Saying goodbye to a pet is never easy, especially when they’ve been a part of the family for many years. TikToker Alexa Tashjian and her family recently had to say goodbye to their cat named Simba, who also goes by the nickname of ‘little lion’.
But Alexa and Simba’s relationship wasn’t the typical human/cat scenario. Simba was a feral cat, and while Alexa cared for him for 10 years, and he happily greeted the family when they came home and he called their house home, they never once were able to pet him. But you’ll see in this video just how much they loved him.
@alexatashjian For the past 10 years, my family and I cared for Simba 🦁— a beautiful feral cat who found a safe place with us. Though we could never pet him, he always ran to greet us when we came home. Today, we said goodbye to our little lion. Simba, you’ll be deeply missed by all of us and your siblings. We did everything we could, and we’re so grateful for the years we had with you. Rest in peace, sweet boy 🤍🕊️ #RIPSimba #PetLoss #FeralCatLove #Catsoftiktok #LittleLion
It is devastating to say goodbye to someone you love. Alexa said in the video’s caption, “Simba, you’ll be deeply missed by all of us and your siblings. We did everything we could, and we’re so grateful for the years we had with you. Rest in peace, sweet boy.”
Commenter @enamedena asked, “How did he pass? I’m sorry for your loss.” Alexa responded with, “We were noticing he seemed to lose his vision, and health was slowly deteriorating so we reached out to a local rescue and they were able to capture and take to vet. He had a stroke and couldn’t blink. They think from cancer. He wasn’t eating anymore.”
Related: Family’s Tearful Goodbye to 21-Year-Old Cat Has People in Tears
When Pets Cross the Rainbow Bridge
Have you read the Rainbow Bridge poem? It’s a beautiful, thoughtfully written, and full of emotion, though the author is unknown. You might want to grab a tissue before reading this!
“Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….”
This one brings a tear to my eyes every time I read it!