Last night our cat Rado (pronounce as in Silverado) died. We think he suffered a massive sudden stroke.
All animals are unique, God’s creations, and Rado was a very special gift for 6 years. A former stray, he came into our lives unexpectedly as a battle-scarred scruffy guy who had enough of the rough life. So, six years ago he took a chance on us, and from that moment to this we were forever grateful for his presence.
After the initial vet check and neutering, Rado immediately sought to find his place in our family and was uniquely gifted at expressing thankfulness. He lived his absolute best life for the past six years and was reciprocally cherished beyond all imaginings.
As his battle scars healed, Rado blossomed into his beautiful Russian Blue best. A truly handsome fellow, and incredibly unique in cat disposition. His heart was a feature of his personality that exceeded his good looks.
Each day Rado would check on his peeps, making his forever faithful patrol rounds to see what everyone was doing, a trait later called his ‘security checks.’
Once he knew his humans were in their appropriate and familiar places, he would go about doing cat things – napping and enjoying his best life, while remaining watchful and forever thankful.
It is said that pets generally will attach to one member of the household, and I have found that to be true in all cases until Rado. He received a middle name because he just seemed to need one. Thus, in his second year, Rado became Rado-Thomas.
As if he were forever as concerned about equitable devotion as he was for showing appreciation, Rado Thomas loved everyone equally with his full appreciation.
His intentional efforts were uniquely noticeable. Through each and every day of the six years he put time, effort and energy into making sure his adopted humans knew he was thankful.
In the life of Rado Thomas, perhaps an outcome of his origin, he never once took anything for granted. He loved very well. “Those outside days are over,” he would seem to convey, “this inside stuff is just way better.” With that expressed opinion solidly as his foundation he never once again looked wistfully toward the outside; nope, not even a twitch or a flinch. “Right here” was his place, right here.
Rado was an unexpected gift upon arrival and became a visible reminder of how to define ‘steadfast’. “You move, I move, that’s just the way it is human,” and with his companionship, even when it was totally undeserved, that’s just the way he was.
I am sure many readers will understand when I say he was more than ‘just a cat‘.
Rado Thomas will live forever, deeply in my heart.
Farewell my boy, I love you.
~ Sundance
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Beautiful eulogy for such a profound creature.
Sorry to hear about Rado’s passing. Our furry friends are so special! I’ve shared your loss and continue to share your joy as a shepherd for furry creatures.
May the Lord continue to bless you in all you do.
My heart was hurting as I read this. For Sundance and his family, who will long feel Rado’s loss. Six years seems far too short a time to be allowed to know and love such a singular feline. And I’m re-hurting a bit for myself, I admit. My husband and I have had 13 cats over 35 years. We loved them all, all distinct personalities. But Roo, who we lost this past April, was simply in a class by herself. Also a stray, like Rado. But emaciated and hurting. She chose us and our home and, like Rado, was so obviously grateful to us all her life after — loving both of us equally in a way no other cat ever did. We miss her daily, despite having four cats currently. But that does help. A lot. When the time is right I hope Sundance and family allow another cat (two is better) to grace their home. Such a cat or cats would clearly have a wonderful home indeed.
Awwwww…💕
He is just beautiful. I am so sorry for your loss. I know it is heartbreaking. Hugs.
He will be there with you… for as long as you live. Ironically, I “saw” my first cat, Chaucer, (who died 37 years ago) just last night, dashing across the kitchen floor. (in a house he never lived in) They do hold special places in our hearts and our minds. But you know that already. They choose us and we are blessed that they do. I’m sorry for the loss of your buddy… but know that he is still there in your heart and your memories
Such a handsome little guy! So sorry for your family’s loss. My heart aches for you. We’re a feline family as well. (Love dogs too). God will send a special little one to you again, when the time is right!
On my website for Monday 12/19/2022 under Special News an Exceptional link of Rado Thomas…
May he rest in peace to meet us when our time is over along with my cat Kirby.
https://kirbysaid.blogspot.com/
Deepest condolences.
Deeply sympathetic about your loss, but deeply thankful for the time you had to enjoy and appreciate eachother.
I’m so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute to your thankful kitty
Pets are here to comfort us in a deep way that undeniable to those who have been open to caring for them and letting them share our homes/lives.
My lawyer friend of many years bristled when I told him of my love of my whippet whom had passed tragically, my belief is that they are spirit as we are, and the wait playfully while time come when we will cross the bridge to their playground.
IQ has nothing to do with Spirit intelligence.
You’ll see your companion again ……….
Truly sorry for your sudden loss. I know the feeling of love and grief at the death of an exceptional good boy cat. Rado-Thomas was the perfect example of mutually assured affection. Be at peace.
Beautiful boy sorry for your very painful loss.🥲
Unconditional love.
Amen.
What a lovely, heartfelt tribute to such a handsome fellow who was truly a member of your family, and not ‘just a cat.’ Thank you for sharing your story about him.
What a beautiful cat! I am so sorry. Cats are family. Many posts here have cited the Rainbow Bridge; I first read that at a vet’s office about 12 years ago and never, never forgot it. It is comforting, even though it brings me to tears just thinking about it. Condolences. Words are never enough.
What a loving tribute to one of God’s miraculous creations!
I marvel at the wonder of life more intently in my old age, than ever. The uniqueness of design, function & reciprocal joy of companionship, is beautiful.
As a retired RN, the truly unfathomable depth of wondrous chemical & electrical systems needed for life to exist, leaves me in awe.
Man, despite what some scientists say, cannot create anything – make something -anything! -without atoms & molecules -a starter batch, if you will.
I believe Rado Thomas will be with you forever, that all of us will meet our beloved companions again. Lives so dear surely are beloved by God, for He chose some be present at the birth of His Son.
Blessings of Christmas!
Rado Thomas – a very handsome cat. It is hard to know that such a beloved pet is now gone. Thanks for sharing your tribute to him. You’re so right in saying we know he was more than “just a cat.” Wishing you comfort in remembering all his unique characteristics. I had four cats and adored them so very much.
I’m a cat guy, so I feel your pain at losing your cat, Sundance.
I like to affectionately refer to cats as meowsters.