This has been a very sad weekend in our home and a very difficult one for me. After being by my side for 19 years, my dear pet and companion Smokey, had to say goodbye. Although I know how blessed I was to have her in my life for so long, it has left a large hole in my heart.
Smokey was with me for as long as I can remember, more than 1/2 of my life. A school friend found her in a dumpster when she was only a couple of months old and I brought her home. We had a dog (that I had since I was about 8 ) so I didn’t know how it would be with a cat. Well, we became instant best friends! She’d paw me on the nose to wake me up in the mornings, follow me around, sleep on my school books as I tried to study, and sleep next to my pillow every night.
As the years went on she was with me through graduations, college, my wedding, our first home, pretty much every milestone in my life. Although she was friendly to everyone, she was MY cat. When my husband and I got married we joked that we had to get a bed that would accommodate the two of us and my cat since she wasn’t about to be displaced for the newcomer!
Many years later, when other pets were added to our home, (although she wasn’t crazy about it), she accepted them. It was like she knew that she would always hold that special place in my heart. We lost one of those other pets, Wicket (only 6) this past August (he was born with a kidney defect). Having this happen so soon after, makes it even harder.
I am still around and will be posting on the site, but please forgive me if I am just not 100% (actually I’m a bit of a mess and glad to have a nice stockpile of Kleenex :(). Doing anything seems a little harder right now and I wanted you all to know why. I feel so lucky to have been blessed by her companionship for 19 years but so deeply, deeply sad to have had to say goodbye. There will never be another one like her and she is very, very missed.
{ 130 comments… read them below or add one }
Aww, I’m so sorry! It is always hard to lose a pet, especially one who has been with you for 19 years! ((Hugs))
ANNND I’m crying. Wow what a beautiful cat Smokey was! 19 years, I’m in awe for the time you were allowed to have together. And that makes it even harder to say goodbye. Take care of yourself and allow yourself the sadness and healing. I don’t have a kleenex stockpile so I’m going to stop typing now. you have my sincerest heartfelt sympathies..
Pets become a part of your family just like humans do. My husband and I don’t have children, but we have our 5 year old cocker spaniel and she means the world to me. When our home was broken into a few years ago the first thing I thought about was our dog Noodles. I can relate to your pain and I am so sorry for your loss. May the Lord bless you with another friend.
I’m so sorry to hear about your friend/family member. My cat Smokey (similiar in looks, but all grey) passed away 3 yrs. ago at 17yrs old. He & his sister Ashley were my only children at the time (at least that’s how we thought of them). It was devasting when they left us. She passed 3 mos. before him. We had them cremated, and they are still with us (in spirit). It takes time to get used to them not under your feet, or sharing your pillow, kneading on you to make a comfy spot and so on. I miss them as much today as ever. I know your pain and wish you all the best. God Bless!
awww, so sorry. I know the pain of losing a dear pet. I can feel the tug at your heart. =( In time you remember all the happy moments and will always feel that their presence is with you. So sorry
You are so lucky to have had a wonderful fluffy companion for almost 20 years! I’ll be praying for your healing. And just think, they are so many adorable cats and kittens that are looking for love. When you’re ready, they’re ready. 😉
I am so sorry for your loss. She was beautiful. Your story really got to me. I am an animal lover and have three cats. My dog was stolen about 3 years ago and there is a hole in my heart where he still lives. our oldest cat is almost 10. My heart goes out to you.
I am right there with you Christie, I lost my puppy at the beginning of this month he would of been 10 in November. He was my husband’s and three boys first dog. We got him when my oldest turned two (he’s now 11!) and when we moved into our first house! He protected us when someone tried to break into our house a couple years ago and loved everyone we love unconditionally. He was my baby just as much as my kiddos and I was a balling mess when we had to put him down, when I saw his bed in the hallway (he slept at the top of our stairs to protect us), when someone asked where he was or just the thought of him…I still sniffle when we talk about him. My thoughts and prayers are with you. *Hugs*
I know how your’e feeling, my babies of 22 yrs, 19 yrs, on down the line, all passed leaving me with such heartache. The tears still flow. You have a emptiness that can’t be filled and wont be replaced, but you have so much love to give, you need to go save another baby soonest you can. Keep the love alive and pass it on by caring for another. Prayers to help you thru this difficult time…..
So sorry for your loss. We lost our Oliver on Monday. He was with us for almost 16 years. I understand how you feel, the kleenex box has been by my side all week. Hopefully in time we will be able to remember them without the tears….or maybe not so many tears!
Take care,
Kim
{{{{hugs}}}} I am so sorry for the loss of your fur baby. No one can take her place. Take some time to grieve then get back to normal activities. I’ve been there and I know I was devastated and it took some time before we got another fur baby, it was meant to happen though. It was a rescued kitty boy. Although I’m not his one (he’s a Daddys boy) I do enjoy him.
Take time to soothe your soul… More {{{{hugs}}}} for you. 🙂
So sorry for your loss.
So sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved cat.
Please read “Rainbow Bridge” when you are feeling better. It will help and heal your heart that “Smokey” will be waiting for you someday. God Bless you and all of us animal lovers who are blessed enough to call our pets “Our Children”. Allow yourself time to grieve and you will never forget “Smokey”. I have lost four dogs in my lifetime and have never gotten over missing them. Take care and thanks for sharing your loss and your love story with us about your “Smokey”.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to you and your family.
R.I.P Smokey 🙁
So sorry for your loss! I have 4 adopted cats that my kids…now adults brought home to me. I have to buy $55.00 for 17# bag of cat food every month prescription food, plus Cosequin arthritis med and give the oldest a injection every Sunday. I love them dearly, and cant imagine a loss! They are my kids! God bless you and your family!
I am so sorry for your loss, it is so hard. I also had my beloved grizz for 15 years and he was with me through all of milestone memories also. He died when I was out of town taking care of my father and it broke my heart.
The minute someone put Smokey in that dumpster, it set her fate for 19 wonderful years with you. You were a wonderful Mother and she was lucky to live such a wonderful life. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
~Fern
Sending hugs and prayers your way. It is devastating to lose a baby like that and there is no way to prepare yourself for the loss. I’m so sorry :'(
I am so SORRY to hear of your loss. I know there will never be another like your baby! We lost our son (CAESAR) at age 17, 2 yrs ago……& he is still here with us, as our children had been out of the house for years so HE WAS OUR BABY! I can truly say I feel the hurt in your heart that will always be there, no matter what….they are your FAMILY!! Sometimes I think about getting another….but I can’t bear the hurt I still feel to this day for all of HIS MEMORIES HE LEFT HERE WITH US….maybe some day just not now. I’m sharing your tears right now…..just know she’s ALWAYS WITH YOU!!
I’m so very sorry, Christie! 🙁
Please let me know if you need anything!
So sorry for the loss of your friend. Remember all the good times!
*HUGS* I am so sorry for your loss:( My oldest kitty has been with me my entire adult life and I dread the day I have to say good-bye to her…
My heart goes out for you. Keeping you in our prayers. Sheri
So sorry for your loss, I remember your post last August about Wicket, it was so close to the time I lost one of my cats in July after having him sixteen years. It is very difficult at first, especially after having them for so long, but it does get easier. Just remember all the love you gave him, that he otherwise may not have received, had he not come into your life. As others have suggested, bring another cat into your life, of course, when you are ready, not to replace Smokey, but it will help to cope with your loss.
{{{{HUGS}}}} … Our sincerest condolences go out to you and yours. I wish you peace and comfort…My Babygirl doggy will be 14 next mth and I know our time is limited, so am grateful for every day.
xoxoxoxo
So sorry for your loss. I know its very difficult, we went throught that a couple of years ago. Our pets are much a part of our lives they are always missed dearly. Just know she will be with you always.
Oh, Christie, my heart is so heavy for you right now. I don’t know exactly what to say. I’m sure words wouldn’t make it better anyway. I’m so sorry for your loss. What an extremely special kitty. Big hugs to you.
What a pretty kitty! And now you have some more sympathy tears…
I am so sorry, Christie. It is never easy. She will always be in your heart even though I know that doesn’t make it any easier right now. I hope Smokey is having a good romp with all of those that preceded her to the Rainbow Bridge. Take your time, feel however you want to feel, and we will all still be here when you are ready.
I am so sorry to hear this news. It is very hard losing a loved one. We recently had to say goodbye to our 14 year old collie. This brought tears to my eyes to read. Their memory will always live on in our hearts!
So sorry for your loss! 🙁
I am so sorry to hear about your loss of a companion and friend. I couldn’t imagine loosing my little dog. I hope that after grieving, you put the best memories you have of your dear cat in your mind. Always bringing the best memories to your thoughts . I am sure smokey is still around your house visiting you. I wish the absolute best for you and your household. Hope things get better.. xoxoxox Love from california!
Christie-I am so sorry.
I’m so sorry and completely understand how you feel. It’s hard to think about now, but time will heal and you’ll be left with Smokey’s wonderful memories. I wish I could take away your pain. 🙁
When my pet died I had to take a few days off from work I was so messed up. I feel your pain. Goodbye Smokey.
Thank you for sharing your story. Pets become part of our lives so quickly. Sorry for your loss.
Take comfort in the fact that you gave Smokey 19 years of a wonderful life. RIP Smokey!!!
Christie, I’m so sorry to read about the loss of your dear cat. Big hugs and kisses to You and Your Family. I’m so, so, sorry.
Christie, it sounds like you were both lucky to be together and got a lot out of your years together. How wonderful that you have so many great memories that will live on. I am happy to add myself to the huge list of fans out here that are here for you 🙂
Hello,
I am truly sorry for your loss. I know that losing a pet is a very hard. My family and I are sending you lots of hugs and prayers. Love the Bliss family
So sorry Christie! Your family is in my thoughts!
many, many hugs!!!!!!!
I am truly very very sorry for your loss : ( It is never easy to lose a pet since now a days they are more like children than just an animal. I lost one recently and its a year later and I’m still a mess : ( Smokey was so very beautiful and I’m sure she is smiling down on you. I also have 2 very old cats that have been with me since my early childhood, they are 16 and 17 and I am dreading the day that they will no longer be with me because they are so special and you get use to having them around all the time. It makes me so sad for your loss even though I didn’t know Smokey. But you can be glad that while her life started out not so good you came to the rescue and gave her a great loving home!! That’s something to be very proud of because a lot of cats aren’t that lucky. Just remember that she is always with you <3
So sorry to hear about your loss. Take time to take care of yourself and your family. You do us a favor, so don’t worry about us! We worry about you!! Blessings!!
So sorry to hear this….Peace and hugs sent for your heart!
I’m so sorry Christie. What a beautiful kitty. 🙁 I can’t imagine how hard it is ..when you have had that cat for so many years of your life. We have two kitties here – both two years old – I understand how close you can get to them. One of ours ran away for a month once and I was devastated – out every night searching nonstop – putting signs up everywhere – so desperate – I then realized how much I love the cats and am so attached too. I finally found the cat…and she is back with us. Your cat and your family were so blessed to have had each other.
I’m so sorry for your loss and I’m crying right along with you. I still cry for the dogs I’ve lost. It’s very, very hard to lose a pet. Please get some rest and take some time off.
My heart breaks for you. I see someone else posted that you should read “Rainbow Bridge”. A friend sent it to me when I lost my kitty, while it made me cry it helped.
Hugs
Christie,
We had to say goodbye to our loving, loyal dog 2 days ago also. I couldn’t believe how difficult it has been just to get through the weekend without constantly crying. We made a gravestone for her outside and my kids have been going out to say “goodnight” to her and tell her how much they miss her, which makes me cry even more. I miss her more than I can bear, and I hope everyone out there with pets gives them a little extra love when they read Christie’s story. My thoughts are with you.
I am so very sorry about your loss. Losing a member of your family is devastating even if it is a pet. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Sorry for your loss Christie. I’ll be sending a prayer for you and your family during this difficult time.
Ironicly I lost my cat smokey last week too. So hard
Awwww ….. I am extremely sorry for your loss!! I was raised with animals and learned early in that they attend a part of the family!! I think you are def allowed to morn the loss of your family member!! Us fellow couponers are here for you!!
So very sorry for your loss 🙁
I’m so sorry for your loss.I know how hard it is to say goodbye to a furry friend. She lived a very full and happy life I’m sure. And she was thankful that you saved her too.
So sorry for the loss of your beloved Smokey. I lost my beloved Smokey years ago ,so I know your pain. Will keep you in my prayers.
Very sorry to hear about your loss. I remember when I lost my cat that had been mine since age. It was very difficult I will keep you in my prayers.
By reading your post i can feel the sorrow of your loss. I too have lost beloved pets in the past. If this might help Wicket and Smokey are together now, and i have said and will send another prayer for you in this difficult time.
I am so sorry for your loss. Hope it helps to know that others are thinking of you!
My heart goes out to you and your family. We’re so blessed to find just the right companions for our lives. They add so much joy and teach us a deeper love than we knew was possible.
I’m sorry for your loss christie, but you will see smokey again one day.
Christie,
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. I will say a prayer for you and your family tonight.
God bless,
Linda
I am so sorry for your loss.
Very very sorry for the loss of your cat, I too know how it feels lost one of 12 years bout 3 years ago and currently have a dog that I love very much that will be 16 years old this week and just recently was told she has a few months. It to will be a very sad moment in my life when the time comes. Again very sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is so very difficult. They hold such a special place in our lives and hearts. I remember that empty space in my heart when we lost our dog. Time does heal the loss. But for awhile, it is pretty painful.
So sorry for your loss. Reading your post put me to tears. What a beautiful picture! I’m sure you have many memories and happy stories. I am a first time owner of a beautiful cat. He has brought so much joy to my husband and I. The thought of anything happening to him is just unexplainable. I do not know exactly how you feel but my heart goes out to you and your family.
My heart goes out to you Christie…. may Smokey rest in peace <3
Christie, I’m so sorry to hear about your Smokey. I had to say goodbye to one of our “babies” a year ago, very suddenly and know that it is not easy. If you can find solace in knowing that Smokey and Wicket are now playing together, maybe that will help to ease your pain a little. I’m sure that Smokey is ever grateful for having such a wonderful family to take of her.
I am so sorry to hear this news, brings tears to my eyes too. Pets are some of the most wonderful companions, I know this all too well. My thoughts go out to you and I completely understand not being 100% at anything for awhile! Hugs.
I’m so sorry for your loss, they become family members and when they pass on, you never forget them. It’s so sad for you right now, it will get easier in time. I’ve had my dog for 6 years now, and I couldn’t imagine losing her.. but 19 years? wow you were truely blessed. Focus on the good things if you can, enjoy all the memories, and remember how blessed you were to have her for so long. Hugs to you, God bless you.
That’s really tough, Christie, I’m so sorry to hear about your sweet kitty. I understand your pain with losing a beloved cat. I lost a kitty last year who I helped raise from a kitten and he was my special little guy that was like my best buddy. I’ll be praying for comfort and healing for you and your family.
Im so sorry, Christie! Pets hold a very special place in our families!
Christie, I am so sorry to hear this news. I’ve had pets my entire life and they truly become a member of the family and a best friend. Having to say goodbye is one of the hardest things one will do in their lifetime. I’ll be thinking about you and sending positive prayers your way.
Best,
Megan
So very sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss. I’ve been there & it just sucks. She was fortunate to have had you, and you, her.
I am so sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry for your loss, I’m still crying for the lost of mi doggy 2 months ago. My hearth goes out to you y your family.
I am so sorry Christie! We have a rescue cat also and she is the same with us as your Smokey. It is as if they know that you saved their lives and repay you with all the love they have. What a blessing you had for 19 years!
I am so sorry for your loss of sweet Smokey. That is awesome that you had Smokey for so long. I know how rough it is when you lose your friend. We lost our dog Colby the day after this last Thanksgiving. He was in our lives for fourteen years. The pain will dull with time. I still think of him everyday. The first few weeks are really very hard. I am a cat person, but I did not realize how close I really was to him. He helped me through many deployments with my husband. Just focus on the wonderful time you had together and the love you had for eachother.
So sorry to hear about your loss! My prayers are with you.
I am so sorry for your loss. I’m sure she had a good life because she had you. Cheer up.
I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like you were a blessing for each other.
So many hugs and prayers to you and your family. You know she is running after some birds and rolling in catnip in that special place in heaven reserved for such pets!
I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to you and your family.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I love my dear cat also and my heart goes out to you. Reading your post just made me cry to think of your loss. It’s like losing part of your family. My thoughts are with you.
Christie
I am truly sorry about your loss. Such a beautiful but yet sad story!! My heart goes out to you!! My thought are with you!!
I am so sorry to hear that your beautiful cat Smokey has passed away. I love all of my pets dearly and I know it hurts to say goodbye. My Sadie cat is very sick and very old. I kiss her good night and talk to her everyday in fear that it will be her last. I am so sorry again for your loss Christie ={
Peace…
So sorry to hear this 🙁
My dog means the world to me, and I can’t imagine how hard this must be for you.
Thinking of you Christie! Our pets are part of our lifeline. Hang in there!
I’m sorry for your loss of your beloved fur baby. I have 5 beloved fur babies. One that I’ve had since I was 17 (I’ll be 29 in a month), one that we have had for almost 2 years and 3 that we’ve had for less than a year. We also feed multiple neighborhood cats so I am a big cat lover.
What a tribute to Smokey that she was so loved and will be remembered with such affection. She was lucky to have had you (and vice-versa).
My most heartfelt condolences. Take care.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Animals play a large part in some of our lives, some people find that curious, and some people totally understand. I’m sorry you lost your sweet friend. 🙁
i’m so sorry for your loss 🙁
I am crying as I write this. I understand the depth of your loss and am truly sorry for it. I, too, lost one of my dear cats (Rocky) just 4 weeks ago. I still think I see him everywhere. May the hole in your grieving heart heal over time. Best wishes to you.
I am so sorry to read of the loss of your pet and companion, Smokey. Throughout my life, my pets have blessed my life and home. The pain of their “good-bye” is not diminished just because they were our four legged family members. Thank you for sharing your compassionate experience. I offer my thoughts and prayers to you and Smokey’s loved ones.
I’m so sorry about ur loss. I know what it feels like to loose a pet friend like dat. Even I had a furry friend like urs. Urs been with u for 19 years and mine was with me for only 2 years. Some1 poisoned my cat. But she also pawed me every morning, to wake me up, like ur companion did.
I lost my cat of 18 years in December. I found her Thanksgiving Day 1994, when I was only 14. She was my best friend and I miss her every day, but it does get easier. Instead of crying when I think of her, I smile now. I will pray for you and Smokey.
I am so very sorry to hear that your little Smokey has passed. It is always so very hard to loss a member of the family, my prayers to yours. May your days be filled with love and joy. Again, so sorry.
I’m so sorry to hear of Smokey’s passing. She was well taken care of and well loved!
So sorry for your loss. We had 8 kitties and sadly one passed away a few years ago. I dred the time when they all go. They become so much a part of our lives!
Christie, I’m very sorry for your loss. I lost my precious kitty, Champion Mary Meow Kentucky Wildcat of Higherground “layla” after 17 years. Each pet has it’s own special personality and touches it’s person in ways that sometimes are deeper than our human companions. Animals accept us unconditionally at all times..whether we’re sick, ugly, tired, grumpy..their love never changes. Try to remember that your baby has crossed the rainbow bridge and is with all the precious ones who have passed before while awaiting your reunion. “If tears could build a stairway and thoughts a memory lane, I would walk right up to Heaven and bring you home again”
She will always be with you in your heart and memories and in that way she will never pass leave your side 🙂 God Bless….
I also just have to say I know what you are going thru as I am a pet owner and have lost many good pets to cancer ,God bless and take it easy.
I lost my cat earlier this year as well. It’s so sad when our little companions go.
So sorry to hear about Smokey Christie, I read your post and the tears started rolling, I send you many hugs.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Christie. It’s hard to lose such a dear part of the family, especially one that was with you for so long. We lost a dear part of our family last summer, our bearded dragon, Yoshi, so I know exactly what you are going through. I cried for a month when he passed. It’s amazing how much our furry babies enrich our lives. Just when we think we are saving them, they are actually saving us! Thanks for all you do for us and God Bless!
So sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Smokey. Your story brought tears to my eyes. Our pets are so much a part of our family and losing one is sometimes even harder than losing a person in our lives because of the unconditional love and affection they show their owners. Although your beloved pet is no longer physically with you, you have your precious memories that will remain in your heart forever. Take care and may God bless and comfort you in your time of sorrow. Debbie
I too have lost very special pets through the years. It is the hardest thing you ever have to do. But 19 years, wow, that is a very long life for a cat. I know you were very lucky to have had her for that time, but I’m sure she was lucky too, cause she was very loved!
I am so very sorry for your loss I have five cats and every single one of them is like a child to me. You will just have to remember all the great times you had with her. It is never easy but it will get better.And you have to remember you had 19 more than likely wonderful years with her.
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. I know to well the feeling of losing a pet, you don’t just lose a ‘pet’ you lose a family member. I shall keep you and your family in my prayers.
Hope you are feeling a bit better today. I’m so sorry for your loss…… {{hugs}}
I am so sorry about your loss Christie.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I’m a pet lover and have an 11 yo border collie mix that I adopted at 11 weeks old. They give us unconditional love and joy that in the end we can only give them dignity, My heartfelt sympathy to your and your family.
So sorry for your loss, I’ll pray for you to feel better quickly, you seems to be a good ang loving person.
I am so sorry for your loss.
I am very sorry for your loss. I understand what you mean about Smokey being such a part of your life for such a long time as my cats are 19 and 20. She will be missed but she will also always be in your heart. Take care.
I’m so sorry to hear that! I know how you feel. I have had a cat or two all of my life and always enjoyed their cuddles and special attachments to me. Our most recent cat Sammy, I got when he was about 5 weeks old from a friend, in May of 2005. This friend was playing rough with him, and I always blamed that on why he was kind of aggressive towards my husband and other people. But he wasn’t with me. Anyway, this past October, a stray cat showed up and just adopted us. Then a couple of weeks later we had our third baby. About 4 days later, he disappeared and didn’t return. 🙁 It’s hard because I don’t know what happened to him and my older girls still ask about him and we still refer to the room where his food/litter box is, as “Sammy’s Room.” We’ve been trying to call it the sewing room, but it just hasn’t caught on. Take time to grieve….it’s ok! 🙂
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this terrible time of loss. May your memories comfort you through this….
I’m so sorry…I’m a huge animal lover and my eyes are wet as I’m writing this. I especially love the picture of Smokey under the chair…sweet fluff ball!
I lost Dixie, 12 year old Lab, 4 years ago. Sorry to all who lost the love of a pet, i know your pain.
It’s amazing how insignifigant everything else can feel when you suffer such a loss. My thoughts are with you.
I am so sorry for your loss. I adopted my Harley when I was a freshman in college. He’s been with me for all the major milestones since- college graduation, Master’s graduation, bought my first car, started a career, met my now husband (whom I only married because Harley approved, too!), my wedding, etc… How wonderful that you had 19 amazing years with Smokey. I’m praying for comfort for you.
Smokey was lucky to have you. I just had to put my cat down last month. It still hurts. Remember the good memories. <<<>>>
Memories of Smokey will forever be in your heart, the pain will never completely go away, Years have passed since someone stole my dog that we had from a puppy, I know its not the same, but I still think of him from over 20 years ago. Take care of yourself, as you can see youre not alone, we all understand, and know the love of a furry one… God Bless you and your family
Christie,
I am so sorry for your loss. A pet stops being a pet once you open your heart to them. I feel your loss since I too lost my dog close to a year ago. Stay strong and know that Smokey’s spirit still resides in your heart.
Chritie,
Smokey was so blessed to have such an amazing friend. My all his amazing memories keep you strong during this difficult time.
We just adopted a cat this past November and we ADORE him. I hope we get to have him as part of our family for as long as you had Smoky. Sorry to hear about your loss. It is hard to lose a pet!
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Pets truly become part of your family. I had a dog (a mutt I received for my 7th B-Bay!) for 15 years (1976-1991). He survivied being hit by a car multiple times (he hated being confined!!!) & being shot. It was finally the after-effects of a stroke that took him from me in 1991. He was with me through my childhood, H.S. Graduation, my wedding, & the birth of my first child just 5 months before his death. I still miss him so much even after all these years!!! Myself & my family are hard-core animal-lovers & we have our pets buried in an pet cemetary, so I visit his grave as often as I can. You’re not alone in missing your beloved Smokey, as pets really leave a ‘paw-print’ on our hearts!!!