Comments on: In Memory of Scarlett

By: Jamie Winterhawke

Jamie Winterhawke — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:06:41 +0000

When I was in college, I gave a report on the importance of animals in our lives. One story was about Scarlett.

These years later I wanted to tell her story to someone and so did some reasearch and came across your website.

I am so sorrowful to find out that she is no longer with us. But alas, she awaits at the rainbow bridge.

Jamie

By: Petal

Petal — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:19:45 +0000

Karen,

I have just finished reading the book “The Bravest Cat” which my daughter checked out from the library. I got on the ‘net to see what had become of The Bravest Cat and was very sad to see she had passed away. I am so sorry for your pain of losing her more than a year ago, but thank you for giving her a wonderful home for the time she was with you.

By: rosemary

rosemary — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:49:42 +0000

Karen,

What a wonderful tribute to your beloved cat. I know it still hurts. Cat leave pawprints on our hearts. I hope it is easier for you. You and your family must be wonderful people. Rosemary

By: Hartmut Mühlenbruch

Hartmut Mühlenbruch — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:14:24 +0000

Liebe Karen,

vielen Dank für Ihre lieben Worte,die Sie zur Erinnerung
an Scarlett gefunden haben.Dazu kann man nichts mehr
sagen oder schreiben.
Ich weine.
Wir werden Scarlett nie vergessen!

Herzliche Grüße von mir und meinen Katern Tiger und
Gismo aus Duisburg,Deutschland.

Hartmut

By: Karen

Karen — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 15:49:02 +0000

It’s hard to believe, but it is one year since Scarlett left us. At 11:55AM, on October 11th, 2008, she peacefully went to sleep in my arms. We knew the day that we’d have to say goodbye was coming. We didn’t realize it would come quite so quickly.
After coming home with her empty “red Corvette”, as I liked to call her wheeled carrier, I spent the rest of the day picking up all of her toys and bowls and litter boxes (the queen had two!) and put them in the basement. For one little cat, she had a lot of “stuff”! So many of her toys were gifts from friends and fans. I still find things that I overlooked and I get that ache in my gut.
Scarlett was only with us for 12 1/2 years; maybe she was 13 1/2 or 14. Not a terribly long life; Moffitt was with us for nearly 22 years! But the years with Scarlett were the best of my life! Not only because of who she was publicly–the great hero cat–but because of the joy she brought to my family.
This gentle, loving, playful, sweet creature never hissed or arched her back! She never scratched or got angry. If she was annoyed, she’d bite gently–ok, sometimes it wasn’t gently! But there was no malice or fear or any obvious effects of the trauma she endured before becoming a member of my family. She was my guru. My teacher. When I get frustrated, I try to remember that whatever I’m going through, it’s never as bad as what she went through. And I shouldn’t react by lashing out.
I have applied to the US Postal Service to see if they will create a stamp in this great American hero’s honor! They are interested and it is under review! If you would like to see a commemorative stamp issued, maybe you could write to the USPS supporting it.
Thank you to everyone who has shown my family and me so much compassion in the years since Scarlett became ill and ultimately left us. It does my heart good to know there are so many caring people in this world.
In Buddhism, I think Scarlett would be considered a Bodhisattva–a heroic, enlightened being. Maybe it’s her legacy to bring that awareness to all of us.
Rest in peace, beautiful Scarlett.

By: rosemary

rosemary — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:02:58 +0000

Karen,

I just wanted to jot this sort note to you as I know that we are approaching Scarlett’s one year anniversary. I do hope that things are a bit easier for you. Having lost my cat in June, I know these things take time. It does get better, though. Take care. Rosemary

By: Diane R.

Diane R. — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 15:14:21 +0000

I remember the story of her love and heroism as she entered and re-entered the burning building to rescue her kittens, and almost burned to death in the process. I remember the tears I shed upon hearing the story on the news, and how amazed I was, even though I’ve been a cat lover and a cat owner for over 30 years, that this brave little cat would risk her own life to save her babies. May St. Francis look lovingly upon her, and may she rest in peace for all eternity. Tears run down my face again today for Scarlett. You are truly loved.

By: Susan Sterling

Susan Sterling — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 17:08:32 +0000

Even now through the years Scarlett’s story still brings tears to my eyes and always will!

Rest in peace Scarlett

By: Bob Carlson

Bob Carlson — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 05:43:06 +0000

I’d only just finished reading about Dewey the library cat, who was left in the book-return box on a freezing Iowa night, and became the maneki neko welcome cat there for years, when I read about Scarlett. I was going through joblessness and homelessness when her story occurred, otherwise I would’ve known about it when it was happening. Sorry to hear that you lost her, right around another difficult period in my life, but she had a long and happy lifespan after recovering from what she went through. I’m the hazmat guru for a firefighter’s website (not a fireman myself, but a hazardous waste cleanup guy), and have posted all sorts of photos and info on there to remind these macho men, some of whom don’t like rescuing cats, that sometimes cats can do things on their own that they’d be afraid to tackle. I’ve also invited David Giannelli to join my Animal Rescue group on that website…if anyone knows how to contact him, let me know…he may be retired by now.

Reading this story made me miss all my cats and dogs, especially Terri the Welsh Corgi who woke me and my girlfriend up during a fire once. Scarlett was much loved and will be much missed, even by those of us who never got to meet her. Tip o’ the hat to all of you. We will see them all in that better place someday.

By: rosemary

rosemary — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:35:24 +0000

Dear Karen,

Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply. As with Scarlett and your family, my family and I miss his presence. It is getting a little easier, but it still hurts. As I feel better, I will let you know how things are. When I am ready to adopt a new cat and visit my local shelter, I will let you know what bundle of love becomes part of our family. Once again, thank you.