Welcome to Leo's Rainbow Bridge Memorial Residency
Leo's Rainbow Bridge Pet Loss Memorial Residency Image
Memories of Leo
Leo showed up on my patio 4 years ago, homeless and hungry. He was estimated to be between 8 and 10 years old. I believe that God sent him to me to care for him and give him the best 4 years of his life. Leo had kidney disease, heart disease, a bad heart murmur and a cancerous growth which was successfully removed. He was a neutered cat so someone had previously owned him but I believe he was abandoned and abused because of the fear he had of all people, but particulary men. He did not know how to "play" but eventually learned from Maxi and Sweet Pea, the next two stray cats that God sent to me. It took several weeks, but Leo began trusting me and became my companion. He was an indoor/outdoor cat until I moved from an apartment to my own house when I made him a strictly indoor cat. I received an abundance of "gifts" while Leo had access to the outdoors. We formed an incredible bond and we loved and adored each other unconditionally. Two years after he was diagnosed with kidney disease and his creatnine and BUN levels were elevating, I began kidney fluid treatments and heart medicine for Leo. I personally did not administer the fluids but hired someone to do it for me. I was frightened of the procedure and felt I could not handle it. So I spent a small fortune having Michelle do Leo's fluids 3 times a week. He seemed to be doing well but as time passed, Leo's kidney levels were changing. I knew that someday I would be faced with one of his diseases killing him. I prayed all the time that he would not suffer. The Vets told me that as long as he was eating and drinking, his time was not up and to leave him alone. In July, 2008, my husband underwent colon cancer surgery followed by radiation treatments. The day before his last treatment, November 5, he died of a hemmoragic stroke. A month later, my precious Sweet Pea, who I only had for 2 years, developed bladder stones and a mass on his bladder. I had to euthanize him. These two losses were devastating and the thought of losing Leo a few months later almost put me over the edge. I could no longer afford Michelle doing Leo's fluids and had to learn how to do it myself. I cried many times as I stuck him incorrectly and had to restick him, sometimes 3 times before I got it right, and prayed for help which I received because it finally became second nature after a few months. I did it to keep Leo alive but I always dreaded those 3 days a week. About four months ago, Leo started losing weight and his red blood count was dropping. He was getting upper respiratory infections that his body couldn't fight. His appetite remained wondferful, so I waited for "the sign." I had a trip planned to visit my 95-year old Dad in Florida and other siblings and family members. My friend and colleague, Kay, begged me not to go. She had a foreboding feeling about Leo. I left on Saturday, May 9th. On Tuesday, May 12, Michelle, my pet-sitter, told me that Leo was completely congested and took him to the Vet who prescribed different medication than he had been on for the same condition for weeks. On May 15 Leo stopped eating and drinking and Michelle was getting his meds and food into him through a syringe. I called the animal hospital and made an appointment to put Leo to sleep on Sunday at 4:00 pm. Then I called American Airlines and changed my return trip to Saturday instead of Sunday. I had Michelle put me on the speaker phone so Leo could hear my voice. He perked up and moved upon hearing me. I told him to hang on and that I was coming home and how much I love him and missed him. When I got home and opened the door on Saturday morning, I called for Leo but he didn't come to me. I went upstairs to the bedroom and there he was, lying on his side, all 4 legs moving frantically in the air in an effort to get up and greet me. My heart broke. I knew I couldn't wait until Sunday and called the animal hospital at 11:30 am. They close at 12:00 Noon. Leo couldn't walk at this point and was crying from pain and weakness. I was crying and talking to Leo telling him that he would soon be with Chuck (my husband) and Sweet Pea and all the pain would be gone forever. I only had about 30 minutes to be with my beloved Leo-Poo before he took his last breath. I ordered a private cremation and I have his remains in a beautiful box. He will be next to Sweet Pea's remains and Chuck's remains. The losses I have sustained within 6 months have been devastating but I am apparently made of strong stuff. I miss them terribly. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to give two beautiful, homeless cats the best time of their lives. I do not have children and so my cats became "my kids." At this point, I don't want to replace them, but that may change the next time I go to PetSmart and see all the kittens and cats up for adoption. Maxi, the remaining beautiful 4-year old long-haired Tabby, is being incredibly affectionate and loving and I am giving him a tremendous amount of attention and love. My heart bleeds for anyone who has lost a pet and felt towards that pet the way I feel about mine. For me, it's the equivalent of losing my children. May you Rest In Peace, my sweet angels. You will be in my heart forever and someday we'll be together again. With Love Forever, Mommy.

May 21, 2009 - I miss you so much Leo Poo. I received beautiful sympathy e-mails from other Mommys whose kids are probably playing with you there at Rainbows Bridge. Maxi misses you a lot. He is very quiet sometimes. Were you there last night flying around the house as a bright spirit? Maxi looked all around and I felt your presence. I'm so happy you are free of pain and suffering. I should not have continued the fluid treatments as long as I did. I know you hated them but I didn't want you to die and you were still eating so well. Thank you, my precious, sweet angel, for waiting for me on Saturday. I know you miss me too. You are with me in my heart all the time. I love you, my Leo.

May 16, 2010 - Today is one year my precious Leo since you are gone. I recalled every moment as if it were yesterday and I cried and kissed your box of ashes. Maxi put his scent on your little box. We miss you so much Leo-poo. I wish I had had more time with you. What a joy you were in our lives (Daddy's and mine). I'm sure Maxi misses harrassing you and pouncing on you! You were so regal - like an Egyptian Sphinx! Maxi and I are getting along. I think he is lonely during the day and whines when I get home for me to play with him. He's very affectionate and I need that with you, Daddy and Sweet Pea gone. I hope you are bringing them as much joy at Rainbows Bridge as you did here on earth. You are at peace, my angel, and not suffering and for that I am grateful. It broke my heart to see you in pain. I love you so much, Leo. I think you know that! Rest in peace, my beloved Leo. Rest in peace. With all our love, Mommy and Maxi.

May 16, 2013 - My sweet Leo Poo. The years fly by, don't they? Maxi and I miss you so much! Maxi weighs 15 pounds and is very, very affectionate. He pounces on my chest every morning, sticks his face in mine with his little wet nose. I kiss his face and his purr machine goes crazy! Sometimes I think you have jumped on the bed!! Whenever I talk about you to anyone, I start to cry. I can't help it! I still want to write a book about you, Sweet Pea and Maxi. I think it would be a best seller! I remember as if it were yesterday the day you appeared on my patio, hungry and frightened. That can of tuna fish was the beginning of our wonderful relationship. You are so special, Leo and you are with me every day. I cannot believe you and Sweet Pea are over there across Rainbow Bridge, but you know, of course, some day we will all be together again. I know you are doing well and have lots and lots of friends over there. Sweet Pea is with you too! I must do a guardianship one of these days for Sweet Pea. At least I gave him 2 wonderful years and now he is not limping anymore and not in pain. Sigh..... I wish I could touch your beautiful face again. Kisses from Mommy and Maxi, my angel. We love you and Sweet Pea so much!

May 2015. My darling angel, Leo. Maxi and I are doing well. He's getting older. I can see the changes in his face and his energy. He still jumps in the air to catch a ball!! But then he lies down after a few seconds and that's it! I made a mistake. When you left us and Sweet Pea left us for Rainbow Bridge, I should have gotten him a playmate. Too late now. He is incredibly affectionate. Still whines for attention and runs to me when I come home at night. It's hard to believe it's 7 years since you crossed the Bridge. Time just flies by. I miss you Leo. Every time I talk about you to someone new, I start to cry. But I know you have a great life over there with Sweet Pea and other friends!! My friend at work just lost her puppy so make him feel welcome. I adore you Leo. I love you with my heart and soul. I will miss you forever. Love, Hugs and Kisses, Mommy

May 20, 2016. My sweet, wonderful Leo Poo....It doesn't matter how many years go by. I miss you as much now as I did when you crossed over to Rainbows Bridge. I just told your story to a friend in New York and choked on my words as my eyes filled with tears. I always cry when I talk about you because I want to hold you and kiss you again. If you are visiting Maxi and me, please give me a sign!! Maxi goes nuts sometimes as though he is seeing a ghost! I always think it's you and/or Sweet Pea who I also miss so much. Speaking of Maxi, I'm sure he misses you as much as I do. He has lost some weight and I hope it's just old age. I dread the thought of him joining you and Sweet Pea one day although I know he will have his brothers to pounce on once again! No one lives forever! We'll all be together one day.... I know you're doing so well and for that I am grateful. No one should suffer. I just miss you so much, Leo. You and I had a "story" - one that I should try and publish! No plans to retire anytime soon so it's on my bucket list. It's such a special story too. I remember everything that happened as if it were yesterday. Kisses and hugs to you my baby, my precious Leo. Mommy and Maxi love you so, so much!

May 25, 2018. Hello My Sweet Angel, Leo! Here it is 2018, and I can't believe how fast the years go by. Your picture still hangs on the fridge and in the bedroom. As I listen to the song I picked for you- In The Arms of an Angel - I cry tears of sadness because I miss you today as much as I did when you left for Rainbow Bridge. I always wish the same thing --that circumstances could have been different and that I could have been with you that weekend I had to go to Florida to see my ailing father. I tell your story to people and can't contain the tears. You were sent to me by an angel and now you're one yourself. Maxi is still strong at the ripe old age of 14!! He has arthritis but for the most part, he's pretty healthy. I know he's bored and he misses you as much as I do. I should have gotten him a playmate. Well.....I finally retired and I'm living with a wonderful man who LOVES cats and would have loved you dearly. He loves all animals and had a few dogs.
The last one was Luke and he loved him with all of his heart. Luke had to go to Rainbow Bridge over a year ago. Can you please do us a favor, sweet Leo, and find Luke and tell him how much his Daddy, Dan, misses him and that he hopes he's happy over there. Dan cries when he talks to me about Luke, just as I do when I talk about you. The pain of losing our fur babies never goes away......
Until next year, my precious, special Leo-poo. Be happy. Some day I'll be with you again. Love and Kisses Always - Mommy

May 16, 2019. Today is the tenth anniversary of your passing, my precious Leo and Mommy and Maxi are very sad. We miss you today as much as we did ten years ago. Mommy told a lady today about your "story" and mentioned she wants to write a book "Leo, Maxi and Sweet Pea" and the lady said she would buy the first copy! Your story is so unique.....I remember every detail from the moment you walked onto the patio in Carrollton obviously hungry and smelling the good cooking from the kitchen to the moment I came home from Florida to find you so weak and unable to greet me. You are always in my heart, Leo Poo and I think about you with so much love. What I wouldn't give to touch you one more time. You are so beautiful.

Mommy is very happy with Dan who has been living with her for two years. We want to leave McKinney and find a nice house on acreage maybe in Arizona! Maxi is going on 15 years and the thought of moving with him is stressful. Remember when we moved from Carrollton to McKinney? Maxi sounded like a seal and he threw up!! You, on the other hand, were a real trooper. You're my special angel, Leo! You are in my heart, my thoughts, my memories. I hope you're very happy over the Bridge with Sweet Pea and all the other friends you have made throughout the years. I also hope you befriended Dan's sweet doggie, Luke!

Maxi is doing very well for a senior kitty but slowing down a little. I think he sees you and Sweet Pea sometimes and I'm jealous. I wish I could see you too! He whines for me to play with him which lasts about 5 seconds. I remember how you and Maxi groomed each other which was always a prelude to a fight between the two of you :) I know he misses you a lot even if he pinned you down on the floor!

Well, my precious, sweet kitty....Time to say adieu until next year. Send our love to Sweet Pea and Luke and be Happy, my angel!
Hugs and Kisses from Maxi,Mommy and Dan.

May 21, 2020
Hello My Dearest, Sweetest Angel, Leo..
I cannot believe that May 16 marked 11 years since you left for Rainbow Bridge. Honestly, it seems like yesterday.....still. I'm sure you are very, very happy there playing all the time with Sweet Pea and Luke.
Mommy is still with Dan, and Maxi turns SIXTEEN in August. Can't believe that either! So, he is down to 12 pounds and as far as illness goes, he has some dementia and wakes Mommy many times with a very strange howling sound in the middle of the night. Most of the time, he sleeps with us but when he starts the howling, he is in the middle of the kitchen floor. I always go downstairs to comfort him and carry him back to bed. He suffers with constipation and arthritis and the vet thinks he may have the beginning of renal disease. I won't let him suffer the way you did. It was selfish of me, but I had no experience with a sick pet and I wanted you to stay with me as long as you could. He also gets horrible rashes because he licks himself too much! He also has lesions along the gemlike of two teeth opposite each other, and eventually, those teeth would have to be removed. It makes it difficult to eat dry food, which is what he prefers. Fortunately, you didn't suffer with any of those issues. He is still incredibly affectionate and melts my heart when he puts his little face on mine or sleeps in my arms like a baby. His appetite is still good and he drinks tons of water. I know he misses you very, very much. I guess he is accustomed to being a single kitty, but I should have gotten him a playmate a long time ago. Now it's too late. He would be very intimidated by another kitty.

Well, my sweet, sweet Leo, enough about the virus.... I'm crying as I write because I miss you so much. You were such a joy in my life and I still want to write a book about you, Sweet Pea and Maxi. I hope I get the chance to do that one day.
Kisses, hugs and Love to you, Sweet Pea and Luke from Mommy and Dan. I love you so much Leo-Poo!

May 16, 2021
My Sweet, Precious Leo-Poo....Today marks 12 years since I lost you to your illness and as I write, the tears stream down my face. Not only do I still miss you as much as I did in 2009, but I ended Maxi's life in November of 2020. I know he's with you and Sweet Pea and that gives me some feeling of consolation. Mommy sold the townhouse and Dan and I bought a big fifth wheel to live in as a transition to buying property in Athens, TX. Maxi was 16 and although he wasn't dying of a particular disease, he had issues that I know caused him stress and some pain or discomfort. I couldn't see taking him to live in an RV where he would have had very limited space and so I ended his life. I feel very guilty. The veterinarian, Dr. Adami, wanted to keep him! He was so sweet, like you, and I miss you, Maxi and Sweet Pea so much. I guess that feeling never completely dissipates even with time. You would have loved to roam the 3 acres we bought in the country! There are many gophers and snakes!!! Of course, I would not have wanted to expose you to the elements and to hawks, so I probably wouldn't have let you outside hahaha.... You were the quintessential hunter!!! Dan and I have been very busy maintaining the 3 acres which we love and we are designing a barndominium which we hope we can have built. The world is a mess, between the COVID virus and the prices of steel and lumber skyrocketing!!! I hope we can see our dreams realized!! Your ashes now sit on the top of my dresser in the RV, alongside those of Sweet Pea and Maxi. I know in my heart that you are having the time of your lives - reunited! Still....How I wish I could hold all of you again and play with you like we used to. One day I will!!!
Kisses and hugs to you, Sweet Pea and Maxi, my precious Leo. Mommy loves all of you with her heart and soul.

May 16, 2022
My angel Leo.....It's scary how fast time flies! Mommy turned 75 in November. In December Dan moved back to Kansas. After everything I did for him - sold the house, bought an RV, bought property then sold it 7 months later...and Mommy is living alone in the RV in Athens. It's a very sad and depressing story. I'm consumed with bitterness towards the man I thought I was spending the rest of my life with and gave up everything. Trust me...There were a few times I thought about joining you, Maxi and Sweet Pea! But I know in my heart of hearts I still have life in me and I'm hoping that God has a bigger and better door for me to go through before I die! I am struggling with depression and not knowing where I want to go. I considered Florida and Knoxville, TN but somehow after almost 30 years in Texas, I think I should stay here but, of course, I have no family here. It's a tough decision...
My sister Madeline died on my Mommy's birthday. She was not doing well in the Knoxville nursing home. She's better off! Perhaps you have seen her with all of her sweet kitties that passed before her!! She LOVED kitties! I am waiting until I have another house, or an apartment (which I don't want) before getting more fur babies. Living in an RV is not conducive to animals although many people here have lots of dogs and cats. My friend Katie here at the park has a sweet kitty named Starley. She does not like to be held but Katie has brought here here several times and she seemed to be content!
Oh Leo Poo....I still choke on tears when I write to you. My heart still breaks when I think of the circumstances of how you came to me, lived with me for 4 years and then crossed over to the Bridge. If I could change anything, I would not have gone to Florida leaving you with Michelle, but, of course, my Dad died the next month, so had I not gone to visit him, it would have been a visit for his funeral.
Retirement is nice and wherever I go, I meet people and the "real" me is surfacing again after Dan squashed it for 5 years :(. Of all the mistakes I have made in my life, he's the biggest. I think about all the good times we had together and it's surreal that he could just leave me and move back to Kansas. I thought I was going to Knoxville to be with Jane and had a reservation in a park 30 minutes away to live in the RV and look for a house in the Knoxville area, but something stopped me from going, so I canceled everything. That was back in February. Dan left December 20 of last year. I feel lost and alone and it's a terrible feeling. At least you have your brothers and I'm sure lots of new friends to play with! Athens is a small East Texas town that doesn't offer much. I want to ballroom dance again and would have to move back to the McKinney area which is a veritable zoo with a gazillion people moving there and tons of new building construction. Traffic is a nightmare, but I would have the things there that Athens doesn't offer. It is beautiful here. I'm on a lake and it's very calm, peaceful and serene. There is a great restaurant outside the gate to the park where everyone congregates. And, I have the gym, my facial lady, my nail lady, my massage lady and a few stores. They don't have Costco....
I'm lonely. ... I am not going to spend the rest of my life in Athens for sure!
Well, my sweet, sweet Leo-Poo.. I wish I could hold you in my lap and play with you, Maxi and Sweet Pea. Send them my love! And tell them I miss them terribly, as I miss you. Someday I'll see all of you again...
Until next year, God willing, my angel.....I love you so much!
Mommy

May 19,2023- Hello my sweet, precious Leo. It is surreal-the life I have been living since Dan left me and went back to Kansas. I hate living in the RV by myself, although it is quite beautiful for a Fifth Wheel. I'm spending a small fortune on keeping my furniture and furnishings in storage. I decided to move from beautiful Athens to the north Texas area (my stomping grounds) and wound up in Little Elm. The congestion and traffic in Little Elm, Frisco, Plano, McKinney, is nothing short of a nightmare! I traded the tranquility and beauty of Athens to have a life again! I belong to 3 gyms, I go to the Senior Citizen Center for activities and I have joined a bunch of Meet Up groups and have met some really nice people. I bowl on most Monday nights. My lower back is starting to hurt a lot :(.
The most surreal thing I discovered through Dan's sister Joyce in Kansas, is that Dan was cheating on me with Kathy, his mother's neighbor, and is now engaged. to her! Sickening...... I am trying very hard to get past my extreme bitterness and anger. I gave up my house and life for a man who did not deserve it....
I just told your story to a very nice man I met - Alan - who told me that he had about 40 cats in Indiana!! Of course, not inside their house lol!! He loves lots of the same things that I do but I am not opening my heart for a romantic relationship, at least not now. I need to heal from Dan and my anger. Of course, I choked on tears telling Alan about you and Maxi and Sweet Pea! I'll never be able to tell your story without tearing up. I still haven't written my book and now is the time to do it except that I need to determine where I am going to settle - Florida or Texas. Your Aunt Janet and hubby Jeff live in Lake Worth. Aunt Jane and I are going there in June to visit and I will try and decide it I should go through the horrific hassle of moving the RV to Florida, looking for a house and then moving all of my belongings there. I definitely don't want to live in Tennessee.
I am sure you are loving your life there with Maxi and Sweet Pea who I miss equally!! I don't want to have another fur baby until I have a house again (God willing!)
I feel like I am aging, especially from the grief I experienced over the past year and a half but aging is part of Life!
Leo Poo, I miss you today as much as I did when you crossed over to Rainbows Bridge. My memory may not be as great as it used to be for some things, but I remember you from the moment you came to me in Carrollton to the day I said Good-bye! You are so special in my heart and always will be. You're my precious Leo. Give Maxi and Sweet Pea my love. Tell them Mommy misses them terribly. Have fun my angel and know that one day I will hug all three of you again!XOXO
Your Mommy.

May 11, 2024
Hello my sweet angel, Leo! OMG...Is I it already a year since I wrote to you? It seems like yesterday. You blink and another second of your life is gone forever...Well, Mommy is in a much better place than a year ago!!! I decided it was time to make a huge change in my life! I bought a house in Florida!! It is around the corner from your Aunt Janet and Jeff in a beautiful gated community. I am very, very excited but for the past 3 months I have been cleaning out the RV, packing and planning this monumental move. I'm very emotional all the time. I spent 31 years in Texas and I have a lot of history here but it's time to move on and start the best chapter of my life! I have a wonderful 43 year old friend, Josh, and I will miss terribly. Everyone wants to visit me...Of course! It's FLORIDA!! Hahaha.. How are Maxi and Sweet Pea doing? I look at pictures of Maxi from the McKinney townhouse and I get a lump in my throat immediately. God I miss all of you and I still haven't written my book- Leo, Maxi and Sweet Pea! One day..... My precious angel Leo - what a story we have!!! I'll write it, I promise! Mommy has a gazillion things to do for this move so I will close here with big, big kisses to you, Maxi and Sweet Pea and I hope you befriended Josh's beloved 18 year old Dachshund, Taquito..What a story that is!!! But I hope he's playing with you and having a wonderful life at Rainbows Bridge. I love all of you with my heart and soul. Be good Leo-Poo. XOXOXO till next year!
Mommy



Sign Guestbook View Guestbook


 
Leo's People Parent(s), Ali, would appreciate knowing you have visited their Leo's Memorial Residency.

Click here to Email Ali a condolence, or to send an E-sympathy pet memorial card click here.


Give a gift renewal of Leo's residency
(by Credit Card, or PayPal)