I dreamt last night that we had a harpsichord, and that Bert peed on it.
Perhaps he was more of a contemporary music guy at heart.
It was clear from the time we got up this morning that something was not right. People have been telling us, you'll know when it's time. Today he let us know.
I went to see the 10:30am broadcast of Peter Grimes (highly recommended, repeat showing on Sunday), had lunch, and returned home around 4pm. As Kevin was preparing to head out for a show around 7pm, Bert made it known that the time had come. I think he wanted us both to be here.
He died at home around 8pm. It is odd to hold a creature as he breathes his last breath. He was a most gentle and genteel being, and we cared for him very much. I hope we have done right by him.
I've posted the photo below before, but it feels appropriate to repost tonight.
Strange how fine the line between laughing and crying can be.
Oh, sweetie... :( What a gift he was, both in his life and in his passing. I'm sending you lots of love and hugs. So glad you were home to be with him.
Posted by: ACB | Mar 16, 2008 at 09:34 AM
I'm so very sorry - 20 years is a long, long life for a cat, and I am sure you did very well by your Bert.
Posted by: Lisa Hirsch | Mar 16, 2008 at 10:03 AM
My condolences -- he looks like a fine and noble beast.
Posted by: Joshua Kosman | Mar 16, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you and your partner now.
You know where to find me if you need *anything* at all.
Posted by: gregory | Mar 16, 2008 at 01:05 PM
awwww. so sorry. i have known 6 cats in my lifetime.
Posted by: Brian | Mar 16, 2008 at 06:53 PM
Very heartfelt condolences from an East Coast cat family.
Posted by: Alex Ross | Mar 16, 2008 at 09:34 PM
Poor thing. That is so sad. He was beautiful.
Posted by: cedichou | Mar 16, 2008 at 11:07 PM
Sorry to hear about Bert. :(
Posted by: The Opera Tattler | Mar 17, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Bert was a beauty. Best wishes from this Midwest cat family, including another black beauty. I can only hope to have Archie and Milk for 20 years too.
Posted by: Scott Spiegelberg | Mar 17, 2008 at 09:02 PM
The Pacific Northwest cat family sends its sincere condolences. Bert was a very lucky fella to be loved in such a caring household. And with such good music playing, too!
Posted by: Alex Shapiro | Mar 18, 2008 at 02:10 AM
My condolences. He seemed like a class act.
Posted by: C. Winant | Mar 18, 2008 at 11:22 AM
I'm sorry about your nice kitty. The photos are lovely.
Posted by: Kathode Ray Tube | Mar 18, 2008 at 12:08 PM
i'm sorry :(
i have a few angel-kitties watching over me, accumulated over the years
it's always hard to say goodbye
Posted by: rb | Mar 18, 2008 at 12:27 PM
A darling feline that Bert. Warm thoughts for you and yours.
Posted by: Bryant Manning | Mar 19, 2008 at 10:06 PM
You have my deepest condolences, from a composer, and daily reader. So many of us share our lives with these strange little creatures, who force us to adapt to their ways far more than the reverse. All they ask is for the basics of life, and some occasionally (in my cat's case, VERY occasionally)loving attention. It's we who profit most.
-wjm
Posted by: Will Mego | Mar 20, 2008 at 09:45 AM
Bert.
A congenial chap of fine temperament and whiskers,distingue' .
I am sorry for your loss and your heartache.
Posted by: eah | Mar 21, 2008 at 03:21 PM
I can't say I know what you are going through, since my cats has just enjoyed an afternoonful of "see-who-gets-to-her-score-first" routine. So I sat down for a moment and tried to imagine my apartment without them. That mere thought got me scared!
Warm condolence from NYC.
Posted by: Wang Jie | Mar 22, 2008 at 02:26 PM
My sincere condolences. From Las Vegas cat family...
Posted by: Marlys | Mar 22, 2008 at 03:38 PM
What a beautiful cat. So sorry to hear of your loss. We, too, have lost a couple of kitties in the last few years. It's the worst thing.
Posted by: The Contrarian | Apr 01, 2008 at 09:39 AM
What a beautiful tribute to Bert, and such a handsome cat. You must miss him terribly.
I am keenly aware that when we acquire pets, the unwritten contract is (unless one has a large macaw or a giant tortoise) that we will outlive them. It's very sad, but on the other hand, we can focus on the joy to be had in giving an animal a sane, well-fed and happy existence. It's clear that Bert had all of that.
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