Monday, September 2, 2013

In The Arms Of The Angels




Dear friends,

This is Kristin, cokiethecat's mom.

Sweet Smokey has gone tragically and unexpectedly over the Rainbow Bridge. He was inexplicably trapped under his home when it was tented for termites. His loving mom Tess is completely devastated. @Smokey8 has been a stalwart in the anipal community from the beginning. Those who know Tess - and Smokey - know how much she adored him, and will forever. You may also know Tess to be one of the most generous people in the anipal community.

Cutest Sleeping Kitteh Ever!
She's donated countless prizes to pawpawties, nipclub pawies, Anipal Times pawties, and every other kind of anipal pawty - usually beautiful pieces from The Animal Rescue Foundation, so the purchases of the gifts themselves also help animals. She also regularly contributes pawty prizes in the form donations to the charity at hand in the name of the winner.

Always, caring and supportive, only she and Joan @zaziart know how many custom Rainbow Bridge portraits she and Joan have joined forces to donate when Smokey's anipal friends have gone OTRB, to help ease their family's pain with a beautiful remembrance of their loved ones. An Anipal Times article about them is here: http://www.anipaltimes.com/2011/07/random-acts-of-kindness/


Of course, PepiSmartDog escorted Smokey to the Rainbow Bridge in his pram, with Smokey looking perfectly regal on the ride over, and is helping him settle in with all his friends there. Pepi has written a beautiful tribute on his blog at http://pepismartdog.com/?p=6734.

Here's another article Maggietkat wrote about Smokey and Tess in The Anipal Times: http://www.anipaltimes.com/2010/11/talk-to-smokey8-tessie/

Please light a candle for Smokey & Tess by clicking on the image below:

Seeing Smokey on Twitter is always a joy, and Tess has said she'll be back after a break tweeting as Angel Smokey - still @Smokey8, so he doesn't lose touch with all his pals.

Please be so kind as to take a moment to leave your memories and words of encouragement in the comments here for Tess and Smokey, and to let their friends know to come here and do the same.

I hope this post will bring as much comfort to her as she's brought to so many of us in our most difficult times.

We love you Tess & Smokey!

¨`*•.♥.•*¨`

68 comments:

  1. Dear Tess, our hearts are still breaking for you. We loved Smokey too and are having very leaky eyes over here. Kirsten has written a very beautiful tribute to Smokey - one you can treasure forever. Please know you are surrounded my love in the Anipal Community, and all of us are suffering with you. We love you and Smokey dearly. We are so happy you will be back as Angel Smokey. Hugs from M and kitty smooches from me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave Smokey and me such kind words. Hugs

      Delete
  2. Dear Tess, I am devastated to learn the sad news about your precious baby, Smoky. My eyes have been leaky each time I have read or thought about him and you. I send all my love and purrs to help you along with all the Pals who love and care. You are indeed surrounded by love and caring and we will be happy to see Angel Smoky when he wants to re-join us again.

    Love and hugs and kitty smooches.

    @Katiebella2

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Katiebella2 for leaving my sweet boy such kind words. Hugs.

      Delete
  3. Boris' Human2, Kelly, here I wanted to stop by and tell you how sorry I am to hear about Smokey. i can only image how heartbroken you are. You and Smokey were some of my first pals on Twitter when Boris and I made our first appearance four years ago. Without friends like you I could never have gotten past the loss of my Mom. You and Smokey will always hold a very special spot in my heart. He won't be forgotten by any of us that loved him.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Kelly for stopping by and leaving me such nice words. I lost my Mom earlier in the year so I know what sorrow that is. Hugs.

      Delete
  4. Dear Tessie,

    Your support for us, and our pawties, and for Lillian is a source of constant gratitude to me. Without your loving support I would be a much poorer person and hearing of Smokey's passing has left me with an empty space in my heart. we all want to take away the pain of his loss, h was a wonderful and amazing cat. SMOKEY ROCKED OUR WORLD.

    Thank you Smokey, for your generosity, your company, your love and your gracious support of so many of us. I want to reach out my hands and snatch you back from Heaven.

    Marjorie and Dash

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Marjorie and Dash, how I wish I could grab him and bring him back! Although I would have to do it at lightning speed as he never liked to be held too long. Thank you for your kind words! Hugs

      Delete
  5. When I heard the news, I gasped ... Smokey8 has been a part of my TWITTER anipal experience since my second #Pawty ... I won two prizes that evening -- one from @HenryAndFriends and the other from @Smokey8 ... I saw how generous Smokey8 was at every single other event I attended and got to know this sweet and precious kitty who was so selfless and modest, too. I can't imagine the horrible pain Smokey8's family is feeling, and I am saying extra prayers for them to be comforted by the love Smokey8 gave them and the fond memories they have of their life together. I know Smokey8 is smiling down on them from OTRB and waiting patiently until the time, hopefully long-off, when he will be reunited with his great family. Hugzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz ....

    ReplyDelete
  6. My heart hurts for you and your family. Smokey was also one of my first friends on Twitter. I will miss him so... Prayers

    ReplyDelete
  7. PepiSmartDog: Smokey8 and his mom Tess are dear and cherished friends. Over the Rainbow Bridge we'll all take good care of Smokey until that unexpected day when he's reunited with hims mom again, as a forever family, forever.
    Our heart goes out to Tess as we surround her with love and comfort, to help her thru this tragic time. Smokey has not gone - you will hear him whisper to your heart because he is with you always.
    We love you Tess. You will be a forever family again...but not just yet. XXX

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Dynamic Duo, You bring comfort and smiles -- yes smiles -- even in the saddest of times. Thank you for taking such good care of Smokey OTRB Pepi. Hugs

      Delete
  8. Dear Tess, We have all been blessed to have you and dear Smokey in our lives. You were so kind to us when Jinny was sick and when she became an Angel. She is there now with Pepi and all the #AngelGang welcoming dear Smokey and snuggling with him on their cloud. We know that your heart is broken. We are sharing leaky eyes with you. Know that you are loved.
    Sending thoughts of love and comfort,
    Pixel, Otis, AngelJinny & Jodie

    ReplyDelete
  9. We stopped by to express our condolences. We hope in time you find peace in your memories of Smokey. We are purring for all his loved ones left behind.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I can't believe it! My heart is breaking for you! It has been too long since I've been on Twitter, but so many pals like Smokey have traveled to the Rainbow Bridge. Sending love and pawhugs. ♥♥♥♥
    Signed,
    iamdaisydoo and mom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I feel the same way. Due to illness in the family, Smokey wasn't around as much in Twitter and before we knew it, many of our pals had crossed. Thank you for stopping by. Hugs

      Delete
  11. I've come formally to pay my respects to Smokey8. I've lit a candle, the 2nd in the photo and sent comforting purrz. Because of Smokey and Tess I have the Zaziart pastel and Colorado Catnip blankie that I adore. As you know, I don't usually like catnip, but I'm always on my blankie. I lov it just like I love Smokey, who was one of my first Twitter furrends. I don't have the same feeling on Twitter since most of my original furrends are gone.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you stopping by to pay your respects to Smokey. You have brought tears with your kind words, here and in Facebook. I have cried and mourned too the crossing of many (too many) of our Twitter pals. Hugs.

      Delete
  12. Our eyes are leaking and we know that even though you now live on the other side of the stars...

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18aJYhzFmVY

    and everything is OK; Love is Forever and we'll remember that and trust Love is for always and forever. So we say goodnight not goodbye

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1A48u-dlfAQ

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for the links. I entered Smokey for candle ceremony next Monday and he has his OTRB residency already. Hugs

      Delete
  13. We're still crushed and crying here at the House of the Mostly Black Cats. I can't imagine how you feel. We always smiled seeing Smokey in his latest egg costume. :) We love you guys and we'll be happy to see Angel Smokey when you feel up to it. Angel Sanjee will show him around. Lots of love and hugs, Robyn, George, Mini, Pepi, Gree and Angel Sanjee

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Robyn. I see that Angel Smokey is earning his wings with Angel Sanjee's help. I keep waiting for him to appear. Hugs

      Delete
  14. This is the Rumblemum, I wanted to say we were so upset to hear of Smokey passing. You guys were one of our first twitter pals, and I remember your kindness when we lost our Inigo.

    I know Smokey is now with Inigo at the bridge and they're watching over us... but they sure leave a hole in our hearts. You're all in my thoughts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They sure do leave a hole in our hearts! Through the kind words of Smokey's pals, have I been able to bear it. Thank you. Hugs

      Delete
  15. I lit a candle for smokey. I'm sad because he crossed the bridge even before i get to know him. Fly high smokey... To mom tess, stay strong. Smokey is in good hands.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank u for lighting a candle. So many times Smokey also missed meeting new pals. But I know he will return with his newly acquired angel wings and then maybe you can meet. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. Hugs.

      Delete
  16. That is so sad about Smokey. We are so so sorry and send huge hugs to Tess. Also sending tons of purrs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and leave comforting words. Hugs

      Delete
  17. We'll always love you Smokey - beyond a doubt you are one of the kindest, most loving anipals I've ever met. You were one of my very first furiends when I joined twitter - you always welcomed newcomers and made them feel welcome. My heart aches for your Mom, because she has a big hole in her heart now. I hope in time she smiles through her tears when she thinks of you, for the good memories will sustain her through her sadness. Run free Smokey - you're in good company OTRB with Pepi, Petie, Jinny, Java, Dougal, Brutus and so many others. We know you're healthy & happy now, forever young & waiting for that day when your Mom joins you. We'll do our best to ((HUG)) your pawsome Mom & let her know we're always here for her.
    *Blows a kiss to #SmokeysStar* Keep shining your love down on us Smokey - we feel you in our hearts! #ComfortingPurrs for your Mom! Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks you Lily. I'm not in pain now and I'm only sorry to see dat Mom cries for me and calls me everyday. I tried crossing da Bridge to be with her once more but we are not allowed. I'll keep on trying but I know dat one day we will reunite. In da meantime, thanks for saying nice things about me and Sends you lots of purrs.

      Delete
  18. Oh how my heart goes out to her. So sad Smokey will no longer be here in the physical, but he sure will be around in spirit.

    Many purrs to all who loved him during this difficult time.

    ReplyDelete
  19. We come here to pay our respect to Smokey. Smokey we knew you from Twitter where I use to be on an occasional basis.We know how much you did for all the anipals and all the Nip Pawties, you were a CAT among cats! We are so very very sorry to hear about your loss, and we can deeply understand the sorrow in your Mom's heart. Our Mom too lost me on Aug 12th. It is a very difficult path. We too know your Mom may be feeling guilt, ours sure does, but both me and Smokey want your Mom not to feel guilty. Smokey knows the love your Mom had and the wonderful forever home. We will keep both of you in our purrs and prayers and go light a candle for dearly beloved Smokey.

    xoxox

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Angel Abby! I remembers you. It is sad for our moms to see us leave dem. We have many kitties in and around our home. And they keep her going. I was her No. 1 boy and I've tried coming back from OTRB but I wasn't allowed. Thx you for leaving these words that will greatly comfort her. Thx you for lighting a candle for me. Mom saw it. She has been taking pix of da candles. Lots of hugs

      Delete
  20. Barks, mews or words can never say thank you enough for everything Smokey & his family have done for us. You always thought of other anipals first, and I am so lucky to call you my furend. Nose kisses and wiener wiggles to your Mummy; we are all here for her, Smokey. Just like you have been here for us.

    You're in God's paws now with all our furends at the Bridge, run free furend until we all meet again.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Autumn. I know Smokey is running around and taking wonderful long naps! Hugs

      Delete
  21. We are all so very sorry to hear about dear Smokey. We know rhere are no words, but we do send you our love, hugs and prayers. Run free dear Smokey, you touched the heart of the world. @brian106sc

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Brian, thank you for stopping by and leaving your comforting words. Hugs

      Delete
  22. We read about Smokey going to the RB at Mario's Meowsings. We are so sorry for your loss and are sending our condolences. We did not have the opportunity to meet Smokey previously for which we are very sorry. May all the ell wishes and sympathy from so many friends help you deal with the pain you are feeling. That definitely was a most untimely and unfortunate death for Smokey. Purrs and hugs from the kitties at www.thecatonmyhead.com, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo and our mom, Janet

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Kitties, thank you taking the time to leave such kind words. We may still have time to meet as I will stay as @Smokey8 (Angel Smokey8 now). Hope you wave to me as I will be floating close by in my cloud. Hugs

      Delete
  23. We are so sorry for the loss of your beloved Smokey. Hugs, purrs and pawtaps.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. It was so shocking, but going through it with all the help of Smokey's pals. Hugs

      Delete
  24. Smokey, My Daddy told me that you protected Tessie. I am Milo, Izzy's cat (really I am Queen of the World but that is a given, right?). I never had the chance to meet, play, claw or totally snub you, but since you belonged to Tessie, who is a beautiful person, I know you must have been a cool cat! My Izzy loves your Mom and feels really sad for her. I hope you are keeping an eye on her while you are up there. Your fellow feline royalty, Milo (Owner of Izzy and Michael)!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Milo! I'm ever so humbled as having royalty such as yourself stop by and pay your condolences. My Mom thinks the world of your Dad and I hope you don't give any grief as much as humans can never cater to us with purrfect ion. Alas, we must be patient with them. Purrs

      Delete
  25. Oh our mommy just SOBBED when she heard. Smokey and Ryker are together with Pepi and all our other RB friends whom we back here on earth still miss terribly. Hugs and healing, comforting purrs to mom Tess.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for stopping by - I go back and look at Smokey's photos and cannot believe he's not with me anymore. Thank you for the comforting hugs. They help so much.

      Delete
  26. We came over from Mario's to say how very sorry we are about the passing of your precious Smokey. We send you our gentlest purrs and thoughts of love to help your hearts heal. You are in our thoughts.

    Be Well Sweet Smokey

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for stopping by. It means the world to see so many have stopped by to pay their respects. Hugs.

      Delete
  27. We are so terribly sorry to hear this awful news and send purrs.

    WildeOscarCat

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much. I appreciate so much your taking the time to stop by. Hugs

      Delete
  28. I know ma human stopped by and told u how sawry we r bout Smokey, but Smokey wuz ma pal n I miss him sumfin terrible. Ma heart doz breakin fur his humanz n all anipals wot lub he. *HUGS*

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Boris, thank you for stopping by again. It's supposed to get a bit better, but not yet for me. However, all these wonderful pals stopping by make it bearable. I only have his photos now and I go back and look at them. Hugs to you my sweet boy.

      Delete
  29. I'm so very sorry to read about Smokey. Sending love and prayers for you. {{hugs}}

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for stopping by Prudence and paying your respects. Hugs

      Delete
  30. this is just so sad. i am very sorry. miss you so much already. xoxo snuffy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Snuffy, just when I think I'm doing a bit better, I fall back. Thank you for stopping by. Hugs

      Delete
  31. This is super sad. I know how hard it is to lose your loved ones. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Joanne. It is always hard to lose our fur babies, but when it happens that you can't even say goodbye or save them, makes it just that hard. Hugs

      Delete
  32. I'm heartbroken. So very, very sorry for the loss of Smokey.

    Love & prayers from me and my Mom.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I just heard about Smokey from Boris Kitty... I'm so sorry to hear to hear of your loss. Our hearts are heavy for you. Sending love and hugs.
    Your pals,
    Diane and Rocco Havanese

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much and for your kindness in stopping by. It means a lot. Hugs.

      Delete
  34. I am so sad reading this. Smokey was one of our original Twitter pals, and one of the kindest, most caring, always willing to help kitties ever.

    I am sending over the biggest hugs and most comforting thoughts ever. Thank you for sharing Smokey with us. We're all lucky to have known him. <3

    {{hugs}}

    --Dorian

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving your kind words. Even though we have other kitties, Smokey was my baby. I cannot believe he has crossed. Hugs

      Delete