This blog is dedicated to riding.
Today was Betsy’s last ride.
After being a gentle, loving presence in our lives the past 16 years, Betsy has moved on to kitty heaven. Intestinal cancer finally took her from us. Today’s blog post honors Betsy’s memory.
She was never very far from Sarah. They were inseparable.
Betsy and her sister, Lucy, had great times together. They rarely found a chair they didn’t like. In our La Quinta home, they were in this chair more than we were.
We will treasure the memory of our two girls. Now, Lucy is our remaining fur baby. They were best buds, almost from the beginning.
Betsy had an affinity for Sarah, but once in a while, she graced me with her presence, too.
She loved staying warm by the fireplace.
She was a big fan of having her picture taken with Sarah. Betsy was the best cuddler. Ever.
She even stared down deer when they visited us.
We’ll never see another Calico without thinking of Betsy.
A nightly routine here in Carbondale was for the three girls to have quality time together. Sarah read, while Betsy and Lucy sat in her lap.
This was before Betsy got sick.
The last few months have been challenging. Betsy’s cancer slowly ate away her strength. But right up until the end, she always found a place in Sarah’s lap.
This is our last photo of Betsy, shot two days ago.
We gave Betsy a loving, comfortable home since 2004. In turn, she gave us a lifetime of memories.
If you have a memory of Betsy, please honor her by sharing it with us.
We love you, Betsy.
Riding With Gary 
Sorry for your loss. Hard to say goodbye. Blessings to you both Bill
Sent from my iPad The Rev Dr William Shiflet
>
LikeLike
Thank you, Bill and Mary. Appreciate your kind thoughts.
LikeLike
I’m sorry to read this. Can’t think of a better couple for that (mostly) black cat to walk in front of.
And behind.
Beautiful Betsy.
C-
LikeLike
Gary – sorry to hear of the loss, but what a great physical and mental portfolio she left behind. Pets like this don’t just join the family, they become family. And they make our life so much more full. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLike
Than you, Tod. I don’t think we’ve met, but I feel like I should know you.
LikeLike
Oh, we are SO saddened. You know we have been through this too so our hearts ache for you. Steve, Glee and I all send our love and licks.
M
LikeLike
It’s quite amazing how attached we become to our critters, and how long it takes to get over their loss. Thank you for the kind thoughts, Mary (and Steve and Glee).
LikeLike
I am so very sorry to hear of Betsy’s passing. You made a beautiful tribute to her. Our pets enhance and enrich our lives and it’s so sad when they leave us. My deepest sympathy.
LikeLike
Thank you for taking the time to remember Betsy, Sandy.
LikeLike
Thank you Gary for those beautiful thoughts and memories. The photos are so very special. I can only imagine how hard it must be for you and Sarah.
Love,
Linda and Dennis
LikeLike
Thanks, D & L. We feel hugged from the other side of the Continental Divide.
LikeLike
So sorry to read this. She was a precious girl. We still miss Oblio, our tubby little calico.
Hugs to you both
Sent from my iPhone
LikeLike
Thank you, Jo. Believe it or not, I actually remember Oblio, though I don’t remember his dimensions as you described them. 1980s?
LikeLike
A beautiful tribute Gary, a side to you I didn’t know. It’s really hard to loose a pet, they become your best friend, your kid, your constant companion.
Please take care you and Sarah take a long walk and remember your buddy.
John
LikeLike
Thanks, John. It’s a tough loss. The photos and memories will get us through it.
LikeLike
Oh my goodness, tears filled my eyes as we know how beautiful and loving Betsy was when we had the privilege to take care of her and Lucy a few times. Betsy – as shy as she was actually let us pet her. We felt honored!!
We know how heartbreaking it is to lose such a dear family member but she will be around in your dreams. That way she will let you know she is still with you both.
She could not have had better parents!!!!!
Love and hugs to you both and Lucy in a time when you need all that.
Barb and Jim
LikeLike
She took a liking to you guys, and appreciated the TLC you showed her. We miss her terribly. Thanks for your kind thoughts, and for sharing your memories 🙏
LikeLike
I’m so sorry you two. Betsy even liked Vern! Special fur baby.
LikeLike
Sixteen years is a long time. We had Betsy longer than anything else, except each other. In that time, four houses, five cars, three Harleys. But only one Betsy. She was special. And now we have photos and memories. You would totally understand. Thank you for thinking of us. Sending love back at you.
LikeLike
So sorry for your loss. Now I can tell you that Betsy and I would share midnight snacks together at your place in La Quinta every April. As I recall she used to like to help me unpack as well. She was a thoughtful and special gal!
LikeLike
Did not know about the midnight snacks. That’s a great visual.
LikeLike
Omg, so sorry for your loss. She had a brief moment in my life too.
She was a beautiful, sweet girl who lucked out finding you two
wonderful humans!! You guys are the best!
LikeLike
Gay, we owe you a huge debt of gratitude for bringing Betsy into our lives way back in 2004. You said, I have this little kitty that needs a home. Interested?
Yes we were, and you connected us with this precious, tiny Calico who’s been with us ever since. If it wasn’t for you, there would have been no Betsy in our lives.
While this is a sad time for us, we will always be thankful for your role in bringing Betsy into our family.
Thank you, Gay 🙏🙏🙏
LikeLike
So sorry to hear the sad news of the passing of Betsy. I hope she didn’t suffer too much and you are soon smiling again at the wonderful memories she left with you. How is your other cat after losing her best bud? It sucks grieving the loss of a pet so be kind to yourselves the next few weeks.
Love Judith and Jeff
LikeLike
Thank you, Judith. It’s really hard. As you know, the girls were our family. Her memory lives on with Lucy.
LikeLike
I’m sorry for your loss. Pets are family fersure. I’m sure she’ll be missed!
Sent from my iPhone
LikeLike
Yes, Betsy was our family. She leaves behind a lot of wonderful memories, and tons of beautiful photos. Thank you for thinking of us, and her, Gail 🙂
LikeLike
So sorry to hear of Betsy’s passing, pets are so important in our every day lives. They bring so much joy and healing to us. Sending you lots of hugs!! Pati
LikeLike
Thank you, Pati. Joy and healing are what we need right now. It’s a very sad time. Fortunately, we have lots of warm memories and a treasure trove of pictures.
LikeLike
So sorry to hear about Betsy. I didn’t get to see her when she was at Rich’s, but I know how attached we get to our pets. I’m dealing with my cats kidney issues, and I know how difficult their last year is. I know you have lots of pictures and memories of her, but it is still a great loss. My heart goes out to you both in your loss. Lots of love, Jo 🙋♀️💕🐈
Sent from my iPhone
>
LikeLike
Thank you for the kind thoughts, JoAnn. It IS amazing how attached we get to our furry little creatures, then consumed with sadness when they’re gone. We hope your cat is able to successfully fight off the kidney disease (which Betsy also had).
LikeLike
So sorry for yours and Sarah’s loss. I’ve never been a great cat lover, but I know they are precious members of our families just the same. It’s comforting to know you have a lot of fond memories and pictures of Betsy to always hold in your hearts. Hugs and prayers for you and Sarah.
Scott
LikeLike
Thank you, Scott. It’s a difficult time for me and Sarah. But as you said, the memories and photos will be with us for a long time.
LikeLike
Sarah and Gary, sorry to hear Betsy has moved on to Kitty heaven. My memories both in La Quinta and Carbondale were of cuddling kitties and sweetness. My heart goes out to you both🌹
LikeLike
Cuddling and sweetness. That says it all 🙏
LikeLike
Sorry for your loss Gary.
LikeLike