It is with heavy hearts that we say good-bye to a sweet, gentle and handsome man-cat, Leopold (Leo) Lion Heart. Leo was a beloved member of the Critters in the Cottage gang and a special friend to Lily Olivia, me and all the Kitties Blue.
Friday evening, we received an e-mail from Leo’s mom, Sophie, saying, “I was asked by Leo, to tell his tiny Lily Olivia good-bye from him. He enjoyed their small exchanges and says it made his heart younger and lighter. He hopes to see her again some day in the land of the hereafter.” This arrived shortly before Leo was helped to the Rainbow Bridge and demonstrates what a most thoughtful and caring cat he was.
Lily Olivia and Leo first became acquainted last February as a result of my Match.Cat post looking for dates for my girls for the Queen of Hearts Dance. This is what Leo wrote to Lily.
Dear Lily Olivia,
I am a handsome, dashing and gentle gentleman who loves a good poem and a slow dance. I have recently had surgery to remove two large tumours which have been deemed benign but you can bet that I will be better than my “old” self by the time the Valentine’s Day dance arrives. I also had a full blood panel done and I have been given a clean bill of health! I am telling you this because at seventeen, I am in surprisingly good health. I am a big cat at eighteen pounds and I would compliment your petite frame beautifully. Sweet Lily Olivia, if you choose me to accompany you to the Valentines’ Day Ball, it would also please me to keep an eye on the youngsters especially as Levon will be attending and our Mama would be thrilled to know I was there. Levon, can be be a wild child!!
I would, however, want a few slow dances along with our good conversation were I to escort you to the Ball as I remain a hopeless romantic.
Sincerely,
Leopold Lion Heart of the critters in the cottage xo
After such a sweet invitation, Lily refused to even consider another date, and the two had a delightful time together. This is their photo. Lily is wearing the wrist corsage Leo presented to her. They made a most attractive couple, don’t you think?
The following month when Lily Olivia went on Sammy’s (onespoiledcat) trip to the moon, Leo sent her these two lovely gifts. She so wished he had shared that great adventure with her.
After that, they exchanged e-mails, visiting often. They continued to try to find time for another date, but their respective humans always seemed to drop the ball. Before Leo’s mom, Sophie, had to go out of town, I promised that I would put the date together upon her return.
Unfortunately, that did not happen. Leo had other plans. Though having to be taken to the vet while his mom was away, Leo, being the compassionate and thoughtful gentle-cat that he was, waited for his mom to return home so they could be together and say their final good-byes.
Leo wrapped his paws around our hearts from the moment Lily received that invitation. He will be with us always.
He and Mom Sophie had a special bond, and she is hurting very badly right now. If you have not read her touching memorial tribute to Leo and left your condolences, please click on the link at the top of this page and visit Critters in the Cottage.
Rest in Peace and Love, sweet Leo. We will never forget you, Lily Olivia and Mom Janet
***wipin teerz off da cheekz**
N Mum iz cryin like a baby….
Oh Aunti n Lily Olivia we iz turriblee sad to read bout LEO n we iz so sowwy he had to go to Summerland….
He waz such a kewl kittehboy n such a gentle kat……we nose ya will neber furget him n we sendz ya onlee guud werdz n lub durin diz sad time 🙁
Much lub n **paw patz**
Nylablue n Sherriellen Mum xxx
We were so very sad to hear about Leo running to the Bridge! A wonderful post in tribute to him xx
Always so sad to lose a furbaby; hope mom’s heavy heart lightens a little each day from the happy memories she had with him and how lucky she was to have had him choose her. Love and Light until rainbow bridge~
We’re so sorry to hear about Leo. This is a lovely tribute to a special Mancat.
oh this is so sad,what a handsome fellow he was,lovely tribute for him,xx Rachel and Speedy
So sad.
Rest in peace, Leo.
Purrs xx
Athena and Marie
We were so sad to learn of Leo’s passing. He was a special mancat, and your post to him was so very special. Hugs to MLP, Lily Olivia, and all who are missing him.
It broke my heart in two. Much love and comforting purrs and prayers for his dear family.
What a beautiful tribute post for Leo. We are heading over now to give our purrs and love to his Mom.
Marty and Mom
It breaks my heart when I hear of cats moving on beyond the rainbow bridge.
My heart is breaking for Sophie all over again. I just found out about Leo this morning when I read her post. What a devastating thing to come home to. My heart goes out to her. Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute. Leo sure sounds like a special man-cat, and he and Lily Olivia were lucky to have the time they shared together. He will be missed. Sending lots of purrs, prayers, and warm thoughts to Sophie, the Critters, and Lily Olivia and family. Love you all.
Sampy sends his Astrid lots of love too.
purrs of healing and comfort at the loss of Leo. My heart is with you
What an incredibly beautiful post!! You made me cry! I am sure Leo’s Mom will cherish this forever. We were so sad to hear the news 🙁
So very sad! Leo was so very special, as is his mom, and we are sorry they had to part. We know she is just heart borken, and we wish her peace and comfort, and hope in time she will be abe to look back at her memories and find solace.
What a lovely touching poignant memorial to dear Leo. It is so very hard to say goodbye to those we dearly love. Keeping Mom Sophie in our purrs and prayers.
Sorry about the loss of your good furend, Leo.
Sending comforting thoughts to you and his furmily…and lots of purrs & hugs.
We were sure sorry to haer about dear Leo. Sad, very sad.
Very sorry to hear about Leo.
We were so saddened to hear of Leo’s passing too. Our hearts are breaking for his human. This is a very lovely tribute to him. We are so sorry for your loss too.
Such a beautifully written post about Handsome Leo. We’re so sorry he’s run off to the Bridge and we send comforting purrs to his Mom Sophie and Lily Olivia.
PS/ On another note, we received the parcel this afternoon and will be posting about it soon. 🙂
What a great tribute to such a gentle mancat. We’re very sad that Leo has left us. We send purrs to his mom, LP. We know how special he was to her.
A beautiful tribute to a precious Leo. I was deeply saddened by his passing and I know his family are devastated.
What a sweet post…….it’s been particularly hard these last few days with so many going to the Bridge and leaving such sadness behind. The memories keep us warm but we miss them with all our hearts………I’m glad Lily Olivia and Leo had that lovely date – lots of nice moments help us get through the pain of loss.
Sending Hugs…..
Pam and Sam
So sorry to hear about the lovely Leo. A beautiful tribute. Sending love and hugs. Bisous, Bailey
We are so sorry to read about your friend Leo. Run free and fast over the rainbow bridge sweet mancat. We send virtual hugs to his peeps.
Best wishes Molly
What a lovely tribute to Leo ! We’re so sad, we already visited the Critters. Gentle purrs to Lily Olivia. Purrs
We were so sorry when we heard that Leo had gone to Rainbow Bridge as he was one of our favourite mancats. We went to see his Mom Sophie yesterday and told her we were so sorry he had left her but that he would be watching over her and blowing her kisses.
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx
Sorry to hear about Leo – sending big hugs to his family.
What a special post and tribute for the gentle Mancat Leo. Lily Olivia and Leo were a darling couple and how special for him to say his goodbyes to her before leaving this world. We are so sad about his passing and send our gentlest purrs and love to Mom Sophie and to Lily Olivia…