Friday, August 5, 2016

DANTE FOREVER

It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Lacocoon Dante.

January 15, 2002 - July 21, 2016

Many of you have known Dante through his internet presence since 2007, and some of you may be of more recent acquaintance.  It is difficult to express his uniqueness; his pictures speak best.

Dante had a marvelous life, enjoying the comforts of a large sun-filled home, and the outdoors in both his front and back yards.  He was always accompanied by me when visiting out front, but was left free in the back because he couldn't scale the fence; his size and gravity kept him grounded.

Dante was 14-1/2 years old at his passing which was precipitated by heart failure.  For the last few years he suffered from arthritis and was less mobile; also sleeping more due to his age so his poor old heart didn't get the workout it used to.  

Right up until the end we weren't aware that his situation was as serious as it was.  Two days before he had gobbled up an entire chicken breast (broken up into pieces).  However, when we woke up that Thursday morning, Dante had deteriorated rapidly overnight, so we took him to the vet right away on an emergency basis.

It became apparent that Dante was near his end upon examination, and the kindest thing to do was not to prolong the situation.  Dante passed peacefully with the assistance of the vet, with his Daddy stroking his head and me holding his paw (he loved having his paw held and would even sometimes place it there himself).  He was lying between us on a blanket on the sofa, and the love was simply emanating throughout the room.  The vet told him "Here come the butterflies", and so quickly and gently he made his final passage.

Dante LOVED the front garden, especially the weigela bushes.  We have buried his ashes right between them, exactly where he loved to lie.  There was something about the scent of the flowers that he found intoxicating.


It has been a very difficult two weeks since Dante left us, and I could only bring myself now to write about it.

Dante's wonderful life has been documented in thousands of pictures which I will continue to post, because I feel that dear Dante is forever, and should be so remembered.  He is a cat for all seasons and for all time -- and the love that he inspired, both near and far, is his true immortality.



Love you, baby!



79 comments:

Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats said...

You shared your beloved Dante, and his handsomeness, over the internet, with your lovely photos and stories about him. I truly feel like I have lost a dear friend, but know he truly will be Forever. He will be forever missed, and forever remembered! Fly Free, Dante

Unknown said...

I had tears reading this Wendy. I know how much Dante has meant to you - all the love and company shared over the years. He had the very best home a cat can have and you gave him the best life possible. Hugs to you my friend.

Terri said...

So sad to read this. We're sending hugs and purrs your way.

Anonymous said...

Oh such sad news. Thank you for loving him so much. RIP beautiful Dante.
Jan, Milo and Alfie xxx

Unknown said...

He was a very hadnsome boy.

So sorry for you loss Wendy

ZOOLATRY said...

Farewell, beautiful! With love.

Cat said...

Wendy we are so sorry to hear this news. I left a FB comment but wanted to write here as you probably know me better from the blogging forum. Dante was a prince among cats and was loved by all who know him. He will be sorely missed!!!

Love and hugs to you,
Cat and the boys xoxo

ShariYS said...

Oh no, I'm so very sorry to hear! What a beautiful furry soul he was. What joy your pictures and stories of him brought to all of us. What a magnificent cat. I don't know what else to say other than that you have my deepest condolences. He left pawprints on all of our hearts!

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Dante. I know you are holding lots of wonderful memories safely in your heart.

My Mind's Eye said...

Mom and I remember Dante from 4 years ago when he pawticipated in the Summer Pawlympics. He was a most talented balance beam walker. We have posted about him here
https://blogvillepotp.blogspot.com/2016/08/dante-has-crossed-over-rainbow-bridge.html
Hugs madi and mom

The Florida Furkids said...

Our eyes are leaking as we read this. We are so very sorry to hear that Dante has gone OTB. We're sending purrs and prayers to you at this sad time.

The Florida Furkids

Aimable Cats said...

So sudden, and so sad. Fourteen and a half years is not long enough.

I remember the light orange longhair of my youth... he lived longer than Dante, so he left a big hole when he had to be helped to the Bridge.

CJ said...

What a handsome boy! Run free! So sorry for your loss.

Angel CJ

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

I am very sorry we didn't get to know Dante but I wanted to stop by and tell you how sorry I am of your loss. All of us who have suffered a loss of the heart fully comprehend. I am glad for him and you that up until the very last he was doing so well and that he wasn't I'll for a prolonged time. Comforting thoughts and purrs from my kitties.

Jacqueline said...

What a loving tribute to your gorgeous, beloved Dante...I fell in love with that beautiful boy from my first visit to your blog=he was majestic, truly remarkable, one of a kind...Wendy, I am so, so sorry he had to go to the Rainbow Bridge=I know his loss is a tremendous one for your family but there is no doubt "Dante is forever" and I know I will never forget him...I believe true love is an energy that never dies...My thoughts and prayers are with you, Walter, Dylan and Domino at this sad time...Sending love and big hugs to you all...Dante's forever fans=Jacqueline, Calle, Halle, Sukki, Mommy Cat

The Island Cats said...

We are so sorry to hear about Dante's passing. He was such a handsome mancat...we will never forget him. Sending you comforting purrs and hugs.

Wally, Ernie, Zoey and mom Sue

dArtagnan Rumblepurr/Diego Hamlet Moonfur said...

Oh Dante... even from so far away you touched our lives, there are lots of tears here to hear that you've gone.

This is such a loss, and I know your hearts must be breaking. Special Dante, I know that my Inigo will be at the bridge waiting for you. Fly free sweet boy, never forgotten.

Summer said...

I'm so sad Dante is gone. :-( Purrs to you. He was a very special guy not only to you, but to all of us in the blogosphere.

Cathy Keisha said...

Coming to pay my respects to Dante. *bows head* Thank you for sharing such lovely and handsome photos with us through the years.

Cats of wildcat woods said...

I was crying as I read your Facebook post about Dante. I felt like I had actually known and met Dante from all your blog posts and photos of him. He was and is a huge presence on the Internet. Know that he lives on in all our hearts forever.
With love and deepest sympathy,
Cheri and cats of Wildcat Woods

Random Felines said...

We are so very very sorry. Thank you for sharing Dante with all of us and giving him a wonderful life.... Purrs

Forty Paws said...

We used to stop by and leave messages on occasion. Dante was such a handsome fellow. We will miss him a lot. Many hugs and purrs and purrayers to you on his passing. You gave him a great life!

All of us at Forty Paws and Maw

Alastriona, The Cats and Dogs said...

We are so very sorry for your loss. Dante was one of the first friends we (Socks and Scylla) made when we started cat blogging in 2007. Purrs of comfort and paws of sympathy.

Shaggy and Scout said...

So sad to hear about Dante. He was a gorgeous beloved beautiful cat.

LBJ said...

I am so very sorry to hear this. We just recently found your blog and Dante was indeed, so very special and so very loved. This is long but I hope it offers you some comfort, from The Book of Barkley.

After the death of Barkley, I received this note from a female friend, a sailor and adventurer with an indomitable spirit:
“When I was 18, and lost my lifelong companion, Sally - with me since birth, a small black and white cocker mix, my best and sometimes only friend, my soul-mate. She loved me, I believe, more perfectly than I could ever have loved her in my inexperience. When she was 18 she died and I grieved and I cried and I still get tears in my eyes when I think of that sweet little soul who gave me so much. So, no, you never get over it, I do not know anyone who has loved a dog and has said goodbye that gets over it. The pain? As you know, it eases, it becomes sweet memory with time, and you still get tears in your eyes, but the smiles and laughter at the remembered fun and antics of your 4-legged Pal returns to you.

My mother is part Iroquois, and although a lifelong Catholic, carried with her some of the mythology handed down in her family. She knew my grief was raw and painful and that only time would help heal the wound in my heart. She said to me ‘Sally walks with you, and with time, she will allow you to feel her there beside you. During the first time of grief, you are blind to her, and that is as it should be, so she will know she is no longer in This World, but now walks in the Spirit World. When you are ready, she will help ease your pain by showing you memories, and helping you laugh again when you are ready to see that she is not lost to you, but always remains a part of you. Your tears will then be tears of joy at your good fortune at having known such a one."

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Dante always looked so majestic in his photos. We send purrs and hugs to you.

Angel, Kirby and Max said...

Wendy, Dante was a magnificent boy, one of a kind. I always loved seeing his photos and hope to continue. I am sending hugs to you and his dad. It just came to me why there is a rainbow. It is because of all the tears we shed for our sweet fur friends and their families. Give Dylan and Domino a pet, too!
Angel, Kirby, Max and Mom
Nan

Brian's Home Blog said...

I hope you know how sad we are too, and Sascha feels so fortunate to be a part of his live and his love. Dante was indeed very special and our hearts are filled with his love that you most kindly shared with all of us. Sascha will always love you Dante, love never ends. Wendy, our sincere love and many hugs from all of us.

Brian, Sascha, Gracie, Zoe, Dolly, Precious, Kit, Dad and Mom

Cats Herd You said...

We are so sorry for your loss. Sending gentle purrs of condolence to your family.

Maggie@shelter-cats said...

Such a gloriously beautiful boy. I'm so sorry he's gone. May sweet memories bring you comfort.

Maggie, Mickey Mouser, and Rufus the Red

pilch92 said...

I am so sorry for the loss of handsome Dante. I have always looked forward to seeing the beautiful photos you posted of him, he will never be forgotten.

Connie - Tails from the Foster Kittens said...

I loved Dante from afar and my heart breaks for you at his loss. Purrs of healing and condolence

Marg said...

Oh Wendy, we are so sorry . Tears are just flowing here. He was such a wonderful boy and We know how hard this is for you. Just know that he had such a good life with you with lots of love. Sending big hugs to you and many good thoughts for Dante.

Laila and Angel Minchie said...

We are so sad to hear that precious, beautiful Dante has gone to the Bridge. We understand how difficult it is to part with such a dear member of your family. Our sincere condolences over this terrible loss and we will keep your family in our prayers. Wishing you all comfort at this time of great sorrow...hugs and love.

The Monkeys said...

We are all heartbroken to hear about handsome Dante :(. Purrs and condolences to you, dear Wendy.

We have noticed Bella still makes her presence known around here since she left and we know that Dante will do the same. He was definitely one of a kind

Robin + Christmas said...

Rest in peace, Dante!

Ruby said...

I am so sorry to hear abouts your most handsome Dante. I wish i could have known him, he was a very cool kat. I am sendin' you lots of {{{hugs}}} and love and AireZens.
Kisses,
Ruby ♥

da tabbies o trout towne said...

Godspeed your journey to heaven Dante,; we will miss you buddy. We are truly sorry
and send hugs and loves to your mom, dad, domino and dylan. You had a larger than
life presence and we wont ever forget you ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Enjoy all your flowers in heaven
~~~~~~~~~~~ boomer, daisy, tuna and dude and sauce too

Milton and Mr. Stubbs said...

So sorry that you have lost your most handsome Dante. Now he can chase the butterflies with no arthritis pain. Sending love and hugs to his family.

Quill and Greyson said...

We're so sorry to hear of Dante's passing - he was a loving and handsome kitty. Purrs to help ease your heartache.

Lynx217 said...

We love you always and forever Dante. Keep an eye on Nimbus for us. We know he was there when you got there. He always admired your fluff.

Louis the Blogging Dog said...

We are so sorry to read about your beautiful Dante. He was clearly a wonderful being and he brought much happiness into the world. Although we are new to Blogville and we didn't know Dante, we feel the love through your tribute tohim. Sending prayers, light and love.
Louis Dog Armstrong and Mimi

Sweet Purrfections said...

Wendy - I am so sorry to hear about Dante. He was such a beautiful cat and you always shared such lovely photos of him. My thoughts are with you as you grieve the loss of this special man cat.

Idaho PugRanch said...

we stopped by to leave some pug prayers for you - we were sorry to hear you lost your beloved Dante
hugs
Mr Bailey, Hazel & Mabel

Spike William and Angels China Cat and Willow said...

We are so sad that Dante has gone to the Bridge. Such a wonderful and handsome boy....
He is missed and we are are sending love and prayers to all of his family.

Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrs, Spike William

The Ladies of Beaglebratz Manor said...

Mom Kim here - so very sorry that Dante had to leave you that way. I wish I had met him before - he was such a handsome little man and such a majestic look to him. May you find peace and comfort in all your sweet memories of Dante.

Andrea and the Celestial Kitties said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Lacocoon Dante was a darling kitty and our hearts are breaking for you. Sending hugs and love and many purrs

Marilyn said...

I am so very sad to hear about Dante on this beautiful Friday morning. He was such a big furry sweetie. Awww.

Take care, Wendy

Mollie said...

Run free Darling, forever in our hearts xxoxx

Anonymous said...

We are so deeply sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved Dante. Allthough we didn't know that beautiful boy, it felt like we knew him while we were reading your words. Our heart aches for you. Hope you can find peace in the beautiful memories you had together. RIP sweet Dante. Soft Pawkisses to comfort you <3 <3 <3

Chirpy Cats said...

We're truly sad for your loss. I read this with tears streaming down as I know how we all love our babies and have to let go one day. Wishing you peace and comfort in your grieving and know that Dante will forever be in with you in spirit and in your hearts.

lornajf said...

I am so sorry that Dante has gone to the Bridge. Glad you were there with him. Sending much love and hugs for you, hubby, Domino and Dylan

randolphm said...

Dear Dante, I am so sorry to hear of your passing. You were indeed a magnificent creature. Auntie Carm would be shedding tears and blowing you kisses over the Rainbow Bridge. May you rest in peace.

Kea said...

Oh, Wendy, I'm so sorry to read of Dante's passing. I just found out via a link on FB, as I haven't blogged on the Fuzzy Tales site or kept up with things for a long time.

My heart goes out to you; please give your Self all the time and space you need for your journey through grief.

Peace and universal Light from me, and soft purrs from Nicki and Derry.

-Kim

Mickey's Musings said...

We are sorry to hear about Dante.
What a handsome cat cat he was :o
We know you will miss him so much, so we send comforting purrs.
Purrs Georgia and Julie,
Treasure and JJ
and mum Nancy

Hannah and Lucy said...

We have only just heard about Dante and know we will miss him very much. He was such a sweet boy and know you will miss him so very, very much. We are sending our love to you all.
Hannah, Lucy and Mum Sue x x x

Kitties Blue said...

Please accept our condolences. Dante's end sounds much the same as our first cat, Skooter, also at the age of 14 1/2. We have followed you for a very long time admiring your beautiful photos; though, not commenting. You will be in our thoughts and prayers as you grieve. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo

Katnip Lounge said...

Sending you warm thoughts...I bet he'll still being holding pawsies with you in your dreams. Godspeed, Dante.

Louche Tabby said...

I am so sorry about this and know exactly what you are going through. Condolences.

Samantha & Mom said...

So sorry for your loss of Dante's! He was a beautiful Cat and we will miss him!
Your,
Samantha & Mom

Squeedunk Cats and Z-Girl said...

We are all so sorry to know that Dante has passed. What a majestic spirit. We send purrs and soft paw pats to Mom and Dad, and energy to you, dear Dante for your entrance to the spirit world. Please in turn send love and warmth to all the animals in need and especially to your humans who so deeply mourn your loss. We will view photos of you with gratitude for all you gave to us during your visit to our Earth. Be free, handsome boy. With sympathy, Coco, Valentina, Manhattan, Bessie, Lulu, foster Mimi and Z-girl.

Katie Isabella said...

Wendy, please know I am devastated to learn of Dante's passing. I fell in love with Dante right from the start. Handsome and beyond description in his wonderful winsome personality. He has been the absolute most handsome mancat I have truly ever seen. I was dazzled from the beginning of meeting him. I am so glad you will continue sharing his beauty with us.

Tears are flowing here as I know how very alone it feels when a beloved member of the family passes beyond our vision. And so I send my love and condolences.

Carole and Katie Isabella and Angel Admiral.

Hilary said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Dante was a very special boy, who was greatly loved. I know how painful and sad it is but you did a beautiful thing to end his pain and suffering. His last moments sound so wonderful for him. Hang in there. Lots of hugs.

CATachresis said...

We are so sorry for the loss of Dante. We heard about it from Brian and Sister Sascha! He was a very special mancat and we send hugs and purrs to you ❤️❤️❤️ Caro and Austin x

Anonymous said...

Gosh, we'll miss the adventures of your gentle giant. You and Domino and Dylan in our thoughts and prayers.

Lizzie, Max & Tuck

Kat Wolfdancer said...

My deepest condolences for the loss of Mr Dante. What an extraordinary Fella !

I'll send my baby boy Harley to show him all around the Rainbow Bridge until you are reunited :'(

>^,,^<

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

We are so sorry to learn of Dante's passing. He was truly one of the most handsome cats I have ever, ever seen. I know how deeply this has hurt you and Cody and I send our most heartfelt sympathy. catchatwithcarenandcody

Timmy Tomcat said...

We are so sorry to hear that Dante has gone over the bridge. His was one of the first blogs we found after learning of the great presence of cats on the www. He was always so photogenic and his curiosity, kindness and love shone through all his pictures.
May you fly free on your new wings Dante and watch over us until that day we all meet again.
We send love, purrs and prayers of support to you all.
Timmy, Dad Pete and Family

Tamago said...

We are so sorry to hear about your sweet Dante.. Sending hugs and warm thoughts to you.

Marvelous Marv said...

Oh Wendy,
We are so sad to hear of Dante's passing! You and Dante have been an important part f our blogging community.
No matter how close we are to another person, few human relationships are as free from strife, disagreement, and frustration as is the relationship you have with a cat. Few human beings give of themselves to another as a cat can gives of itself. We cherish our cats because their unblemished souls make us wish that we are as innocent as they are, and make us yearn for a place where innocence is universal and where the meanness, the betrayals, and the cruelties of this world are unknown.
Know that we love you and Dante!
Love Barb and Nellie (who used to be the cat from hell)

Mariodacat said...

Our hearts are breaking for you, his humans, as we know what it is like to lose a beloved furbaby. I wish I would have known about Dante long before this, but we will for sure look forward to the pictures you post. We are so very sorry for your loss. What a beautiful, handsome boy. M sends HUGS to both of you.

The Adventures of The Bell Fur Zoo said...

We are so sorry fur your loss! Sending lots of prayers and soft purrs!!!

xoxo,
Matilda (& Matt)

Deziz World said...

We are so sorry fur your lopss. We fur sure unnerstand da pain dat is felt when your baby is no longer here. We're sendin' lots of hugs and purrayers.

Luv ya'

Dezi and Raena

The Cat Guy said...

My heart hurts with you. I'm not far from my own heart break as I just learned that my 18yo has heart failure too, I treasure each moment knowing the inevitable is too near. You are in my prayers and thoughts as you grieve.

Eva said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I miss you sweet handsome Dante.

Colehaus Cats said...

We are so sorry. Sweet Dante will be so missed. The heavens have gained a new shining star, the Rainbow Bridge a bright angel.

M Dawson said...

Please, continue to share pictures of Dante, he was always one of the most striking cats I encountered on my travels around the internet.

Losing him is a heartbreaking thing, but how lucky you are he spent his time here on earth with you. What a cat - what a joy.

Fly free brave spirit.

Marjorie and the spirit of
heart cat Dash Kitten

Jan K said...

We were not familiar with your blog, but just read about Dante over at Brian's. What a handsome cat he was! We just wanted to express how sorry we are for your loss.
Jan & the crew at Wag 'n Woof Pets

Clooney said...

Dearest Wendy,

We have had you on our minds and have been meaning to stop by to say how much we loved your beautiful Dante and to let you know that we are so very sorry for your loss of your precious boy. Sending you and your family our gentlest purrs and holding you in our hearts with thoughts of love.

Be Well Sweet Dante

Love Clooney, Neytiri & Karyn