Carlton
In Loving Memory of “Carlton”
My Precious, Loyal Companion
August 30, 2002 adopted – March 20, 2015 (Age 15 1/2-16 years)
We adopted our precious Carlton from Michigan Animal Rescue League through PetsMart. He had been surrendered, and I cannot imagine why! But, it was my good fortune that we found each other, he had me at Meow! When I met him, he was two or three years old. All he wanted to do was play with his little fur mouse and he’d throw it up in the air, bat it around for hours, then eat the tail…well, he did that his whole life…he loved his little fur mice! He was the most gentle, loving kitty. A little gentleman who never, ever tried to bite or scratch anyone, and brought so much love, joy and happiness into my life and our family. We adopted Caesar with Carlton, and then we added three other rescues to the family; Cleo, Chanel and our Lover Big Boy, he and Carlton were best buddies. Carlton welcomed them all with open “Paws”!
He was a handsome, fluffy kitty and in the spring he’d get a lion cut, he loved it, and pranced around for us. He loved to curl up on his Dad’s lap, and lay there for hours, or help him work in his office. He and Big Boy would see who could get to their Dad’s lap first, and the other would wait their turn, patiently. He loved to be near us. He would sleep on the back of the chair in front of the window so not to miss any of the bird or wildlife activity, and in the warmer months he would sit in the window for hours to catch the sun and breeze.
At heart, Carlton was a Mama’s boy, but he ruled the house and was the Sheriff keeping all the other kitties from their spats and a protector to anyone that was being picked on. All he had to do was walk over to the tussle, and they immediately stopped. He even stopped Caesar in his tracks once as he was making a run for Chanel. Any sign of commotion, and he ran to break it up. Over the years he had so many nick names, Kookie Car, Car, Car Man the Sailor Man, Lucas, Little Man….and my sister called him The King, and he answered to all of them!
He was also a very active little socialite, and he melted the heart of everyone he met. He loved meeting people and being a spokes kitty in the community for all felines. Everybody knew and loved Carlton. He visited schools to teach children about Humane Education, and one day over 100 children pet him as he lay in his stroller with his belly exposed for a tummy rub, he attended the Mega March, in his stroller, with thousands of dogs, was a calendar pin-up, was in Hour Magazine, and was interviewed on Ch. 7 WXYZ. He attended fund raising events at the Ritz Carlton (The Henry) and was served salmon, and he danced with me while I held him in my arms!!! He was also great in the car, and loved to fly to Florida with me, and slept like a baby in his carrier on my lap. He did not like going through security, even while I held him in my arms, but who does! Upon departure and arrival at the airport I’d take him to the restroom and put down a potty pad, he used it. In Florida, He loved laying on the lanai and watching the waves, shore birds and Pelicans fly by.
His social life did not end there, he even had lunch at a Chinese restaurant with Mr. Cracchiolo. When we got back to his house Grace was making Italian Christmas cookies. Carlton politely sat in a chair at the kitchen table watching all of the activity…then he decided to make a move to get on the table…he wanted a cookie! When that didn’t work, he took a nap on Mr. C’s lap. All I had to do was quietly say no, he knew what it meant, and all I had to do was whistle and he’d come running from wherever he was in the house. I think he was part canine! He was also a gracious host to his canine quests, as long as he was looking down on them! He was always in the mix of any family party and he’d find a seat and that was where he’d perch for the whole party. Of course, he loved all the attention! Both Carlton and Big Boy were the life of our family party, Christmas 2014.
When guests came over or even contractors, he was there to greet them and sit on their lap, or in the case of painters… their drop-cloth! He loved to drink from the tub faucet, and it was a daily routine. I’d get up, turn on the faucet, give him his medication, and then get breakfast for all the kitties. After breakfast he’d come upstairs and sit on the vanity stool while I dressed. If I did not turn on the faucet immediately, he’d sit on the edge of the tub until l I did! When I was doing my hair he’d gently scratch my back asking for a treat, a loving stroke and kiss…he got them! Every morning when I’d leave the house he’d follow me downstairs, running left to right down the stairs and walk me to the door…I always said good-by, love you to all the kitties…and see you tonight.
When traveling, I’d call my husband and when Carlton heard my voice on the speaker phone, he came running. When I came home day or night, he was always at the door to greet me. When I talked to him it was as if he knew what I was saying. When I was writing my books, and typing for hours and hours on end, he would lay sleeping on the desk on the papers by my side. He was my inspiration…! When we went to bed, we’d go together. At night he’d lay by my side, he loved to knead, and I’d stroke his head. Then he’d go lay at the bottom of the bed or in his perch to watch over us all.
In 2007, he was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and began taking daily medication, for life, and in November 2013 he was diagnosed with GI small-cell lymphoma. I thank Dr. Mehler, our family vet, for noticing his irregular heartbeat, and his cardiologist Dr. Brown for such wonderful care that gave us so many loving years with our Angel. In 2013, he started losing weight and test after test was inconclusive. It was suggested we have exploratory surgery, and I said no…! There had to be another way to diagnose what was going on, I thought, and going under anesthetic was risky for him due to his heart condition. Thankfully, we met Dr. Venema, internal medicine specialist, and in November 2013 she diagnosed him with GI small-cell lymphoma. His diagnostic test was a GI scope, minimally invasive. He immediately began treatment of nine pills daily, which included his heart and chemo medication; five pills in the a.m. and four in the p.m. He took them like a trooper, he had a will to live, and he went into remission for 16 months, with a WONDERFUL quality of life. He visited the doctor every two weeks for months. He was in Florida in November 2104 for his 15th birthday! His doctors called him the MIRACLE kitty….! In February 2015 his heart began weakening and he was again losing weight. But, he began getting weaker, and was losing his appetite, he loved to eat….I knew on March 20, 2015, it was time for me to let my Fur Angel go home and Cross Rainbow Bridge and be with his brother Big Boy. I know he missed him…!
I am heartbroken. Our home and hearts have an emptiness that will never be filled, but we have three kitties at home to love and care for who miss both Carlton and Big Boy.
I‘d like to thank everyone at the Animal Emergency Center in Novi, MI for their compassion at this most difficult time. Dr. Brown and Team thank you for the wonderful care you gave Carlton and Big Boy…I know Carlton’s little miracle heart surprised you more than once…we got him to Florida for his 15th Birthday! Dr. Venema and Deb…you were wonderful with him, and with the grace of God Carlton had 16 wonderful months, and the most loving care throughout his illness….Thank you!!! I know losing Carlton was very difficult for you.
My Dearest Carlton,
We all miss you so. When you left you took a part of my heart with you, but I know it was time, and when you left you were in my arms. You left us with so many wonderful memories…you made me laugh, many times! I am grateful we found each other and that I could give you the most wonderful life and care you could ever get, filled with LOVE!!! I know you are with your little brother Big Boy, he loved you so. Our hearts and home have an emptiness without you. But, I know your spirit is always with me and you are in my heart forever. I will see you in Heaven. You are a very special little man….I love you so, My Angel.
We Love You,
Dad, Mom, Caesar, Cleo and Chanel
Your Pets In Heaven
by Ken D. Conover
To have loved and then said farewell, is better than to have never loved at all.
For all of the times that you have stooped and touched my head, fed me my favorite treat and returned the love that I so unconditionally gave to you.
For the care that you gave to me so unselfishly.
For all of these things I am grateful and thankful.
I ask that you not grieve for the loss, but rejoice in the fact that we lived, loved and touched each others lives. My life was fuller because you were there, not as a master/owner, but as my FRIEND.
Today I am as I was in my youth. The grass is always green, butterflies flit among the flowers and the Sun shines gently down upon all of God's creatures.
I can run, jump, play and do all of the things that I did in my youth. There is no sickness, no aching joints and no regrets and no aging.
We await the arrival of our lifelong companions and know that togetherness is forever.
You live in our hearts as we do in yours. Companions such as you are so rare and unique.
Don't hold the love that you have within yourself. Give it to another like me and then I will live forever. For love never really dies, and you are loved and missed as surely as we are.
Your Pets In Heaven