Saying Goodbye to Mau Mau Lessons in Love and Loss from a Beloved Feline Companion

As I begin to write this, my heart feels heavy with loss. May 23rd, I had to say goodbye to my beloved cat, Mau Mau, who graced my life for over 19 years. She was more than just a pet; she was a companion, a confidant, and a source of unconditional love. In this post, I want to share our journey together, the lessons I learned, and the love that will forever remain in my heart.

Mau Mau came into my life when I was in my mid-20s, a time filled with uncertainty and change. I adopted her from the Arizona Humane Society. She was estimated to be around 11 months old, and from that moment on, I promised to provide her with a safe and loving home, no matter what life threw our way.

Over the years, Mau Mau witnessed my life unfold in ways I never could have imagined. She was there through my divorce, life-altering accidents, and multiple surgeries. In her own unique way, she was always a silent supporter. Did you know that pets can reduce stress by up to 50%? Mau Mau was a true testament to that. Her playful antics and soft purring provided comfort when I needed it most. She ruled our home, doing exactly what she wanted, and I loved her spirit.

As I reflect on our time together, I realize the bond we shared went beyond words. No matter how much I tried to express my love for her, it always felt inadequate. Watching her in pain during her final days was heartbreaking. Despite being medicated to ease her discomfort, she struggled to care for herself, which was devastating for me to witness.

Today, as we prepared to say goodbye, I wanted to give her a final gift: a chance to lay in the grass and watch the birds without barriers. I wanted her to experience the world in its purest form—free from windows that could distort her view.

Mau Mau, you will always be cherished. You now have all the treats and turkey you could ever want. I’ve had the privilege of sharing my life with you for nearly two decades, and I am grateful for every moment. You were a constant through some of the toughest years of my adult life, and I hope I was able to provide you with the love and care you deserved.

My son even designed our logo after you, showcasing the impact you had on our lives. You’ve been a part of his life for two-thirds of his existence, shaping our family in ways we will always remember.

I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to everyone who showed Mau Mau love and support throughout her life. Thank you to those who sent gifts for her and our other pets; your kindness helped create a joyful life filled with play, sleep, and the occasional bullying of her feline siblings.

As a family, we will treasure the time we had with our amazing Mau Mau. We will hold her paws and shower her with love as she crosses the rainbow bridge.

Reflecting on saying goodbye to Mau Mau is not just about loss; it’s about celebrating the love we shared. It’s a reminder of the resilience, companionship, and importance of cherishing every moment. While the pain of her absence will linger, the memories we created together will forever warm my heart.

To all pet lovers and cat enthusiasts, I encourage you to cherish your furry companions. They may not be with us forever, but the love they give is timeless. As I navigate this difficult time, I find comfort in knowing that Mau Mau is now free from pain, exploring a beautiful place beyond the rainbow bridge.

Thank you for being a part of our journey and for the love and support you’ve shown during this time. Mau Mau, you will always be loved and remembered.

This picture is her on my lap while I play the first Modern Warfare on 360, she’s been my longest and best call of duty teammate ever.