August Second……

This coming Tuesday marks EIGHT FULL YEARS since the one and only Tyler crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

How the heck has it been that long?

Why the heck does it feel like it just happened?

As is my tradition, every year since his passing I re-post this little blogger post to commemorate the loss of my first, and still the best, cat that ever lived.

I see “Phantom Tylers” everywhere.

I feel him jump on my bed almost every night before I fall asleep.

I see black flashes all the time.

While he is in charge of the Rainbow Bridge now with my beloved Tiger and Jackson, he is very much still here.

So grab a tissue and celebrate the memory of my Tyler.

Originally blogger blogged on 8/2/2015:

Late July, 2014.

Tyler had been in failing health all week, by Friday, August 1st, he was barely able to move or clean himself. I fed him some homemade chicken broth, cleaned his feet, brushed him, and helped him curl up on his favorite spot on the edge of the couch. Jackson had not left his side all week, escorting him as he managed to get to the litter box, and even attempting to clean his head.

My poor boy was exhausted, disheveled, and the light was fading from his eyes. His fight was leaving him, I could see it.

Late that Friday evening I sat down with my boy for what would be the last time.

“It’s OK Tyler, I will be OK. Jackson will be OK. You don’t have to worry.”

Tyler looked at me. He purred a soft, tired purr.

I kissed his head.

“I love you, old man. You’re the best cat ever. Thank you for being the best friend I have ever known. You saved my life more times than I can count. Go to Tiger. He’s waiting for you.”

He lifted his head, looked at me, and gave me a head-butt.

That night Tyler crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

He was buried in his favorite red cat bed in my backyard one year ago today, August second, 2014.

RIP Tyler 1999–2014. The best cat ever.