-classic July 17, 2014

I am so very sorry that you are grieving you little kitty, Laura! He had a great life with you and I hope this will help ease your pain. Take care and my thoughts and prayers are with you. #11087334

Laura E. Swan level-classic July 17, 2014

Than you so much Kathy. So good to see you. xoxo

Do you know Jill Odice? She just lost her little kitty too. :(((( #11087341

Chris Ebben July 17, 2014

You know we are feeling the sad times with you both. And we understand all the camping tales you would be going over, we've done exactly the same. Keep remembering & laughing about the many good times, thinking of you=^..^= #11087372

Laura E. Swan level-classic July 17, 2014

Hi Chris. Thank you so much. You have been through so much as well.

Today we are having to come to grips that we have zero kitties now and everywhere we turn there are toys and beds and litter boxes and kennels and meds and food...all of it.

Fangy is usually on my lap this time of night. Exactly now.

This is really horrible. I miss him so badly. So does Dale. I;m have a very hard time to cook or do simple things today. I know it will get better but I lost my little baby yesterday and I just want him to come home again. Where he belongs.

We have been remembering all three kitties and have had some laughs that turn to cries.

Time will make the memories easier to talk about. I know from experience. I know you guys do, too.

xoxoxo

Thanks Chris and thank you everyone.
-Laura #11087380

Kirsten Kiki Kjaer July 17, 2014

Every human who's loved a pet and lost him/her knows what you're going through, Sister.
The pain is indescribable.

Their love is unconditional.
They are always around.
They don't leave your side unless they go to sleep.

So the empty space they leave behind when they go for the last time is too big to mend.

You saved Fangy's life and gave him a wonderful home and love to last a lifetime. And that's a memory worth keeping.

I am with you in tears and prayers, SSSLala. #11087398

Laura E. Swan level-classic July 17, 2014

SSSKiki, Thank you for your kind and soft words of comfort and truth.

I am so used to being "needed" by Fangy and now he doesn't need me anymore.

And yet I still need him very much.

You are so right about the empty space too big to mend.

I haven't the heart yet to move his beds out of the living room here or toys or medicines etc...Only his food bowls. There are still so MANY things of his out in the RV, too, ready and packed for the next trip out.

Dale stood and cried again in the kitchen when he came across Fangy's Treats. Dale was the one to give Fangy treats. I discouraged them because they were bad for his diabetes.

When Fangy had his last day here and it was obvious we would have to put him to sleep, I told Dale to let Fangy had all the treats he wanted but not enough that he would feel sick. Fangy rallied around for those treats and tried his best to sit up to receive them. He couldn't sit up. He could only lift his head and it took all he had to do that. It was heart breaking and sure showed how much very those treats meant to him. His time with Dale. Getting treats.

Thanks for listening and for loving us and for your MANY MANY prayers, Sister.

YVOSSSLala xoxo
#11087405

Kirsten Kiki Kjaer July 18, 2014

xoxo #11087431

Debbie Bray July 18, 2014

Awwww, that is soo sad, Lauralulu!! Those words above are so touching, and the sweet little look on Fangy's face says it all, it looks like he had such a special life, once he found you!! You know that he went to pussy heaven loving you and what you did for him. Lots of good wishes to you LuLu, and loving memories of Fangy!! xxooxx #11087452

Douglas Pignet July 18, 2014

wonderful image and great to remember this cat... we do love our animals #11087536

Nancyj E. Hovey level-classic July 18, 2014

My heart goes out to you and Dale at the loss of your dear Fangy... Healing takes time, especially when trying to stay in the moment! There definitely is a Rainbow Bridge, where all of our pets cross and wait for us! Healing prayers are being sent to you! hugs....

#11087613

Nancyj E. Hovey level-classic July 18, 2014

The Rainbow Bridge

inspired by a Norse legend

By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,

Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.

Where the friends of man and woman do run,

When their time on earth is over and done.

For here, between this world and the next,

Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.

On this golden land, they wait and they play,

Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.

No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,

For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.

Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,

Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.

They romp through the grass, without even a care,

Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.

All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,

Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.

For just at that instant, their eyes have met;

Together again, both person and pet.

So they run to each other, these friends from long past,

The time of their parting is over at last.

The sadness they felt while they were apart,

Has turned into joy once more in each heart.

They embrace with a love that will last forever,

And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together.
© 1998 Steve and Diane Bodofsky. All Rights Reserved.
#11087614

Nancy L. Green level-classic July 18, 2014

God bless you for your wonderful loving care of this special kitty!!! So sorry for your loss, I do believe there is a place in heaven for our "special" family members such as Fang. VERY well done!!! <>< #11087717

Laura E. Swan level-classic July 18, 2014

Hi SSSKiki, Debbie, Doug, Mumj and Nancy.

It's so nice to see you hear and your words are so comforting.

This is so hard. :(((((((((((((

3 old Kitties have passed in 3 years.

My only babies that I ever had. And I WAS their Mommy. This sucks.

But I got the most wonderful mail from a BPer that explains how I can still feels Fangy's and Lucky's and Pookey presence if I only ask them to come to me.

She can feel them on her lap and in her arms and even wet noses etc..

Wow. It makes me cry just considering doing this. I am almost afraid to.

Bursting into tears again...I need to go. I will check back with you later.

Thank you all for hurting with me and trying to help me through this. Dale said he doesn't want to cry any more so it you guys and me now. Lol....

WHAT WOULD I DO WITHOUT YOU?!

Love, Laura xo #11087813

Teresa Burnett level-classic July 18, 2014

Been gone for a while, but i'm back!! I'm so sorry to hear about your Fangy, Laura!! My heart goes out to you and your husband. I've lost 2 of my little old ladies (dogs) in the last year, so now I cry everytime I see someone else losing one of theirs. Hang in there....time does sort of numb the pain. #11087970

Laura E. Swan level-classic July 18, 2014

Teresa! Is it really you??? OM GOSH! I haven't seen you in ages! I still remember your little white Doggie Avatar. :) We need to see an Avatar from you. :) If you forgot how let me know and I will show you how to put one there again.

Wow. It's like seeing an old school chum again. Welcome back, Teresa! :)

You sure came back into my life at a sad time. I'm a mess.

Wait- Was the doggy you lost the same one as your Avatar used to be? Oh. I bet it was. I am so sorry. And you lost 2 of your babies and in such a SHORT TIME. No. :(((( That is just too much. I thought losing 3 in 3 years was a lot. And I lost my Siamese fighting fish too. He was the sweeties fish with a personality like I'd never EVER seen in a fish.

Love can be so sad. It always seems to end badly. Because it was so true or because is was not.

With pets it has always been true love for me. Hands down.

I mourn with you and with others. We all know how this feels. :(((((

Big hugand thank you for visiting me!
-Laura #11087994

Mary K. Robison July 19, 2014

Pom, you already know how I feel for you and Dale. Saying farewell to little Fangy has given you one of the roughest weeks you've ever gone through together.

All I can offer now is the following prescription: eat, if only just a little. Sleep, as much as you can. And keep the Kleenex handy.
OXO Mare
#11088034

Teresa Burnett level-classic July 19, 2014

Yes, Laura, it is really me, and it seems I came back at just the right time to be here and mourn the loss of your Fangy with you. We do love them so much, and the loss is so heartbreaking, but I've been told it is to prepare us for things that may happen in our later lives. If that really is the case, my later life might really suck!!
But still, it really is good to be back!! Retired now, and loving it!! #11088176

John Connolly July 19, 2014

It is so sad to hear about Fangy, Laura!
I am sure you and dale will miss this wonderful family member, and I too share your sorrow! Keep your chin up and stay strong! All the best from downunder! #11088269

Ellen Hodges July 19, 2014

What a story and dedication, Laura! You and Dale made Fangy's life as perfect as possible. You are to be commended for taking such good care of your little friend!!!!!! #11088372

Laura E. Swan level-classic July 20, 2014

The thing I dislike about e-mails and comment boxes and electronic transmission is that we cannot see each others faces or hug someone to say thank you or let our facial expressions or nods or tears answer for us or tell the story. We have to write it out.

I just want to say that your words to me have me in tears and they are sending me love and A LOT of comfort and I appreciate you guys more than I can say.

Fangy was worth every sacrifice I ever made for his health and he showered me with his cute little ways and love and there was no doubt in my mind that he loved us like we loved him. And he loved us more than any humans he ever encountered, which doesn't say a whole lot since his first family scared him and living on the road for 3-4 years must have too. He was afraid of everything when we took him in but the one thing he did have was a little hope and a little trust in us.

I feel so grateful that he took a chance on us and let us show him another life. I'd do it all again. Every second.

I never once even needed to discipline him for any naughty behavior, It just wasn't in him. What he showed us was appreciation and trust and love. More and more as time passed.

I am so glad he came "home" to us when he ran away from those other people. He was a smart boy, HeeHee... :))))) I was his REAL MOMMY. :))))) And I think he knew it.

Thank You Everyone.

With Love,
Laura (et al)

#11088960

Emile Abbott level-deluxe July 21, 2014

God bless you for rescuing Fangy from his first owners and giving him a great 16 years with you. Excellent portrait of you loved one Lara. #11089607

Laura E. Swan level-classic July 21, 2014

Good morning, Emile. Thank you so much. I haven't cried yet today. Good sign. Of course I just woke up. :/ We went out and had a wonderful dinner last night and we were pretty good. Many laughs with another couple. We got home and I came up the stairs, didn't see kitty in his usual spot and it again hit me that Fangy was gone forever. Many tears again.

Uh oh...my first tears for today. This is so very hard. I know you well know this pain, Emile.

Thanks for coming to comfort me. I really appreciate it.

-Laura :/ #11089623

Marijana Fajgl July 21, 2014

I know how hard it is to lose a friend, they are more than pets and mostly they give us much more than people around us. You gave him a good life and he left you with best memories, I am sure. My heart is with you. #11089779

Sherran Andersen level-classic July 22, 2014

So sorry to hear about Fangy Laura... this is the reason I no longer have pets. It's just too hard when they become a part of the family. Thinking of you and Dale.
Sherran #11090568

Laura E. Swan level-classic July 25, 2014

Hi Marijana and Sherran,

Thank you so much. I do feel good that we gave our kitties a good and fun life. We traveled to the Rockies in the RV with them and they all knew what getting in the kennels in the truck meant!

Camping! Lucky would walk on a harness any time and anywhere. Pookey liked to be with Lucky and Fangy loved looking out of the windows of the RV but had no desire to go outside. He became a house cat and RV Cat right away! He LIVED on the road and hated that. Indoors was great for him! :))))

They were all so cute and sweet and different from each other.

Lucky was a bully and brat but really REALLY smart. :) He was a BABY with us and a ALPHA male to the cats. Very bossy to them. Lol...

They were our babies, our friends and our perfect companions. Family.

Sherran, my Brother would agree with you. He is such a softy, too, and it was too much on him losing his Doggy and Kitty.

I hope one day to have another pet. In a few years. Only because it takes all of us animal lovers to give these little and big animals the loving homes they deserve and need that they wouldn't maybe have without us, right? When I think of all the deserving animals put down every year it is heart breaking also. In my mind, I can picture thousands of faces (animals and pets) at once all being put to death (mainly) years and years too soon. Because no one would make the commitment.

THIS is my drive to have another, one day. My brother disagrees totally and wont even go there with his thoughts.

Anyway, it's all very understandable.

Thank you very much. Having you all here sharing your feelings and wishes really helps.

Dale says Thank You, too!

Love Laura #11092222

Dianne Brin level-classic August 05, 2014

Laura, what a touching story. It breaks my heart. We recently lost the 2nd of 2 dogs we rescued. They were the best pets we ever had. Someone tied them to a the fence that was a farm behind our home and left. We took them in; as I said, they were 2 of many others; and we had them for 7 years. Miss them everyday, as I am sure you miss Fangy. I'm glad he found you twice, and had the wonderful life that he had. #11102550

Laura E. Swan level-classic August 06, 2014

Dear Dianne, I am so sorry. You were the best thing that ever happened to your dear doggies. xoxoxoxo

Fangy was a huge blessing in our lives. All three kitties were and this is so difficult. Everywhere I turn I think of them.

Love and thanks, Laura #11102985

Reynaldo D. Reyes level-classic August 11, 2014

You're so blessed with his love. We send our heartfelt goodbyes to Fangy. But somehow he'll stay with you with the sweet memories… Take care Laura. #11106129

Lydia Williams level-classic August 29, 2014

Dear Laura, this is wonderful...and I am so happy to see a EP on it...Love ya! #11120559

Ann Coates level-classic October 21, 2014

I know it's late but I am so sorry to hear about Fangy. He had the best life with you, he knew when he was on to a good thing and he did well to get to 17 with his health problems. I am welling up with tears reading all the comments, been through this a few times myself, it's never easy. RIP Fangy. #11164170

Laura E. Swan level-classic October 21, 2014

Thank you Rey and Big Sis Lydia and Ann. Dale and I still cry all the time. We miss Fangy so much and now all we can do is miss them all. Their urns line the fireplace mantel and on some days I don't know how healthy this is...but for now we cant seem to let them go. We miss them something terrible and the house feels so quiet empty and lifeless. Dale says no pets for a while but we look at every kitty and doggy we see now with love in our eyes and longing to have more. Pet lovers NEED TO HAVE PETS! Thank you all. I am so sorry for your pain too. Does it ever go away?? xo -Laura #11164172

Laura E. Swan level-classic October 21, 2014

P.S. We just got home from a 5 week road trip. I think it was a very healthy move. it gave us some breathing space away from all the memories here. And now we are home to begin new chapters in life. #11164173

Lydia Williams level-classic October 21, 2014

Tight hugs and love ya! :) So happy you are back!! #11164279

To discuss, first log in or sign up (buttons are at top center of page).

Get Constructive Critiques

Sign up for an interactive online photography course to get critiques on your photos.


 

Did You Know?

Discussions by Category: You can view photo discussions on various themes in the Community > Photo Discussions section of the site.

BetterPhoto Websites: If you see an orange website link directly under the photographer's name, it's totally okay. It's not spam. The reason: BetterPhoto is the one that offers these personal photography websites. We are supporting our clients with those links.

Unavailable EXIF: If there is no other information but 'Unavailable' in the EXIF (meaning no EXIF data exists with the photo), the 'Unavailable' blurb is not displayed. If there is any info, it shows. Many photos have the EXIF stripped out when people modify the image and resave it, before uploading.


 

The following truth is one of the core philosophies of BetterPhoto:

I hear, I forget.
I see, I remember.
I do, I understand.

You learn by doing. Take your next online photography class.


BetterPhoto.com Editor's Pick


Copyright for this gallery photo belongs solely to Laura E. Swan.
Images may not be copied, downloaded, or used in any way without the expressed, written permission of the photographer. Contact photographer via gallery
Log in to follow or message this photographer or report this photo.