Peter, I was genuinely moved by your writing about Karma, but even more so how you cancelled your trip to be with your beloved companion. There are not many people in this world who would cancel a business trip to care for their animal but you did and that speaks volumes about who you are. One day, long into the future when you and Karma reunite at Rainbow Bridge, she will thank you. Maybe not with a lick, or a cuddle, but with a scratch saying “what took you so long.” :-) My sincerest condolences to you and NASA on your loss. May you find peace in her eternal healing soon.

Loss is hard. Prayers, friend.

Peter, I feel so bad for you. What a beautiful eulogy to Karma. I have been through similar circumstances and I hated every minute of it…quite frankly it sucked. Isn’t it amazing how we allow an animal to become so much a part of the “family.” But the nice part is Karma continues to live with you in your heart, and all the good and bad (probably not many of those) memories. Because, Peter, you have become such an important part of the lives of so many people, we all mourn with you. I personally feel sad right now. Perhaps God will bless you with a new friend for you and NASA. God bless you in this hour of need.

Rev. Dr. Ric Morgan

Peter, I’m so sorry. Karma is still with you in spirit, though; she always will be. And soon you will hear another tiny “mew…”

oh, that’s terrible, peter. there’s really not much else to say but sorry. so, so sorry. karma will come back to you … it (she) always does.

In our heads, we know that we are likely to outlive our pets. In our hearts, we’re never ready to lose them. Condoldences.

As many as you loose over a lifetime of having cats, it never, ever, gets any easier. Karma will have plenty of Bahner felines to greet her. Each one is precious. Just this morning, my husband and I were talking about Hemmie, our black and white girl, who enjoyed a romp around our yard on her leash shortly before we had to send her to the Bridge.

Paw pats and head butts from Dusty, Pulitzer, Tekla and Mollie.

As the owner of 2 cats myself, and a three times a day reader of HARO, my heart goes out to you. I said goodbye myself two years ago to a cat who was likely born in 1999, I am not sure because I adopted her from the animal shelter in 2002. The two cats I now have are immediate replacements, and yes, it took two to replace all the goodness of the one that died. One of them is named Segunda, which is Spanish for “the second girl” and looks a lot like her predecessor but acts so very different. The other one, though male, looks a lot like your girl. I hope you give your other cat a special rub on its chin tonight, and in time find a way to love another feline not the same, but as much.

Peter,

While I’ve never met you personally, I follow you on Twitter and am also a longtime HARO subscriber (just got two great hits for clients from HARO pitches! woo hoo!) As a fellow cat person, I always appreciate your stories about Karma and NASA, but seeing your note today really hit home.

My 19-year old cat passed away in Sept. 2010. He had lived with me in four states and was the one constant I had for all those years – formidable years, I might add, as I ‘met’ him when I was 21. Given he was already eight when I met my husband, Korky (the cat) never let my husband forget he was there FIRST.

Like others that have commented above, I, too, inherited him from an ex-boyfriend. We didn’t start off on the right foot, but after a year of living together he finally decided I was trustworthy enough to let in, and the rest, as they say, was history.

Anyway, I’ve never emailed or even tweeted at you before, and you’re getting a ton of responses so not even sure if you’ll see this, but I still wanted to let you know I understand what you’re going through, and I am so very sorry for your loss. Life won’t be the ‘same,’ but you’ll adjust and things will fall into place the way they’re supposed to – just like on the day you and Karma met. I think you’re right when you said you got some good Karma by saving her. And it sounds like she was just as thankful to have you as you were to have her.

Hopefully next time you do something in the Boston area I’ll be able to attend and say hi!

Best of luck,
Jenny

The first question I’m going to ask God when I get to heaven is “Why did our pets live such short lives compared to ours?” Perhaps it’s to help us learn about loss in preparation for losing the humans we love. The loss of the pure love of a pet is agonizing, no matter how many times you do it. I’m sorry, Peter.

PS I’m also asking why flies were invented, but that’s a whole different kind of question.

I feel for you Peter. I went through a similar situation and was struck by how my cat had been the longest relationship I had had.

We went through earthquakes, moving multiple times, living in 3 different states and more. When my heart broke as she passed away in my arms I was overwhelmed with gratitude for all we had shared and the gift it was that she shared so many experiences with me and gave me her companionship. Your post reminded me of the love and lessons she gave me. Thanks.

Peter – I’m so sorry for your loss. I wish there was something that I could say to ease it for you. Karma was not only a beautiful cat, she was a beautiful soul and will be missed!

I met Karma and NASA immediately upon my arrival at your blog a couple of years ago and felt some sort of confidence in you that went beyond the usual blah-blah-super-qualified-expert type of confidence. Your cats made you more human to me—more like a regular guy who, as you say, might get on his knees and clean up cat puke because unconditional love is sometimes messy.

I am sorry that Karma passed. I am glad she went peacefully.

So sorry Peter. That was a tough post to read. Another reminder of the inevitable feelings and emotions in store for our family as well…..in the not-too-distant future. All the best.

Very sorry for your loss, Peter. As you said, “Family is family. And you take care of your family.” She was lucky to have such a great family.

This hurts my heart, Peter. I’m so sorry you lost such a special friend. My thoughts are with you. I’m so glad you went home. I admire you everyday in all you do with business. Including this time…a moment you set it all down to deal with what really matters.

Those who have never had the joy of a fur baby cannot know the loss that is felt at this time. I lost my beautiful cat earlier this year quickly to a large tumor – my first cat, my number one. You did the right thing, cancelling your plans and going home. There will always be other speeches, meetings, opportunities. There was only one Karma. These family members are more important than anything else in our daily grind. I’m sorry you have to go through this.

Peter, I knew what your post was going to be about before I clicked on it. I’m sorry for your loss. You will have more funny stories and poignant ones to tell for many years. You should post more stories about her as you remember them.

I still laugh over our Fred the Cat. He loved the smell of cigarettes which he was only treated to after we’d been with friends who smoked. He was like a vampire… “I want more.” He lived a long life but when it was time for a memorial, our oldest daughter bummed a cigarette off a co-worker and made me a card filled with tobacco.

They give us good memories. Kate

Peter,

I follow and participate in the daily HARO’s. Reading about Karma today and also reading Rainbow Bridge, through some tears, was hard. Like another commenter, the poem made me think of my parents whom I lost recently and also the cats that became my family for so many years. Thank you for sharing something so personal and intimate with all of us. That helps all of our healing from losses.

Now, go over to NASA and make him purr. That’ll put a grin on both your faces!

Peter, I’ve been there more times than I like to think about. Our 4-legged family members enter our lives and immediately find a home in our heart. Your story is a beautiful one and I will be praying for you.

Hey Peter,

Sorry for your loss. We rescued two brothers (tuxedos) back in 2001. They are a big part of our lives and I dread the day we lose them. I once found a cat under my car when I was an RD at a college. I took it in and had nothing to care for it except some tuna and a shoebox that I put gravel in. the next day I took care of getting the cat spayed or neutered I forget which I needed to do. Well, I had the cat for 3 days (you couldn’t have them at the college even if you were an RD, that was actually worse) and I cried when I had to give the cat away. So I can imagine the pain of losing a friend that you’ve known so long.

Dear Peter, My friend Dyana Valentine sent me your post knowing I lost my dear dog and heart companion Sienna after nearly 18 years in January. I so appreciate your saying “family is family” and cancelling your speech to be with her. My heart goes out to you.

In the week Sienna was dying, I dreamed she told me she was going “to write another book.” Right after she left her body, I had an amazing experience of her “talking” to me about what she wanted to say and it resulted in a short book “Sweet Sienna’s Divine Download & Secrets of Ascension.” It is a dog’s experience of death, and I’m sure it is not much different for a beloved cat.. Let me know if you’d like me to send it to you. You can email me at gail@realspeaking.com. (Yes, friends said, well, if anyone’s dog was going to speak, it would be mine! :))

Peter;

Your story of how you rescued Karma was all to familiar. One month after marrying in October 1987, my husband and I found Cleveland (named after Cleveland Amory “The Cat Who Came for Christmas”) at the Post Office alternately crying up at me and a shrub. We took her flee and mite ridden little self home and never looked back. She amused us with her attitude and intelligence. She, too, had style.

She was diagnosed with cancer 15 years later and after 10 months of chemo, we finally had to say goodbye. By far, one of the saddest days of my life.

She’s burried outside our living room window, beneath the honeysuckle shrubs. And I still delight in telling stories about her.

Karma was a blessing who came into your life and will be with you forever. Peace to her and to you.

Peter,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. My tabby (my #one buddy) and I found each other that same year, 1999, and he just died in May. Like your cat he survived medical issues (asthma and impossibly low potassium) and was about the best catcher and sneakiest food thief in the cat kingdom. Cat pets are always there, one moment to mollify you, one to keep you humble, and another to be your baby.

Karma was lucky to have you, and I’m glad NASA will be by your side when you get home. Safe travels!!

ps- I still say goodnight to my buddy. Is that weird?

Peter,
Thank you for sharing! Your post about Karma is another reminder for me about the cycles of life and love. Your vulnerability in sharing your life with Karma opens a space for me to cherish my new baby and family all the more. May you feel Karma’s peace my friend.

In honor,
Aura Austin

so sorry for your loss. how lucky we are to have pets in our lives.

Really sad to read that – condolences to you, Peter. It sounds like there was a lot of good karma between you two for many years. And that is something you’ll always have. Peace to you, Karma. Be well, Peter.

May you find happiness in all the good times and wonderful memories of Karma. She is physically gone, but her spirit will always be with you.

So sorry for your loss, Peter. Thank you for your touching blog post. You did the right thing cancelling your business trip.

This is a beautifully written post. Kudos to you for being so open with your readers; writing this could not have been easy. Reading about Karma reminded me of my own cat which I lost some years ago. Still hurts when I think about it – that cat stayed with me longer than most of my human companions at the time.

Peter,

You are such a sweetheart – always sharing the good times and the bad with this invisible HARO family you’ve created.

Lots of love as you adjust to life without your sweet Karma…

Vanessa van der Have

Peter -
Sending you love as you grieve the passing of Karma. Cats are magical little creatures who know how to capture your heart.

I lost my first cat as a kid – I remember being devastated. Cried in bed for days. I now have 3 kitties and they are the best things ever (even the one who refuses to use the litter box!).

May Karma continue to send you love from Rainbow Bridge.

I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs to you and NASA.

Peter,

I know Karma will be with you forever. How wonderful and rich a life you provided and have received over the years. I still miss my two “boys,” Smoke and Simba (both rescued) although I now have two “girls,” Friday and Sunday.

I know my life would be poorer without the unconditional love I have been given. I truly believe we become better humans through the strong ties to our furry soul mates. Hair balls included.

My Rainbow Bridge wishes to you and NASA and anyone else enriched by your Karma tales over the years.

I just saw your post Peter and I’m so sorry for your loss. My little girl Susie passed over the Rainbow Bridge on February 15th this year. She was my girl for 16 years just as Karma was yours. We had a sweet last 36 hours together and I had the vet come to the house. Susie died in my arms at 5:00 pm. Every day since, I tweet out something that Susie inspired in me–sometimes it’s humor, sometimes a quote about life, sometimes just silliness–it’s my way of saying thank you and I love you every day even though she’s not here in front of me.

Peter,
I read this post and was blown away. By your grief, by your love, and by your recognition that we can and should, take time to process the loss of our animal companions. In June, we lost our 19 year old “Auntie Stinkie,” a rescue kitty who found her way into our lives with flawless finesse. On the day you lost your sweet girl, we brought home Ella. What is interesting is that Ella looks very much like your beloved Karma. I can only hope that she too, will live such a long healthy and happy life as your dear girl. I hope that you and NASA will take care.

While I think everyone has covered all the sympathy and condolences possible, I’m late coming across this post and wanted to add how sorry I am to hear of Karma’s passing. She was incredibly lucky to have chosen your doorway to shiver in those 13 years ago, and I think you gained immeasurable good Karma along with all the joys, delight and occasional scratches that come from sharing one’s home with a cat. Blessings to you for picking up that ball of fluff and for caring for her so well through all the veterinary hurdles.

I’m sorry about your loss, Peter. Take care.