11-15-17 Dennis

Posted on by Robyn

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Dennis
October 12, 2013 – November 14, 2017.

Monday morning, because we were having work done in the house, we decided to shut some of the permanent residents in the foster room, some in Fred’s room, and Archie in my room. Due to a miscommunication, neither of us got Dennis shut away, and at some point during the day he escaped the house. We spent hours searching for him last night, but at some point before daylight yesterday morning, he was struck by a car. Fred found him by the side of the road, already gone.

This post is my tribute to him.

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Dennis came to us at the end of January 2014. He was rescued near a feral colony, but was clearly not feral. He was tested and neutered and went to the shelter for a while, but needed more socializing, so came here to join our current fosters, the Players.

It made us smile to see him among the other fosters. They were all long and sleek with huge ears, and he was shorter and more compact. He made friends with them quickly – he was always very friendly toward other cats – and though he’d hang back if they got too playful, he was happy to play and snuggle with them.


Oh, that sweet little baby face.

It took him a little while to warm up to the humans, but once he decided we were okay, he was sweet and snuggly and would cuddle with me at nap time. He was an outstanding nap time companion, got top grades from the very beginning. He wasn’t quite sure about this whole “kissing” thing at first, but once he figured out what it was all about, he was perfectly fine with it. In fact, after a while he would lift his face up so that I could kiss him properly right behind the ear, and he’d purr like crazy.

He was supposed to go to Petsmart with the rest of his adopted litter, and in fact one Sunday morning he did go with them. I’d been home for only a little while when I got a call from Susan. The morning cleaner had reached for him just as someone walked by outside the cage he was sharing with a couple of the other kittens, and Dennis freaked OUT and attacked her. Fred and I left immediately to go get him and bring him back here, and after a few hours, Dennis was perfectly fine.

The funny thing is that Dennis was always a super gentle boy, not an aggressive bone in his body, who would respond to threats by falling over on his side. He must have been terrified to act that way, my poor sweet boy.

I spent the next month or so trying desperately to find him a home. I posted several long, descriptive posts extolling his many virtues and hoped that someone would fall in love, but there was not a single peep of interest.

In the meantime, he was an excellent uncle to the next litter of fosters.

He was so sweet with them, would play and snuggle with them, groom and discipline them. His sweet, indulgent behavior with them combined with how wonderfully snuggly he was with me and – to be honest – the fact that no one else was interested in adopting him finally made me face facts, and I announced that we’d made him a permanent resident.

I don’t know if he actually got better looking as he aged or if I was just looking at him through the eyes of love, but that boy was just SO gorgeous with his emerald eyes, his dark stripes, his sleek, silky fur. He was the total package – looks, personality, sweet, gentle, a fabulous purr, and so very patient with us all, humans and cats alike.

I may never have mentioned this before, but Dennis was one of our smaller cats, weighing in at just over 9 pounds.

Like the majority of our cats, Dennis thought I was okay, but if given the chance to flop down in Fred’s lap instead, he went for it. Many nights I’d be laying on the couch snuggling with him, and Fred would come in and sit down in his chair. Dennis would still snuggle with me, but he’d start giving Fred a considering look. Eventually he’d get up even though I’d be clutching at him and coaxing him to stay with me, and he’d mosey on over to sit in Fred’s lap.

(Occasionally he’d come back to me after a while, and I always felt like I was being given a wonderful gift. That boy was a wonderful gift every day of his life, really.)


Ape arms!

I just cannot believe that he’s gone, that he won’t wake me up nearly every morning by flopping down against me and purring me awake. That he won’t jump up next to me and lift his face up for a kiss. That he won’t listen to me tell him how beautiful he is and then smile at me as if to say “Yeah, yeah. I KNOW.” That he won’t walk into the kitchen and meow his sweet, high-pitched meow in hopes that I’ll feel sorry for him and give him a treat just because (I did that many times.)

He was only 3 1/2 years old and I expected we’d have many more years together. I am kicking myself for not double checking that all the cats were safe and accounted for before letting the workers into the house, that it took us so long to realize he was gone. I wish I could have a do-over.

Goodbye, Beautiful. I miss you.

Dennis came to us from Challenger’s House. If you’re of a mind to, donations can be made in his name to Challenger’s House.

They accept donations by mail (check or money order), by phone (Mastercard/VISA), or at their Paypal address challengershouse (at) mchsi.com

Challenger’s House
112 Tristian Rd.
Toney, AL 35773

Phone: 256-420-5995

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I’m taking the rest of the week off from the blog; I’ll be back Monday.

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Previously
2016: Chesnee, miraculously healed.
2015: No entry.
2014: #Corbie is 100% over this kitten situation.
2013: “You go ‘way, lady. I speak to this boy ’bout his attitude.”
2012: The Americauna hen said “Stop all that slurping out there, I’m trying to molt! I need to concentrate!”
2011: Try to relax, Chuckles.
2010: He is SUCH a happy boy.
2009: “HELLO I HAZ A COMPLAINT.”
2008: No entry.
2007: “HALP, I SAY!”
2006: I hope he gets adopted before next Monday, though.
2005: Good thing for him he’s so cute, I suppose.

Comments

144 thoughts on “11-15-17 Dennis”

  2. Oh, I am so sad to hear this and I know your hearts are broken. Dennis was clearly loved every day he spent at Crooked Acres.

  4. Sh*t. F*ck. How devastating. I’m so sorry. Love to you and Fred. Be tender with yourselves and each other.

  5. Oh Robyn, so heartbroken for both you and Fred about Dennis. Such a beautiful boy and he was a favorite of mine. Loved watching him from the beginning and cried tears of joy when you posted “you’re already home”….going to miss him so much. I know how devastated you must feel that he escaped the safety of your home, but please don’t blame yourself. We are only human after all, and you and Fred do so much to save so many beautiful babies that would not have been adopted into loving homes. My heartfelt sympathy and the many beautiful memories of Dennis will always endure.

  7. Robyn and Fred, I’m so very sorry for your loss. Dennis looks so much like my two girls that I must go smooch on them both in his honor. My heart goes out to you both.

  8. Oh Robyn,
    I am heartbroken for your loss. Have to admit, I had a good cry here. I will miss his sweet face.His Uncle Dennis sweetness with the foster always made me smile.

  10. Robyn and Fred, I am so sorry to hear about Dennis and your loss. It pains me to read about the loss and I am missing him already. I can’t imagine how much tougher it must be for you both. Thank you so much for writing about Dennis’ beautiful life and sharing the photos of sweet gentle Dennis with us amidst your pain. Do stay strong and focus on the great times that you had with him. Dennis would not want it any other way.

  12. Tears, I am still crying tears… and hugging and kissing Orlando… whether he likes it or not… Our prayers were not answered as we wanted, only with closure… Beautifully written Robyn… I wish I could ease your pain and regret… Remember his love… his little face beamed with his happiness at being with you guys… he took that with him… ❤️

  13. I am so very sorry. Keeping you and Fred in my thoughts and prayers. Take care of yourself and keep your heart open, even though it is broken. Sending love and hugs.

  14. I cried and cried when I saw your headline. I don’t know why, but the way you talk about your cats they feel like they are our cats too, sometimes. It hurts that there won’t be any more Dennis stories. As bad as I feel, it must be far worse for you who had him with you all the time. I’m so incredibly sorry for your loss.

  15. As a Plumbing Contractor and owner of two indoor-only cats who is inside peoples homes all the time, I am acutely aware of my actions at all times.

    I make it a point to close every door or gate I go thru and to make sure I am not being followed or shadowed by a pet who is hell-bent on escape. I wish more Contractors were this situationally aware. I would be devastated if something I did or neglected to do led to a tragedy like this.

    You and Fred will be in my thoughts today, Robyn. I am so sorry for your loss.

    Pentti.

  16. I’m so, so sorry for you and Fred. Denny darlin’, as I thought of him, was my favorite. I lost my heart to him when he was a kitten and I wanted to come pick him up so badly, but I had an older, ailing, only cat who would not have appreciated him. I know he had a wonderful life with your family and will miss him terribly. Purrs to all if you!

  19. Mostly a lurker but a daily reader. I am so sorry for your loss. He was a very handsome guy and a great uncle to all the kitties. RIP, beautiful boy.

  22. Ughhhh. Robyn, I am so sorry for you and Fred. This is heartbreaking. Dennis was such a lovebug, and I always so enjoyed reading about him being such a good Uncle to the fosters. Hugs to you and Fred. RIP sweet little Dennis.

  26. My heart goes out to you and Fred, Robyn. Although we all loved reading stories about Dennis and seeing pictures of his sweet self, he was part of the fabric of your home, a precious daily presence. Please be gentle with yourselves and each other in these sad days, and find comfort in the wonderful blessings and laughter that Dennis brought to your home. Dennis lives on in each of the fosters he helped you raise…

  27. Oh, Robyn, I am so sorry for your loss. As soon as I saw his name at the top of the page my eyes filled with tears, knowing I was going to read what had to be devastating news from you.

    My sympathy to you, Fred and the other permanent residents. Give everybody an extra scritch from me today.

    Joyce aka Too Curious

  29. Oh Uncle Dennis…I’m so sorry to read this. Please don’t be so hard on yourselves, Robyn. Dennis had a plan all along, and that was to make you his family, and he lived such a happy life full of love (and epic costumes!). For that, we are all grateful. As is Dennis.

    Dennis, once you’ve finished having a snack and playing with your friends across the bridge, make sure to check in on your Mom and Dad. They will need your love.

    Brigitte and Malcolm Butterball from Toronto
    xox

  31. I have no words that will ease the pain you and Fred must be feeling. My heart aches for you both and I am so sorry this happened. Take comfort in knowing that sweet Dennis will always be with you and that all he knew for his entire life was love. He’ll be waiting for you on the Bridge.

  32. Oh my dears! I am so so sorry. I wish something could make it better right now. But sending you both love and hugs.

  34. No, no, no…

    I’m so sorry Robyn… I know how much you both loved Dennis. I’m heartbroken for you… have no words except to say that it was an accident, please forgive yourselves…

  36. This is so heart-breaking! I know you and Fred are devastated, but please be gentle to yourselves. Accidents can happen no matter how careful we try to be. Dennis was loved by all but more importantly he knew he was loved by you. And he has so many taking care of him at the Bridge. Hugs and purrs…

  38. I have no words other than I’m so incredibly sorry and feel terrible about the circumstances of his passing. I know how much you loved Dennis and my heart goes otu to you.

    I don’t even know how you managed to put it together but it was so nice being reminded of what a chubby round-faced serious little nugget he was as a baby and how he matured into the strikingly good looking Unca Dennis with amazingly bright clear green eyes and endless patience.

    Much love to you and Fred as you take the time to grieve this loss.

  41. I am beyond heartbroken for you and Fred. This is such a terrible accident – I know we can tell you over and over that it was that – but it doesn’t make it hurt any less. Purrs….

  42. The tears are falling down, I can barely see to type. Dennis is a special little boy and I loved hearing about him. I am so sorry this happened, my heart aches for you and Fred. Thank you for this tribute to him.
    Hugs and purrs and love to you, Fred and all the kitties.

  44. Oh, Robyn and Fred, how heartbroken you must be! Please be gentle with yourselves. We love you!

  45. When I saw his name at the top of the post, I immediately started saying, “No, no, no!” I am so sorry. 🙁

  46. My heart is breaking for you and Fred. Damn, I can’t make myself read your tribute right now but I know it’s a beautiful one, because you loved that boy. Damn, damn, damn. So very sorry.

  48. So sorry. Typing thru tears even though I didn’t really know him I feel your loss. We all would like do overs. Try not to be to hard on yourself…you have good memories, hold them close. Love, Deb

  49. I’m so sorry for you and Fred. Dennis was loved by us all, but you and Fred gave him the best love, home and family. He was a lucky boy.

  50. Oh no, oh no. So incredibly sorry for your loss. Dennis was a beautiful boy.

    I remember being on team #PermanentResident from the early days. I fist-pumped and cried when you announced y’all were keeping him. He had such a good, loving home and a fantastic life.

  51. I am so sorry. Something similar happened to us once – so I know how you must feel. But also know that even though short, he had a wonderful life with you.

  53. Oh, Robyn! We all mourn so very much with you. We loved Dennis so very much from afar and will miss him too. I can barely see to type I am crying so hard. All my sincere sympathy and best wishes.

  54. Robyn and Fred, I’m sending you love and hugs. These guys leave paw prints all over our heart. Take the time you need to morn your boy knowing you gave him the very best life you could.

  55. So very sorry. The rainbow bridge has too many beloved animals. I will mourn him just as I mourn the special kitties I have lost over the years. Sending my love to both of you.

  56. Absolutely brokenhearted. Such a sweet and beautiful boy, and he had more love and happiness in those short years with you than most animals have in a lifetime. So very very sorry for your loss. 🙁

  57. I am so sorry for your loss. I loved reading about Dennis over the years. It is so hard to lose our cats at any age. What a very lucky cat he was to be loved so much.

  58. I am so so sorry. He was such a beautiful boy. Some fur babies are meteors in our lives.
    Dennis was a beautiful meteor.

  59. Sitting here at work with tears streaming down my face. I’m so, so sorry for your loss. And for the way this happened, too. It’s so hard to lose them too early and this seems particularly unfair.

    What a sweet boy! I remember his compact, unsleekness when he arrived as a kitten (he often looks a bit rumpled), and the weeks of trying to find him a home, and my happiness when he became a Permanent Resident.

    Sending my love and wishes for peace to both of you.

  60. I am in tears and my heart is breaking for you! 🙁 It was a beautiful tribute that you wrote. He was so very loved, that is obvious. Thoughts and prayers to you!

  61. I was teary-eyed when you announced that he had found his home and teary-eyed now. But in between, there where lots of smiles, and those eyes, oh those gorgeous eyes. I’m very sorry for your loss and I wish you could have that do-over. I’ve wished for do-overs many times myself. Thanks to you and Fred for giving him a home and love, and peace and comfort to you both.

  62. I’m heartbroken for you and Fred, Robyn. Denis was a special soul, and his love for you — and the joy he took in your presence — was as deep and clear as yours for him.

  63. I am so sorry for your and Fred’s loss. I have been here reading his story from the beginning. I will miss his antics and his gorgeous pictures. He was a great kitty and he was loved by many.

  64. Lovely Dennis is up in Heaven sitting in my dad’s lap getting fed little tiny pieces of donut. My dad used to say there was nothing better than a green eyed cat keeping him warm.

  65. I’m so very sorry for the loss of Dennis. He knew you loved him, and he was a happy boy. *hugs*

  66. Unbearable heartbreak. So incredibly sad for you. I have spent about twenty years beating myself up for something similar, we never found ours. I don’t know which is harder, knowing or not knowing. I will miss him too, such a sweet little guy.

  67. So sorry to hear that Dennis has passed
    over the Rainbow Bridge. I know how much you loved him and his beautiful green eyes.

  69. Oh NO! I have no words adequate to express my sorrow. Sending hugs to all of you at the Crooked Acres…

  70. Like so many others, I’m crying at work. You’d never guess I’d never met you, Fred or any of your cats, but the internet makes me feel like I actually know you. I’m so very sorry for your loss. But, as so many others have said, please don’t blame yourself. They’re called accidents for a reason. It probably won’t help, but please remind yourself that thanks to Love & Hisses, Dennis not only was loved and adored by you and Fred, but also by so many others. He was blessed to find you.

  72. As usual Robyn a beautiful tribute to your beautiful Uncle Dennis… he was gorge and I always loved the stories of how he was such a kind, loving foster uncle to the newbies. I am moved to tears and so sorry for your loss. Words cannot express the loss of a loved one…

  73. I am so sorry. I am currently having work done here and I am paranoid about the whole cat thing. I lock them away hours before the workers come and by the time I let the babies out again, they are paranoid. Is there no easy way of doing both?

    I am so sorry, I know we all will miss him but you and Fred the most. I am so sorry !

  74. So sorry for your loss Robyn and Fred. It is never easy, but as long as you keep Dennis in your hearts he will always be with you. Just remember, for the short time he was with you, you gave him all the love that any kitty could ever ask for.

  77. This just broke my heart reading this today…I’m sooo sooo sorry. It’s one of my worst fears is one of my babies getting out somehow. He was beautiful and will always be remembered. Heartbroken for you…

  78. Sending love from Oregon. So sorry for your loss. Dennis always made me smile when he showed up on your blog.

  80. We are so very sorry to hear Dennis was needed at the Bridge. Thank you for loving him and giving him the best home he would have ever had. Run fast and free, dear angel boy. We will miss seeing you.

  82. This post just broke by heart today and I’m fighting back tears as I sit at my desk at work. I am extremely sad for you and Fred at the loss of another one of your Crooked Acres residents. Dennis was such a great boy and his beautiful green eyes just can’t be forgotten. I always loved how he was gentle with the fosters. He was loved, not only by you and Fred, but by so many of your readers as the comments to this post show. Please remember that you gave him the best 3 1/2 years of life that a cat could have had and I thank you for welcoming him into your home. R.I.P. beautiful green-eyed boy!

  85. Like the rest, there is something in my eye so I am having trouble typing this. I am SOO sorry for your loss. Uncle Dennis was the sweetest and he will be dearly missed. ((hugs))

  88. I’ve had a #firstworldproblems kind of morning already and now I’m sitting in my car crying because I feel so bad for you. You and the rest of the Crooked Acres gang are friends I just haven’t met yet, and my heart just breaks for you all. Peace and hugs.

  89. I am devastated for you. Tragic. He was such a gorgeous boy. That photo of him dressed up as Satan was the funniest ever, but I’m wanting to cry now. Big hugs xx

  90. Oh Robyn, I am so sorry to read this very sad news about Dennis. I think having a pet get loose is the biggest fear for all of us animal lovers, and I am so sad that you and Fred had to go through this. Please don’t beat yourselves up and make it worse. Dennis was so loved and as all your readers know, any cat lucky enough to be an And3rson kitty has a wonderful life. Please take heart in knowing that he got to have 3 1/2 happy years because you rescued him. Hugs to all of you at Crooked Acres. Rest in peace, sweet boy!

  91. I’m so sorry for your loss. Sometimes our (fur)babies are with us for far too short a time. I will greatly miss the adventures of “Uncle Dennis”. He and Corbie can now vie for most beautiful Kitty on the other side of the rainbow bridge. /hugs

  92. I am writing this through tears. I am so sorry for your loss. Uncle Dennis will be missed greatly by the entire Crooked Acres family.

  93. So very sorry for such an awful accident. I am in tears as well, and had that awful sinking feeling when I saw the dates at the top of the post. You have taken such wonderful care of so many critters, and write so beautifully about them, they feel like family! And with each departure it hits harder. Thinking about you both and your fur family. (yes do-overs would be absolutely fabulous).
    Hugs.

  94. I am so sorry for your loss. Dennis was wonderful. There are now tears in my eyes, and chills on my arms

  95. I rarely tear up at reading sad stories, but Dennis was so special and he always reminded me of my favorite tabby. I’ll miss him too! So very sorry and I know that your regrets will always be with you. Yours is the first blog I read every day. My sympathies to you Robyn. Love from Washington state.

  96. My heart sank when I saw the headline. Dennis was one of my favorites of all time. Please know that we all mourn with you and Fred.

    The post when you announced that he was staying is the one I love best, out of all the delightful posts you’ve made. While I am trying to keep tears out of my eyes, I am also thinking about how very lucky Dennis was to have been able to spend his life at Crooked Acres. He was so well loved and not just by you and Fred, but by all of us whom you virtually shared him with, even if Dennis didn’t know us. He knew you loved him.

    My thoughts go to the beautiful, sweet little Dennis whom I hope is having a wonderful time over the bridge, perhaps playing with Tommy or Sugarbutt. They go out to you and Fred as well, to hope for ease for your hearts and comfort in the purrs of your furballs.

  97. OMG I’m so sorry. I’m crying for you, Fred and me. Cars suck! Sunday, I lost a human to a horrible car accident. He was my best friend’s stepson, but they don’t use the word “step” in their vocabulary. Prayers for everyone.

  98. Robyn, you and Fred loved him and made him so happy. This was not your fault.

    So sorry that you had such a brief time with him.

  99. Robyn and Fred, I am so, so sorry for your loss. Dennis was an amazingly beautiful, sweet boy, and such a wonderful uncle to the fosters. I remember the joy I felt when you posted that he was already home. He was so loved, and he will be so missed. I’m crying with you. Be gentle with each other as you grieve. Sending virtual hugs.

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