one half of the renowned Lewis and Clark duo

I am sipping on some medicinal wine as I think of how to tell you that the flags here at Tall Tales headquarters are flying at half staff this week. One half of the renowned Lewis and Clark duo is no longer with us. Not with us in his furry feline form that is. He will always hold a space in our hearts from which he can never be displaced. Did I say it was a big, giant, gaping hole of a space right now? I meant to.

We found out about 8 weeks ago that Clark likely had pancreatic cancer. He wasn't eating or drinking much. Not one to put a cat through a lot of tests I myself would not want to go through we did an ultrasound and stopped at that. We gave him ample doses of love in the form of quiet nap times on our laps, lots of tummy rubbing, and enough sweet talk to last a life time. We are big on sweet talk around here.

We expect some heartfelt grieving to be ongoing for awhile.  We've been through this before, but each time, with each pet is uniquely painful.  I mean who is going to help me match my yarn colors, or do Angie's taxes, or carry on long discussions with Chris late into the night after Lewis and I have gone to bed?  

I've informed Lewis Mulvenon that he will have to absorb twice as much love as he is used to. He indicated to me that he was up for it.   He also said not to expect him to be as good a listener as Clark was. Lewis is more of a talker. He has lots to say about a lot of things. And right now that is exactly what we need.

Comments

[Carol Gossett]

So sorry to hear about Clark; it is always so hard to lose such a beloved family member. Big hugs to you.

[Janet]

What a beautiful cat, Mr. Clark was. I am so, so sorry. First my Murray, than your sister's Buck, and now Clark. I hope the Kansas kitties have found the Cali kitty, and the three are romping around kitty heaven just like they owned the place.

[Angela]

(((Carol))), sending you a cyber hug and my sincere condolences. Be patient with that ache in your heart and know we surround you with our love.

[Laure Janus]

Carol, so sorry to hear of Clark's death. I know from experience that the remaining kitty can be pretty lonely and confused, too, so I'm sending prayers and hugs your way, and for Lewis, too. Bless you all.

[Claire]

Oh, no... I am so sorry. It is a strange bond we all have because of cats. My heart (and those of my cats Thor and GT) go out to you, Chris and Lewis.

[Pat P]

The best comfort we have is what a good life we provided for our furry friends. Your words "uniquely painful" struck me, because that is exactly right as pertains to the loss of pets. And I know I'm not the first to think "Buck needed a roaming buddy, that's all". Take care.

[Nancy in Fair Oaks]

I'll be thinking of you today a lot. We lost one of the most incredible dogs 3 years ago and we still miss her terribly. A big hug is being sent to you, Carol.

[Tamra]

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. We lost our oldest cat in November and it's still hard to think about him. Sending lots of positive thoughts your way.

[Joanne]

I think that Buck and Clark are having a grand old time together! Hugs to you and your family.

[Rhonda]

So sorry to hear of your loss... it is always difficult when we lose a dear pet. They change our lives in ways we just cannot imagine. Give Lewis some extra hugs for us all.

[Jenny]

So sorry to hear of your loss. Sending hugs and prayers your way.

[Joyce]

Heartsick for your loss of Clark. Lewis has a big job now. While handling his own grief he'll be there loving you and helping you through yours. Our furry friends come to our rescue always. Heal gently...

[jeanette, mistress of longears]

So sorry to hear of your loss. Hug Lewis extra close.

[Leslie J. Moran]

Goodbye beautiful boy, we so enjoyed meeting and seeing you on blog posts. While we'll all be sad and miss you, thank you for the joy you did bring and for being such a good companion to Clark. Carol and Chris, we're thinking of you and holding you close.

[Nancy Lynn]

I was beginning to cry before I finished the post. I am so sorry for your loss and all I could think of was your sister's loss of Buck too. Wow. I don't think there are any words that I can say right now except that I want you to know that I do understand so much as I have lost a lot of wonderful furry companions myself.

[julie macneil]

my heart hurts for you, i am so sorry!

[Barbara]

Sending long distance hugs. So sorry to hear about Clark and hope that Lewis will be able to hold down the fort on his own. Sending my deepest condolences.

[Joan]

Oh, such sad news today. I know that gaping hole in the heart, that unfillable spot that is unique to each beloved creature that goes before us. I lost my "heart" cat 1 year ago, precious KitterPie...only 3 yrs old. I'm still not over it and can't think of or mention his name without tearing up.

I so understand the grieving time needed to get over the stinging pain of loss. Take your time getting through this process. Time doesn't make it go away but the pangs are not so raw.

[+nancy (from the covey)]

Hey Carol (coming from my mom's computer)
I am so sorry about Clark.... and I admire your palliative care approach-how ironic.
xoxo, nancy

[Judy H.]

Oh Carol, so sorry to hear about Clark. It's so hard to lose a fuzzy family member. {{Hugs}} to all of you. :(

[Michel Murphy]

What a handsome, thoughtful friend you had in Clark. I'm sorry for your loss.

[Jill]

Heartbreaking :( I'm so sorry for your loss.

[marta traughber]

I'm sorry about your poor Clark. He and Lewis look alike. Are they brothers? It sucks to lose a pet partly because we lose the habit of the relationship with that animal. A big hole, indeed. Poor you.

[Chelsy]

I'm so sorry, Carol. Clark was very lucky to have you call the shots for him, saving him from invasive procedures, and lucky to be so loved and doted upon in his final days.

[Megan]

I am sorry to hear this about Clark. Pets are the best friends! I remember when you got Lewis and Clark. Hugs to you all!