02.09.08
Leo has passed onto the Rainbow Bridge
Our beloved Leo has passed onto the Rainbow Bridge today, Saturday, February 9, 2008. He would have turned 19 years old this coming summer. He had a long life filled with love. He passed away peacefully today, surrounded by his family. We miss him so much it hurts, but we are so grateful to have had 18 1/2 wonderful years with him.
Leo peacefully grooming himself while having a sunbath.
This is Leo demonstrating his formidable vocal range, saying he wants more hugs.
We found him on the street while we were living in Tokyo when I was in elementary school (Bambi was adopted soon afterwards). The tiny little kitten had no hair, and an awful skin rash, and was desperately cleaning himself. My mother took a bunch of tissues, scooped him up, and literally ran to the nearest vet. This vet told her that he wouldn’t make it so she should just give up. But she didn’t.
She made a baby sling for Leo, so she could keep him warm with her body temperature all day long. She fed him and gave him water drop by drop since he was too weak to drink by himself. I remember my mother coming to pick me up at school with Leo as snug as a bug in his sling while she drove. His hair slowly started to grow back, which eventually grew into a beautiful, silky coat which he maintained for the rest of his life, up through today. He had quite the personality and gave us lots and lots of laughs. He loved to be hugged more than anything (which we guess he associates with the sling when he felt so warm and safe).
As we were leaving the hospital today, it started to snow, and we knew it was Leo telling us that he is now at peace.
Leo 1989 - 2008
R.I.P.
