14 May 2010
Amber
Amber
July 29, 1998 – May 13, 2010
Be at Peace, Beautiful Girl
My beautiful girl died peacefully at home in my arms late yesterday afternoon, with the loving and gentle assistance of my dear friend and Amber’s vet, Fern.
As some of you already know, she had been sick for ten days and at the Hope Center in intensive care for the last three and a half days. We just received confirmation today that what we had suspected was true – a calici virus had ravaged her system, causing multiple problems ranging from laryngitis to pancreatitis, complicated by an underlying heart problem we didn’t even know she had, which made it impossible to find the right balance between providing supportive care and not pushing her heart too far. Yesterday it looked like she was getting better, but this morning, she took a turn for the worse, and her prognosis was so poor that I decided against further treatment. I took her home and spent the afternoon with her. The final good-bye was very peaceful.
Amber was a wise old soul in a feline body. Her gentle, loving presence brought so much happiness and joy to my life these past ten years. She was the inspiration behind The Conscious Cat, and even had her own column here, titled Amber’s Mewsings. You can read her entire story here.
I’m still in shock – I keep hoping I’ll wake up and find that these last ten days were just a bad dream. I’m going to miss my beautiful girl terribly. Her little sister Allegra only got to know her for a little over a month, and it breaks my heart that the two of them never got a chance to become close.
Amber taught me to slow down, to appreciate the gentleness in each moment, and to listen with and to my heart. Every cat we loose takes another little piece of our hearts. Amber took a big piece of mine tonight.
So very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. Allegra will be a comfort to you. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Mason
Thoughts in Progress
Mason Canyon
May 14th, 2010 at 6:46 ampermalink
So sad. Such a bootiful girl too. Yes, with each pet’s passing, a piece of our heart goes with them. Will keep you in our thoughts & prayers.
mariodacat
May 14th, 2010 at 6:49 ampermalink
I am so very sorry. I was just getting to know Amber through your wonderful blog. This is just a shock. Take care, will be thinking of you and sending prayers.
Rebecca
May 14th, 2010 at 7:47 ampermalink
Oh Ingrid I am so sorry. I can barely write because as they say, of the water in my eyes. I just can’t believe it and I am sure you are having a hard time believing it too. We are sending tons of purrs, woofies, heehaws and a Baa to you. And tons of hugs too. BUT I do think you did the right thing. Take care and will be thinking about you in your sadness.
marg
May 14th, 2010 at 7:55 ampermalink
[...] In Memory of Our Friend, Amber [...]
Sad « Conversations with EVA!
May 14th, 2010 at 8:44 ampermalink
Just wanted to wish you my sympathy. I am so sorry. I did not realize Amber’s illness was so severe. I will say some prayers for you and Allegra.
Heather
May 14th, 2010 at 8:57 ampermalink
My tears are falling for you. Try to have some peaceful days while we all send you love.
Bernadette
May 14th, 2010 at 9:40 ampermalink
Oh we are so so sorry for your loss. We are so sad to read about Amber passing. We know how hard this has to be for you, but just remember that she passed over to the bridge knowing how much you loved her. And at the bridge she will be healthy and watching down over you and Allegra to make sure you both have happy lives.
Amy & The House of Cats
May 14th, 2010 at 9:42 ampermalink
I’m so, so sorry….Amber was a beautiful cat. She will wait for you at the Bridge…
Take comfort knowing that you made her feel safe and loved in her final moments.
Lianne Elsner
May 14th, 2010 at 9:45 ampermalink
We are so very sorry for your loss. Amber sounds like a very sweet kitty and we know you miss her very much! It’s so hard to say good-bye. Purrs, tail wags & hugs.
jansfunnyfarm
May 14th, 2010 at 10:01 ampermalink
Oh Ingrid, my heart is breaking for you. Words elude me. I’ll email you privately.
Layla Morgan Wilde
May 14th, 2010 at 10:30 ampermalink
Words are never adequate at a time of loss. But please know that we here at Fancy Cats are sending love and hugs to you. May your memories of Amber be a comfort to you; may you continue to feel her calming energy around you; and may you find consolation in knowing that others care.
Please accept our deepest sympathy and our heartfelt thoughts.
Danielle Denhardt
May 14th, 2010 at 10:42 ampermalink
oh i always sad to hear pet passing away…i almost crying…cause iwas loosing mine amonth ago…for people who never had pets,they never understand how our cats/pets so important to us..loosing them like loosing our kid or family…but then i realized they’ll be no pain anymore for them…i realized that if we really love them,we have to give the best for them…and for the sick cats/pets..by taking away their pain…it’s the best we could give as our proved that we love them….died in our arms or in our hug..made them understand that we love them forever…
hani
May 14th, 2010 at 10:46 ampermalink
This is a beautiful post that you wrote, about a beautiful cat, who was loved by such a beautiful woman. Allegra will no doubt be stepping into a role of comfort for you. I am so sorry Ingrid. Words are failing me.
Laura
May 14th, 2010 at 11:10 ampermalink
Rest in peace, little one…
Kevin
May 14th, 2010 at 11:14 ampermalink
I am so sorry to hear about Amber’s passing. But she was blessed to have such a loving person caring for her. My prayers are with you and Allegra.
Kathy Henry
May 14th, 2010 at 11:16 ampermalink
Ingrid – sincere sympathy for the loss of your Amber. I’m so sorry to hear this news. Please take good care of yourself, and let Allegra offer up some good kitty love during this difficult time. Amber will live on in your memory and here on your blog with all of us who loved getting to know her!
Tammy
May 14th, 2010 at 11:29 ampermalink
What a blessing to have had Amber in your life and what a blessing you were to her, Ingrid. My heart is with you.
Laurel
May 14th, 2010 at 11:45 ampermalink
Oh, Ingrid. I’m so very, very sorry to hear the news. My heart goes out to you. She was such a beautiful girl and obviously a wonderful, dear soul. So sorry.
Kate
May 14th, 2010 at 12:13 pmpermalink
We are so sorry.
Sending love and purrs.
KC
May 14th, 2010 at 12:27 pmpermalink
[...] Amber went to the Bridge [...]
Friday Noos » Cat Blogosphere
May 14th, 2010 at 12:35 pmpermalink
Deepest sympathies on the loss of your dear Amber. We wish you peace in this difficult time.
Rest in Peace, sweet Amber.
Melissa
May 14th, 2010 at 12:36 pmpermalink
My darling baby Noelle died in my arms about this time last year. The pain is stilll there but my two new girls Coco age 6 years (adopted from the Arlington Shelter) and Sophie age 8 months (found abandoned on the road by a friend) have helped fill the hole in my heart. A toast to Amber and hoping Allegra helps fill the hole in your heart. Sweet dreams Amber.
Cindy
May 14th, 2010 at 12:41 pmpermalink
Ingrid,
I am so, so sorry to hear of your loss. Amber knows how much you love her, and how much joy she brought to your life. Her life was truly wonderful and full of love, and she will always be with you. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. I’m sorry Allegra did not get to know her big sister well.
I’m glad you have her tho during this tough time.
Jenny Meyers
May 14th, 2010 at 12:55 pmpermalink
My heart breaks for you in your loss of lovely Amber. Each cats touches us in their very special way. Sending loving healing energy to you all.
Cats of wildcat woods
May 14th, 2010 at 1:09 pmpermalink
We are so very sorry for the loss of your sweet girl. We heard the news on the CB. Just take peace in knowing she left you with the TRUE meaning of love, home, and family. We’re sorry Allegra didn’t get to know her all that well. She will always watch over you and send signs to you to let you know she’s around and that she’s ok, just waiting for the day you shall meet again.
Gentle Purrs and Hugs to you~
The Kool~Kittie~Krew and Shannon
The Kool~Kittie~Krew
May 14th, 2010 at 1:39 pmpermalink
There is nothing I can say that others haven’t already said. I’m so saddened by your sudden loss. I can’t imagine how you must be feeling> I’m grateful little Allegra is there for your during this trying time. Just remember you did an AMAZING thing taking in sweet Amber. You were lucky to have had eachother in your lives if for even a short time.
x0
T
I HAVE CAT
May 14th, 2010 at 1:49 pmpermalink
Ingrid, I am so sorry for your loss. My sympathies to you and Allegra. Be well, my dear.
Daniela Caride
May 14th, 2010 at 2:01 pmpermalink
May the memories of love outweigh the grief of loss.
I’ve lost many furfriends over the years and it never gets any eaisier. No matter if it’s quick or slow, walkabout, at the vets, or at home. Deciding it’s time to say good-bye is one of the hardest. But you know how much she loved you. And she knows too. Don’t be surprised to hear the patter of little feet around… I know I have when I’ve had such a close bond.
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Kitty Horde and their Feeders send purrs and prayers, head butts & blessings to you and yours.
Kat
May 14th, 2010 at 2:06 pmpermalink
I’m overwhelmed by this outpouring of love and support – thank you more than words can say. I’m barely able to cope right now, but I know that in time, the memories will outweigh the pain, and Amber’s contribution to this site will continue.
Ingrid
May 14th, 2010 at 2:10 pmpermalink
What a beautiful post you have written. We are so sorry to hear about Amber. Two years ago we suddenly lost an 18 yr old female cat (24 hrs after diagnosis) and had no idea she was even ill. We were told six months and then it was the next day. Hopefully these posts will bring you some comfort. Please accept our deepest sympathies and heartfelt thoughts.
Peace,
Tiger and Tux (and one of their humans)
Tiger and Tux
May 14th, 2010 at 2:15 pmpermalink
Oh, Ingrid. I’m so sorry for your loss. How lucky you two were to have each other for so long and have so many good times with each other.
When I lost my Gizmo, a friend sent me this video about the Rainbow Bridge, and it helped me very much. I hope it brings you the happy tears it brought me: http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html
Sending over virtual hugs,
–Dorian
Your Daily Cute
May 14th, 2010 at 2:26 pmpermalink
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Thank you for loving Amber as much — and as well — as you did. Our purrs and prayers are with you.
meowmeowmans
May 14th, 2010 at 2:31 pmpermalink
So so very sorry you lost your beautiful Amber. You are never prepared to lose a furkid, and it hurts so much. I will light a candle for Amber’s journey to the Rainbow Bridge, where she will patiently wait for you. Take care-
(((HUGS)))
Debbie
Debbie
May 14th, 2010 at 2:38 pmpermalink
We’re so sorry for your loss. Godspeed Amber, have fun playing with all those who will be waiting to show you all the great things there are at the Rainbow Bridge.
Zippy, Sadie and Speedy
May 14th, 2010 at 2:47 pmpermalink
So very sorry about loss of your beloved Amber. How fortunate you and she were to have had 10 incredible years together. Like you, my Princess, Miss Mia has definitely taught me to listen to my heart, which I am most grateful for!
Moxie Paws
May 14th, 2010 at 4:07 pmpermalink
We are so very sorry that Amber had to leave you, but we can see how loved she was and how she surely knew that. Sending you gentle purrs …
Run free at the Bridge, beautiful Amber …
'Kaika
May 14th, 2010 at 5:03 pmpermalink
We didn’t know Amber, but we are so sorry to hear she has gone to the Bridge. We send you comforting purrs to help you through this sad time…
Wally, Ernie & Zoey (and mom Sue)
The Island Cats
May 14th, 2010 at 5:08 pmpermalink
Good night sweet Amber; safe travels to the RB; sweet baby girl; purrs and hugs to mama and family; paws to heart
Honeybell @Wildboutbirds
May 14th, 2010 at 5:38 pmpermalink
My sisters and I are so sad to hear about your sweet Amber. We didn’t know her, and we are so sorry we didn’t. We send you our best loving purrs.
Brian
May 14th, 2010 at 6:20 pmpermalink
Ingrid, I’m so sorry to hear about Amber! Keeping you in our thoughts…
Peter J. Wolf
May 14th, 2010 at 6:25 pmpermalink
Rest in Peace Amber.
You gave so much happiness and love
We are purrring fervently for the broken hearts you left behind
much love and purrrs to all of you
Pierro
May 14th, 2010 at 6:26 pmpermalink
[...] still in shock,” she said on the e-mail. “I keep hoping I’ll wake up and find that these last ten days were just a bad [...]
From afar, I mourn for Amber the Cat - The Daily Tail – Dog Stories & Cat Stories
May 14th, 2010 at 6:52 pmpermalink
The paw prints left on our hearts will never be forgotten
Kim Gilman
May 14th, 2010 at 6:52 pmpermalink
My deepest purrs for your loss.
Fin
May 14th, 2010 at 9:53 pmpermalink
So sorry to hear abowt Amber. Purrs sent frum Hah-why-eee.
Pumpkin, Tiger, Bebe, Sophie
Pumpkin
May 14th, 2010 at 10:07 pmpermalink
So sorry for the loss of your beautiful wise girl. Hugs to you as your heart slowly mends.
Julie and Poppy Q
Poppy Q
May 14th, 2010 at 10:40 pmpermalink
We’re sorry that Amber had to go to the bridge. Purrs and prayers to you.
Sniffie and the Florida Furkids
Sniffie and the Florida Furkids
May 14th, 2010 at 10:59 pmpermalink
I am so very sorry Ingrid. But draw comfort from the fact that one day you will see your beloved Amber again at The Bridge and she will be waiting for you….
Sherry Black
May 14th, 2010 at 11:53 pmpermalink
I am so sorry that Amber had to go to the Rainbow Bridge. I am glad that Allegra is there to be a comfort to you.
Karen Jo
May 15th, 2010 at 2:29 ampermalink
We is so sorry to heer that Amber hadta go to tha Bridge. Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrs for yore sads.
Sanjee & the resta tha Hotties
HotMBC aka The Hotties
May 15th, 2010 at 1:48 pmpermalink
We are so sorry to hear about your precious Amber. We want you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this very sad time. She was a beautiful tortie and no doubt full of personality. (((hugs)))
The Creek Cats
May 15th, 2010 at 9:18 pmpermalink
[...] Previous Post [...]
This Week on The Conscious Cat: A Tribute to Amber | The Conscious Cat
May 16th, 2010 at 6:03 ampermalink
I’m so sorry to hear that Amber passed. She will be missed by many!
Amy and Silvi
May 16th, 2010 at 10:35 ampermalink
I am so sorry for your loss, Ingrid. My heart goes out to you.
Literary Feline
May 16th, 2010 at 11:33 ampermalink
I am so sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful cat, loving, caring, and kind, and she always knew how very much you loved her.
Lenore Delgado
May 16th, 2010 at 12:49 pmpermalink
Oh Ingrid, I am so sad to hear about Amber. Mosby and I send our love and prayers all the way from Texas. I asked Xena to show Amber around heaven. We were so fortunate to have them for just a little while. God Bless.
Ceen
May 16th, 2010 at 2:17 pmpermalink
Thank you more than words can say for all your love and support to all of you – your beautiful words are providing comfort during these dark days.
Ingrid
May 16th, 2010 at 6:02 pmpermalink
Dear Ingrid ~ I am stunned to read that Amber is now so suddenly gone. I am so deeply sorry to hear such devastating news for you. I know you have the very best veterinary care and practices [alternative and otherwise] available to you, not the least of which is yourself with all you do and especially your love for her. It’s inconceivable to me that she’s no longer with you, and I feel the gaping hole her absence leaves in your life. Tears are filling my eyes as I write this, Ingrid.
One of the vets I take Pooh to had told me how he’s read ~ and I have read some, too ~ about a very virulent form of calicivirus, where cats are all but powerless against it, and it takes them very quickly. It sounds like this is clearly what happened with your dear Amber. How devastating for her to go so quickly. Merciful in a way for her, yet no time for you to adjust to her impending loss at all. I know you had to be filled with hope until the very end, as this was just so inconceivable.
My heart is with you, Ingrid, and with your dear Amber as she rests now elsewhere.
Thank God you were with Amber when she left. She left under the best possible conditions, in her devoted and loving mother’s arms.
Love,
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Bacon-Smith
May 17th, 2010 at 8:13 ampermalink
Dear Ingrid ~
Your Amber could not possibly have had a more loving mother. She knew to the very end and beyond how deeply she was loved and cared for… sparing her that additional treatment that wouldn’t have made the difference contributed to your and her peaceful goodbye, which was first and foremost because of her love and trust with you and your comforting presence in her final hours.
It’s such a devastating loss for you, even so, so please trust and know that she is watching over you with the same love that she showed you here on earth.
I am just so sorry, Ingrid. I know too well how you are feeling; yet, my knowing doesn’t begin to compensate for all you are feeling.
I, too, thank God that you have Allegra still with you; yet, I know that one cat does not replace another in any way, shape, or form. The most you can hope for during this time are some times of unexpected comfort from Allegra still needing you and her willingness to be there for you with her soft body and warmth and love.
With my Pooh having the non-virulent form of calicivirus, I’ll always remember my phone consultation with you when she had not been drinking/eating on her own and I was having to hand feed her and give sub-cu fluids. It had been going on for over a month. In the middle of our phone consultation, she spontaneously stood up, got off me [from where she'd been lying on my chest, with me lying down] and walked straight to her water and began drinking on her own. She resumed eating normally, as well.
During that time, you also offered that Amber’s intuition and receptivity were both so strong that, if I ever wanted, we could do a consult using her, as she has been part of your process, as well.
What both you and Amber have brought to this world has been so important to so many of us. You gave Amber the best possible life she could ever have had and I hope you can find some comfort and rest in knowing that.
Love,
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Bacon-Smith
May 17th, 2010 at 12:12 pmpermalink
A piece of your heart definitely went with Amber. I know she is missing her mama. But take a look – she’s on her favorite cloud right now, purring, eyes half closed, with her paws close to her chest and she’s holding something in her paws, very close to HER heart– it’s that little piece of YOUR heart.
Azar ATTURA
May 17th, 2010 at 1:20 pmpermalink
So very sorry.
blanket
May 17th, 2010 at 7:35 pmpermalink
[...] In Memory of Our Friend, Amber [...]
A Tribute to Amber from Conversations with Eva | The Conscious Cat
May 18th, 2010 at 6:03 ampermalink
[...] May 13, our friend Ingrid King said goodbye to her precious Amber. Ingrid always described Amber as “a wise old soul in a feline body”, quiet, loving, gentle, [...]
A Tribute to Amber from The Creative Cat | The Conscious Cat
May 19th, 2010 at 6:02 ampermalink
just heard about you, sweet amber. goodbye, be at peace on the rainbow bridge. your mommeh and all your friends here miss you so much. we got so weepy reading all the tributes to you. it sounds like you were a verreh special girl indeed, and we are sure you will continue to shine wherever you are now.
AttieCattie
May 21st, 2010 at 9:39 ampermalink
[...] Amber and I are on the cover of the spring issue of the Delta Society’s Interactions magazine, a magazine celebrating the human-animal health connection and our animal companions. [...]
Delta Society's Interactions Magazine | Buckley's Story
May 21st, 2010 at 11:12 ampermalink
Thanks for your sweet words, AttieCattie.
Ingrid
May 21st, 2010 at 3:59 pmpermalink
[...] May 13, I had to let Amber go after a brief, sudden illness. Less than a year and a half after I lost Buckley, I was faced with [...]
Coping with Unexpected Loss | Buckley's Story
May 28th, 2010 at 11:09 ampermalink
[...] ago. This Father’s Day, I miss him a little more than I normally do. My grief over Amber is still fresh and raw. One aspect of the grieving process that often catches people by [...]
Happy Father's Day | The Conscious Cat
June 20th, 2010 at 6:05 ampermalink
[...] to help others who are faced with losing a beloved animal companion. Having recently lost Amber, and being faced with the devastating grief losing an animal companion brings yet again, it’s [...]
The Final Farewell - Options After Your Pet Dies | The Conscious Cat
June 25th, 2010 at 6:05 ampermalink
[...] as much down there. When Mom found me there, she started to cry. Turns out that this was Amber‘s safe place, too, and I guess seeing me there made her miss Amber a lot right [...]
Allegra's World | The Conscious Cat
July 28th, 2010 at 6:06 ampermalink