We interrupt regular blogging to report very sad news. We lost our beloved Grouik yesterday.
Here are some words from his human followed by pictures of Grouik.
Grouik didn’t come home yesterday.
This afternoon, we walked around the neighborhood looking for him, asking the neighbors if they had seen this cute, slim, black and white tabby. Neighbors often saw him in their backyard, and their little girl nicknamed him Oreo. They found him yesterday ca 2pm, he had been run over by a car.
Those who had the pleasure to know him knew he was the kindest cat (he even greeted us with a short meow when we opened the door for him), he has never ever been sick, he was always [successfully] begging for food yet remained perfectly fit. He often climbed onto my right shoulder so he could walk with me and observe the world as any cat deserves to, right on the top. He usually walked all over me in the morning, purring his way to long, exclusive petting with his irresistible cuteness.
I have spent 14 years, a little under a third of my life with my beloved Grouik. He was 14-ish, although I never knew when he was born. He adopted me when he was a tiny kitty back in 1998, he was brought over by a former colleague (I remember him running around the office floor, chasing computer cables). He spent his life in France (Bobigny, Agde, Paris 18, Viroflay), Ireland (Dublin), Belgium (Brussels), and Rye, NY. He had a wonderful, wonderful life with humans who were all fond of him, visiting many places and tasting local food, should it walk, crawl, fly, dig holes in the ground, or hop up the trees.
We just came back from the animal cemetery in Hartsdale, NY, they will take care of him. We’ll pick up the ashes on Tuesday… But my Grouik will not come home anymore.
Here is the last photo we took of him.
Just a few words from me (Texas’ human).
Grouik was an adorable and sweet cat, grumpy at times although very rarely, often mischievous and that was part of his charm and of why we love him (no past tense on purpose).
He had the cutest way of sleeping, his head on his paws. He loved to go out and hunt. He was always somehow out, whether it was on the roof of a 7-story Paris building or in the yard in France or in the U.S. He loved to be out. He loved to eat. He hated car travels. He loved catnip and raw meat.
When he was on his human’s lap, he could purr so loudly that I always thought his purr was sounding a bit like a Geiger counter. A lovely, furry ball of sweetness.
We greatly miss him and hope he can keep on chasing chipmunks where he is now.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I will kiss my kitties twice in Grouik’s honor.
Thank you so much. This is such a nice and sweet gesture. We really appreciate. Thanks for the reblog too.
We are so very sorry to hear this news. We did not know Grouik, but he sounds like a delightful kitty, and a world traveler and used to being outdoors, that’s for sure, but cats can’t tell how fast a car runs… We are sad to know he is gone now.
Thank you.
No, they cannot tell. Even humans cannot always tell :-(
We are so sorry to hear this, and such a well-traveled kitty I sure had stories to tell so we still hope to hear about him now and then.
Thank you.
We will keep on sharing stories and pictures of him. And we will create a special page for him.
Dear Texas, it is really too sad, that Grouik did this long travel from France to be killed now when he enjoyed so much this new life! I share your sadness! Take care and lot of hugs to you and to Grouik in heaven!
Janina
Thank you.
You and I were very fortunate to have known him I think. It was an honor.
We are so sorry for your loss. We didn’t know Grouik very long but we will miss him nonetheless. Godspeed, and soft purrs from the Katnip Lounge.
Thank you so much for your words and purrs.
We appreciate them so much.
Oh No – how sad:(
:-(
And please to transmit my condolences and sadness to your humans, especially to Hervé who is Grouik’s Dad! The pictures above are very beautiful and moving and show as lovable and sweet Grouik is. RIP Grouik.
Grouik’s human chose them himself, among the hundreds we have of him.
I (Texas’ human ) asked to add the next to last one, the one of him on the chair, next to the table with the cake on it, waiting patienty for some treat of some kind.
Oh! We are all saddened by your loss of Grouik. Cats are such a part of our lives, and when they go, they leave behind cherished memories that are etched in our hearts forever.
Sending yous comforting purrs and kisses
Nellie, Kozmo, the hairy slobbery sisters Bob and Cinnamon and Mommy and Daddy
So very true.
Thank you so much.
I feel deeply with you about your loss. Having had more than one – 3, in fact – kitties run over on the highway in front of our property, I know how it feels. And we’re constantly worried tha one of our other 7 kitties will venture out there and be run over.
Thank you. I understand your worries all the more.
My Motor Mommy has tears in her eyes reading this wonderful tribute to your sweet Grouik. (Mommy, too, had a kitty {her Beezy} for 14 years before me, so she knows how deeply it hurts.)
“Wheezyrider” is right: we need to hug our loved ones a little tighter tonight in memory of your Grouik.
Purrayers for your comfort…..
Love, Sundae
Thank you so very much for the kind words and purrayers.
It is very much appreciated.
What a sad loss, but what a beautiful, fun-filled memorable life to have enjoyed.
Thank you. I don’t want to talk for Grouik, I was only his human’s wife, but I do believe he would agree.
My human and are so very sad and sorry about Grouik. And we were just enjoying his post with the chipmunk. :-( Purrs to you and your family today – I know you have big holes in your hearts right now… and we do too a little.
Thank you so very much for the purrs.
The holes are very big indeed.
Dear Grouik’s Family,
Even though I know there are no words to comfort you, like many others, I will try. From the first moment you held that tiny being he started to cast a spell on you. Weather it happen quickly or took more time, you eventually realized that he had captured your heart. Whether you met at a breeders clean, well-run facility, in an ally ripe with the smell of garbage, through the cage door of a rescue or are introduced by a friend, we know this tiny being will leave us much to soon. No matter how long our furry friend stays with us, they always go much to soon. Now we can only pray that they are happy and comfortable, napping in sun puddles and chasing squirrels, and maybe, they wait for us to come home again, to find toilet paper shredded and cathair clinging to heavens draperies. Perhaps their leaving so soon is the price we pay for a love so absolute and unwavering. Whatever the universal plan, someday you will think of Grouik indulging in a gourmet treat. , or be reminded of his soft fur brushing your shoulder and even as the tear comes to your eye, a smile will touch your lips. I hope the smiles comes quickly and last long. We have all enjoyed getting to know Grouik through this blog and I know we will all miss him.
Deepest Sympathy,
Dorothy, Jacob, Fretta (humans)
Mistletoe, Tiger, Pumpkin, Hitch (feline)
Lizzie (canine)
Thank you so very much for these wise, kind and lovely words.
I’m a bit at a loss for words but again, thank you.
Aw, Dorothy, what a sweet expression of sympathy. Everyone who’s ever been loved by a kitty knows all the feelings you expressed…
Thanks for putting words on my emotions. Thank you too.
so sad to read this – sending thoughts from oz…
Thank you.
We are so sorry about Grouik! Our sympathies are with you and your friends.
Bella and DiDi
Thank you
We are so very sorry for your loss! We didn’t know him long, but we know how hard it is to lose someone you love and is part of the family. We are purring for you, that you will find peace of heart and comfort soon.
Thank you so much. The purrs help a little.
I’m very so sorry to hear about Grouik…me and mom can’t stop tears….he was so beautiful handsome kitten…we immediately fell in love when we saw his pic on texas’s blog….still can’t believe we can’t see him anymore…I’m so sorry for your loss…
We never foget that we could meet this gorgeous lovely Grouik…
Please rest in peace, lovely Grouik.
Thank you so much. I’m pretty sure Grouik would have appreciated this lovely tribute to him.
We send our condolences for your loss. We know how it feels. Please feel free to contact us privately. I live near the Hartsdale cemetery.
Thank you so much. I will contact you in the next few days.
I’m so sorry about your beloved kitty. He will be greatly missed.
Thank you very much. He will be greatly missed indeed.
Texas, my furriend and Miss Carine and hubby. No words can help. We have such leaky eyes it is hard to write. Mom will email and call later this week. Grouik is only physicallygone, not in his spirit nor your hearts. Celebrate his life. And most likely, sometime in your deepest sleep, you will feel his soft paws cross gently over your covers and know he knows he was well loved. Paw pats , Savannah.
Thank you Miss Savannah and Savannah’s Mom.
Those kind words went straight to our hearts.
So sorry for Grouik….it’s so hard to lose a friend….
Thank you. It is hard to lose a friend and a member of the family.
Granny and I are so sorry for the lost of Grouik. We hope you derive comfort from the beautiful times when Grouik was still with you on our planet and hope you’ll be all together again one day.
Thank you.
We are thankful to be able to still see his cute face on pictures and videos, and of course in our lovely memories.
I am so sorry for your lost of Grouik. I have lost a cat before though not in these circumstances, so I know that it isn’t easy. Time helps but doesn’t erased the memory. I hope you stay strong and for your human mommy and daddy too. Much love to you all. Take care.
Dear Lisa, thank you for your kind words. We appreciate.
Oh Texas, weee’s are sooo sorry. Give your Humom and Daddy a big hug from all of us. We don’t weally nose what else to say, cos it’s soo sad. :(
Big Hugs Mollie and Alfie xxx0000xxxx
Thank you so much Mollie and Alfie. The hugs always help a little.
I’m sorry for your loss.
Thank you, Clowie.
We are heartbroken to hear this sad news about Grouik. It sounds like he lived a very full and happy life thanks to your tender loving care for 14 long years. If he loved being out and exploring I’m sure he’s continuing to do that over the Rainbow Bridge while his spirit stays with you to watch over you and Milou and Texas from afar. Words fail to express the depth of the loss you’re feeling now; just know there are MANY of us out here who mourn with you.
Hugs from your friends
Sammy and his Mom Pam
Thank you so very much Sammy and Pam. This is so lovely said. We appreciate your support.
So sorry to read this sad news. It’s so hard for me to find the right words to offer you some comfort. Please cherish all the lovely memories of Grouik deep inside your heart, he had a wonderful life. Take care.
Dear Herman,
It was only about 10 days ago, I was crying reading your posts about Jones, your Little Miss Sunshine. At that time, I wondered how I could manage the pain of such a situation. The situation is different but the loss is the same.
Thank you so much for your kind words. We will always cherish the memories of Grouik.
I Am so sorry…..
Thank you, Rumpy.
I am so sorry for your loss, it’s so hard to lose a beloved pet, you are in our thoughts.
Thank you so very much. We appreciate.
Thanks for your kind comments, all of you.
I just had a smoke on the deck, and I found myself staring across the street, expecting to see Grouik popping out in the neighbor’s front yard where he used to go every day.
I guess I’ll feel the same thing when we cook lunch, he had an acute sixth sense that allowed him to be aware at the precise moment we unwrapped meat, he would hop on the kitchen window sill and make clear he wanted his share of the loot.
Oh no! That is such sad news. Poor little man! Hugs from over here.
Thank you so much for the hugs.
I’m so very sorry.
Thank you..
Thank you so very much to all of you for your comments, warm thoughts and purrs. We really really appreciate and although we still have to force ourselves to realize that we won’t be hearing Grouik meowing at the door anymore, it helped a little to read all your messages.
Texas, Milou and their humans
Even though we, too, just got to know Grouik, we feel his loss. We are sorry beyond words at the pain we know his passing must bring to you….
Thank you for your nice comment.
I’m paying my respects to Grouik. He’ll be met at the Rainbow Bridge by many furrends.
Thank you for Grouik.
So sorry for your loss! I have just found your lovely blog thanks to Savannah and am sorry that it was such a sad time I am first meeting you! Grouik sounds like a lovely cat! Sending hugs
Hello Basil,
Thanks for stopping by and thank you for your kind words.
Dear Texas (Milou and humans) – incredibly sad to hear about the loss of that special fellow Grouik. Such a well travelled boy and the greatest of hunters. Adore the picture of him sleeping with his head in his paws – you do have so many lovely shots of him. xxx
Thank you so very very much.
Mommi and I awe twooly sowwy fow youw loss
Gwouik looked like a bootiful and vewy speshull kitteh
I hope he is nesting comfowtably ovew the wainbow bwidge, whewe all of us will be united some day
sending you comfowting smoochie kisses
ASTA
Thank you so very much for these kind words.
We want to drop by and express our condolences on your loss of Grouik. We took a look at all the lovely photos you have posted of him, what a lovely tribute. We hope your memories of him will bring you comfort at this sad time.
Purrs,
Mindy, Moe, Cookie, Mike
Thank you very much. We are indeed very grateful to be able to have hundreds of pictures and many videos of him on top of our precious memories.
We’re very sorry for the loss of your dear Grouik. Purrs and pawhugs!
Thank you so much for your comment.
I didn’t know hom and I wish I had. he was a handsome dearly loved family member and having gone thru the same thing just 6 months ago, I feel the pain with you.
Blessings and know we all care so much and hope that time will heal.
Awww I am sorry for your loss too. Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by. It is very much appreciated.
Oh my friends, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. We will keep you all in our thoughts and purrs.
Thank you very much for your warm thoughts and purrs.
Sad news. Strength and comfort to all of you there.
Thank you very much for your comment and words of comfort.
I am so saddened to hear this news of the loss of your beloved Grouik. The photos you have posted here of your sweet boy are absolutely precious. You are in my thoughts.
Thank you so very much. He is indeed greatly missed.
This is a perfect example of why I NEVER let my cats out unattended. Hope that he was killed instantly, and never knew what hit him. Nice cats need guidance from their humans to keep them safe. What about a nice outdoor kitty pen for your other cats? Many are sold online. See my blog Witness–Ode to Cotton.
We came to paw our respects, soft husky woooos,
RA, Isis & Nanük
Thank you very much. We appreciate.
My blogging friend Miss Whiplash http://misswhiplash.wordpress.com/ , who lives in Bulgaria, is on holiday in the UK and heard about your poor cat. She has asked me to tell you how sorry she is and that she will write to you as soon as she’s back home.
I’m sad for you, too.
Thank you so much for your message and Miss Whiplash’s message.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I don’t really know what to say, but I hope everyone is doing alright. He will be missed.
Dearly missed he is. Thank you.
You’re all doing ok?
We’re a little better but we are still having a hard time thinking this is real. But it has helped going back to reading your blogs and of course all your nice comments.
Purrs
Oh, we are so sorry to hear that your sweet Grouik has gone to the Bridge. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs and nose kisses
Thank you so very much
So deeply sorry for your loss, and so sad for you. I know all about the grief when loosing a dear catfriend and 4legged companion.
Awwww thank you for stopping by.
I am SO, SO sorry for your loss :(
Thank you and thanks for stopping by. It is very much appreciated.
Oh dear Texas. I’m so sorry for you and your family. Sending you all a lot of purrs, my friend
The purrs are very much needed and appreciated. Thank you.
So sad :(
It is :-(
Thanks for stopping by Miss Satchie.
puwws to you and your family!
My dad is very sad at reading about your loss. He knows the pain of losing one of us that he’s had for many, many years, and he says his heart goes out to you. He tells mom he doesn’t even want to think about the day I leave them, and she tells him to stop talking like that. We are all so sorry for you.
I understand your Dad. Thank you for your message.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our Mom knows what that is like. Before she adopted us, she had a kitty named Mischief and he was almost 19 years old before he got really sick and died. We know he went over the Rainbow Bridge and is playing with Mom’s other fur people who are over there. Maybe Mischief has already met Grouik. We are sending you and your fur people hugs and purrs.
Awwww you are so sweet! I’d bet Grouik and Mischief would get alone perfectly :-)
Thank you.
I’m so very sorry…I truly hope each and every day gets a bit easier for you all.
~d.
Thank you so very much.
I’m so sorry. My Sophie, a black cat in a rural area, met the same fate in September 2007. I swore then that I would never have another outdoor cat. I was devastated the morning that a neighbor lady called to tell me what had happened, and while I got Zoey the Cool Cat a day later, it took me a couple of weeks to get over Sophie, mainly because I made the mistake of looking at her battered body. The thought of a beautiful cat being killed by a car brings tears to my eyes.
Awwww… I am so sorry for Sophie.
Thank you so much for your comment.
Reblogged this on magdalena vandenberg and commented:
As an anipal lover this blog really touched my heart – it’s a touching story to share with cute as cute photo’s.
So very sorry for your loss of your beloved Grouik. Your story brought tears to my eyes. I’m sure he will be waiting for you at the Bridge. (((hugs))) Thank you for sharing his story.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I know this is late but I also know that the pain will still be with you. May God give you strength.
Yes, it is still hard to believe :,-( Thank you fr your kind words.
We have been visiting and getting to know you for a short time now. Mom decided tonight to read about Grouik. She said it made her heart hurt very much. She lost Twinkle at two years old to a car. She tried to get home after being hit and was a few inches from our curb when a police lasy found her and came to the door. She was still warm when mom picked her up. She kept begging her to wake up. We know how much you are still hurting so we are sending purrs, prayers and hugs, Lily Olivia, Maurico, Mist May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Josette
Awww… I am so sorry for Twinkle. Yes, I think the hurt will never leave completely. Grouik and Twinkle will always be in our hearts.
Thank you for your kind words.
Lots of purrs to all of you.
I have been reading your blog for quite sometime but decided to read about Grouik today. This account can moisten any animal lover’s eyes … that “they” will never come back home is a very sad thought because “they” become so much a part of you. I am sorry for your loss.
Purrs,
That is so true. Thank you for taking the time to learn a little more about Grouik.
Purrs