Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Good-Bye to Outdoor Kitty, Gino

The first day of this week ended on a sad note for us as we said good-bye today to our outdoor kitty Gino. His appetite was all but gone, and he began hiding from us, and not coming back inside. The diagnosis was liver failure. There was nothing that could be done.

Gino came to us exactly 2 years and 2 days ago after someone moved away leaving their 8ish cats behind -- The "Loudoun Community Cat Coalition" trapped them all, vetted and re-homed them, and through what can only be described as serendipity he found his way to us.
~The first day we met "the cat with no name"~
At first Gino was strictly an outdoor cat.
But his six month plan to come inside came in a little ahead of schedule. It took him only about 4 months to find a spot inside the house and on the table.
It did take him a little longer to learn to trust the dogs, who in turn got over their fear of him.
Gino truly became part of our lives and household.
For a cat that was supposed to be feral, Gino was a gentle soul.  And when I held him and he purred, on my worst days, it was a great comfort. He was a good friend and good company wherever he happened to be.

Near the end our driveway, where the mowing ends, and the grass grows tall, was Gino's favorite spot. He spent hours there, watching birds, and whatever else crossed his path, and soaking up the sun.
It only seemed right to make it his final resting place.

God speed to our very first "outdoor kitty" who has a place all his very own inside our hearts. We will really miss him.

28 comments:

  1. Such a gentle looking face. So glad he came looking for and found you to give him love.

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  2. I'm so sorry to hear about Gino. Rest in peace handsome boy.
    ♥♥♥♥♥♥

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  3. Awwwww... rest in peace, sweet Gino... and God be with your hurting hearts there on Golden Pines, Kim. Gino knew human love the last 2 years of his life, thanks to you, and for that he will be eternally grateful. You'll see him again... in the gentle by-and-by. Love you, Andrea xoxo

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  4. Ooh Kim, I'm so sad to read this :(
    Gino looked so much like my Oliver cat, the same gentle face and markings.
    RIP sweet boy, you were loved beyond words.
    Hugs,
    ~Jo

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  5. So sorry to hear about the loss of Gino. I am glad he spent the end with you. Take care, enjoy your day and week ahead.

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  6. So sorry to hear about Gino. He was a beautiful boy and will surely be missed. There is something to be said for the comfort of purrs. (((HUGS)))

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  7. Gino, you were so loved, and there is a special place in our hearts where you will always be. Join the others there as you walked through the tall grass to the bridge, Kim, there is, in my eyes, nothing quite like a ginger cat who comforts and loves. His years with you were meant to be. XXXX

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  8. So sad. He sounds like a cat who was once someone's pet...not a true feral. He had a couple of years of spoiling. RIP Gino.

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  9. We're so sorry to hear about Gino. It sounds like he sure was a special boy.

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  10. I'm so sorry. How adorable he was and what a lovely tribute to this beautiful cat. It speaks well of you too because it's not very common to get a full grown feral cat to trust, not only you, but a bunch of dogs as well. I know you will miss him.

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  11. I'm so sorry for the loss of your gorgeous Gino. ;(

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  12. We're so sorry to hear about your Gino the kitty cat. He looks like he was a good soul.

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  13. Not sure if my first comment went through.
    Gino sounds like he was such a special guy. We are so sorry for your loss. :(
    Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets

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  14. it was good to read the story of Gino. I'm so glad he found you and HOME. he felt safe and loved in his last two years at least.
    and that his little self gave you comfort too was such a special gift for you both. I love the pictures of him. bless you Kim! xo

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  15. RIP, Gino. Enjoy your time at the Rainbow Bridge waiting to cross with your loved ones.

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  16. Such a great momma you are . . . to so many.
    Liked the thought of Gino purring in your arms.

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  17. I am sorry, Kim. He was a beauty and obviously a good friend to you.

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  18. I, too, am sorry to learn the sad news about Gino. He was one very special cat, and made himself very much at home with all those canines!

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  19. So sorry for your loss.
    He was a special boy.

    xo Astro and Mitzie

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  20. We are so sorry for the loss. Have been through that too many times but wouldn't change a thing even knowing the outcome. They leave little footprints on our hearts and souls don't they?

    {{{hugs}}}

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  21. So sorry about Gino. He was a beautiful boy and deserves to rest in his favorite spot.

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  22. So sorry to read about Gino leaving you. xxx

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  23. Very late wishing you Godspeed Gino. May you find new friends at the Bridge and we will see you when it is our time

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Speak--I really enjoy your comments! Thanks for stopping by today!!