His first name is lost to time. It was a French name I recall. Michoux? Michaud? Something like that. But when we adopted him, we renamed him, choosing Baby over runner-up Sasquatch. And, over the course of his 15+ years, he was a little of both: frisky, grumpy, playful, troublesome but, always, oh-so-adorable. I suspect he even had a little dog in his DNA, demonstrating a most un-catlike disregard for personal hygiene that marked his colorful personality (and, unfortunately for him, lead to the necessity for the funny lion cut pictured above), as well as a propensity for extended sneezing fits.
Like most of our animal companions, he went through an early butterball phase, the result of days spent eating, lounging about, and, generally, lying in wait to pounce on the sockless unwary. In later years, that fluffy lion cut concealed an emaciated frame ravaged by disease. And yet, despite the early prognosis, Baby proved himself a fighter. Time and again, he looked to be in his final days and, time and again, he bounced back, resuming his pesky, obstinate, adorably cranky ways.
But these last few days proved too much for him and, last night, Baby finally passed away, peacefully, according to my sis, purring and cuddling to the end.
He was a little guy with a very big personality. And he will be missed.
I dedicate today’s blog to mom and my cousin, Marolyn, Daisy, and, especially, my sis who took such great care of Baby, especially in his final few months.
Condolences to the entire family. Our four legged friends leave holes in our hearts disproportionate to their size when they leave us.
My condolences to your sister, it sounds like Baby was quite the unique individual.
Aw, poor sweetheart. So very sorry to hear of Baby’s passing. It’s amazing how such a little body has such a big personality that leaves a huge chasm in the dynamics of a family. Condolences to the family. I know that when one looks after a sick animal, there is a special connection between the two. This must be especially hard on your sister. Hugs to her.
Rest well, Baby. Much love to you and your family, Joe.
I’m sorry to hear about this. My condolences.
Sorry to hear the loss of another family member for you my friend. I am not smart enough to put into words anything to help make it better.
warm hugs
Condolences to your mom and sis during this hard time. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sympathies to all of you. I know you’ll miss him.
(((joe’s family)))
Aww. My condolences to the whole family.
You would think when an elderly individual loses a pet, their maturity and wisdom would buffer and rationalize the loss as a part of life. But I understand that is not the case. Older people take the loss of a beloved pet just as hard, sometimes harder, than someone in their youth. My sympathies go out to your Mom at the loss of her longtime friend and “Baby”. Also to your sister and cousins who took care of, or just enjoyed Baby’s company throughout his life.
🙁 I dropped you a note, Joe.
das
So sorry to hear about Baby. Condolences to you, your Mom, Sis, and everyone else who loved and cared for Baby.
Very sorry for your family’s loss. Always a sad time losing a beloved family member even a furry one.
R.I.P. Baby
🙁 Condolences to all. RIP, Baby.
It is never easy to let go of the ones we love, My heart goes out to your family. He was loved.
What can I say? It is so hard to lose a member of the family. My condolences 🙁
Oh dear. Bon voyage for Baby and hugs for all his humans.
R.I.P
Joe, condolences to all of Baby’s family and friends.
I’m so sorry Joe. My condolences to your mom, sister and everybody in Baby’s extended family.
Hi everyone. Thanks for the kind words and thoughts.
Baby Cat certainly was a special boy. Some animals have a way of touching everyone they meet. Baby Cat was that kind of special… always purring and seeking attention, he would wrap his paws around my neck and pull me in closer. Baby Cat was a favorite at the vet and at the groomer. I went to pick him up from the vet/groomer one day and found him in the lunch room with the staff, being passed from lap to lap. I will miss him greatly.
Let’s see if posting a video works…
Very sorry to hear of Baby’s passing. My condolences and thoughts are with your Mom and Sis, and all family members who loved him.
Condolences to your family.
Baby’s memories will always be with you.
R.I.P. baby
🙁
My condolences to your family on the loss of Baby. He was obviously loved and cared for a great deal.
Very sorry to hear of Baby’s passing. My condolences and big hugs to Baby’s family.
I share my bedroom with another grumpy red Persian, who also requires a periodic lion cut due to her inability to keep up with her dense fur (and her absolute refusal to allow any sort of combing). She’s asleep on the bed right by me now. She’s not a people cat like Baby – due to early experiences, she accepts affection only on HER terms and at HER request – but she’s a character, and my companion. I know I will miss her terribly one of these days (she’s eleven). My deepest sympathies to Baby’s family.
Sorry to hear that. My condolences .
I am sorry about Baby. ::( He was lucky to have found such a wonderful home.
Guess the 23rd was a terrible day for both of us. My sister, whose daughter died in Feb, suffered a massive heart attack yesterday morning. Her oldest daughter found her dead on the floor.
She slept in my baby bed with me to put me to sleep, mothered me, cared for me and the other young sister all through the years of my mother’s drinking after my father’s death and on through my entire life,. She also mothered my daughter, her grand children and my oldest sister’s son.
I learned my love of animals and particularly horses from her. From the time she was about 15, we teased her about crying over a disney cartoon where daffy and mickey and others had just one bean and one slice of bread to share among them all. But we loved her tender heart. I spent 8 hours on the phone, the designated “let the family know” person. I told my poor niece she had to take some comfort in how many people loved her mother, but it gives me comfort too. We should all be so loved before we die.
I’m sorry to hear about the loss of baby. Losing a pet is always hard, as they are part of the family. My heart goes out to your and yours.
Please tell your sweet mama and sister we are very sorry for their loss. We took care of our own ailing “Baby” for a friend until the week before his death. He was a people cat, but beat the snot out of our friend’s other cats, so he had to be separated. We never could reconcile calling him “Baby” because he had been such a bully, so my kids called him Bob instead. Now we remember him as “Baby Bob.”
So sorry to hear of Baby’s passing. My deepest condolences to Mom & Sis. =(
So sorry to hear of Baby’s passing — I know he will be missed. It’s been 8 months since we lost our Sugar kitty, and I still think I see her in the hallway out of the corner of my eye.
My condolences to your family. RIP Baby.
My sympathies. Rest now, Baby.
Condolences to your sister and family, Joe. So sorry to hear this.
My sympathies to Baby’s family.
Rest in Peace Baby!
Farewell, Baby. Many hugs and much love.
my condolences to Joe and his family i know this is hard as i have been through this recently with my 14 yo puppy mill pekenise they are so much of our family. The poor boy has a series of strokes and the only option was to put him down so while waiting for the vets to open we ha a cheese cake icecream party .. so joes sis i hope that patrick and baby have met in tat great animal farm in the sky..
Condolences for the loss of Baby. It’s hard to lose a friend.
🙁 So sorry.
@Debra: So sorry to hear, my deepest sympathies.
Oh Debra! I’m so sorry for you loss. There really are no words….sending prayers.
I’m so sorry to hear about Baby, he seemed like he was such a sweet natured little guy.
My condolences to you, Sis and Mrs. M.
K
Awww so sorry to hear about Baby. My sympathies to you and your family.
Joe – How come you’re not a judge on Face Off? You’d be great at that!
I am so sorry…
My condolences to your family. Rest in peace, Baby!
@Debra: Just read your post … I am so sorry for your tragic loss! Please accept my condolences and prayers!
It’s so hard to lose those fuzzy children that color our world and fill in the corners with their unique brand of love. We’ll see you at the Bridge, Baby. Play with all of our furry loved ones till we get there. :] My condolences to Mamma Mallozzi, Sis, cousins, and Joe, you too.
Debra — I am so sorry for your loss. You had a one-in-a-million sister, and you painted a loving word portrait of her. May her memory be eternal. Hugs to you and your family. Prayers are on their way.
Debra, so sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences and sympathies to you and your family.
@Debra, so sorry to hear of your loss, thoughts and prayers for your family.
I’m sorry to hear about Baby. I’ll miss hearing about him, and can only imagine how much more you and your family will miss him.
Debra–I’m so sorry for your loss. Your sister sounds like a wonderful person, and I hope you and your family are able to find some comfort in your memories and in the knowledge that so many people loved her.
Rest in peace Baby. Hugs to your mom, sister and you on the loss of a beloved family member.
I’m so sorry. My condolences to your mom and sister and the rest.. I had a tough day with my own dog. So now I’m in tears and I’ll leave for now.
@ Debra – So, so sorry about your sister. Praying for you, her children, rest of family and friends during this most difficult time.
Dear Joe, Mrs Mallozzi, Sis, Marolyn & Daisy
I’m so incredibly sorry for your loss. I’ve enjoyed reading about Baby, about all of your animals. If only every animal was fortunate enough to be a part of the Mallozzi family.
Great to hear Baby’s story….well written Joe.
*hugs*
Chev
@Debra – I’m so sorry. That’s just heartbreaking.
@ Debra
So very sorry for you loss. Deepest condolences to you and your family. She sounds like a wonderful person. Sending warm hugs your way.
WWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!
I seriously had tears in my eyes from reading this. Our four legged friends leave a hole the size of the galaxy (most often bigger!) in your heart when they leave us. I remember when my cat died….I was devastated for days because I had known him my entire life (just like stargate had been with me a huge portion of my life almost as long as I can remember).
USually, when I am in certain moods I listen to certain songs (most often soundtracks as they usually have no distracting lyrics). This is the one I am listening to at this moment because of this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNsxruejFUw
Sorry for the loss you are feeling buddy.
Pardusian141
Sending our condolences also. I’m sure Baby enjoyed all the love everyone gave him throughout those fifteen years. 🙂
My condolences on the passing of Baby. It really hurts when a beloved pet dies. (((HUGS))) to your Mum, cousin and sister, and for yourself.
Great pictures, I hope they help keep those happy thoughts.
Love and prayers to you and your family. P.S. Baby’s spirit may just come and kick your ass tonight for the bath photo;-)
RIP Baby