
Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day was founded in 2015 by Deborah Barnes, award-winning author and blogger of Zee & Zoey’s Cat Chronicles in tribute to her Ragdoll cat, Mr. Jazz, who she had to say goodbye to on August 28, 2013. She shared the journey of letting him go in her critically acclaimed book, Purr Prints of the Heart – A Cat’s Tale of Life, Death, and Beyond and decided to create the day in his honor as a way for others across the world to share memories of their own pets they had loved and lost.
After Chizzy was helped to the RB, Gramma gave orders that there would definitely be NO MORE CATS! But after caring for Grampa through the final stages of cancer and then Chizzy, the peeps decided she needed someone to take care of. She was 78 after all and not one to go to the senior center and make friends. She lived alone. She needed the love and company a cat provides.
Along came Autumn. The peeps took the liberty of going to a local adoption event. They looked over the cats. The white one tried to bite both of them. The gray tabby looked too much like Chizzy. TW's eyes found Autumn AND the sign that hung over her cage—"Had a toe amputated." TW knew she was Gramma's cat. Who else would adopt a less-than-perfect adult cat in the early 1990s? No, wait, Autumn WAS perfect.
Autumn was found with a badly infected toe and a bunch kittens who were all later adopted. Now she was looking for a forever castle. The shelter was reluctant to adopt a cat to a woman Gramma's age but after visiting with Gramma, they saw how healthy and independent she was.

It was love at first sight for both of them. Autumn rocked Gramma's world. She gave her unconditional love for almost 10 years. She also grew to be a little "Plumpy" who Gramma said "was a dud" cos she never played. Yes, she packed the pounds on her small frame.
Then the worst happened. Gramma was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. Near the end, Autumn never left her side. She stayed on the pillow next to Gramma and the only time she left was to eat or when the peeps came and played with her. It must have been a lonely and sad time for her.

Gramma was gravely ill but refused to let go until that night when TW told her not to worry. They would adopt Autumn and continue to treat her like the queen she was. Later that evening Gramma passed with Autumn on the pillow next to her. She knew her Autumn would be taken care of. The woman caring for Gramma said she heard animal-like screams when Gramma passed. We don't know whether it was Gramma or Autumn but Autumn had to be picked up and brought into another room when they came for Gramma's body. She refused to leave Gramma's side even in death. We're glad Autumn was able to stay with her till the end so she had closure.

Unfortunately Nicky and Autumn didn't get along at all. Autumn's card at the adoption event said she wanted to be an only cat and Nicky did too. She moved into Nicky's territory. He saw her as an interloper. They had to be kept in separate parts of the house and then the condo. Once they all moved into the condo, Autumn became extremely playful and even more loving. She wasn't a dud at all.
Everyone loved Autumn. The peeps even gave her a 13th birthday pawty complete with guests and prezzies and that was before pets were given birthday pawties. Because of Autumn, TW will always have a soft spot for calico cats with a little bit of "alley cat orange" on them.

Not long after that pawty, Autumn, too, was diagnosed with cancer that had metastasized all over her body cos the first vet misdiagnosed her denying her early treatment.
We're sure Gramma and Autumn were thrilled to meet up again at the Rainbow Bridge where their spirits are once again healthy and free.
You can read our remembrance of Nicky here.
This is a beautiful tribute to Autumn. She was the perfect companion for your Gramma. She was beautiful, and I am sure it would have been much safer to tickle that tummy she is showing off than it would be yours.
ReplyDeleteAutumn was a very special cat. My human is also partial to calicos because her soul cat was one.
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible story. I am so glad Autumn and Gramma had one another - thank you so much for sharing this. Purrs from Deb, Mr. Jazz, and the Zee/Zoey gang.
ReplyDeleteHugs as you remember sweet Autumn, such a sweetie.
ReplyDeleteLook at that tummy shot of Angel Autumn! She was beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAutumn was a beautiful friend and so very loved by all.
ReplyDeleteHugs madi and mom
What a beautiful story of Gramma and Autumn. So glad they had so much time together and Gramma was able to go in peace because Autumn would be cared for. That is a frightening thing for humans. What will happen to the pet(s)?
ReplyDeleteYour Gramma was a lovely lady and Autumn must have loved her tremendously. Thank you for sharing their loving story. I'm sure they are very happy to be reunited.
ReplyDeleteautumn; we troo lee N joyed yur storee; ewe bee one gorgoeuz cat; we iz glad ewe finded a foreverz with grammie then pops & TW....pleez ta tell de trouterz we said HI ~~~~~~♥♥♥♥♥
ReplyDeleteThank you, C.K. for telling us about Autumn. It seems as if she and your gramma had a wonderful life together. Their story made our mom smile. She says she's certain that they are together enjoying good health and happiness. XOCK, angel Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, angel Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo, Cooper Murphy and Sawyer
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful post.
ReplyDeletePurrs xx
Athena and Marie
Beautiful tribute to a beautiful ladycat.
ReplyDeleteThe Florida Furkids
Such a beautiful tribute to Autumn. I am glad your Gramma got to have such a loving companion all the way to the end of her life. XO
ReplyDeleteCats truly fix just about anything. I don't know what I would've done after my divorce if I hadn't had Bear. He was my lifeline and loved me no matter what.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful story. I'm so glad Gramma and Autumn had all those years together, and that TW stepped in to make it happen.
ReplyDeleteOh CK!!! I am crying as I am reading this. What a special kitty Autumn was and your Grandma, OMG.......my heart is broken. TW and Pop were Angels to adopt Autumn when Grandma passed.....this was the most beautiful story. Thank you so much for sharing it with us (((hugs))))
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful story! I'm sitting here with tears streaming down my face and the connection Autumn had with your Grandma. How wonderful for Autumn that TW and Pop brought her into their home.
ReplyDeleteThat was so beautiful. Autumn was an amazing kitty, and we are glad she and Gramma had that super special relationship. We love how TW and Pop made it all happen, too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post. Autumn sounds like such a special kitty. She and Gramma were fortunate to have each other.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful story of the love your Grandma and Autumn shared
ReplyDeletehugs
Hazel & Mabel