Hasta Luego

Windwalker Maine Coon Cats

Hasta Luego - Until we see you again

Windwalker Arcturus

Toto Thunderpaws

Coonyham Kemosabe of Windwalker

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of Heaven is a place called the Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to the Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.

There is plenty of food, water and sunshine and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they each miss someone very special, someone who was left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver.

Suddenly, he breaks from the group, flying over the green grass, faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into those trusting eyes, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together... .................................................... Author Unknown

Windwalker Arcturus the Cat

October 3, 2003 - February 1, 2007

Arcturus, one year, ten months old Arcturus, brightest star in the northern hemisphere.

Good night, Arcturus. I'll see you in my dreams.

One year, 10 months old in the picture at left. In a breed known for incredible personality, Arcturus was a very special cat. He would look directly at me with so much soul in his eyes.

When he was a "whole" male we would let him him sleep in a crate in our bedroom. That was so important to him that every evening he sat at the screen door from the boys' wing to the dining room and cried, "Don't forget me! It's time for me to come in!" We neutered him so he could be with us all the time.

Arcturus, three years, four months old. Three years, four months old in the picture at rightt. Very serious here. He knew he was sick. I only sensed it. I can't believe he's gone. I will miss him forever.

We were born before the wind
Also younger than the sun
Ere the bonnie boat was won
as we sailed into the mystic

Hark, now hear the sailors cry
Smell the sea and feel the sky
Let your soul and spirit fly
into the mystic

And when that fog horn blows
you know I will be coming home
And when that fog horn whistle blows
I got to hear it I don’t have to fear it
I want to rock your gypsy soul
Just like way back in the days of old
And together we will float into the mystic

- Van Morrison

Toto Thunderpaws

Born May 17, 1995. Laid to rest February 3, 2005.

Toto was our first Maine Coon cat - very intelligent and sweet. We wish he could have stayed longer, but his body failed him. He fought valiantly against cancer of the lymphatic system for more than two years.

When it was clear that it was time, we let him go. We loved him and miss him very much, but we are relieved that he is now at peace, dancing with butterflies and chasing loose leaves in the warm wind.

From this valley they say you are going,
We will miss your sweet face and your smile,
Just because you are weary and tired,
You are changing your range for a while.

Coonyham Kemosabe of Windwalker

Born January 29, 1997. DIed December 31, 2002 - Sabe was five years and 11 months old.

Our beautiful, sweet Kemosabe died a "sudden death" from complications of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.* He was active and happy the day he died, slept in the sun and requested his special treat at dinner, but I missed him at the New Years Eve party. That was so unlike him that when our friends left, I looked for him in my closet where he loved to sleep. He was there, too still. His soul had passed quietly away.

Oh, Sabe. Everyone, and all the cats, loved your gentle spirit. You comforted the girls, cuddled the kittens, and calmed the boys.

Sabe in tube Always "goofy," at least once a week you made us laugh, chasing your tail, tucked into the smallest cat bed or other funny place. You were happiest grooming our hair to show how much you loved us. If only your heart had been as strong as your love.

We didn't get to say good-bye, so Farewell, Kemosabe. We miss you so much. Our hearts are broken, but not as badly as yours. We will always love you, and will see you again some day.

Sabe three years old We planted a dogwood tree over Sabe's grave, and every spring when it blooms, we think of him a lot.

* In December, 2000, Coonyham Kemosabe's heart was ultrasounded at UC Davis Veterinary School. Dr. Kittleson found the left ventricular muscle wall and the papillary muscle thickening: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) heart disease.

The diagnosis of HCM was confirmed in August, 2001 and again by Dr. Kittleson in October, 2002. Sabe died December 31, 2002. Kemosabe of Windwalker

"Sabe" did not come from our cattery. He was neutered at eight months old and he never produced kittens. Our breeding cats have healthy hearts, confirmed by ultrasound and registered in the FOMCC database, http://fomcc.org/frameset.html

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the hills, from the lake, From the skies.
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.

Go to sleep, peaceful sleep,
May the soldier or sailor, God keep.
On the land or the deep, Safe in sleep.

Love, good night, Must thou go,
When the day, and the night Need thee so?
All is well. Speedeth all
To their rest.

Windwalker Gatsby - 2004

Gatsby Gatsby contracted pyothorax when he was four months old. After three days in the ICU at UC Davis Veterinary Clinic, we let him go.

To Gatsby, our sweet, sweet boy, who purred the whole time.

Lend Me A Kitten
I will lend to you for awhile a kitten, God said.
for you to love while he lives, and mourn when he's dead.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe two or three.
But will you, 'till I call him back, take care of him for me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you and, should his stay be brief
you'll always have his memories as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return.
But there are lessons taught below I want this kitten to learn.
I've looked the whole world over in search of teachers true.
And from the folk that crowds life's land I have chosen you.
Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain?
Nor grieve o'er long when I come to take my kitten home again?

My heart replied, "Thy Will Be Done"
For all the joys this kitten brings, the risk of grief I'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may.
And for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay.
But should you call him back much sooner than we planned.
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.
If, by our love we've managed your wishes to achieve,
Then in memory of him who we loved, please help us while we grieve.
When our cherished kitten departs this world of strife,
Please send yet another needing soul for us to love all his life.

Author Unknown Adapted from Thy Will Be Done by Edgar Guest