Friday, December 18, 2020

Albert Got His Angel Wings (2004 - 2020)

 


On Tuesday, 12/15 we let our sweet deaf cat Albert go to the Rainbow Bridge. His kidneys had failed.  I spoke with the animal communicator on Friday and she said that Al was very tired, physically and emotionally and was ready to cross over.  He wanted to make sure we were ready to let him go. We pampered him with love and attention all weekend.

Al had been diagnosed with hyperthyroid in 2018.  As with most older cats, his kidneys began to show renal disease shortly after.  We began giving him sub c fluids  in 2019.  He was getting them daily in the end.  Unfortunately he was not able to take the medication for hyperthyroid so I was giving him the herbal blend Sweetpea got as well.





Albert was a very special cat.  He was born deaf - as are most blue eyed white cats and learned to respond to our hand signals.  He also taught us a few things too.  He was very smart, personable, funny and a bit dominating with the other cats.

I found him as a kitten in the fall of 2004 sitting by the side of a busy country road just watching the cars go by. I thought he was a paper bag at first.  Afraid I would spook him into the traffic I got my friend Peel to meet me there and we both corralled him.  He was not at all upset and let me pick him up and get him to safety.  He was banged up and scratched so I assumed he was either  tossed from a car or fell from the rocky hill behind him.



I knew he was deaf once I saw his blue eyes.  Since I am hearing impaired, I felt a strong connection with him and wanted to keep him. We named him Albert Einstein after the scientist.- his fur formed a white wild halo around his head like the his namesake. His nicknames were Ally, Ally Oop and Ally Boo. Al adapted to life with us easily and got along with all the other cats indoors.  He loved to find odd sleeping places - in the pots and pans in the kitchen, on top of the coat stand, in a plant pot.  We never knew where we would find him.
 
 

As he grew in size, he still sought out his crazy napping spots and could not figure out why he did not  fit in them anymore!  Even as a senior he still slept in the oddest places like on a pile of mail, in the middle of the floor.


Growing bigger.


Al this year

He loved his laser light toy and his catnip mouse but would get a bit over stimulated and more aggressive from these toys and we would have to calm him down after. He would continue to search for the red dot long after it was put away. Shadows and branches moving outside would get him all riled up as well..  


When we moved to the current house we split the cats into two groups - the older ones inside with us and the younger ones in the cat shelter Don made from a carport/workshop.  Al went into the latter.  By now he was a big cat and becoming a bully, dominating many of the other cats who were his age. Don made a room within a room for him by caging in once section of the screened porch of cat house and then adding an upper level that went into the interior heated room.  That gave both Al and the other cats time to be alone.  We let Al out with us there to supervise him, using his room as his safe place mostly. We still ended up having to move cats out of the cat house to our house when Al persisted in stalking them.  We tried all the drugs, herbs and homeopathy but nothing worked. I found out recently that many deaf cats have a high prey drive.  Perhaps that is what it was.

Al and Don

Talking to an animal communicator helped us get a better idea about Al. He formed a close bond with Don and felt calm and supported by him. Don was his rock. It seems logical when the communicator explained that Al was rejected by his cat mom and siblings and and struggled alone, feeling excluded.  His dominance was fear based so he struck out when he was afraid. When the cats accidentally bumped Al he reacted defensively by attacking. Obviously this caused many cat fights between Al and the others.


 

Al retained his goofy silly side as he got older, using the cat tree as his jungle gym, hanging off upside down.  He loved running up the ramps to the higher shelves in the cat house and surveying his kingdom from on high. Another animal communicator told us Al felt responsible for all the cats in the outside shelter.  He would defend the others from other critters or neighbor dogs that happened to look in  by flying to the door and hissing, spitting and growling for all he was worth.  The dogs ran in fright. I don't blame them.  Al was terrifying.


We brought Albert inside with us after Norm passed in February this year so that we could care for him better.  Al proceeded to attack each one of the cats in the house - I would assume to establish his authority and then after a few weeks, calmed down and just ignored them.  Our regular communicator Rose said that Al now felt  he could retire being inside with us. We had it all under control.  He was in his own senior home and could just enjoy life without all the responsibilities.  After the rough beginning, Al left the other cats alone and they in turn didn't bother him.

Al delighted in living inside with us.  He found the toy basket and had a ball delving into it looking for new toys.  See the video here

Albert treasured the one on one time he had with Don.  He would drape his body over Don's lap while we watched TV, happy as could be.


Spending time on the back porch on warm sunny days was a favorite pastime for Ally. He loved sitting on the packing paper from the Chewy boxes too.



We catered to Al and fed him on a raised plate, giving him whatever he would eat.  When he wanted more or was done he would slap the plate off the platform on to the floor.  We could hear the plate clatter and would laugh.  His highness wanted something!

Al's last Christmas with us.

 

His passing was gentle and easy.  An ice storm was predicted so even tho our vet was not available we took him to a local vet.  They fit us in at the end of the day so we were the only ones there.  All of us were masked. We had our hands on him during the injections with me surrounding him in Reiki light as he left us.

Our communicator Rose checked in with Albert as he passed.  Al thanked us for loving him in spite of his being a "problem child."  He said bossing the others made him feel in control.  He appreciated us understanding that that was how he was. Al felt that the had a good life with us and was grateful for the care and affection we gave him.  Snowball met him as he crossed into Spirit to escort him to Summerland. 


 Al is buried on our land next to Norm and Snowball with a catnip mouse, as blue as his gorgeous eyes. We will get him a grave stone at a later date. Don and I will never forget this challenging, intelligent, charming, beautiful boy. I made a bouquet of evergreens and one yellow flower surprisingly still blooming in our garden.  Al was our sunshine for sure. Until we meet again dear boy. We love you.



A Bridge Called Love

It takes us back to brighter years,
to happier sunlit days
and to precious moments
that will be with us always.
And these fond recollections
are treasured in the heart
to bring us always close to those
from whom we had to part.

There is a bridge of memories
from earth to Heaven above...
It keeps our dear ones near us

It's the bridge that we call love.

    Author Unknown

36 comments:

Laila and Angel Minchie said...

We are so very sorry for this heartbreaking loss you have suffered. Such a beautiful tribute to him! You just know who the new boss is now at The Bridge. Hugs and comforting purrs.

Milo and Alfie Marshall said...

A beautiful tribute to a precious cat. Thank you for giving him a wonderful life. X

Lily said...

We’re so sorry for your loss. This is a beautiful tribute for Albert. Sending hugs and purrs.

Fr. Tom Fish said...

Awww...such a great tribute with all the photos and mentions of different habits and loves..We're so sorry for your loss. Fly free sweet Albert - Tom, Bridget, Penny and the mom xoxo

Squeedunk Cats and Z-Girl said...

A beautiful tribute to a truly unique kitty. Not everyone understands the challenging behaviors as evidence of trauma, willing to accept and love the animal with and through it. I’m so glad he landed with you, as his life was remarkable and joyful because of all you did to help him.
And they teach us so much in the process.
He surely will be missed. He was a handsome fella with gorgeous eyes. I’m so very sorry for your loss. The pain is indescribable. May you feel comforted knowing his expressions of love and concern as he prepared for his transition.
Albert, may the next phase of your journey be full of laser dots and catnip mice.

JC said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I read what you wrote about him. He had a purrfect life with you. XO, JC

Kea said...

We're so sorry, Cheri. You've written a beautiful tribute to him, filled with such understanding and love. You really are an amazing cat caretaker. Our thoughts and purrs to you and Don. ❤️

Forty Paws said...

We are so very sorry about Al. He knew that it was his time. He is running free and maybe not being so ornery now.
We had a white, one blue eye, one golden eye, who had the sort of temperament of Al. We figure he was deaf on the blue eye side. We had to keep him separated and he had his own window flap to come and go. If someone attempted to pet him and he was riled up, he would rip up their hands and arms. We named him Davy. If you want to read about him, he is on our blog back in the beginning as he had a sad ending...
Hugs to you from all of us at Forty Paws.

pilch92 said...

Al was a beautiful boy. I am so sorry for your loss. XO

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

I am so sorry for your loss of Al. You have written such a beautiful tribute to him. My heartfelt condolences to you and Don.

Marlis Lemmle said...

Dear Cheri and Don we are so so very sorry <3 Fly free dear Albert <3 You will have by us a heart forever and Thank you for the wonderful posting from Mom and Dad ! <3

Susie said...

Our deepest condolences. Mommakitty, Kimo & Sabi, and Sherman.

catladymac said...

So sorry for the loss of Al - what love you gave him, and in his own way he returned it.

Leah said...

I'm so sorry you lost Al, I know it's hard to lose an animal friend. This is a lovely tribute to him. May you find comfort in good memories.

The Creative Cat said...

What a complex and interesting cat. Sometimes the problem children have the most love. It sounds like Al's passing, following the others, will make a bigger change in your household. Love and light on your journey.

Brian's Home Blog said...

Such a beautiful guy your Albert was and we are so very sorry to hear that it was his time. We all send purrs, love and hugs to you.

ZOOLATRY said...

Such a beautiful story of a beautiful companion. I loved that you called him a "problem child" ... often even in a human family, this can be the one who steals your heart and soul. The one whose need of you is the greatest, yet who gives so much back to you. Al was without doubt a very special mancat, and certainly will forever retain his own strong and special place in your memories ... paws up to you both, hugs to you Don, for all the care given for all the years of love.
(I'll soon send a Rainbow Bride image for him ...)
Ann

Alastriona, The Cats and Dogs said...

What a beautiful tribute to Al, we are so very sorry for your loss.

Catscue said...

I am so very sorry for your loss. This tribute post was so beautiful, the life of a beautiful friend. Hugs.

Holly said...

Beautiful tribute to a beautiful cat

meowmeowmans said...

Cheri and Don, we are so sorry that Al was needed at the Bridge. He was no doubt a special cat, and he found his perfect forever home there with you. Fly free, dear Al, and love and purrs to your mom and dad, who miss you so and love you always.

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

I am so sorry you lost your beautiful boy Al. What a cat he was! It is never ever easy to say farewell, and I know how limited words are at times like these. But I am sending healing light to your hearts as you go through this time of sadness.

Deziz World said...

Albert was so handsum and special. We're sorry fur your loss. He will remembered. we're sending big hugs and purrayers.

Luvs ya'

Raena and mommy A

John Bellen said...

What an expressive face Albert had. I'm sure his presence was a big one and will be sorely missed. But parting is only temporary, and you'll see him again. Until then, Godspeed, Albert.

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

Run young and pain-free and enjoy hearing all the beautiful sounds for the first time, sweet Albert. My deepest sympathy on your loss. Keep all the good memories safe in your heart.
Hugs....
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Summer said...

I am so sorry. Al was a special guy, and you were the perfect humans for him.

Colehaus Cats said...

We are so sorry to hear about Albert. Thank you for sharing him with us and the world and for loving him so deeply. Sending our softest purrs and love.

Melissa, Mudpie and Angel Truffles (Mochas, Mysteries and Meows) said...

I'm so, so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful kitty.

AngelSmokey, Butterfly, Peekaboo! said...

We are so sorry for your loss. A beautiful companion that will be remembered by his family forever. Comforting hugs.

Timmy Tomcat said...

We are so sad to hear about dear Albert. He was a force to be reckoned with and a wonderful boy. We know he was welcomed at the bridge by all the Angels and is not healthy and happy looking down with love. Fly free Albert and watch over your family and all of us until that day we meet again.
Timmy, Dad Pete, Toby, Rumpy, Fitz and Einstein

Duke said...

What a beautiful boy your Albert was. We are so very sorry for your loss. Hugs♥

Mickey's Musings said...

So sorry to be late,but we wanted to express our condolences on the passing of Albert.So glad he had such a great life, but it does not make his passing any easier.
Sending lots of love and purrs <3
Purrs, Julie and the "mum" Nancy

carol l mckenna said...

Just heard of Al passing and wanted to send you distant reiki healing hugs ~ painful to lose our fur persons ~ You rescued him and what a treasure you gave to each other ~ Wonderful story and photos of Albert ~ I am ever grateful to read it ~ it brings love to my heart and I am sure healing to you ~ thanks ~ Xox

Moment to moment.....

A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)

da tabbies o trout towne said...

al..we had been offline buddy and just heard this news. we are beyond sorry. a handsome dood you were and always will be. this post mom wrote is amazing; I hope mom and dad know that St Francis also helped you get to heaven///summer land; in that you had no pain or suffering or felt afraid or alone... as you made your journey there. we are happy snowball was there to escort you to your tenth life. with sincere condolences; and hugs to you, mom, dad and the family you leave behind ♥♥♥♥♥

Timmy Tomcat said...

We have made a Badge for dear Buddy and will post it on Sunday. Know we will always remember him and send our purrs and prayers of support.
https://timmytomcat.blogspot.com/
Timmy Tomcat and Family

Katie Isabella said...

Abert. So beautiful and loved. His memory cherished. I have loved all of your babies you have written on. Some, two, I saved what you wrote as their tribute because it spoke to me. The love I have for mine and that love I have found with cats in the CB.

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