Sunday, November 26, 2006

Tilly (1989-2006)


The Dad here. First, we'd like to thank all those who sent kind wishes, thoughts and prayers to us for Tilly's passing over the Bridge. Special thanks to the Meezers, who posted a tribute to Tilly on their blog, and to Fat Eric for memorializing Tilly on the Rainbow Gingers page. Tilly is now with Jiggsy and all the other kitties who went before. We'll see her again someday.

The loss of Tilly has made us sad. But it was not unexpected. Tilly initially did well with her thyroid medication but soon took a turn for the worse. On Thanksgiving morning, she was on her blanket, breathing somewhat heavily but not in any obvious discomfort. Just as he did before Jiggsy passed away, Toby went over to her, sniffed her, then gently licked her head. The Mum and I went into the bedroom to discuss our options when we took her to the vet. When we came out, she was gone.

Tilly was the Dad's first companion when he left home and lived on his own for the first time. Tilly and her Dad lived in a small second-floor apartment in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. It was kind of a dumpy place but wonderful in so many ways. Even on the hottest summer days, a cool breeze from the ocean rustled the curtains.

"You don't have to spay an indoor cat"

Every day when Dad came home from work, Tilly would be watching from the window. Then she would run to the door to greet Dad at the top of the stairs. The first thing would be to play "Tall Tilly." This was a game where Dad picked Tilly up and carried her around the house so she could touch all the things that were interesting but were too high up for her to reach -- such as the light cords.

Tilly was a girl kitty but Dad thought that, since she was going to be an indoor kitty, she would not have to be spayed. Smart Dad, saving that big vet bill -- WRONG! One day, when Tilly was becoming a young lady cat, she began to yowl. Brrrrup! Brrrrup! Brrrr-OW! Then we had a whole chorus of boy kitties in the yard serenading Tilly. She was very impressed and wanted very, very much to go outside and thank each of them personally.

The next day, Dad made an appointment with the vet.

Frozen chicken bowling ball

Tilly was a very smart, inquisitive kitty who loved to play. Her favorite games were fetching the milk jug twisty-tie and playing "I see Tilly." In this game, Dad would go down the hall to the bathroom. Dad would stick his head out the door, look down the hall and say, "I see Tilly!" Tilly would run down the hall and leap around the corner at Dad. After a few figure-eights around Dad's legs as he shouted "Yay, Tilly!" she would run back down the hall to do it all again.

Being curious sometimes got Tilly into sticky situations. One day, Dad was defrosting a frozen chicken on the kitchen counter. The chicken was still in its plastic grocery bag. While Dad was in the living room watching television, Tilly got up on the counter to investigate. Somehow, she got her head through the loops of the grocery bag and panicked, jumping down from the counter and pulling the frozen chicken after her with a crash. She ran down the hall with the frozen chicken trundling after her. Dad got up not knowing what all the racket was about but sure it involved Tilly. He was ready to hand out some harsh discipline until Tilly came running into the living room with the chicken close at her heels. Then Dad could not stop laughing.

Tilly was a wonderful companion for 17 years. Dad and Mum loved her very much and we miss her terribly. Again, thank you all for your support and prayers.

21 comments:

Millie said...

Tilly sounds like she was a wonderful cat, and special part of your family for so many years. Thanks for telling her story.

Zippy, Sadie, Speedy and M'Gee said...

Oh, we just heard. We're furry sorry fur yoor loss. We know Tilly will be waiting at the Bridge for yoo.

Anonymous said...

not only does Tilly sound like she was sweet and fun, but it sounds like she was truly loved and lived a long happy life. the Lady started leaking from the eyes at the part about Toby licking her head - so sweet!

Justin said...

I came to your blog once again n is srry over Tilly's passing away...may her soul rest in peace.
I also love my cats very much n can't live without them...you can check out my post on my adorable kitties to know more of them....

Big Piney Woods Cats said...

Thank you so much for sharing this with us. It is wonderful to read stories of different kitties, helps everyone to know them better. Tilly was such a wonderful addition and we are so sorry you lost her. She had the best of lives, that is for sure. Bless you all in your time of grief, know everyone in the cat blogoshere is thinking of you.

CalicoMom Toni

Zeus said...

We are so very sorry for your loss. Tilly was simply a terrific friend and companion to your whole family, and it is a sad day to see her go her own way. However, please take heart that she will be waiting patiently for you across the Bridge.

Zeus and Isis

The Crew said...

We're so sorry to hear the sad news about Tilly. We know she had a wonderful life and will be missed as we still miss our beloved cats who aren't with us any more.

Charlotte
Crews' Mom

Anonymous said...

What wonderful stories, wonderful memories you have of Tilly. What an intelligent, loving girl she was. We're so sorry for your loss, but so happy that you found each other. She was so very loved.

Gemini said...

Those are wonderful memories of Tilly. Momma laughed about her spay story.

Purrs and headbutts for those of you who are left behind.

Meowers from Missouri said...

what a lovely eulogy. it is evident that she was much-loved and many-talented!! thank you for sharing her with us in the blog all this time.

love & purrs,
nels, ed, nitro, & xing

Mr. Hendrix said...

What sweet memories you have of her. Thank you for sharing them. We're keeping you all in our thoughts.

dddragon said...

I know what you were going thru ... we're worrying about our 19 year old Chatham, too. We thought that we would lose him this Thanksgiving, but so far he's holding his own and even improving a little.

Anonymous said...

We are very sad tohear about Tilly. But is sounds like she had a wonderfull life with you. Headbuts & Purrs.

The Meezers or Billy said...

Oh such wonderful memories. Tilly was well loved she loved well.

I can't let "The Boyz" read about frozen chick-hen bowling, because they will want to try it. What a wonderful story!!!

I am so sorry for Tilly's loss, but I'm sure she trading stories with Trixie and Norton at the Bridge and having fun with Jiggsy.

Meezer Mom Mary

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing the lovely stories about Tilly. What a great purrsonality she had. It will be hard for you to get used to life without her, but we are sure you will be reunited some day. She was a truly Gorgeous Ginger.

Purrs

Dianne said...

So sorry about Tilly. We were watching her and her mum in the youtube video. That's a nice thing to have to remember her by.
Take good care.
Dianne and Cos

Quinn and Angel brandi said...

Thank you very much for sharing such wonderful stories of your Tilly. Made my mama laugh and tear-up both.

I am so glad you had so many years with Tilly and so many memories. You all were blessed to be together for so long.

Sending a hug basket for you all.Take as many as you need. I promise to keep it full.

Just Ducky said...

Thanks for her story. She was well loved by you and she loved you in return. Purrs to all of you.

momsbusy said...

what wonderful memeories of tilly. she must have added so much to your lives. she will be greatly missed. we will keep purrayin for you during your time of loss.

Justin said...

Hey, thanks for checking the post...you 've wonderful cats...I 'll keep on checking your blog.

take care
bye.

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

Tilly had a long and happy life with you and repaid you with her love. Now you have your many happy (and amusing) memories to cherish.