The kinds of posts you normally find on this blog are upbeat, optimistic, with fun DIY adventures to be had!
However, for many years I use to get fairly personal, writing journal-type posts. I actually miss those heart-inspired writings.
Well, today I’m breaking free from what the internet experts say to do. This post is all about someone very special to me who sadly has left us.
This is about missing Lake.
Here’s why we got him…
Read more about Teddy’s post HERE
When Teddy passed
After lots of health challenges, our cat Teddy Bear had just recently passed. I resolved to get no more cats. But the emptiness was so loud. She was an indoor/outdoor cat whom I missed fiercely, especially when I was meandering in the yard.
Read about the stray and getting Lake and Sky HERE
Then the stray won my heart overnight
Not long after, a stray cat walked into our lives very late one evening. She was relentless, wanting in. Being that it was late, I let her in for one night only and found her sleeping ON me in the morning. I was instantly attached! But she was too healthy for a complete stray, so the very next day we paced the neighbourhood and found the owners.
And my heart broke all over again. So I told my son to climb in the truck, as I needed a cat fix at a pet store pronto.
Meet our tuxedo cat siblings!
And that’s where we found Lake and Skye, a bonded brother and sister. I went back and forth on whether I could do this all over again, but once home, I couldn’t sleep knowing they were there and not with us! So the next day we called and started the official cat adoption process.
So much for ‘just going to look’, heh?
Now 13 years later, I honestly couldn’t imagine my life without them. Purely indoor cats, we were basically all joined at the hip since I work from home.
Skye was the one that had some health challenges. Seems she became diabetic and is now doing well on insulin. It needs to be monitored as things change up, but for the most part, she’s doing well.
But Lake… this big guy has been the easiest cat in the land. He just likes dry food, never any health issues except for one time when he fell ill due to the food he was given. But after switching that up fast, he was perfect again.
Until he wasn’t.
What happened
(the next few paragraphs include info about his passing, but I promise to keep it mild)
On July 5, 2025, as my son was leaving to go to the gym very early, he found Lake laying in front of the front door in distress. He was hissing at Skye as she kept inching towards him knowing something was wrong. I thought they were just scrapping, but we soon found Lake wasn’t able to get up and his breath was raspy. Something was very wrong.
So we called the 24 hour emerg vet, and got him there in about 45 minutes.
I was just SO grateful my son was still home and could drive us in. And I was also grateful it was very early and there was no traffic whatsoever. So many good things transpired…
Sadly, the news was very grave. Lake apparently had an unknown heart condition and suffered a stroke, causing his back legs to go numb. And he was fighting to breathe. So they suggested we say our goodbyes to him.
Numb in shock is such an understatement. How do you go from a cat in apparent perfect health one day to completely gone by the next morning?
The vet gave us all kinds of fancy options on how to proceed, but in my heart, I needed him to come home. For Skye to say her goodbyes, and know he was on our property. So that is what we did.
His resting place is under a beautiful arbor in the backyard where there will never be plants over him, just eventually a lovely stepping stone path marked with some kind of paw to commemorate how special he is to us.
It will be beautiful when we are finished. He deserves that.
I don’t regret where he is, but I do admit I feel sad when I’m working the yard and I pass his spot.
I’d just rather he be on my bed like he always was. Ever present. Every night, when it was lights out time, we’d make eye contact and he’d immediately get up and come towards me, then curl up against me and we’d fall asleep in that position. It was our thing.
He was such a cuddle bug. I miss that so much.
But even his passing was honestly, as perfect as it could get. There was no long term suffering, and no ongoing financial burden. He was such a precious, perfect gift from his adoption until he left us.
We get to love hard when they are here, and remember them dearly once it’s their time.
See him in Favorite Cat Tips from a Vet HERE
Over my blogging years, you’ve seen Lake in posts many times. All these shots I’m showing today was part of a shoot on cat tips I made a few years back.
It’s a really good post. During one cat visit, I asked my fav vet all kinds of questions and nearly all the answers are from him. You WILL learn something, guaranteed. My fav tip is how to get a cat into a carrier without a struggle. It really works!
Lake was such a good model! Give him treats or toys and he’d do anything for you!
Or just leave the photo studio door open while you work and he’d just hang out and keep you company. Especially if there was a sunny spot involved.
The vet told us early on that Lake would tell us what his needs are. He was one that needed to be in control of his everything. So if you sat back and waited for him to come to you, you’d have him forever.
And that played out to be very true. He told you when he didn’t want to be held (not a lap cat at all), but he’d snuggle against you in the biggest way allowing you to wrap your arm around him and pull him in tight when he was up for it!
Oh, that was just the best!
Was this event avoidable?
So could we have avoided this?
Lake had a full physical just in January and they wouldn’t have checked for heart disease, because his heartbeat was normal and strong.
And it’s not even certain that knowing would have helped. The vet said with this kind of health challenge, it’s often too late once something happens, even the first time. It’s just one of those things.
But it’s just hard to understand. You can do everything right but a cat can still leave you overnight? That sure isn’t easy to accept.
Is another cat in the works?
So, is another cat on the horizon?
My son is pining for another cat if not two. Somehow he thinks we need another tuxedo brother and sister! However we are watching how Skye does without her brother first. Our vet suggested to allow Skye to get use to her new normal for now because introducing a new cat to a ‘senior’ (really? at 13?!) can be hard on her. So we’re taking our time with what is for now.
I’m personally leaning towards being pet-free one day because I constantly worried about the cats when we use to travel. And being in my mid 60’s, travel time needs to happen if I want to go again soon, right?!
So, I’m not sure if we will get another cat. Just right now, it doesn’t feel like the right decision. Unless I knew without a doubt that Skye would thrive because of it.
Love you, big guy
Wow. It took me a month to write this post. Normally when I experience loss, I’m writing within the hour. This round, I didn’t go online or share any of this news until now. I just wasn’t ready. But oddly, I now feel comfort, knowing he is properly honored. I’m no longer trying to avoid that heavy feeling because the hardest part feels like it may be behind me now. So, I guess waiting was right for me.
I miss you big guy. But at least I have tons of great captures to remember our life and all those awesome cuddles together. You were perfect, in every way. I just ADORE you!
But I know we will have many future meaningful conversations in the garden. What memory will we talk about next? There’s just so many… xo
Below is a video of life with Lake. Love you forever, big guy…
I am so sorry for your loss. I too am down to 1 diabetic female cat. I lost my other 2 boy cats last year, 1 with cancer and the other with thyroid and kidney disease. That loss was so hard for me.
Thank-you Kellie, and I’m also sorry for your losses. You know the drill very well I see. I hope your kitty stays in good health!
Donna, I am so sorry for your loss. They find a place in our heart that will be their’s forever. Grieve if you must, but he will let you know when he is near & you will feel his love.
Thanks Sharon. Lake was a very quiet cat, but it’s funny how his lack of presence makes our home a little too quiet now.
I am so sorry to hear you lost your beloved Lake. What a beauty he was. There are no words that will fill the hole he left behind, only time will heal you. It’s the price we pay for great love. These animals are wonderful gifts from God and we are blessed to care for them. I believe we will see them all again in the afterlife. Take heart because others feel your pain.
Thank you Suzanne. I feel so blessed we got to love on him for 13 years. He was certainly one-of-a-kind.
Donna, I am so sorry for your loss. Our pets mean so much to us and the love they give us is so special. Hugs to you.
Cindy
Sweetheart, I am so sorry for the loss of your precious Lake. You have honored him over his lifetime and will continue to in your heart where he will always reside.
With support, love and sympathy,
Cindy From Australia
Donna, I’m so sorry to hear about Lake. I know how much he meant to you and how deeply loved he was. My heart goes out to you—he was such a sweet soul and will be missed so much. Thinking of you and sending love. 💔
Such a wonderful tribute blog for Lake. So sorry for your loss, but so thrilled that he and you had such a wonderful life together. Skye is a lucky girl too.
Donna/
I am so very sorry for your loss of Lake. I remember when you got those two kitties and were debating on names !
It’s always so had to lose our fur babies.
If you ever need a getaway to the foothills of the Sierra’s I sure would love to meet you in person as I’ve followed you from the beginning of your blog.
Sending hugs to you and your son,
DonnaRae
So sorry for your loss, what a beautiful tribute written for Lake, rest in peace Lake you had an amazing life 💗
Hi Donna – it’s so hard to say goodbye to our furry friends. If it’s any consolation, I sent a message to Stumpy, my 16 year old cat who left us last year to take care of your boy when he arrives in cat heaven.
Sonny
So sorry to hear about Lake, our pets are family and their loss is hard. I also adopted a brother and sister from the shelter and I dread when the day comes I lose them. Sending you and your son love.💔💔
Please accept my condolences. Losing a pet is just so hard. You have some wonderful photos of Lake. I know just what he felt like. I have been without a cat for several years now and haven’t been able to make myself get another. It is just so difficult and heart rending to have to put them down. You have found a wonderful resting place for Lake. I’m glad you brought him home. And I, too, believe our beloved pets will be among the first we see when we pass on.
Oh, my friend, I am so very sorry… and so moved by the beautiful tribute you have shared here, along with your love for Lake and the way you will honor him in your garden. Pets truly are members of our families, aren’t they? They burrow deep into our souls, our beds, our chairs, and leave a lasting indentation filled with love when they leave. How lucky we are for having their companionship for a time, and sweet memories forever <3
Oh Donna! I’m so sorry to hear about sweet Lake!! I know he was such a dear family member and a heartbreak to let him go. They hold our hearts so tightly and give us unconditional love in their own way. I pray each day will lessen the pain for you and your son, and instead, start to bring a smile to your hearts, remembering every special memory of Lake being in your lives!🐈⬛❤️
Donna, There are no words that can comfort you at this time. The grief you feel makes you hurt inside and just want to crawl to bed. Sick to your stomach and splitting headache. When we love our pets. It can’t be put into words. I had to put my Abbie Road down after we were together 19 years & 9 months.I was 70 at the time, by myself being widowed at 44. Did not want another dog and came up with all kinds of reasons not to start over. House breaking, trip hazard, expense. Than a friend had a dog walk into her garage. After trying every avenue available still no one claimed it. She ask me to just keep it over night as she way flying back to Delaware in a couple of days. Well one night turned into one of our lifetimes. I’m 76 now and what a blessing he has been to me. We never know what life is going to give us or throw at us. We must remember God is in charge and He will see us to the other side. God’s blessing be with you in your grief. Donna F
What a beautiful boy he was! Oh my gosh, I’m so very sorry for your loss Donna. What a gift he was to you!
Sending you a big hug. xo
I have missed your personal posts. So very sorry this had to be the one that brought it back. I know only too well how hard this is, having lost too many dogs to count over the past 50 years. Blessing to you and RIP dear Lake.
Oh Donna! so very sorry about the tuxedo man☹️
We miss our little baby cat every day and it’s been over 10 years. Have to believe that we will see them all again someday. I’ve so enjoyed seeing both of your kitties over the years in your photos and stories. He will be missed and he touched so many more than you could know. Peace to you🙏🏼🌈
😔
We move on, but that doesn’t make it any easier. My girl left me in May. I can’t say her name too loud. I whisper to her a lot.
So Sorry for your Loss , Donna! Our fur babies are the world to us. They sure make our Lives a whole lot better. They are the therapists we never knew we needed! Hugs & Prayers to you, your son & Skye.
Donna, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts.
Goodness, Donna, your lovely ‘tuxedo’ kitties are so much a part of your website. What beauties. Our fur babies take up residence in our homes and hearts and we’re so much richer for it. I’m sorry. Truly am. God bless. ♥️
So sorry about your cat. He looks so much like out cat, Kitty Boy. Kitty Boy is diabetic like Skye. He takes a new drug, Bexacat, once a day (a pill in a pill pocket and he gobbles it up). Thanks for sharing your story.
I can feel your pain Donna. Mine was my dog, Skylar. I had to make the decision to put her down a month ago today due to kidney disease. Sky was a Mini Australian Shepherd. A blue merle with piercing blue eyes. What makes it all the more painful is she was just 17 months old. You were so lucky to have had many years with Lake. I envy you that time you had with him. I also have cats. Black sisters. They also sleep curled up against me or on top of me. They’ve totally house kitties. We’ve had them, will be 16 years this November. Hugs to all.
Lake reminds me so much of my snuggle buddy Kevin – same looks, same behavior. We have two other cats, but Kevin is my special friend. I’m glad Lake’s transition was relatively easy and can only wish the same for all our fur kids.
I’m so sorry that you lost your purrbaby, Donna. They’re such a big part of our lives, and when they leave us, their absence is so deep. They linger in the quiet moments and all those empty spots where they used to curl up. I read your words with tears running down my face. Thank you for sharing his beautiful story. Wishing you and Skye gentle, healing days ahead.