In Memoriam - Cleo

It is with such sadness that I write to tell her many friends that BrightHaven's dear Cleo, died early this morning. It is hard for me to believe that Cleo had only lived here with us for four months – it seemed a lifetime, during which she stole the hearts of all who met her – most generally in our bathroom, which she called her own!

Cleo would spend happy hours gazing at herself in the bathroom mirror and even had long conversations with everyone whilst still gazing in the mirror! She loved nothing more than to snuggle on a “visiting lap” for as long as the person could stay and made everyone who met her feel somehow very special in her life.

Cleo's guardian lady was apparently taken into care with her beloved felines left in jeopardy. The younger cats were taken to the shelter but the old lady was destined for euthanasia, until a lovely social worker lady intervened and determined to save this sweet old gal's life. She found BrightHaven just by chance and you know the end to that part of the story!!

Cleo's first days here were such a joy. She could not decide where she wished to settle and explored every nook and cranny – greeting cats, humans and dogs alike with a cheery smile and even a hug—if it was acceptable. Cleo wished to be everyone's friend it seemed, and chose to mostly experience the joy of our busy kitchen at first, although clearly irritated that the tap at the sink did not provide running water for her at any given time. For several days she made do with the beautiful frog fountain, but that just was not quite right either and so she began her search for better pastures – finally happening upon the fountain in my bathroom, which ran constantly and with greater force – apparently quite acceptable to a feline lady of great quality and distinction!! And so it was – that our bathroom gave itself up completely to it new tenant – happily Cleo settled on Richard's side of the room and not mine!! Too many bits and bobs on my side for her to be comfy!

Cleo suffered hyperthyroidism and we could tell by her emaciation and desire for constant water that her health was in serious danger. Happily, our wonderful Dr. Jeff (Feinman) came to the rescue and took on this dear soul as his new patient. Cleo responded well to homeopathy and all went well. We saw her becoming stronger and so very happy, although she wished not to come out of her domain at all for any reason, and so maybe that could have been an indicator that she knew time to be somewhat short for her.

Just over a week ago, I too realized her time left with us was to be less than hoped, and was surprised and so very pleased when our other new girl Sylvie, stepped up to help with Cleo's nursing. For the last several days Sylvie barely left Cleo's side – by day or by night, when they both cuddled together with me on the bathroom floor-bed we created!

After a night during which Cleo visited her favorite places in the house, she crept in bed with Joey the Chihuahua for a while and then came back to rest with Sylvie and me until it was time for her carriage to come. At 5am I told her I must get up soon and leave her with Sylvie and very soon after, she made her decision to leave. She did so very easily, cradled gently in my arms, and swiftly, with scarcely a movement—other than a swift and final squeeze with her paw for me.

I hope you will not mind me sharing the most beautiful sight which came later…..By now you will know that we have our animals lie in state for a three day period of honor and so this morning I prepared a beautiful basket for Cleo to lie in. After I made her comfortable I went to the kitchen for something and, upon my return, sweet Sylvie had crept into the basket with her friend for a final fare-thee-well. Sylvie remained cuddled close to Cleo for several hours before she finally left to return to her own bed alone.

Like a comet blazing 'cross the evening sky, gone too soon.
Like a rainbow fading in the twinkling of an eye, gone too soon.
Shiny and sparkly and splendidly bright.
Here one day. Gone one night.

Like the loss of sunlight on a cloudy afternoon, gone too soon.
Like a castle built upon a sandy beach, gone too soon.
Like a perfect flower that is just beyond your reach, gone too soon.
Born to amuse, to inspire, to delight - here one day, Gone one night.

Like a sunset dying with the rising of the moon, gone too soon, gone too soon

"Gone Too Soon"
Lyrics by Buz Kohan
Music by Larry Grossman
Sung by Michael Jackson

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