My Sweet Raja 1997 ~ 2014

Dear Friends: My sweet Raja has joined her brother Shadow and all her buddies from this Forum at the Rainbow Bridge. She was 17 ½ years old and had lived 6 months past her brother’s passing. My heart is breaking as I am sure you can all understand. This final act of a Mama's love is so very hard to do but it is the loving way to help our furbabies in the end.... I am trying to focus on the good things and the fact that she didn't seem to suffer in the end. My heart is filled with gratitude to my Sweet Raja for the gift of her love and for this final and amazing adventure that I would like to share with you.

DH and I bought a house in Oregon, right next door to my DD. To go to the closing we tossed around different scenarios for our trip and for our Raja. Do we leave her here all alone for most of the day and have someone come in to give her shots twice each day? In the past when we went away Raja always had her brother Shadow with her. This time it was different and she would be all alone all day.
Do we fly out there for a week and then come home? There was really a lot to do with a new house. If we flew we could get someone to come in and give Raja shots twice each day.... That was a long way to go for such a short time though. Another thought was to drive there….packing the van and taking Raja with us….would she be okay with that? How would she make the long trip? So many questions…so many unknowns. We could stay for a month if she was WITH us. THAT was the most important thing ~~ that she was WITH us and not sitting in our apartment, wondering where we were all day. What to do….hmmmm… We decided that we would bring her with us…in spite of the unknowns!

I got blood work done and a check up at the vet’s. Her BUN and creatinine were worse. There was nothing that I could really do to help that situation…you know that I would have done ANYTHING to help her. She seemed fine though, in spite of the poor kidney numbers. Keep her hydrated and give her Azydyl (spell?) maybe but there wasn't much that I could do about her kidney situation at her age. No matter what I did, she would still be an elderly kitty with kidney disease….and diabetes on top of that!! :sad:

I bought a big kennel for the van. I bought a soft carrier to transport her in and out of hotels. I got all the food and diabetic supplies packed for her. She sat right behind us in the van and soon realized that we were NOT going to the vet office :lol: ….we were going somewhere far, far away. She was quiet as a mouse! She watched, waited, slept and said nothing. That is, until my DH made a turn. She screamed. She was quiet on the Interstate, but when he made a turn, she would yell at him! LOL. Our daughters yell at his driving too and the two of us got such a kick out of how she would scream at him too! I got a video of her doing that too! :mrgreen: With every turn she would scream her displeasure! :lol: On the Interstate she was totally happy and quiet!
Each night we would schlep all our belongings with the cat litter box and her supplies along with our own into the hotel room. She would look around. She would make herself comfortable after examining every nook and cranny in the place! She actually slept between us each night (which she did not do at home!) and seemed to enjoy the traveling life. I expected her to break into the Willie Nelson song each morning "On the road Again"! :lol: because if you know Raja, THAT doesn't even seem impossible!! LOL I was so happy that she was eating and adjusting so well to this traveling. We were so happy to have her with us!! What a great traveling companion she turned out to be. She was not a bit of trouble and was so good the whole time! It took us from Friday to Wednesday and the closing was on Thursday when we took possession of our new home!

When we go to the new house, things went smoothly and in no time we had a beautiful bed with a Tempurpedic mattress….she LOVED sleeping on the bed that was just like “home” after we vacated it and it was properly made each morning! She seemed to enjoy the house and had so many rooms to explore. She was doing SO great! She did her share of hiding (in an empty house that is quite a feat to hide but Raja managed to disappear at times! She was in a suitcase that was standing upright but the zipper was open at the bottom, unbeknownst to me. Four of us were calling her and searching everywhere! She suddenly appeared in the hallway "What are you all screaming about??" and a few days later i happened to notice her butt going inside this one suitcase so I discovered her trick :lol: She was SUCH a character!!)

We were there for about 5 weeks so she really settled in to life in Oregon!! The week we were due to leave, she began to change. Her muscles seemed to have given way and legs were wobbly, she stopped eating and just seemed to be failing quickly. I brought her to my DD’s vet and he gave her Cerenia and sub-Q fluids. She did not improve. We were due to leave and I knew that she was not going to be strong enough to make the trip back with us. I didn’t want to put her through any stress or discomfort. I could not ask any more from her than she had already given and i had to make that horrible decision. My heart broke as I brought her back to the vet. We stayed with her until the very end. DH and I sadly returned over the long 3.000 miles without our sweet Raja. We had only the memories of the trip out there. She was on our minds and in our tears with each hotel room and with each inch of our journey back to Florida. DD has laid Raja to rest next to all her other sweet ones that have passed…so she is there with them and that gives me some comfort in knowing that the new house she loved will always have her presence. This apartment back here in Florida still has so many years of memories of Raja and Shadow ….under the tree….running down the hallway…well, YOU know what it’s like… I can't believe how lonely and quiet it is here.

But...what a Trooper she was! When I think of how brave she was during this trip…and how she adjusted to each new experience….and how much fun we had with her….I just can’t keep from crying. I treasure each moment of her life….17 ½ years is a long time to be blessed with a beautiful kitty, don’t you think? I am thankful for the long years we had but YOU know that in your heart you always wish for about 50 more years to share. She put her trust in me and the FD treatment. For Raja, THAT was a BIG thing indeed! And I thank you all for all the help and support you gave the three of us. We certainly have a LOT of memories….so many tense FD moments shared and after those moments there followed some lighter times…many giggles and laughs as we all learned about our kitties and about FD. Thank you for your friendship and love…..and for all the information you passed on to me and for holding my hand so many times!! Hugs to all of you……
with love and thanks, Pat and Steve

 

((((Pat & Steve)))))

What a wonderful tribute to Raja! I loved the stories of the freeway and the turns - what a hoot. Raja was quite a character! I, too, wish you could've had 50 more years with her, pat. i know exactly what you mean.

Blessings on you as you transition to a life without Raja and Shadow. They were so lucky to have you for their people! :YMHUG:

fly free little one. You are so very loved.

 

Pat, I am so very very sorry. This brought tears to my eyes, as you, Shadow and Raja were one of the first LL families we got to know here in LL. There just are not words to say.... I know, as does Raja, that you made the right decision for her, She will be eternally grateful to you for that decision. She will always be with you, as is Shadow, tucked away in that corner of your heart that is hers, and hers alone. Fly free raja. Remember to send you mom and dad a sign that you made it. Always know that they will miss you terribly, never ever to be forgotten. Mannie will be waiting to greet you, you always were a favorite of his...

 

((((Pat)))) I'm glad I was here today to see this. I'm thinking of you and DH. It sounds like Raja had a blast the last month of her life! I'm sure she is happy to be with Shadow again, but I know your heart is broken. It's so hard to lose two so close together.

 

(((((Pat & DH)))))
Raja and Shadow are together again. I'm sooooooooooooo sorry for your loss. 17.5 years is a long time, but it's never long enough is it...
Pat, my heart is breaking for you.

wings_cat Fly free sweet Raja...

 

lighting Butthead's candle for Raja....
That is SUCH a Raja story :mrgreen:

hugs,
MJ
and Butthead's and Donovan's spirits at the Bridge with Shadow and Raja

 

Wishing you peace - fly free sweet Raja... your love will surround your people and bring them comfort.

 

I am so, so very sorry for your loss, Pat & DH. That was a very beautiful tribute for Raja. She'll continue to live through your memories and in your hearts forever. :YMHUG:

 

(((((Pat)))))

I have so missed your constant presence here along with your stories of Shadow and Raja. My eyes are filled with tears for your loss. I hope you and DH are happy with your new home. Perhaps this was Raja's way of letting you know that she was OK with the change and it was time for all of you to start a new adventure.

Fly free Raja and land softly. You will be reunited with Shadow and at some later time, with the ones you and Shadow love best.

 

(((Pat))) My condolences to you and your DH on the loss of your beloved Raja. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope the memories of your many happy years together, and also of your last trip together, give you some comfort. It sounds like she was truly happy right up until the end of her long and wonderful life. When she let you know that she was ready to join Shadow, you made the hardest but kindest decision you could. Raja and Shadow are reunited now with each other and with the many friends that they made here over the years. Fly free, (((Raja))). You will be missed.

 

Such a beautiful - and very moving - tribute to Raja. My heart goes out to you over your loss. :cry:

(((Pat, Steve and Spirit Raja)))

 

((((Pat)))) Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Raja and Shadow were both very lucky kitties to have a bean like you. Raja was the queen and knew it. She is now with her brother playing and purring.

 

Oh Pat, I'm so very sorry about Raja. My heart and prayers go out to you. You had me sitting on the edge of my chair with reading of Raja's adventure to Oregon. When you are ready, I'd love to hear on video. You and Shadow and Raja were there for Maggie and me in our beginning LLMB days. You made it fun as we bumbled along with the learning curve. What a long and wonderful life Raja had with you. Now she's with brother, Shadow. Fly free sweet Raja. Send your Momma a sign you're okay.

 

(((Sweet Pat and Steve))))

Mike and I are so terribly sorry for your loss. Thank you so much for sharing Raja's latest adventures with us. I am so happy you had that time together. I know how very difficult this is even if it weren't on the heals of your beautiful Shadow crossing. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. I, too, have missed you and your sweet ones.

Fly free, sweet Raja to join your beloved brother.

The Ridge by Carol Notermann

It’s been such a lovely summer, I’ve been napping in the sun.
This morning, other cats and I enjoyed a long long run.
We chased butterflies together. I climbed high into a tree.
And now I think what woke me up was that small bumble bee.

I’ve yawned and stretched, and still I feel that something has begun.
He’s standing there in robes of white, and telling me to come.
I always run to Him you know, when He comes across the bridge
To see if we’re all having fun and if we’ve checked the ridge.

He gives tummy rubs to all of us and pets and cuddles too
I’m glad to see Him every day, when He comes into view.
Each day He takes a different cat, and chats with them a while
Then off that kitty starts to run. I swear they seem to smile.

But now He’s stopped in front of me. He’s said a name I know.
He said to look out towards the ridge. The sun is setting low.
I start to walk out toward the ridge, and then what’s that I see.
IT’S YOU! IT’S YOU! It’s really you. You’ve come to be with me!

My goodness you are running and I am running too!
You stop to bend, but I can jump and now I am with you.
I feel your kisses on my head, as I did in long off days
You’re holding me and hugging me, and into your eyes I gaze.

And now He’s walking with us, as you carry me once more
We’ve crossed Rainbow Bridge together. We’re here at Heaven’s door.
And He has held it open, and told us to walk through
That from now on and forever, I can always be with you.

 

so sorry for your loss (((((hugs)))) from Do Lou and Lisa rb_icon wings_cat

Fly Free Sweet Raja wings_cat

 

Pat, my heart just sunk when I read your post. I'm so sorry to hear about your sweet, sweet girl. I so remember all your stories about Shadow and Raja....they made us all giggle with delight. And what a beautiful story about your travels to Oregon with Raja. She definitely approved of this move.

So fly free sweet Raja and land ever so softly. All your friends will be waiting for you.

Big hugs and lots of love,

Tena, Curry(GA), Sidney and Zeke

 

Pat - I am so so sorry. I came here to see if you posted and am so glad that you did and shared her last days and last adventure with us. Shadow and Raja are two very special cats and I am deeply saddened that you had to say goodbye.

I am sure that Maui is waiting for her with a lovely uniform, err outfit in paw and a job that would be perfect for this little traveler.

Fly free sweet Raja, you are much loved and will be sorely missed.

You gave Raja the last bit of love that any caregiver can give - release from their failing body.

 

((((((Pat))))))
I'm so sorry....and so close together.
When I logged on and saw two had crossed today... I had to wait a bit before coming back to post.
You were so devoted and both kitties knew your love.

The trip to Oregon sounded like a great last adventure for Raja in this life. And now .... a new adventure across the bridge...
Raja is in good company, so many have crossed this year.
Fly Free Raja.

 

Dear (((Pat)))
I'm so very sorry to hear of Princess Raja's passing. You, with Raja and Shadow, were one of the first, to welcome Checkers and me, to LL.
Thank you for sharing that wonderful story of Raja's travels, with us. I too, would love to see/hear, the video. What a funny girl she was, telling Daddy what she thought of his driving.
I'm glad she was able to go to the new house, and her presence will be felt there, always.

Hugs of comfort to you and Steve.
Barb

 

My dear friend!! You were so lucky to have such wonderful kitties in your lives for so long!
You helped me through the passing of my angel Moonie and Copper so just know I am here for you!!
She hung on to the very end surrounded by love and now she is with all our beloved GA s ...
Hope in time you will see what brave and beautiful cats we have all had here. Amazing brave strong kitties
Who have to live with many ailments, and yet still have the time to give us so much love...
I sent you a PM with my info...please get in touch.

To all in FDMB and especially to Pat & Family I send my biggest Hugs and Love you always.

 

Dear ((((Pat & Steve)))),
Raja had a wonderful life with you. She was indeed Queen Raja. Pat, you helped us so much when we first came to FDMB with Stu. He, Shadow and Raja were such pals and I know that Stu and Shad-0 and all of Raja's old LL friends are celebrating her arrival at the Bridge.
It was wonderful that Raja was able to share your journey to your new home. It is clear from your description that she enjoyed every minute. She wanted to treasure that adventure and she chose to hold onto it forever in her heart and soul as she begins her new adventure.

Fly free, dear, sweet Raja. You are much loved.

In deepest sympathy,

Ella & Edward, Rusty, and Stu (GA)

p.s. Wishing you a good move to Oregon. Please stay in touch.

 

I am so sorry ((((Pat and Steve)))). Big Hugs to you
I am never good with words at times like these. I know Raja knows how much you love her and I bet she is cuddling or checking out The Bridge with Shadow right now.

Fly Free Beautiful One, Raja

You are much missed, and loved.

 

Oh my heart breaks as I read this .. I am thankful you and Steve were able to have those last few weeks with her and left with good memories to look back on and smile at .. To put her needs above yours and let her go before any more suffering took place, that is true love .. Raja and Shadow are back together again .. I hope that brings you some peace in this time of sadness .. (((hugs)))

 

((((((((((Pat and Steve)))))))))) I'm so sorry to hear of Raja's passing. How wonderful that she stayed to make the trip to Oregon with you and give you all those wonderful memories to cherish. Her highness made sure that your new home was deserving her approval and then made sure she would always stay close by. The time we share is never enough, but she will remain forever in your hearts.

She has left her mark on all her friends in LL as well and I thank you for all your help and encouragement when we were newbies w/ Tess. Thanks to you I haven't been sitting up on that ledge for quite a while.

Fly free and join all your friends waiting for you at the Bridge! wings_cat

 

I'm so sorry it was Sweet Raja's time to cross the bridge. Our time together is always too short, but she will always be with you in your heart. Sending tons of prayers...

 

We are so very sorry to read of the passing of your beloved Raja. The adventures of Raja were always a highlight in LL. And we loved reading of her last grand cross country adventure. What a trooper. Sending love and comfort as you mourn her crossing.
rb_icon

Anne and Liz

 

I'm very sorry for your loss. Raja sounds like a brave and wonderful cat. Fly free, sweet girl. wings_cat

 

Oh, Pat, I am so very sorry to see that Raja has crossed, my heart is aching for you. You did good by her and she lived a great life with beans that loved her. Rest peacefully and fly free, Raja.

 

Pat, I am so very sorry for your loss of Raja. 17 and 1/2 years of time with her is AMAZING! Loved hearing about her journey cross country. You guys will have so many happy memories of her. I know it is very difficult right now for you both. Sending you my sincerest thoughts and prayers. Rest I peace sweet Raja...

 

RIP sweet Raja!

 

Thank you so much Dear Friends for your kindness to us and for all the wonderful things you wrote to us here.
You have all been such a comfort to me in our FD journey and a blessed source of strength during all those years!
I treasure the memory of those sweet times we all shared....bless you all for all you do and for the love you pass
on to others and to your furbabies....hugs to each and every one of you! :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG:

 

This one hurts... I'm so sorry Pat. Raja and Shadow were always special to me, because you are so special to me. (darn, I need more tissue...)

I loved the story of the trip to Oregon with Raja. She truly showed how much of a family member she was by complaining about Steve's turns just like your daughters. That was so funny. And in Oregon it sounds like she loved the new home and blessed it with her approval so when you are there you will have memories of her in Oregon as well as when you are in Florida. That is a beautiful gift.

I remember how she loved to hide in your closet in Florida. So maybe her hiding in the Oregon suitcase was a mini-version of your closet... both held your clothes, right? She loved you and wanted to be near your clothes while hiding.

Shadow can now be close to Raja again and they will watch over you and Steve and send their love to warm you when you feel a chill. I'm sure they are making sure Steve does his crossword puzzles correctly in the morning by sending him secret hints. They will always be around you even if you cannot see them.

I like to imagine that their friends from FDMB welcomed Shadow and Raja home and they are all playing together. And then they smile their sweet cat smiles as they watch over us.

Many hugs (((((Pat and Steve)))) ♥♥♥

 

So sorry Pat. Raja was a real trooper. I hope you enjoy your new home and I'm glad Raja approved it. Take care.

 

(((Pat & Steve))))

I was so sorry to read this morning that Raja has joined her brother Shadow. I cried as I fondly remember my early days here where all our kitties
were friends, taking off from one party to another. So many of the oldtimers have crossed and are now joined together looking down on those that
loved them the most.

We all know how devoted you both were to your extra sweet kitties and both Raja and Shadow will be missed by so many.
I wish you safe travels to your new home in Orgeon.

Fly free sweet Raja and land softly in the comfort of your brothers arms.

wings_cat Raja

 

Dear Pat and Steve,
I'm very sorry for your loss. 17.5 years is a long time, but as others have said.... it's never long enough.
I hope the stories and the memories will comfort you. Fly free Raja dear.... land softly. May there be lots of friends and treats on the other side of the bridge.

((((Pat))))

 

Dear Pat and Steve,

I'm new to LL but everyone here has already shown us their love, care, and compassion for our furbabies, as well as us. The people here have already helped us through some tough times. From reading the posts on this thread, I think it's safe to say you have done the same for many others in the past. What a beautiful tribute to Raja. I'm so glad she enjoyed the trip. With the exception of the turns, so funny! You and your family gave her a wonderful life. She will be smiling down on you from the Bridge, watching over you through the next chapter of your life, hoping that you will love the next furbaby as much as you loved her.

Hugs and Headbutts,
Matt, Ava, JuJu, and KiKi

 

What a wonderful story and beautiful tribute to a very special cat. I'm so glad you have that last fun memory to treasure and that Raja did not suffer for long. You gave her the greatest, most loving gift at the cost of your heartache. I didn't know either Raja or Shadow, but I am crying now over your double loss. Please accept my deepest condolences. Thank you for sharing your story.

Fly free, Raja, and land softly.
wings_cat

 

I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet Raja- sending healing and comfort vines! :YMHUG: :YMHUG:

 

(((Pat))), thank you for sharing your beautiful journey with Raja.
May your heart be filled with light when you think of your girl.


Fly free, Sweet Raja.

 

I, too, am sorry for your loss. Although a relative newcomer to LL, I fully understand the family aura of this special place and the very special people and cats who make LL a true community.

Absolutely loved the cross-country trip adventure. And believe she needed to spend some time in the place her beans would move. Just checking, you know, to make sure it met her standards. It did and she was free to move on. Her beans would be ok.

Comfort for your loss.

Marilyn and Polly

 

Pat,

I'm so sorry to hear about Raja's passing. And 17-1/2 years is still not long enough. Rest in peace dear kitty!

Bonnie

 

Pat,

I'm so sorry to hear about Raja's passing. And 17-1/2 years is still not long enough. Rest in peace dear kitty!

Bonnie

 

((( Pat )))

I'm so sorry to see that Raja has passed. What a tough year. It sounds like she really enjoyed her
big adventure to the Northwest. Bittersweet memories when you return but I hope they make you
smile as you remember all the good times, love, and sweet companionship you gave each other.

 

(((Pat)))
I'm not on here very often and so sorry I didn't see this sooner. But so much more sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your beautiful tribute.
There are no more words but my heart aches for you.

Many hugs~
Caryl