I wrote last July about my joy and anticipation of traveling through Europe on our first trip being emotionally sidetracked by my sweet kitty of 23 years in the process of dying right into the days I was to leave. I asked for help and you answered. Many people wrote about having similar losses around the time of a trip or the heartache of leaving a sick pet. Though this helpline, I was able to read the idea of having a vet come to our home and help our sick and in pain Samantha along on her way. She had been crying and in pain for what I now see as too long of a time, and I could not bear to bring her to a cold and scary office to be put down and after reading someone's answer, I had the vet come to our home and I sat on her favorite couch with her as she left us. She was here before our children and stood lovingly through out the years and seasons and I feel that I did right by her. Well, while in Gimmelwald we decided to walk up to Murren instead of taking the cable much to the protests of my three children. On the way through the tiny village high in the Swiss Alps, there was a cat that came to us and followed us for a while and it was Samantha's twin. Sam was odd looking with a white body, a few black cow spots, a tiger tail and what looked like brown hair with a part down the middle of her head- not easy to replicate but there on the road less traveled, she warmly greeted and walked a ways with my children who were teary eyed. I have a picture of Alpine Samantha and I can't tell its not her. We took this as a wonderful gift and lesson to take the road less followed, and keep your eyes and your heart open. Thank you for everything. Carol - Lynn, Massachusetts
by the way, the trip through Germany, Austria, Switzerland and France was an incredible experience thanks to RS books, movies and all of you.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
What a wonderful story! My old cat lady is almost 20, and I worry every time I leave for a few days. What a great gift you received in Switzerland!
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
How nice of you to write this Carol. Very touching.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32352 posts
Carol, I'm sorry for the loss of your companion. I've had cats and dogs around all my life, so I can absolutely understand the experience of losing one. It's great to hear that you had such a wonderful time on your trip.
Posted by
Chicago
14 posts
That is a beautiful story, Carol. It sounds like Sam left the world feeling safe and loved.
Posted by
NYC area
2980 posts
Hi Carol, Thanks so much for taking the time to write and letting us know what happened. I think I remember your post for then. Sorry to hear about your loss. We had a similar situation a few years back. Thanks again. Paul
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
Carol...what a beautiful story..that is a memory that will last a lifetime for your children...glad you took the 'road less traveled'... priceless experience.
Posted by
Medford, OR, USA
49 posts
Carol I remember your post very well last summer. This recent post brought tears to my eyes. How special to see a cat that looked so much like Samantha. It's like a gift from your trip. There is a cat who lives here in a shoe store in Oregon. It's an orange tabby (which is common) but it looks exactly like my beloved Rusty who died last year at age 21. All the way down to the "lions mane" and black freckles on the nose. I told the owner and he lets me sit on the floor of the store where the cat suns himself. My heart just needs it. When I went to Greece there were cats everywhere. I loved, loved it. I hope to see the animals of Europe on my Sept trip!
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10603 posts
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story. It brought tears to my eyes. I recently lost my 18-year-old cat, just 3 days before I had major surgery. There was no 'twin' cat at the hospital, but I felt her presence.
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
2777 posts
I just loved this story, Carol. Thanks for sharing it. (I have a 16 1/2 year old dog, who I adore.)
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10625 posts
Thank you Carol. I remember your post and difficult position very well. What happened sounds almost magical, a message of comfort.
Posted by
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
68 posts
Hi Carol, thank you for sharing your sweet story.
I think it is so charming that this kind of love for one of our pets strikes such a familar cord with so many people. You have united an entire group of "bloggers" otherwise strangers with your loving story.
Posted by
Boulder, CO, USA
719 posts
beautiful story, carol. Brought tears to my eyes.