Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

Too often we confuse noise with substance. too often we confuse setbacks with defeat.

Wow, I can’t imagine what it was like to comment in morse code.

And now I have baud making fun of me. this day can’t get worse.

I see no possible difficulties whatsoever with this fool-proof plan.

… pundit janitors mopping up after the GOP

John Fetterman: Too Manly for Pennsylvania.  Paid for by the Oz for Senator campaign.

Damn right I heard that as a threat.

A thin legal pretext to veneer over their personal religious and political desires

Presidents are not kings, and Plaintiff is not President.

JFC, are there no editors left at that goddamn rag?

We are aware of all internet traditions.

Second rate reporter says what?

Today’s GOP: why go just far enough when too far is right there?

The worst democrat is better than the best republican.

Republicans do not pay their debts.

The GOP couldn’t organize an orgy in a whorehouse with a fist full of 50s.

When your entire life is steeped in white supremacy, equality feels like discrimination.

Historically it was a little unusual for the president to be an incoherent babbling moron.

So it was an October Surprise A Day, like an Advent calendar but for crime.

You cannot shame the shameless.

Putting aside our relentless self-interest because the moral imperative is crystal clear.

No offense, but this thread hasn’t been about you for quite a while.

Something needs to be done about our bogus SCOTUS.

You can’t love your country only when you win.

You are here: Home / Pet Blogging / Cat Blogging / RIP, Aiko

Reader Interactions

97Comments

  2. 2.

    GReynoldsCT00

    Oh I’m SO sorry, what a horrible thing to have happen — to lose your buddy that way. Big hugs to your friend.

  3. 3.

    ADS

    It is terrible to lose a companion, especially in such a needless way. My condolences. Both Aiko and her human are in my thoughts.

  4. 4.

    kid bitzer

    oh, damn. i’m really sorry to hear that.

    there are few things better than a good dog, and few things worse than a bad dog.

    part of why they’re so much like human beings.

  6. 6.

    Xel

    Give her my support and condolences. I remember the loss of my own kitty when I was small, but that is probably not comparable to this.

  8. 8.

    Demo Woman

    I’m so sorry. I can’t imagine suffering the loss of an animal in such a cruel way. Rest in peace Aiko.

  14. 14.

    Tokyokie

    I’m very sorry to hear that. Years ago, I lost two cats to unpenned dogs in my neighborhood and had to pull a third from the maw of one on my front porch. The attacks only ended when my favorite kitty, Cat Nine From Outer Space, killed the neighbor’s dog a few days later.

  15. 15.

    MazeDancer

    Dear Aiko’s Parent, Please take some small comfort in knowing that every kitty lover who hears of your Aiko comes and stands right by your side, knowing how you feel, puts a strong arm around you and says, go ahead, cry, scream, yell, do whatever you have to do for as long as it takes. We know how this kind of impossible loss feels, send our support, and wish we could make it all better, instantly.

    We also want you to know Aiko is fine now. You’re not. But Aiko is. And you gave your baby cat a wonderful life, or John Cole would not be putting Aiko’s picture here. And Aiko would not change a thing because look at all the soft things to sit on, and petting to get, and all the happiness just in this one snapshot alone, there must have been so much more. Kitties are wiser in so many ways. They focus on the great parts of life.

    One day, when the rage and sorrow and heart break are lessened, you’ll remember most all the love. And realize millions of needy kitties in the world need some Aiko kind of loving too. And one or two will appear in your life to have all the joy you brought Aiko. Today is not that day. Today, honor the good life of Aiko. Remember most the love.

    Many condolences.

  18. 18.

    asiangrrlMN

    Oh my god, I’m so sorry. My deepest condolences to Aiko’s family. Aiko, run painlessly to the other side. I send a white light to guide you. Watch over your family as they grieve for you–they will need your healing presence.

  20. 20.

    Polish the Guillotines

    That’s awful. Stomach-churning awful. It’s hard enough losing a cherished pet to old-age, but to a violent death? Unspeakably awful.

    I’m truly sorry.

  23. 23.

    Va Highlander

    I’m so sorry to hear of Aiko’s passing. My condolences.

    I lost a kitten on my back porch, earlier this year, under similar circumstances. I’m still not okay with it and can just imagine what Aiko’s family is going through right now.

  26. 26.

    Sid

    Perspective is huge, I am horrified and speechless about your loss Aiko’s parents. I don’t know how you feel, and can brely imagine, my heart goes out to you. We just got sent home with our elderly girl with needles for bi-weekly injections of Adequan for arthritis and this has been a big deal in our minds. Kind of puts a

  27. 27.

    Larry The Kidman

    I am sorry to hear of your loss. What a sweet looking cat she was, my hope is that you enjoyed some years together.
    When you hear the song Aiko Aiko again, you’ll smile and remember her. It’s better to have loved and lost than never……….

  28. 28.

    Sid

    Perspective is huge, I am horrified and speechless about your loss Aiko’s parents. I don’t know how you feel, and can barely imagine, my heart goes out to you. We just got sent home with our elderly girl with needles for bi-weekly injections of Adequan for arthritis and this has been a big deal in our minds. Kind of puts it in place and reminds us that this isn’t a big deal and things could be so much worse.

    Onto some off-topic but extremely surprising fact, our vet also informed us that air bubbles in injections are deadly only to two animals, rabbits and humans.

  29. 29.

    Ivan Ivanovich Renko

    Deepest condolences to Aiko’s family… what a wretched thing to have happen to a dear friend and companion.

  31. 31.

    PurpleGirl

    Condolences and a virtual hug to Aiko’s human.

    As long as her name is remembered she will live in your sister’s heart and the spirit realm.

  32. 32.

    Sid

    Apologies for double post, firefox flashed on me and guess that was a post, new version does weird things like that and resizing the screen on its own, strange.

  33. 33.

    bellatrys

    I’m so sorry – I lost my two elderly cats in the past year, but I knew it was coming. I can’t guess what it’s like to have a pet murdered this way (and people who don’t leash violent dogs are, I’m sorry, guilty as if they’d done it themselves.) Hugs & well-wishes to the family.

  35. 35.

    The Moar You Know

    My condolences and some advice; report this to animal control. You’ve got a cat-killing dog in the neighborhood and you might be able to prevent this horror from happening to someone else.

    I’ve had this happen – coyotes are endemic to our corner of the world, unfortunately – and there are few things worse. Again, my condolences.

  37. 37.

    Devon Cole

    Thanks J.G.,

    I think as many people as possible should know about Aiko.

    He was a beautiful, intelligent, fluffy, gracious, wonderful creature. And they had such an amazing bond. It is unfair because he started out his life in an Amish Cattery, was not treated well there and was almost euthanized when they were done breeding him. Luckily he was rescued by Kim. He moved with her to St. Thomas and quickly adapted to island life, spending most of his time inside, but taking occasional supervised jaunts outside to chase lizards and swat at bugs. They loved eachother fiercely. He was a great cat. Almost like a little wise old person. I used to call him Professor Wigglesworth sometimes because he seemed so wise and when he would watch you it was as if he were taking mental notes or making some sort of deep observation about you. He also fetched sticks like a dog, yowled at the door when his mom left him for work, and snuggled in bed next to her every night.

    He loved dogs and had befriended several during his life with Kim. When his best friend dog, a Jack Russell named Spot, was killed by a car, Aiko paced around Kim’s apartment and howled for several nights.

    It just sucks because it was so senseless and she was so hyper-vigilant about his safety. It was her worst nightmare come true.

    He was just a sweet, gentle, little soul and I know she is missing him terribly.

  38. 38.

    Nazgul35

    We have a kitty with deteriorating health issues, and it is tearing us up, but she is very old (16).

    I can’t imagine how senseless and hard it would be to have a healthy kitty struck down…

    It is times like these when you want to punch the owners of the dog in the neck.

    Sincere condolences…

  39. 39.

    Nancy B

    There are no words that can express how sorry I am for Aiko and for Aiko’s person. The hardest thing about loving them is saying goodbye.

  40. 40.

    Bulworth

    I’m so very sorry to hear this. I grieve with you on the loss of your loved one. Please know our thoughts are with you in this difficult time.

  41. 41.

    gex

    Animal control needs to know about those dogs. If they are roaming around and killing other people’s pets, something should be done.

  42. 42.

    Dyzo Bandit

    As a human who is owned by a Persian cat, I feel your sorrow and pain very deeply. RIP, Aiko, and thoughts of peace and healing to your human family.

  43. 43.

    Lab Partner

    My prayers go out to Aiko’s family. He was blessed to have been rescued and to have been so lovingly taken care of when he was so close to death early on. As awful as his last moments were there was so much love and care before them, and in this world that shouldn’t be considered anything less than a blessing. Keep those many good moments in mind when those last moments seems overwhelming.

  44. 44.

    YellowJournalism

    What a terrible way to lose a pet. My condolences to the family.

    We don’t walk our dog around our area as much anymore because our neighborhood is running rampant lately with big dogs offleash. Someone had their little dog attacked while walking him near the local elementary school. Our complex alone has two pitbulls that are constantly getting out of their yards. They’re often seen digging at their fences so they can get out, but the owners haven’t done much about it. I have no problem with big dogs; it’s the owners I fear. Too many of them think they’re the next coming of the Dog Whisperer and don’t bother having a leash in a neighborhood filled with little kids and small pets.

  45. 45.

    EEH

    What a horrible thing to happen to such a beautiful kitty. Years ago we lost one of our family cats the same way and to this day it makes me cry when I think about it. It’s truly a terrible and senseless way to lose a beloved cat.

    My sincere and heartfelt condolences for your loss. Aiko was a magnificant soul.

  47. 47.

    Jay in Oregon

    My next-door neighbor lost her Chihuhua that way just recently — and this was a dog that my wife and I had fostered in our home for a couple of days before he went to live with a very happy and loving family.

    Losing a pet is painful. Losing a pet before his or her time is gut-wrenching.

    My heart and best thoughts go out to your sister, John.

  48. 48.

    serge

    That’s a terrible thing to have happened. Please send my condolences on to your sister’s friend.

    I’m not a cat person (though I’ve had them), I’m an unregenerate dog fanatic, never having fewer than two and usually more. If one of my beloved dogs killed a cat, with tears in my eyes I’d have it put down immediately.

  49. 49.

    The Saff

    I’m so sorry for the loss of such a beautiful kitty. Devon, condolences to your friend for her loss. I can’t imagine the grief she must be feeling now. My kitties are my world and I can only imagine how hard this must be. As a friend once said, cats are magic.

  51. 51.

    Gina

    Awful! As a dog and cat owner, I’m beyond horrified, and beyond furious for you. He sounds like he was a wonderful cat, I’m so sorry for your loss.

  52. 52.

    SIA aka ScreaminginAtlanta

    Joining with all the other heartfelt condolences here for the horrible loss of Aiko. We lost our beloved Romeo to a coyote; but this is worse, another “domesticated” animal. I hope she can know how many people feel her loss and send what comfort we can.

  55. 55.

    Maude

    @asiangrrlMN:
    That was so beautiful it makes me want to weep. You are a good soul.

    I had a cat poisoned once.
    The dogs that attacked need to be put down. Usually that type of dog preys on smaller dogs and sometimes kids.
    I can’t express my sorrow and anger for sister’s best friend in any sensible form, just, oh, god.

  57. 57.

    Mr Furious

    Awful, I feel terrible for you…

    Let me join the chorus about reporting the incident. Loose dogs are a danger not only to other small pets, but children as well.

    I spent 3-grand on a fence for my yard this summer to keep stray dogs away from my daughters. It’s an outrage.

  58. 58.

    LanceThruster

    Sometimes the pain of something tragic happening to a loved one is so intense that it makes you think the only protection is to never make any emotional attachments in the first place.

    I’d settle for that mind wipe that Spock did for Kirk when he had to let Joan Collins get run down in the street so Hitler would not win WWII. I do not handle the death of pets well even under the most benign of circumstances, and all the more so when the demise is tragic.

    On the whole, for the most living creatures, life is nasty, brutish, and short. Though the universe itself is unfeeling, we are not. Take some comfort in the fact that because of you, Aiko was well-loved and cared for during its stay here, as I would imagine the other living beings fortunate enough to share your orbit are. That’s the best we can do. Every second of every day, taking place almost entirely unseen all around us is a virtual animal holocaust, courtesy of the evolution.

    The meaning of life, is that it ends.

    Beyond that, we make our own meaning.

    We were put here to help each other through this thing, whatever ‘this thing’ is. ~ Kurt Vonnegut

  59. 59.

    Elie

    I had my cat, Max mauled by a dog many years ago. It was horrible and I heard it, rushed out but the damage had been done.

    My profound condolences to your friend….

    Please, cats do NOT need to go out. They are frequently prey for coyote and racoons and also devastate local song bird populations without truly being hungry enough to really eat them.

    My two cats are “insiders”, though I do walk Bill once in a while on a leash. Not saying this is what everyone should do — just speaking about the realities of outdoor cats.

  61. 61.

    pcbedamned

    I am soooo sorry for your loss. As the owner of many cats (15+), I can feel your pain. Just know that your baby has passed over the Rainbow Bridge and is happily playing with all of the other kitties. (small comfort right now, but it will get better :) There is an excellent site that has helped me more than once when one of my babies has crossed the bridge. The people there are very understanding and will cry with you.
    Again, I am sorry. Words cannot describe the pain, but my heart can feel it with you. Your baby was gorgeous. God Bless.

  62. 62.

    Anne Laurie

    @Devon Cole: What a sweet tribute to Aiko! His tragic end is nightmare fuel for all of us cat (& small dog) lovers. But your friend gave Aiko a life as opposed to the existence he scraped out in that cattery, and the memories she made with him will be some consolation in the bad days ahead.

    I believe that when we die, all the animals we’ve befriended in this life will be there to speak in our favor as our deeds are weighed. And Aiko will be at the head of your friend’s welcome parade.

  63. 63.

    CaseyL

    Devon, thank you for the eulogy.

    Aiko sounds like an incredible little fur person; what a huge loss. In Kim’s place, I would be inconsolable, absolutely mindless with grief.

    Please tell her we’re thinking of her and hurting along with her. Also please remind her that she did rescue him once, and all the years they had together were a gift of her love and compassion.

    (And now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to give my kitties extra hugs.)

  65. 65.

    Greg

    This is terrible, and I’m really sorry to hear it. Anyone without a cat in their life is missing out on something special.

  66. 66.

    RedKitten

    What a horrific thing to happen — I can’t even imagine what Kim is going through.

    Devon, I can’t add anything else to what everybody else has said. Aiko sounds like he was an awesome kitty, and my most sincere condolences go out to Kim.

  68. 68.

    marjo

    I second Elie… keep your cats indoors. They are healthier, safer and never know what they are missing. I have four (down from six after losing two that were 20-plus years) and I have always had indoor cats.

    I hate to read something like this… it’s just so sad. Aiko was beautiful.

  70. 70.

    tess

    My deepest condolences. I have had friends lose a cat in this way, and there is nothing quite as heartbreaking. I know it feels like every cell in your body is changing shape, and it is so awful to lose a wise little friend.

    There really aren’t words–just know where Aiko is now, he is hunting lizards, sleeping in soft spots, and has the piece of you that was in his heart with him to keep him company. He doesn’t need thumbs to open the fridge or his favorite treats, and every day is whatever he is in the mood to do (or not do). They go to their perfect world, and they take you with them.

  71. 71.

    Throwin Stones

    Awful thing. RIP Aiko.

    We lost Sylvester the cat this way ~ 7 years ago when we moved into our current home. It was the next door neighbor’s dog. Made things a bit awkward for a while. Sylvester was originally a stray and had finally begun trusting our dog, Murphy. Terrible way to lose a pet.

  72. 72.

    TuiMel

    It always is difficult to lose a beloved pet, but the cruelty with which Aiko was taken from you is particularly poignant. Words cannot adequately express the level of sympathy that I send your way today. I hope it gives you some consolation to know that pet lovers all over the country mourn with you today.

  73. 73.

    SGEW

    My deepest sympathies and condolences for the irreparable loss. A beautiful kitty, and a terrible tragedy. (hugs own kitteh harder)

    Also, I agree w/ The Moar You Know and gex, above, re: contacting Animal Control. My dearest friend was once attacked by a dog, and was grievously injured – turns out that animal control had a file on the dog already (a file that was rather important in the ensuing lawsuit). I don’t know if Aiko’s owner would approve, or necessarily believes in retributive principles of justice, but reporting the dog(s) may help in eventually having them put down as menaces to the community.

  75. 75.

    Louise

    I am so sorry. What a wonderful life you gave Aiko; please try to think about that. It was a beautiful gift of many, many happy days.

  78. 78.

    Maureen Meyer

    I know Aiko has crossed the Rainbow Bridge and is chasing butterflies.

    Like the vet in James Herriott’s All Creatures Great and Small series, I believe all our furry companions will be there to meet us when we cross over.

  79. 79.

    Svensker

    Traveling and mostly out of radio contact, but this made me very sad. So sorry to hear this. Lots of good thoughts and condolences and holding the family in the Light.

  80. 80.

    satby

    So sorry to hear this.
    I lost a dog this way earlier this year and the guilt is unbelievable, to feel like you should have been able to prevent this. The thing is you usually can’t, the damage is done so quickly. Take comfort in the fact that most cats don’t get to be someone’s beloved pet, and so Aiko was a happy, lucky cat. And he knew it too, and was grateful.

  81. 81.

    Comrade Luke

    I’m so sorry. Please accept my condolences.

    Between this and raccoon sightings in my neighborhood I’m terrified to let me cat out of the house, even supervised. I’d rather here the constant meowing than…not, if you know what I mean.

  82. 82.

    Alan

    It’s heart wrenching to hear about such a tragic loss. I joke sometimes about waiting for my cats to finally kick the bucket. My oldest is nearly 20 years. But at times I hold them snuggly for fear of that inevitable day. But as someone mentioned above, there are many out there who don’t have a home and have to fend for themselves. Ours are the lucky ones–if even for a brief time.

  83. 83.

    NicoleW

    I’m so sorry; even thinking about this happening to one of my cats makes me almost physically ill. RIP Aiko.

  88. 88.

    Ereshkigal

    How horrifying to have something or someone loved die so violently. Loss is never easy, but it is especially difficult under these circumstances.

    You are in our thoughts. My condolences to all.

  89. 89.

    JWW

    Aiko,

    May cat heaven welcome you. You are like all felines, beautiful. The family will miss you and never forget, the day may come when you will see them again.

  90. 90.

    robertdsc

    RIP, Aiko. My family lost their first cat this way, so we know the feeling. Best wishes to her owner.

  96. 96.

    Comrade Darkness

    That’s awful. I would be livid and probably violent if this had happened to me. I send out my strength (and/or livid violence if that’s needed as well…)

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