Thursday, January 16, 2020

Your wings were ready ... my heart was not

It's not always easy to say good-bye, and today my husband and I helped my best girl, Camille, cross the rainbow bridge.  My heart is broken at losing her, but also filled with joy for the blessing of having known her and been loved by her for 13.5 years.

💖
Camille Bellofatto Keimach
July 10, 2004 - January 16, 2020
North Reading, Massachusetts

Camille, the best girl and most beautiful house panther, crossed the rainbow bridge today.  She fought the good fight against kidney disease, but ultimately she decided enough was enough.

She leaves behind her mom and best friend, De, her dad Brad, sisters Jill and Kayla, and her fur sister Winnie.  She is also survived by her grands, Pat and Nick, both of whom she loved to kiss, and her governess, Sarah, whom she loved like another mom.

Camille's early years are a mystery, but she rescued De in June 2006.  She was a guest of the Melrose (MA) Humane Society and her foster mom, Claire, knew these two were meant for each other.  From the day they formed a new family, Camille was worshipped, as she should have been.

Camille loved to take the night shift on security - moving through the house and keeping watch.  Sometimes her movements involved chasing noisy toys or charging up and down the basement stairs so she could slam through the cat door.  She always made it a point to report what she observed to her mom, often around 2 a.m., and figured they might as well have a snack while they were up.

She loved to eat, and mealtime was her favorite.  She was affectionately known as Big Ben, due to her ability to begin shouting for dinner at the exact same time every night.  Next to eating, Camille loved to nap in a number of favorite spots.  She had special blankets all around the house so that she would always be comfy to her specifications.

She was very generous with kisses and with chatter.  She most especially loved telling her mom stories.  She could keep a secret and love to gift you her toys.  You never knew if you'd find a gift in your bed, or your shoes, or your gym bag.  Her family realizes that keeping her an indoor cat spared them "gifts" from the outdoors.

De most especially wishes to thank the veterinarians, Dr. Kastner and Dr. Hascall as well as everyone at Park Street Veterinary Clinic in North Reading for taking such excellent care of Camille (and of her).  They made Camille's last moments peaceful, and warm, and respectful.  They are all angels and De and Brad are so grateful.

Her passing leaves a hole in her family, but they were blessed to have known her and to have been chosen by her to love.  In her memory, her family asks for friends to make a donation to the shelter or rescue of their choice to give other cats the chance to live a good life, and also asks that friends remember to adopt and not shop - shelters are filled with cats waiting for moms and dads.

Rest in peace sweet girl 💖💖💖