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numb


About forty minutes after I landed back in Vegas yesterday morning, my kitty Sketch had a heart attack. He was in "His Spot" on my bedroom floor, and Anne held him while he died.

He looked fine when I left, so I didn't even scratch his chest like I always do. I just told him, "I love you, Fat Boy. I'll see you tomorrow."

Anne said that it happened so fast, it was over before she had a chance to freak out.

I had to stay in Vegas and write about the final table of the championship, so my psyche just sort of put me into shock until I got home this afternoon. Since I walked into my house, I've been moving between the hysterical sobbing and the weird numbness.

I think I'm going to take a few days off, meet my deadlines, and cry a whole, whole bunch.

Comments

Words are so inadequate. *hug*

oh, wil... i am so, so sorry for your loss.

so sorry, Wil.
My kitty went fast too. I still miss her.
lv j

I'm so sorry, Wil. *hugs*

My deepest condolences, Wil. I plan to spend my downtime sending you and your family all the *feel-better mojo* I can muster.

boy, first the Bear, and now Sketch. My sympathies! *hug*!


God DAMN IT.

I'm sorry, man.

How can we help?

--AJ

I am so sorry...feeble words, but I mean it. Sending you all kinds of good mojo.

Oh, man, I am SO sorry. I know how it feels, but that won't help much...

Our pets are part of our own psyche. They attach themselves to our very being and become part of us. The loss of one is more of a shock to our system than if we had lost a bodily appendage.

We mourn with you because we too feel the loss. We've all had that part of our soul's ripped from us too soon. Cry, be sad, miss the little guy. But when the tears have subsided, remember the good times, the playful times, the times when nothing else could make you happier than to see your four legged friend greet you at you entered his domain.

Remember you will always have a part of him with you because in every real sense he was always a part of you. And still is.

WOS

So sorry about that, man. I know Sketch couldn't have had a better home. Being so close and caring with your animals must make for a great quality of life for them. Sorry for your loss. Best wishes.

Oh no. I'm so so sorry.

sheeeee-it. sorry to hear about Sketch. No doubt he's gone to the big catnip plantation in the sky - if you believe in that sort of thing.

i'm sorry. yeah so original. does everyone saying that they're sorry, make you feel better? not like i expect you to answer (no attitude intended) but i just thought i'd put it out there. sorry again =[

Sorry to hear about your kitty Wil.

Wil, I am so sorry for your loss. It has been a rough few months for you. You and your family are in my prayers.

I'm so so sorry Wil, I can't even attempt to imagine what you're going through. My thought, prayers and mojo are all with you, Anne, Nolan, Ryan and Sketch. Take care man. *hug*

-cory

Wil, I am so sorry about Sketch.... My heart goes out to you and your family.

So sorry, Wil.

Always try to remember the good times, Wil. Know that your Fat Boy loved you, and really enjoyed his time with you. It's sad to see him go, but it's time for his next great kitty-kat adventure!

Not having much luck with your cats lately are you? At least Sketch and the Bear are together again. They'll be up there in pet heaven eating my ten dead fish.
There are no words for how you must be feeling, or how crap I feel because there's nothing I can do. So I'll just sit here, staring at my computer, and hoping that you'll feel better soon. *hug*

Im so so sorry Wil. I cant imagine losing both of my babies at the same time. But as stated earlier, at least they are together. Im so sorry for your loss.

-Tara

Aw, so sorry my man. I hope it was the collective mojo of your posse monkeys here which kept him going from the initial "8 lives" emergency.

My wife, two kids and I send our condolences to your wife, two kids and you.

i'm soooo sorry. that's really sad. i know the words probably don't help out a lot, but there's not much else i can do, i wish there was something i could do. i hope that things get better for you.

all the love in the world across the nation to you guys. i'm so very sorry.

from the emotional whirlwinds some great things can happen. i have no doubt you will be able to create some wonderful art in text from this experience.

:( That really sucks. Sorry to hear it.

I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you. :(

All our love. we will be here when you get back.

Our thoughts are with you and your family, Wil.

Dave, Pat & Ben Westbay

Ohhh, many hugs and feel-better mojo vibes! So sorry - I hate for anyone to lose a member of their family. I'm sure he was very happy with your loving family and knew how much you loved him. Take care.

I'm so sorry Wil. There are no words to describe how I feel, nor are there words that could possibly console you. All that I know to say is to remember the best of times with your "Fat Boy". Good luck.

Words are so inadequate. *hug*

oh, wil... i am so sorry for your loss. My family's love and thoughts to your's.

Very sorry for your loss, Wil. Take however long a break you need to, we'll all be here when you get back.

I'm very sorry for your loss. Be kind to yourself during this difficult time and embrace the wonderful memories.

Oh God, Wil! I'm so so sorry! It's terrible to lose your little loved one like that. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

Hugs!
Tracey

Not much can be said that hasn't been expressed by all the other wonderful people here already. I'm with you all the way, Wil. Do whatever you need for however long you need to do it. *Mojo*

My heart aches for you and your family-sending positive love vibes your way.

I lost 6 cats last year in the span of five months. I know your loss - I feel your sadness. I feel a numbness and a pain in my chest just reading about Sketch. It's apparent just from your posts that he knew just how very much he was loved. We need more people in this world that have your heart.

oh my goodness...oh my...we all send our love and healing mojo to you and your family.

Love, Hugs, and Prayers,

The Sisterhood Of Shes

i am so sorry. my heart just fell when i read that. i will keep you in my thoughts. love to your family.

Wil,
I started reading your blog about a month ago after following a link from The Onion.

Damn, man. Losing two cats in a month must be really hard. Hang in there. You've got lots of folks out here in cyberland sending you good mojo.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

-Hilary

I'm really sorry for your loss. Losing two great pets in so short a time is really tough, and I know it must be even tougher when you don't get a chance to say goodbye.

FWIW, you and your family will be in my thoughts.

Wil, I am so sorry for your loss.
If there is a silver lining, at least Bear and Sketch are together again.

I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. This is just terrible. You, Anne and the boys are in my thoughts.

Sending lots of love and healing hugs.

:(


My deepest condolences to you and your family bro. Words are not enough in this situation but know that you are loved by many, many, many people. Take care.


My deepest condolences to you and your family bro. Words are not enough in this situation but know that you are loved by many, many, many people. Take care.

I couldn't even imagine how horrible it must be to lose two furry members of the family in such a short time. Knowing how it feels losing one is horrible as it is, but two? That must be tough.

I know words won't help you feel better or change anything, but I'd like to send my condolences to you and your family. Try to remember the good times you've had with Sketch, and hopefully that'll help you smile and be happy, even if for just a short time.

I'm so sorry, Wil. :(

Oh my god, I'm so sorry. You and my family are in my thoughts.

I can only say what has already been said here, but I think it bears repeating. I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family have been bearing some hard sorrows lately and my thoughts are with you all once again. Take your time to grieve and let us know if there is anything we can do to help.

Sigh. Obviously, that should read *your* family. :facepalm:

I'm really sorry to hear that, Wil. I know you think about the things you should have said and done, but Sketch knew he was loved. What a rough welcome home.

I am so sorry. I am sure that Sketch knew how much you loved him and my thoughts are with you and your family.

I'm so sorry Wil. I can't say anhything that's not already been said. My heart aches for you and your family tonight. **hugs**

--Lori

Hey WIL. Its Kaptain CHECK YOUR EMAIL FROM ME.

oh wil, i'm so sorry. what a horrible loss. i'll be praying for you and the fam tonight. i know you could use them. be well, friend.

Wil-

My heart goes out to you. You, Anne, the boys, and Sketch our in my thoughts.

Will-

There are not words sufficient for loss like this. I still get sad thinking about our cat who got into a lilly and suffered renal faliure as a result. I hope that you and Anne and your family are all doing okay.

RIP Sketch...

Oh my god. I am so sorry.
Unoriginal words, but heartfelt, just the same.

I am so sorry Wil :-(

Aw geez, the Bear and now Sketch, I can only imagine what a time you and Anne and the boys are having right now, missing them. Much e-hugs and mojo to you all.

I'm so sorry to hear this.
Take care of yourself, Wil.
Rest in Peace, Sketch.
--Mary S.

My husband and I had this happen to us a few years ago. It's heartbreaking, and I'm so very sorry you've had this experience..

**hug**

It's frustrating when there are no words, yet words are all we can use in this particular medium. I can only repeat what's already been said, and probably more eloquently than I can say it... my deepest, heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family. I have been there and I understand, as have many of the others here. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Oh no. Oh, Wil, I'm so sorry. I know losing a pet is one of my worst fears, and to have gone through it twice in such quick succession must be torture for you. My sympathies and my thoughts go with you and yours.

I'm sorry, kid.

I have to wonder if maybe Sketch knew you couldn't handle another goodbye like Felix's. I know that sounds silly, especially coming from a vet tech. But I still wonder.

Personally, I think "love you, see you tomorrow" is a pretty fitting way to part. No tears, just love and a promise to meet again...even if tomorrow's a long time coming.

oh. that's terrible... I thought a cat of mine ran away this weekend. not a good cat week.

poor kitty.

Oh my gosh, Wil, I'm so sorry. One of my biggest fears is that I won't be home when my pup goes -- I can't imagine it.

Oh, my god... Wil, I'm so sorry.

Wil, I am so damn sorry to hear about both of your feline family members. We are currently bottle feeding a trio of abandoned kittens...and we lost the tiniest one a few days ago. Even though I'd only known the runt-baby for three days, I cried all day.

I can't imagine losing my oldest cat, Wayne. I understand the heartbreak and the sorrow and wish the best for both you and your family.

There's nothing like having the love of a special cat in your life...nothing.

Hang in there and know that both of your cats were certainly aware of how much you and your family loved them.

Sending good thoughts your way from SC...

Claudia

My supreme condolences. Two good little friends in so short a time, you must be a total wreck. Remember the fun and happy times as much as you can, but above all remember that you gave them a great home and lots of love. I hope something good comes to you soon, one person can't be expected to bear all this pain without some good to help heal.

FWIW, my little guy, Rhett Butler, passed on in January. He was just going on 20, I got him in 1985. He was the only cat I ever had. Nothing helped at all, until one day I couldn't take it anymore. I emailed all of my dearest friends and asked them to send me a pic of their pet. The pics flooded in immediately, and I don't know why, but somehow it just made it bearable. Seeing all of their little ones made me remember the love and good stuff, and gave me hope that I would find a way to be ok. When it hurts now, I look at the pictures again. I don't know if that would help you, but it made me be not out of my mind anymore. Good luck, and my heart goes out to you. Tracy

Wil,

My deepest sympathy to you, Anne and the kids. Sketch's and Felix's memories will last in your home.

Take care.

Ting

Ah, jeez, Wil! Sorry to hear about that. My condolances.

(((( hugs ))))

I am so sorry to hear that you've lost your cat. I don't know what I'd do if I lost either of my purrbabies. I'm sending you love and positive vibes, Wil.

Wil,

I am so, so, sorry about Sketch. I know that does not help a bit. I wish I could find words to express my sorrow for you and your family. In times like these there are none. I will pray for all of you and do whatever I can to help. Again, I am so sorry for your loss. You all are in my prayers and thoughts!

Take care Wil. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family now.

I know Bear and Sketch are watching you now and you and Anne will see them again one day.

Do whatever you need to get through these very hard days.

My condolences, Wil.

Sorry, no hug from me.

On the bright side, now you have a good reason to pardon to a condemned kitten from the shelter.

My condolences to you and your family. It's so hard losing a pet...I've lost two of my dogs, and it's still difficult sometimes. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

Poor Poor kitty. I am so sorry =(


Jeez, Wil. I'm so sorry.

wow, wil, i cant even begin to imagine the total heart ache your whole family much have between felix and sketch. All i can do is add another copy of "i'm sorry" to the chorus already.

God Wil, that's too many hits in far too short a time period. I'm so sorry. Do what you have to do and may God be with you in this time.

I'll keep a good thought for you.

I'm so sorry to hear it. At least he's with Bear. I think of your kitties whenever Cody or Midnight rubs against my leg or jumps on my lap.

You're shell-shocked. Holy crap, Wil, anyone would be. Just stay strong and love everyone in your family as much as you can.

Again, your ability to feel loss like this speaks volumes about the remarkable man you are. Small words and small consolation, but it's true. It's what also makes you a great writer.

Get it out on paper, all of it. Do it now do you can see the words and immortalize your friend.

*hugs* i'm sorry for your loss

Wil....

I am so sorry for your loss, on the other hand, at least it was quick for poor little Sketch. At least you didn't have to take him to the vet as you did for Felix. I know it is nice to say 'good bye' to your pets, but for me, far better that the end is quick.

I am glad though, you have family around you to provide support.

I am so sorry, Wil. Through your ups and downs with Sketch and Felix, I have cried with you, and shared your hope and happiness when they were doing better. I have lost kitties, too, and know the kind of heartbreak you are going through. They were lucky kitties to have been loved so much, and you were the best of owners to have done everything you could to help them when they needed you. You're in my thoughts now, Sweetie.

Nikki

Sorry Wil. Very sad news! R.I.P. Sketch.

I'm sorry too.

Defeat may serve as well as victory
To shake the soul and let the glory out.
When the great oak is straining in the wind,
The boughs drink in new beauty and the trunk
Sends down a deeper root on the windward side.
Only the soul that knows the mighty grief
Can know the mighty rapture, Sorrows come
To stretch out spaces in the heart for joy.
--Edwin Marham

My deepest symapthies, Wil. You will be in my prayers.

I'm so sad for you Wil. Going through it once is bad enough. I'm sure twice is devastating. Try to rest easy knowing you made his life good. That's a pretty special gift to give to an animal.

Oh no Wil. I'm so sorry to hear that. You have to remember that you were there for Sketch when he needed you. It's what you do when your friends are still alive that counts. He didn't pass on alone, Anne was with him. How many of us wish we could die in the company of someone who loves us unconditionally? When you have to go, that's an awesome way to do it. The Bear is not alone anymore.

My prayers will be with you and your family.

That sucks, Wil. I'm sorry to hear it.

Take care of yourself and the family. You know there are thousands of monkies out here sending you good will.

my cat, Cow, sends her kitty mojo your way. (yes, i named her Cow)

take it easy for a few days. get out of the house too. that really helped me when my dog died, because everywhere i turned, something else reminded me of her. it gets better in time.

My heart goes out to you and your family, Wil. You're in my prayers.

You have two "cat angels" now. They will be with you forever.

Hang in there Wil. Our thoughts are with you and your family.

-Kel

O Bubastis, Goddess of the Nile, pray keep watch for a little gray tabby Maine Coon cat named Sketch, who never scratched or bit without just cause, who was loved by his people, Will, Anne, Nolan, and Ryan, and who returned that love in full measure. Bear him forthwith to the Eternal Catnip Fields, where he may enjoy a well-deserved rest forevermore.

(That sucks big time, Wil. Here I was wishing for luck for you in the tournament...and all the while, Sketch's luck had finally run out. I keep offering the prayer to help you feel better, inadequate gesture though it may be...)

So sorry Wil, hug Anne & the kids

I am so sorry for your loss, Wil. Losing two friends (I have no doubt your cats were) in such a short time must be so hard.

Hi Wil,

Been reading you for a while now, through the LiveJournal feed. Looks like you've not been spared much lately, first The Bear, now Sketch... Kittylove is eternal. They weren't gods for nothing once...

Be good to yourselves hon, you and your family... My deepest condolances and please... Hug each other often, and tightly. Hugs work.

Love,
Jo

Awww...I'm so sorry about your kitty. I know how hard it is to lose a pet, they really are a big part of your family.

Oh no! I'm so sorry :(

I'm sorry for your loss.

Last year I lost 3 of my kitties to a coyote and I thought I'd never recover. I still miss them, but I've stopped breaking down in tears everytime I think of them.

So sorry to hear about your wee fat boy Wil, he knew his daddy loved him and when it was time to go he just went, no fear no lingering pain. I know it doesn't help right now. *hugs*

oh wil, i'm so sorry. Take as much time as you need, and we'll still be here when you get back. I'm sending all the monkey mojo i can muster over the atlantic for you!

My heart goes out to you and your family.

Take care
Rach

Oh my God, Wil... so sorry to hear about that. :(
Prayers to you and the family.

Oh Wil. I'm so terribly sorry. Please accept all our sincere condolences and our collective vibes and love in your time of loss. We all feel for you and have you in our hearts right now.

Sorry to hear about you losing Sketch so soon after the Bear.

Sorry to hear about Sketch. At least someone was there to comfort him. My heart goes out to you.

Oh my god. Wil. I am SO SORRY! I don't know what to say, except how sorry I am for your loss. We all got to love Sketch through your sharing him with us, and I do feel with you so much. Take all the time off you need.
*hugs*

Once again, I feel for ya Wil. Our cat just recently ran away after spending the biggest part of his and our lives with us. He had heart disease, and was instinctivly a barn cat. Not a day goes by where, after two weeks of him being gone, that I check the back door for him every morning and when I get home from work at night even though I know he's not going to be there. Just remember that your happiness was mutual while he shared his and your life with you.

I know my message will probably get lost in this sea of responses, but me and my family of cat-lovers want to offer you our deepest sympathy.

To Wil and Family,

You are in my thoughts.

Aww... That's really horrible. You've lost too many kitty family members. No one should have to go through this much in so short a time. :(

I'm so sorry for your loss.

I never know what to say in these sorts of circumstances... All I cna think of is that I'm sorry.

As someone who currently has 3 cats of his own I can tell you that I've felt the pain too. Your family is not alone.

Best wishes.

I'm sure Bear was waiting for Sketch at the Rainbow Bridge. Their love will be yours always.

I hope you find some comfort in the many who are grieving for you. I am so very sorry.

"I'm sorry" seems so inadequate. But it's all I can offer.

I'm sorry.

Thinking of you, and all the family. I'm so sorry.

Don't ever forget what great lives Sketch and Felix the Bear had with you and your family. Find your initial solace not in what they gave you... what they gave you will be so misssing for some time... find your solace in what you gave them...it's still right there in your heart, where it has always been and will always be.

Hey Wil and family,

Hang in there guys. Even though at this time when someone says they "understand your pain" its pretty cold comfort, but in the days and weeks to come it'll help heal the pain. We've all been there and some of us are going through something similar. Just remember there's a whole swag of people you've never met that wish they could help and you have a family that can help.

Take care and my thoughts are with you.

Regards,

Sean

I'm so sorry to hear about Sketch. I know that our cats are like our kids, in a way, and possibly even closer to our hearts. I am a stepparent with no biological kids, and I had cats before I had those kids. Those cats were part of my soul like the kids have become. Losing them took a big chunk of me. (I was adopted by a cat, however, shortly after losing my first two, and he's helping to heal me. It just takes a while.) I'll think good thoughts for your family.

I'm sorry to hear that. Losing two cats in as many months is really sad. I can't imagine going through the same thing. My heart goes out to you.

I know people sometimes wait to die until the ones they love are not there. Perhaps your precious friend knew you couldn't take seeing him die so he waited for you to be gone.
My sympathies and I wish you strength.

I know people sometimes wait to die until the ones they love are not there. Perhaps your precious friend knew you couldn't take seeing him die so he waited for you to be gone.
My sympathies and I wish you strength.

My deepest sympathies for you and Anne for both Sketch and Felix, Will. I wish there were something we could say to ease your pain.

It's not much at the moment, but the two of you gave your kitties a loving, comfortable home, and you deserve all the praise in the world for that. In their own, feline way, your cats knew it.

I hope in time your family will take in another homeless kitty or two. There are so many out there who need families like yours.

Best wishes, your fans are thinking of you.

aww wil...

i don't believe in heaven or hell, except where oupr pets are concerned. here's to the bear and sketch, who are curled up in a sunny patch, dozing away, dreaming about the wonderful family they graced with their presence while here on earth. as a monkey who is owned by 6 cats herself, my heart breaks for you. me and my herd are thinking of you. namaste.

My first cat (whom I'd found in our bushes when I was 12) died of liver failure when I was away at college.

I cried for days until I was able to go home and visit him. I knew we'd given him the best life we could and I honestly believe that he was happy up till the end.

Hugs help... so do memories, and you seem to have plenty of both all around you.

*hugs*

Sorry for your loss, Mr Wheaton. I've been reading your blog everyday keeping up to date. I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts.

Damn.

My sympathies for your family's loss.

--T

. . . . so so sorry Wil that your heart is hurting so much . . . oh the Fat Boys, they are so beloved . . . every day we've had with them - such a freakin fabulous hilarious schmooshy gift . . . oh the Fat Boys . . . I bet they all get together in heaven and play poker and meow and eat tuna and heavenly birdies . . .

Oh Wil...I am so sorry. I don't even know what else to say.

I'm so sorry, Wil. What a lucky cat to be so loved.

When my Pia Zadora died I wasn't home.. Mom said she was asleep on the couch when she left for work.. and hadn't moved when she came home.. I still feel guilty about not being there. She was an old girl and lived a long lazy 17 years though.. and hey.. if you have to live 17 years named after Pia Zadora.. you deserve to quietly go in your sleep.

I'm really sorry for both of your losses..

Many condolences, Wil. Take comfort in the fact that he lived well, and died quickly. A guy could do far worse.

My sympathies for your loss. As his passage was quick, one can hope he was spared a great deal of pain he might have otherwise endured.

The hardest part of choosing to be a caretaker for a shorter lived creature is the reality of their transience in our lives.

You loved him well, Wil, miss him in his absense. He was your good friend and fine companion.

I'm here to add my voice to the chorus of supportive condolences. I've never lost a pet with more personality than my hamster, so I can't say I know what you're going through. But I love my kitty to death and can't imagine losing him. My heart goes out to you and Anne and the kids. -Jess

So sorry to hear about Sketch, thinking of you and your family.

I'm so sorry. ; ; *hug*

My thoughts are with you guys.

i'm so sorry to hear about your kitty :( good thoughts for you and yours.

Oh Wil, I'm so sorry for your loss. Do what you need to do; cry until you can cry no more and think of the good times with Sketch. And you know we will all be here when you come back. *hugs*

Aww, I'm so sorry.

wow, gives new meaning to he old saying 'when it rains it pours'. i can't even imagine what you're going through now. best of luck getting through it, i'll be thinking of you all.

Wil, I'm so very sorry for your loss. Please know I'm sending you and your family extra good thoughts during this sad time.