j040128 (imported)
January 28, 2004
I wish I could return to the time when life was so boring there wasn’t anything to write about.
You know, sometimes there’s just no easy way to write something. So, I apologize in advance for my characteristic bluntness, but this isn’t something about which I want to spin a drawn out story, because it doesn’t have a happy ending:
Tubby died yesterday morning.
The vet suspects his heart just couldn’t handle the strain of his weight — which pushed close to 25 pounds — coupled with the diabetes, and simply gave out. Robyn found him on her way to shower after her workout, and called me with the news. He was lying in his favorite spot, curled up in the cat bed next to the window where he could watch birds in the back yard and cars passing out on Busy Street.
He looked asleep.
It’s ironic, really. Six weeks or so ago we were agonizing over whether or not to put him to sleep because he peed everywhere. Then, his blood sugar finally regulated with two shots a day and we thought all was well.
Obviously, we thought wrong.
In retrospect it’s apparent that something was amiss with him. He rarely came downstairs any more, where before he spent more time down than up. He stopped bitching all the time, too, remaining silent except when the kitty treats were brought out. He had ringworm, like Spot, Stanley, and Miz Poo, but unlike them his wasn’t responding to the medicine.
I drove him to the vet’s office — “Windy” by The Association was playing on the radio, and I tried to whistle with it but couldn’t — and he confirmed what Robyn and I already knew. We’re having him cremated, and we’ll most likely put his ashes under the tree he liked to lay under in the back yard.
We miss you, little buddy.
I am so sorry. I loved the Tubs.
So sorry, you guys.
Condolences Fred, Robyn and Spud. I’ll light a candle for Tubby tonight.
Rainbow Bridge link:
http://rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm
I am so sorry for your family’s loss of your beloved Tubby. I am sure the house just isn’t the same without him.
Dear Fred, Robyn and Spud,
I’m so, so, sorry that this has happened. Through your animated entries and incredible photos, I feel as if Tubby had become part of my family, too, after nearly 3 years.
My heart aches for you three, and his kitty buddies he left behind, for they too will miss him and mourn.
Tubby was an extraordinary cat and you made him come alive for your readers on these pages. Thank you for sharing his life, and death, with us. I wish for you peace.
Hugs,
~Aly in GA
I’m sorry to read of your loss.
So sorry you guys! I am glad he went peacefully.
Hugs and best wishes, Elizabeth
Y’all,
I am so sorry about Tubby. He was my favorite. I think it was the sweet black spot on his nose. He’ll be missed by all of us.
oh gosh. i’m so, so sorry. my heart goes out to the three of you, and to Tubby. He was such a character, with such a great face.
I am so sorry.
Fred and family, so sorry for your loss. May you take comfort in the happy memories you have and in knowing with certainty you gave him the best of the best while he was here.
My condolences. Tubby was my favorite too, probably everyone’s favorite!
So Sorry, guys. I’ll miss him right along with you. He was an awesome cat.
My condolences, Fred. Tubby will be missed by a great number of people. I hope that you guys are as ok as you can be right now.
I am sorry for your loss. Tubby was a great cat and greatly loved.
I just read about this on Robyn’s journal. I’m so sorry to hear about Tubby.
I am sorry to hear of Tubby’s passing. Know we all are mourning too.
(Hug)
Debby
I’m so sorry. We’ll miss him.
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Dear Fred,
I am so very sorry to hear about Tubby. He was definately one heck of a cat. Thoughts and prayers to you, Robyn and the spud.
Kari
I feel so bad for all of you. Tubby was quite a character, and will be missed. Please accept my sincere condolences.
I’m so sorry for your loss of the Tubby one. He will be very missed.
I’m so sorry. I sometimes think it’s even harder to lose a troubled (or troublesome) cat. You find to your surprise that they grabbed hold of your heart while you weren’t looking, and you miss them even more.
I hope he finds a sunny spot in Cat Heaven, next to my own tubby cats, Miranda and Kathy.
Fred, Robyn, and Spud,
My heart is aching for you this morning. Take comfort in the fact that ya’ll are some of the best kitty parents in the world. I know Tubby was one happy cat!
With a heavy heart,
Laura in Texas
Hugs to you and Robyn and Spud
{{{hugs}}} I am so sorry to learn about Tubby’s passing. I will miss his “Mehs” and all the pictures and videos. The way y’all wrote about him, I felt I knew him too. He will be missed by many.
Meh.
Tubby was a good cat with a good family.
I share your sorrow.
My deepest sympathies to you and your whole family on the loss of your Tubs. He was a huge part of your and Robyn’s journals and I’ll miss reading about his tails!
Hail to Tubby, a loss that will be felt deep in the hearts of all of us that came to know him. I’m so sorry Robyn and Fred, my deepest sympathies. It brought tears to my eyes this morning reading and looking at the pictures. He’ll always be in our hearts.
I was so sorry to read about Tubby, he was a beautiful boy and I’ll miss reading about him.
(((hugs))) to all of you.
many friends will walk in and out of your life but only true friends will leave pawprints in your heart…..bye tubby ^..^
Very sorry to read of your loss. Tubby brought joy into so many people’s lives- yours obviouslly, and all of ours through the pics. He will be missed!
I’m so very sorry that Tubby is gone. He was (a lot of peole have said this) my favorite. He leaves a, shall we say, larger-than-life hole? I am glad he went peacefully.
My thoughts are with you.
I am so so so so sorry. I haven’t been reading yours and your wife’s diary for too awful long but I’ve grown to love the pictures of all your cats. I am a huge cat lover myself. As I read this morning, I covered my mouth…and cried.
I miss seeing Tubby already.
My thoughts are with all of you…
My condolences to you and yours. I realize how special your pets are to you and I’m glad Tubby had such a loving family in his life.
Dayum, Fred. I’m so so sorry to learn that Tubby’s gone! My heart goes out to you & Robyn & the spud.
My heart goes out to all of you. I am sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss.
I am an animal lover myself and couldn’t help but cry when i read your story about Tubby’s passing. I know they truly are family and it’s like losing a child when a pet passes. I’m glad to hear he went peacefully and in his favorite spot. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry Fred.
Sorry to hear about Tubby. He was a lovely kitty man.
I am so sorry to read about Tubby passing away. I cried as I read about him and looked at his pictures because it brought back my memories of losing my 17 year old cat. It took a good 6 months to get over a severe depression over losing him….and that was almost 10 years ago and I still miss him. My thoughts are with you all.
Tubby was my favorite. Just loved to hear all the stories about her and even the times she was sassy. Our heartfelt condolences to you all.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed the Tubby stories, and the movies of him bitching.
I’m sitting here with tears pouring down my face - how sad! I will really miss hearing all about his antics. Please give your other furries a big cuddle.
Ditto the above comments… I’m so sorry for your loss
I’m so sorry for your loss. He hada good life with you, Robyn and the Spud.
The Rainbow Bridge
(For Tubby)
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to 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 to them, who had to be 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 quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him 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 the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
Author unknown…
I’m just crying for you all. I’m so very sorry.
Oh Fred and Robyn, I’m so sorry to hear this sad news. I’m sitting here at work with tears in my eyes…I really loved the tubs, and I think losing pets is one of the toughest things in the world. My thoughts are with you both.
Fred, I’m so very sorry to hear about Tubby. He will be missed by all.I’m at a loss for words.
Denise
I’m so sorry. Rest in peace, Tubby.
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to all of you, and the kittys which im sure will miss Tubby tremendously.
:( We’ll miss him.
I don’t expect you to read all the posts, but felt the need to share my condolences with you and your family. He will be missed by many.
Oh, I’m so sorry. So very sorry.
Tears out here in California as well. I’m so sorry for your loss. Hugs to you, Robyn, the Spud, Spot, Spanky, Miz Poo, and the Bean. I’ll be thinking of you all today.
I’m so sorry to hear about Tubby. He gave so much happiness to all of us.
He isn’t suffering anymore.
Just wanted to say I’m sorry.
I am so sorry. Losing your best friend leaves a empty hole in your heart, but reminds us how very grateful that we are to have had such a wonderful creature to love and love us.
I am going home now to give some extra love to my 12 year old black lab.
Tubby was a special kitty. He will not only be missed by his family, but also by lots of folks here in cyberspace.
I’m very sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry to hear of this Fred. I’ve been in tears reading about it - it’s never, ever easy to lose a pet, and Tubby had a special something about him. I’m thinking of your family at this time…
*hugs* Elly
Tubby was a hero for all who cheer for the underdog…my thoughts are with you and your family.
ah Fred, I am so sorry about Tubby.
Please accept my sincere condolences.
Know that we are all with you. *Hug*
Condolences to all in your household, human & feline…
RIP, Tubby.
I am so sorry for your loss. Tubby was definitely a unique cat.
I came to your page just to see your pictures of Tubby, after reading the sad news in Robyn’s journal. I’m so sorry. I loved that cat. He’s been my wallpaper for a long time.
So sorry you guys
I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s so hard to lose a pet. I understand pretty keenly a lot of what you and Robyn must be feeling because one of my dogs died not quite two weeks ago.
Again, I’m so sorry that you’ve lost Tubby.
I’m so very sorry to hear about Tubby! My heart goes out to you and Robin and the Spud!
I’m so sorry for all of you. He will be missed.
Fred, my heart goes out to all of you. I read about Tubby’s passing in Robyn’s journal first. We have all come to love Tub-man. I agonized over his illness and the decision that had to be made. However, Tubby made it a bit easier for everyone. There, in his most favorite place, he quietly went to sleep. We will miss him.
Rest in peace, Tubby……………
I am so sorry, and my heart goes out to you and Robyn.
I read about it first in Robyn’s journal and got all teary eyed, and here I go again. I’m so sorry. I’m going to miss the big marshmallow.
I’m so sorry about Tubby. We’re gonna miss his “Meh.” My condolences to you, Robyn and the Spud.
I am so sorry to hear this. My heart goes out to you guys.
I so sorry to hear of your family’s loss. You made Tubby come alive to me thru all of your entries and pictures. He will be very much missed.
I’m so sorry. I will miss him, too. {{{{hugs}}}}
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know how bad you must feel. They become like your little children. Take care and God bless you guys.
Maggie
I’m so sorry. He will be very missed.
:( I loved tubby from afar and he will be greatly missed. He gave smiles and happiness to many visitors and it won’t be the same without his cuteness and kitty antics. My condolences.
Fred, so sorry for your loss.
We will miss Tubby.
Condolences for your loss, I know how heartbreaking it is.
The tubs just ruled, he was a total character, i and many others will remember him fondly, as i’m sure you and your family will.
Sorry Fred and Robyn.
So sorry.
I know you don’t know what happened to Mr. Fancypants, but maybe, just maybe he and the Tubster are together again.
Love the pics. I am sitting here bawling like a baby.
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I am sure that we will all remember Tubby with fondness. Take care of yourselves and the other kitties.
Fred,
I was so sorry to hear of Tubby’s sudden passing. Warm hugs to everyone.
Thanks to you, Robyn, and your great posts and pictures, he will live on in our memory for ever!
Thinking of you…
I’m sorry Tubby crossed the Rainbow Bridge. I know he will be missed. Thank goodness you have lots of pictures.
Oh, Fred and Robyn and Spud - I am so so sorry! Like all the others, I too felt like I “knew” Tubby through all your stories and pictures. I will miss him.
I also lost my fat cat, Lucky, in August. Unfortunately, she did not go as peacefully as Tubby. My 18 yr. old daughter and I took her to the Vet and were told she had to be put to sleep. It wasn’t pleasant. On the way home, both of us crying, I said to her, “we’ll have a glass of wine when we get home”. After about 3 minutes of sniffling silence, she said - “do we still have any of that blueberry juice left?” And I thought to myself, wow, she’d rather just have juice. Great! So I said, “yes, we do”. And she said “I think I’d rather have that with Vodka in it”.
Anyway, a light moment during a very sad time. My prayers are with you.
I know you’ll probably never get through all these comments, but I just wanted to add my own condolences to the list. We’ll miss the tubby little fella too.
I’m so sorry, Fred. I loved reading about Tubby…feel a little weird that I have tears in my eyes, but he seemed to be a great cat.
My thoughts are with you.
Read both or your journals, never post. Sorry to hear about your kitty — he seemed like a sweet boy.
How very sad. We will all miss him.
I posted on Robyn’s site, too, but I just wanted to say again how sorry I am that Tubby has passed away. My thoughts are with y’all.
So sorry for you both. He was cool.
Fred, Robyn and Spud,
What a hard little punch to the heart it was to come here today and read this. I am so sorry. I started with reading you and Robin, and stayed for beautiful Tubs, What a beautiful and special kitty he was! He will be missed by many of us Tubby fans. Peace to you all.
Fred, Robyn, and the Spud,
I am so sorry to hear about Tubby, I too, feel like I knew him through your writings. These pictures are a wonderful memory of him. Thank you for sharing your grief with us. Tubby was a well-loved kitty!
Fred,
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss.
Sally
I am so sorry for your loss - he was a lucky cat to have such a wonderful family during his life.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Tubby was a beautiful cat and and it was great reading your stories about him. We will all miss him.
I’m so sorry. Tubby was a great cat and I know you’ll miss him a lot.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend. He will be greatly missed by many people.
awwww! I couldn’t believe it when I read it! At least he went peacefully, and was loved while here.
Fred, Robyn and Spud, I’m so sorry to hear about Tubby. He was gorgeous and his personality shone through the photos. He’ll be missed by a helluva lot of people.
I’m so sorry Fred & Family. Please find comfort in the warm wishes of all your friends.
The Tubster was a great cat, and a source of joy for more people than you’ll ever know. Thanks for sharing him with all of us.
May he rest in peace in a better place where there are no more insulin shots.
You’ll be in my thoughts.
G’Bye Tubby!!
I am so sorry for your loss - Tubby was one well-loved cat.
I am so so sorry to hear of Tubby’s passing. Susan
I’m so sorry for your loss. He was my favorite.
Oh my God! I am so very sorry! You gave Tubby such a wonderful and loving home. He couldn’t have asked for a better life.
I fell so very bad for both you and Robin!
I am crying now Fred and Robyn. I am so sorry for your loss of your beloved friend, Tubby.
So sorry to hear of your loss Fred, Robyn and Spud. I’m sitting here with tears in my eyes, but I’m happy to know Tubby was in his favourite place doing what Tubby liked to do. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kathy
Oh, Fred - I am so, so sorry. You, Robyn and the Spud will be in my thoughts.
My condolences. I will treasure my Tubby coaster. Your stories of him always made me smile.
Fred, Robyn and the spud, so sorry to hear about Tubby. He was such a character, and made me and my daughter smile a lot. Thinking about you all.
I just have to add my condolences. I know loosing a beloved pet is every bit as hard as loosing a member of your family… hell, they ARE our family. I’m so sorry guys.
Kitty
Adding my condolences…. And I agree - you did give him a wonderful life…. every picture you posted just made me want to pick him up and give him a hug… so sorry
What a wonderful life Tubby lived!!! He was a very unique kitty and everyone at the animal shelter I work at thought that he was adorable when they saw him on here. I’m sure he passed on peacefully and what a wonderful tribute to his memory to have him cremated.
He couldn’t of been part of a more caring family. Thanks for sharing some of his life with us Fred.
Fred, Robyn & Spud, I’m so sorry for the loss of your kittie.
How awful for Robyn to have found him, when she was alone. But to hear where he was sitting, I hope its comforting knowing that he was happy and at peace.
Looking at the pictures, its very obvious he had a wonderful life and was very much loved.
Just read of Tubby’s passing over at Robyn’s place and had to come here and give you my condolences directly.
Loved the Tubster and will miss him greatly
He was a very unique kitty.
Just found out about Tubby’s passing. I’m so sorry, Fred. Been reading your journal for a few years now, I felt like I knew your feline family, especially Tubby. I’m glad you didn’t have to make the decision to put him down. I’ve been nursing my cat back to health this week, and my concentration has been shot. Can only imagine what you, Robyn, and the Spud have gone through. I’m so, so sorry about your (and our) loss.