R.I.P. Conrad Keefe
Birthdate unknown – 5/20/15
It is with great sadness that I share the passing of our beloved cat Conrad. Conrad died in his sleep peacefully early Wednesday morning. It’s difficult to believe that it was almost two months ago that the vet told us it was probably time to consider letting him go. Conrad was a tough old guy, and even though he had good and bad days during these last two months, every time we thought it was probably time, he’d bounce back again.
I considered that many people said he would let us know when it was time. I sometimes agonized over it, wondering if we were missing something. But I think Conrad not telling us it was time was his way of letting us know he had his own ideas. He was still eating and drinking and was mostly getting around well, and I always thought that was his way of showing us he still had a will to live.
There were signs over the last week and on Tuesday I knew he was having a bad day, and I spent a lot of time with him petting him and talking to him, telling him it was OK to go if that’s what he needed to do. He even ate and drank a little bit, but he was definitely not his old spunky determined self. I think he would have fought on longer but his old body just finally gave out. We went to bed that night not knowing if he would go or if he would bounce back again.
I know it’s a blessing that he was able to go peacefully in his sleep, and that he was able to be at home with us. Just like his canine brother, Kobi, he wanted to do things on his own terms.
We adopted Conrad from our local shelter right around this time of year in 1999. Our vet estimated him to be about a year old at that time, so we think he was 17 or even older. He had a good long life.
As much as we’ve known his time was coming for quite a while now, and we thought that would make it easier, it’s really not. I don’t think you can ever really prepare yourself for the empty spot each pet leaves in your life when they go.
Conrad will be laid to rest in our memorial garden along with his feline and canine siblings that have passed. I’m going to write a longer memorial post for him at a later time. Right now I’m busy getting ready to leave for Nashville (more details on that tomorrow), and I don’t want to rush it…I want to write a special post for him with lots of photos from his younger days.
For now I’d just like to share this photo of Conrad with his sister Katie. These two were so close. Katie was only 9 years old when she died in 2011 from cancer. I know how much Conrad has missed her and it comforts me to think that he is reunited with her now.
I’m so sorry Jan, in my rush to get ready for BP’s I missed this. I’m glad you were able to give Conrad such a great life and that he left on his own terms.
I do hope that gives you a tiny bit of comfort.
Run fast, run free Conrad.
Just seeing this Jan, I am so so sorry. When we first met, I enjoyed reading Conrads escapades in your blog posts. He will certainly be missed, yet I know you will carry him around in your heart along with Kobi and Moses. God bless you girl.
Jan, I am so very sorry for your loss. He lived a great long life with you and I am glad you didn’t have to make the decision and he went on his own terms, that doesn’t happen to often so I am glad it has happened to you. He will be blessed to be in your memory garden what a special place for him.
I suppose yet another benefit of being a pet blogger is that you know you truly have the deepest and most heartfelt sympathies of everyone who reads. We’ve all expericneced it and… yeah. Gryphon has been gone a year and a half and I found myself sobbing about him just last week. He also was very clear about leaving on his own terms and his passing, while heart breaking for me, was divine.
I am so sorry to hear of the death of Conrad. What a blessing that it was so peaceful. May we all be so lucky. Thinking of you and lots of hugs.
My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. I know that you have a lot of happy memories and photos that will help you heal.
I am so sorry to read this. I will miss Conrad. 🙁
Rest in peace, Conrad, how you will be missed-so many wonderful, heartfelt good thoughts you have here from your awesome friends, Jan, they all had such wonderful words. You and Tom with all you do for your pets, the best saying to you whenever you think you need to second guess any decision you have made-no more words cover it better and simpler than the one who said this:” Thank you for saving and loving him. ” And the love you received in return made it wonderful for you.
I am so very sorry. I am glad he went peacefully, I know that must be comforting. It would be for me. On his own terms. Run free, Conrad.
Oh Jan..we are so sorry that Conrad has left for the bridge..we sadly know what this time is like and the only comfort is he did indeed go on his terms and at home with those he loved…accept our hugs and sympathy at this time and bon voyage sweet Conrad…much love Bev xxxx
We’re so sorry to hear about Conrad’s passing. It’s never easy losing a furbaby…no matter how old they are or how sick they might be. We send you comforting purrs and headbutts.
I’m so, so sorry about Conrad — and my heart goes out to all of you, humans and furries — but I have to echo what Caren said. Try not to agonize over what you did/didn’t/could have done. Conrad had a good, happy life with you and loved all of you unconditionally as you loved him. The memorial post will be good therapy for a broken heart, and I’m looking forward to reading it and seeing the photos. Wish I could go to Blog Paws, even if only to meet my blogging buddies, and to give you a big hug. Since I can’t, I’m sending lots of virtual hugs instead.
Oh Jan, so sorry for your loss. Mom says she hopes we will all just fall over some day as making the decision tears her apart. He will run free with his sister and other family members and you will meet again. It doesn’t matter how old a furry one is, it is a terribly big loss. So glad it happened while you were home and not away at BlogPaws.
I’m so sorry to hear about Conrad’s passing. Knowing when the time is right is something I’ve always struggled with, when it comes to my pets. I guess I’m glad Conrad made it easy on you by making the decision for himself, but I know it’s still hard to take. My heartfelt condolences to the entire Wag ‘n Woof family.
I’m so sorry to hear about Conrad! What a great long life he had. I always wish that my pets would just die in their sleep to save me from the agonizing decision and trip to the vet, so maybe he wanted to save you that. I could never even think that my pet was suffering one minute so I always end up wondering if I rushed things. No matter what he was much loved and returned it unconditionally. Look forward to seeing all of his photos.
So very sorry for the loss of your sweet Conrad. Going on your own terms is a good way to go….bless his heart. Seventeen is a nice long life with his family although sometimes we wish we could have had just one more day. He’ll be watching over all of you always………
Love, Pam (and Sam)
Oh, Janet, I’m so sorry for your loss. Nothing makes it easier.
I’m glad that Conrad went peacefully. You’ll probably want to take extra time at BlogPaws to meet some of the kitties.
Oh, my heart is breaking for you I have my ugly cry happening. It is a blessing that he let go and you didn’t have to help. Conrad had a wonderful life. Thank you for saving and loving him. ♥
It’s so hard to say goodbye, even when you know it is for the best. He’s in good company now, as he was in life.
Sending love to you all.
I’m so very sorry for your loss! Sending lots of love your way.
He looks like he was a sweetie. Sending you a hug!
My heart is just breaking for you. I am so deeply, deeply sorry. Please do not agonize about what you did do, didn’t do, could have done, etc…..Conrad was loved immensely…he had a wonderful life with you. He passed peacefully, as you said “on his own terms”…that is what was meant to be. You gave him enormous love, security and a good life. THAT is what matters. My thoughts and prayers are with you……I KNOW how much this hurts.
Sending a hug!
Oh my goodness I am so very sorry 🙁 🙁 I’m glad he got to go peacefully in his sleep on his own terms. I know he well loved and well taken care of by you Jan. Again I am so so sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you and your family xoxoxoxooxoxoxox
I’m so sorry for your loss of Conrad. From all his pictures and comments no doubt he was a fine cat indeed! It doesn’t seem to matter if they are old or young, the loss is such a hurt.
We found a stray and never knew her birthdate either. Since we found her in the summer we told her that her birthday was July 4th and the whole country celebrated every year. 🙂
We all now believe it, as it is on her grave marker as her birthday.
I look forward to the post with the pictures of Conrad’s life from younger days.
It’s easy to forget when people or animals get elderly that they were once so very young!
I love his name too – such a fine name for a cat!
Conrad I’m so sad … and my tears are running… your special cattitude touched my heart and I somethimes thought how nice it would be to have a catbrother like you..
You have a place in my heart and in my memory…furever.
easy rider