Central Plateau, North Island

Central Plateau, North Island
View from a friend's farm

Thursday 9 August 2018

Basil, February to August 2018

This morning Basil crossed the Bridge, so quietly, with no fuss. He arrived at our home in February, 2 days before we left for the South Island.

He walked in the front door, about 6 a.m. as though he had lived here all his life. He was an old cat, and no-one knew where his previous home had been.

The palest ginger, fluffy, and so loving.

Basil Brush Feb 2018

Gentle, quiet, a meow that was almost silent. He waited for Felicity and Boris to have their meal, then he went to his bowl.A purr that you heard only if your ear was so close to his body.

A few weeks ago he was not well, and although the Vet could not give a definite diagnosis, suggested maybe Feline Aids.

He picked up, until 2 days ago. And from 3 a.m. this morning, I knew today was his last day with us.

Basil Brush #3 Feb  2018

A little over 5 months, we packed so much love and affection into that short time, and he has left a huge gap in our family.

Farewell Basil, your fluffy tail will wag with joy as you meet old friends.

Quotation of the day, from Kahlil Gibran

“ When you are sorrowful look again in your heart,

and you shall see that in truth

you are weeping for that which has been

your delight”

Greetings from Jean.

23 comments:

Out To Pasture said...

Thank you for providing a haven for Basil's last month's. He was a sweet old gentleman.

eileeninmd said...

Hello Jean, So sorry for the loss of Basil. He will be missed, furbabies take a piece of our hearts when they go.

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

So sorry for your loss, it sounds like you gave him some very contented months.

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said...

What a sweet boy and loving home you created for him. <3

Carol Mattingly said...

He looks like the sweetest cat ever. Cats are such mysterious creatures and you never know where one will turn up when indoors. Rest in peace. Carol

Kate said...

Always good to give a cat as much love as possible for as long as they are with you.
Basil will live on in your heart.

Rosemary B❤️ said...

yes, I know this sorrow.
Prayers to all of you for healing.
Basil was a very lucky kitty

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

Dear Jean ~ I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet Basil. He was a handsome boy and a wonderful addition to your family, & he was loved well at the end of his earthly life.

Love & hugs ~ FlowerLady

KB said...

I am so sorry that you lost such a sweet old friend. Basil was lucky to walk through your door... for you were ready to love him through his last months. Rest in peace, sweet Basil.

Lori Skoog said...

He found you for a reason....

Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nana said...

Oh Jean, got tears in my eyes reading about this sweet cat. How lucky he was to end his days with such loving people.

Inger said...

I'm so sorry you lost him, he was such a sweet old cat. The quote, one that has helped me through my grief, says it all. Basil was a delight, the way he came into and stayed in your life. And you gave him the love he needed at the end of his life's journey. A delight.....

Karen, Pixel Posts said...

I am so sorry for your loss Jean. May you always "hear" his purr in your heart.

Barb said...

Such a lucky Basil to spend the last of his Golden years with you and Hugh. Hugs to you in your time of sadness.

Cheryl said...

I am so sorry about Basil, you really made the last bit of his life wonderful.

Mystic Quilter said...

Oh Jean, so very sorry to hear that Basil is no longer with you. He was given love and a wonderful home with you even though for such a short time. I'm sure he will have been so happy and grateful for your care in those last few months.

Mystic Quilter said...

I forgot to say that the quotation of the day from Kahlil Gibran is a much loved one of mine, his book The Prophet sits by my bedside.

Allie-oops Designs said...

What a gift he was, and what a gift you gave him - to have such a loving home for his last bit of time here. Such a beauty.

Jenn Jilks said...

It's so sad to lose a pet. I so sorry for your loss. I'm so happy to count three cats here in the morning!!!

Dione Gardner-Stephen said...

Oh Jean, so sorry that Basil has left you now. He found a place to give and receive love in his last days and there is not much more any of us can ask than that. Thank you for sharing him with us, and thinking of you as you adjust to his absence. xx

Our photos said...

OMG tears came when i read your post......sorry for your loss😢

Hannah said...

Basil looks like a special kitty, my cat also has a very quiet meow which I really appreciate since my daughter's cat had a meow like a crying baby that was very hard on my nerves. I'm glad you got to enjoy having him around for a special time, and also he probably really needed you and you made his last days special.

Fundy Blue said...

I'm sorry that you and Hugh lost Basil, Jean. What a lovely tribute this post is to him. He was fortunate to find you and Hugh who made his last months full of love, care, and security. The Kahlil Gibran quote is perfect and so very true! Hugs to you!