May 8th, 2012 
LeeAnn Last night we lost our beloved Oprah, our fourteen year old cat. Oprah has been included in this blog several times, including in A Very Timely Ode to Oprah.
Oprah was with me longer than any animal in my lifetime; she will always be one of my special favorites. She had an amazing sense of humor; she was funny and she knew it. People who don’t like cats loved Oprah.
Up until the last six weeks, Oprah made me laugh every day.
Starting with about six weeks ago, Oprah started to age rapidly. She became very feeble and unable to walk any distance in the house. She eventually stopped eating.
We and our wonderful vet tried everything available to us. We couldn’t find a solution and she continued to waste away in front of us.
Last night, in the comfort of her home, Oprah went to sleep on my husband’s lap and never woke up. It was the most peaceful ending to her incredible life and I am so grateful to our vet and his wonderful technician for all of their help.
Right now, there is no laughter in our house. I look forward to it returning.
Rest In Peace Oprah Aldridge
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I’m so sorry LeeAnn.
thank you Missi!
Oh LeeAnn, I’m so sorry.
thank you Mer!
Oh LeeAnn, I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like Oprah was a special cat. May she rest in peace.
thank you so much Laurie! She was so special.
Oh LeeAnn..I am so, so sorry. I enjoyed getting to know Oprah through your blog and I know she was a very special cat. Rest in peace, sweet Oprah. Hugs…
Thank you so much Jill – and hugs back!
UGH! I have been on jury duty and cramped in a jury box for two straight days. I am so sad to read this. Tunie, my heart is hurting for you and I wished I could say something to make your sadness go away. Losing a pet is so difficult and it is like losing a child. An animal fills a void like nothing else can. She was such a beautiful cat and I know that Oprah will be running around in heaven with all her favorite treats! She will be watching over you and making sure you get through this painful time. I hope you know how truly sorry I am and how much I care about you. xoxo
Thank you Kelly!! I know you have totally been tied up – can’t wait to hear about it once you can talk about it. Thank you for the kind words – they mean so much to me!! xoxo
So very sorry that you have lost your catkid. Cats are such wonderful “people” to have as family. Sometimes better than human people!
Thank you for your kind words Patricia – and I completely agree with you!!
Animals have a way of touching our lives in a way even humans cannot. I am sorry to hear of your loss LeeAnn. Tonight I finished a book entitled “The Art of Racing in the Rain” in which the story is told from a dog’s perspective. Although this is a work of fiction it shows how much an animal can contribute to our lives. Take care and remember all of the joy Oprah brought you and you in turn brought her:-)
Thank you Amy!! I will have to look up that book – sounds interesting. Hope you are well!
LeeAnn, I’m so sorry. It is so hard to lose such a positive constant presence in your life. Oprah and Rosie were kittens when I started at HMED and I recall some of your sweet stories about them.
Thank you Jen!! I miss you and hope all is well!
LeeAnn, I’ve been awake for quite a while tonight with many things on my mind, and you and Oprah are one of them. Oliver was curled up by my side and I appreciated his softness next to me, knowing it can’t last forever and how special the togetherness is for the time we do have. I think you and Oprah were so well suited, as much as she made you laugh, I bet the same was true for her (at least judging from how much you make me laugh). What a happy life you helped her lead, I know she was grateful to you. May the memories you hold sustain you through the loss. How is Gracie doing with it? I’ll be thinking of you of all. Love, Robin
Robin – thank you so much for your kind thoughts. I do think Oprah and I had the connection that is rare, but so special. I have missed her in the bed with me so these last few nights. I am glad that you have Oliver curling up next to you. I have been enjoying the memories – and have actually read my blog post about her a number of times and it gives me comfort. Gracie is lonely and won’t leave my side. I think the “energy” in the house is off. Thanks for being such a wonderful friend. Love, LeeAnn
i read this as soleil was curled with me. i started to cry. i’m so sorry for your loss. i hope the laughter comes back soon.
Thank you Amy!!
LeeAnn, reading about Oprah with a heavy heart. Praying that smiles and laughter will soon return to you and Saunders. I, like many whose lives you touch, feel your pain. My mother used to tell my father that when she passed, she wanted to come back as one of his daughters. Knowing you, perhaps returning as one of your four-legged children is the bomb! xoxo, E
Thank you Ellen!! Congrats on your college graduate! xoxo
I’m so sorry for your loss.