blank'/> The Libe ob Don Estorbo de la Bodega Dominicana: Estorbito - R.I.P

Monday, November 17, 2014

Estorbito - R.I.P

I am very sorry to have to tell you that Estorbo is no more.

He was put to sleep on Sunday afternoon, at VERG, in Brooklyn. Vince held him, and Dr Slade administered the injection. Both of them cried.

I have little else to say right now. In Cape Town, where I write,  it is an obscenely beautiful day. In Harlem, where Vince has not slept for two nights, it will be very dark when he comes home to an empty house.

For now, I can only thank Estorbo's Amigos for their generous support - from their pockets, and from their hearts. You have made this very painful experience easier.

When I can I will post some happier pictures of the kitty whose presence in our lives belied his size, and his eep.

But for now, please send your thoughts to my husband, who has had to manage these last painful days on his own.

Here ends the story of the libe of a cad. He gave it all he got.

108 comments:

  1. *sob* i am so sorry. But this is the last final selfless gift of love that we can give them. It's not the end of Estorbo's story either i'm sure there will be an outpouring of love ! memnmme

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    1. My deepest condolences, Marie. I've been there SO many times...I understand & sympathize. Know that you did EVERYTHING you could to keep him well, comfortable, & happy. Take care!

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  2. I am so sorry for your loss. These furry critters fill our hearts and our lives as if they were giants. My husband Ian and I will miss Estorbo's adventures and his sassy attitude. Thank-you for sharing him with us. RIP Estorbo. Take care.

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  3. So,so sorry to hear this news. We have followed this brave amigo for quite some time now, and shall miss him. Take care the two of you, and thanks for letting Estorbo at the keyboard. x

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  4. Estorbo will never be forgotten. He was a brave beeg blag cad who stole the hearts of many who will all miss him.
    My heart goes out to you and Vince, who most deeply feel his absence, and who gave him never-ending love and care. He could not have had a better life.
    Thank you for sharing him with us.

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  5. Tears in my eyes... Storbee, rest in peace. We will miss you.

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  6. Oh here I sit in London crying like a fool over a cat I never met but felt as if I knew personally. I am so, so sorry Marie. I have been looking at my own black monster a lot recently and imagining how difficult it must be for you to watch your beloved Estorbo deteriorate. I will never be able to look at a black cat without imagining he speaks with a Spanish accent. RIP mi amigo - may heaven be filled with flightless bords and blind fluffy mice. And leebhair. Massive hugs to you and Vince xxxx

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  7. I am so sorry that your little Manhattan man had to say goodbye. I will miss the stories of his adventures in the garden. Much love to you and Vince.

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  8. I am so, so, so very sorry. There is nothing like the heartache of losing a beloved cat. Thinking of you both, Marie and Vince.
    Marlette

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  9. I contribute my tears for Estorbo, Vince, and you, in honor of the brave, dashing and thoroughly meowmorable Estorbo Loco. You are wonderful kitteh parents and gave Estorbo a fantastic life. :'(

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  10. Farewell dear Estorbo. Our hearts go out to you and especially Vince.

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  11. jelli, lemon, jaffa, flora zack and crazy man piNovember 17, 2014 at 6:49 AM

    I join everyone in sending heartfelt and sorrowful condolences to you Marie and Vince - he was a beautiful, courageous and unique cad. All are hearts are broken by the news but find solace knowing he had such a great life with you guys...Rest In Peace Storbie xxx

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  12. I am so very sorry for the loss of your special kitty. I have enjoyed him so much, felt very attached to the little guy, and feel the sadness across the miles. But for you and Vince, my heart goes out. Those of us with beloved fur kids have all felt the deep pain that comes with the decision to let them leave in peace. I send you and Vince a big heartfelt hug and my best thoughts for peace. To Estorbo, you were special beyond words. May you find many kittens at the Rainbow Bridge to fill your heart with gladness. <3

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  13. RIP in peace dear Estorbo. My heart bleeds for the family left behind. You touched many hearts and although we never met you, you became part of our lives. Thank you Marie for sharing your precious boy with us. Loving thoughts to you and Vince.

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  14. I loved him, day in/day out, and I am so grateful to you and Vince for sharing it ALL with us. I was a great cat!
    All creatures should have the life you gave to Estorbo.

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  15. Donatella con tristezzaNovember 17, 2014 at 8:27 AM

    I'm crying like everyone else. You brought Storbito's personality to life so vividly on these pages. Much love to you and Vince or Beence. I am heading to NY this morning on business and I will be thinking of you all. I will gladly raise a glass and toast to Don Estorbo's long and wonderful life filled with loving people, terraces, feesh, and little female cats. I am so happy that I have his calendar and can look at all those wonderful pictures of him. Try to get some sleep...both of you. Carinos y besitos.

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  16. Let there be peace on earth and a new kitty in heaven dayeen and dayoud. xox

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  17. Thank you for sharing him with us Marie and Vince.
    I am sorry that you all were not together for this last part - sending love and more love to New York and South Africa.

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  18. Estorbo, un gato negro especial, siempre en nuestros corazones como Borra y Xica.
    Su historia ha sido bonita y llena de cariño. Mary, gracias por contarla...Un abrazo y ánimos.

    Antònia, Agnès, Pere, Nit i Rafa

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  19. This is so, so very sad. I know you will miss him terribly. Vince, sorry you had to do this alone, and Marie, that you're so far away. Storbie had a very good life with the two of you. Thanks for sharing him with us.

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  20. Farewell, Estorbito. Could you reach back from wherever you've gone, to ease Marie and the Smoothman's sorrow, perhaps, a bit? And if you see there a yellow tabby named The Lion King, who didn't survive a speeding SUV, tell him how very much we miss him too.

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  21. I'm sitting here on a dull snowy day, tears dripping into my coffee, and feeling so badly for both of you, so far away from each other. Vince I hope it is soon that you can go to SA. I wish you both healing and peace as you deal with the loss of Storbie.. We are all privileged to have shared the libe of Don Estorbo, dayeen, dayoud and I thank you for the laughter, frustration and tears that were the special black cat we all came to love. Love to you both in NY and SA and a good night's sleep, for you Vince especially. Via con Dios mi forry blaghe amigo.

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  22. Another friend in tears here. Dear Vince, I had to put my cat down two years ago and it was devastating. My heart is with you. I know the courage such a decision takes.

    And Marie, so far away. I feel your grieving.

    We will miss the handsome senor and his tales will live long in blogland.

    Sending love and sympathy.

    xo J

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  23. You did what was right. Cats should never have to suffer for our weakness. I am very sorry to see him go

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  24. And Sunday afternoon at 12:30 PM Jim went out to bring our horse; "VA Burning Bright" aka "Tiger" in from the pasture and found him lying down and out of his pain. He is also now with our amigo Estorbito. We had given him his pain shot, still hearing no sounds of digestion and no longer seeing that look of eagles in his eyes. He didn't like being in the barn and after I brushed him, trimmed his little spot of hair on the crest of his mane, and rubbed his legs with liniment...well...he slowly walked out of the barn ro be with his friend horses next door his (herd). I know he told his favorite pinto mare goodbye and lay down to go to the Rainbow Bridge to meet Don Estorbo du la Bodega Dominicana. The bay horse and the black cat will discover the land of our missing amigos together. *tears*
    God Bless you for sharing his life with us and I will always remember him.
    ~Auntie Em~

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  25. So very sorry for your loss, Estorbo will be badly missed. He had a great life, a wonderful family, and an extended family that loved him as their own. God speed leedle buddy.

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  26. I shed tears in Toronto this morning for a big, handsome black cat. Thank you for sharing his personality and his gorgeous pictures. I know from experience with dear Tibby how hard it is to say goodbye to a furry relative. You gave him a beautiful life. We will raise a toast to Don Estorbo tonight. xoxo

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  27. New York is grey and gloomy today, a soaking rain falling steadily from the sky. I’ve been trying to find the words with which to respond to this heartbreaking news all morning, but it’s so hard. The whole thing is so very hard, and I am just gutted for you being so far away at this time, and for Vince having had to take this on alone, and for both of you losing this magnificent creature. I know this is going to leave a huge hole in your hearts. Those of us who have followed Estorbo’s adventures and the ups and downs of your lives together are mourning with you, and standing with you, and sending you so much love. What a life he had – thank you so much for sharing it with us. Rest well, beautiful kitty – I’m sure Dubby and Kali would love to meet up with you in cat heaven for some roast chicken. xo

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  28. This was one EPIC cat. He transcended the nine lives most cat enjoy and turned us into Estorbo Voyeurs, peeking at his exploits from our work desks. It is clear that he was greatly loved by his humans and doctors, who wrapped themselves around him to return him to good health. Now he will be the star of the Jellicle Ball, and the greatest of dancers. With love and thanks, and condolences.

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  29. Godspeed,Estorbo. You were loved by people you never even knew. Kindest thoughts to you both, Marie and Vince. Thank you for sharing the Cad. And for being his best friends right down to the end.

    Mary
    Tears are just not enough.

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  30. I'm so sorry for your loss. The Cad was awesome and so loved. I wish you both peace.

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  31. Coco is wearing a black arm band. Don't know how she got it.

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  32. He was a magnificent cat. You know he was loved by many, especially Dr. Slade cried. Thank you more than words can say for sharing the life of Don Estorbo. He used every one of his seven lives and he used them to their fullest. Sympathies to you and Vince. Everyone else said things far more eloquently than I.

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  33. Broken. Just broken at his loss.

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  34. Vince and Marie: I am so sorry for your loss and completely understand all that you feel. One time when my little Fergus (American Eskimo) was losing his six year battle with epilepsy, my Vet told me she couldn't tell me what to do. I told her I wanted to make sure whatever decision I made was for Fergus and not for me. She looked at me, thoughtfully, and responded, "It would be for Fergus, even though letting go is always painful." Estorbo was so lucky to have been loved so deeply! Angela Muller

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  35. 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....

    Author unknown...

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  36. Dear Marie and Vince, heartfelt condolences. I think the way we love animals, and the way they love us, is at base no different from the way we love people, and the loss can be just as acute as we watch their struggle to deal with their weakening. Though it is a terrible decision to have to make, it is better for Storbie not to have had to go through a more painful decline.

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  37. The internet was a happier place because of Estorbo. My condolences to all who loved him.

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  39. Oh you poor souls. I have thought of you all day and have only now had the courage to look at the blog. He is at peace. I wish there was some way to comfort you both but words have little to offer just now. He was much loved and will be continue to be loved.

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  40. I'm so very sorry. Thank you so much, Marie, for sharing Estorbo with us for all these years. Calming thoughts to you and Vince . . .
    Leslie

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  41. Marie and Vince--I am so sorry to hear this! As many above have noted, there are no words, just time and good memories. His cattitude brought many smiles to his amigos around the world! Sandy in Texas

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  42. Jerry Oster, Chapel Hill NCNovember 17, 2014 at 12:34 PM

    I don't know you, never knew your cat, but loved and love you all for bringing me laughter. May you all have peace.

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  43. Just to let you know that I removed the first comment due to poor spelling.

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  44. Marie and Vince, you have given Estorbo one last courageous gift of love to add to the incredible pile of presents showered on him through the years.

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  45. Was so afraid of this after reading that Vince had to take Estorbo back to the vet. Trying to type with wet leaky eyes. What a special kitty he was and I have so enjoyed his journey with you. Sending prayers and hugs to you and Vince and plan to say my goodbyes to Storbie by going back to the beginning and relive the journey again. <3 <3

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  46. I would like to say a few words about Estorbo from the point of both personal and professional vantages in knowing this dear kitty. There was something I immediately liked about that panther of a cat the moment I met him as I evaluated him for his ‘typhoid’. He was big, first of all. Big and strong, even though I met him in the autumn of his life. He was keenly aware and cautiously took in all around him. He growled his opinions of the situation to me and gave me baleful looks but never had to stoop to hissing or violence to make his point. He had the demeanor of a distinguished older gentleman who knew and appreciated the pleasures of his current life and guardians, having known the hardships of the world in earlier years. I didn’t blame him for not wanting to be at the doctor’s office – I hate going to them myself – but I also sensed a certain tolerance for it all, as if he wouldn’t be here of his own accord, but he would abide it because the Wooman asked. And he loved the Wooman. I don’t expect my patients to love me, but I do want them to know that that I am a positive presence in their lives – which is why I kissed him on his head at my own peril (as I am often wont to do, sometimes against my better judgment). That was before I knew I was in the presence of celebrity, and was later amused when I read that the Wooman wondered if my risking of life and limb to kiss a panther was a PR move. It wasn’t.

    That was just over three years ago. As an internist, I tend to work with patients who have chronic diseases which need deliberate and leveraged management and patients who are extremely ill and require immediate intervention to try to improve their well-being. I prefer the former, as I enjoy building the relationships with my patients and clients. And I got to spend three years with Estorbo. Three years to help treat his ‘typhoid’, three years to watch him age gracefully, three years to try to help him when he wasn’t feeling well, three years to watch him rumble at me less and less with each visit, and three years to try to help his guardians navigate the care of an elderly animal with multiple health needs. And during that time I was privy to sharing in the personal side of his life by voyeuristically peeking in on his blog from time to time, to confirm in my mind the life of exploration and satisfaction and pampering that I always supposed he had. For three years I was able to experience the not-to-secret Libe ob Don Estorbo de la Bodega Dominicana, for which I am grateful. In my world of chronic illness and sudden medical catastrophe and everyday emotional turmoil for my patients, clients, and self, three years of watching a cat be content chewing on plants and lounging on his bed has been a gift to me.

    I hope that Vince and Marie don’t mind me disclosing the following. I was honored to be part of aiding in Sorbie’s peaceful and dignified passing. The past several weeks had been hard on him and his humans. It was time to give him the rest he so richly earned after a life well-lived. He didn’t even make a grumble when I examined him for the last time, and I would testify that the look wasn’t baleful at all, but rather calm and knowing. It was a look of knowing that he gave it all he got, and that is a good and deserved thing. And so we may be at the end of the libe of a cad, but we are not at the end of the story of the cad. For this panther, born in a box in a bodega, has shared his life with friends and strangers alike, from parts of the world local and beyond, and I suspect we will continue to share in his memory. And that is no small thing. That is a leedle beeg thing.

    Respectfully,
    Dennis J. Slade, DVM, DACVIM

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    1. <3 Thank you Dr. Slade for all you did for our Storbie.

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    2. This is such a beautiful comment/eulogy. Thank you Dr Slade.

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    3. Dr. Slade, thank you for all you did for Estorbo. He was not at all a fan of vets until he met you. You won him over with all those kisses on his forehead! And thank you for supporting Marie and Vince through all this. A good guide makes a big difference, and you, sir, are a good guide.

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    4. Dr. Slade, that is a noble and fitting salute. For all you and your team have done for Storbie, I, too, thank you.

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    5. Your thoughts about Storbie are so wonderful and I'm sure a comfort to his mama and papa.

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    6. Dr. Slade, thank you for sharing but you made me start crying all over again. It was good to hear the perspective of the care giver. We often forget your relationship with our critters when we are so torn apart by the loss.

      I will miss the Estorbo escapades. He seemed like a wonderful cat. It's difficult to lose a friend.

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    8. This is an awesome story and eulogy for Estorbo - thank you Dr. Slade for everything you do for your patients on a daily basis; and for loving your patients so much and with a very big heart. I am crying again now.....God Bless you.

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    9. Thank you indeed for everything Dennis, from the bottom of our hearts. I have no more words for now, but it will come...

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    10. Thank you for your kind words Dr. Slade.

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    11. Dr Slade - how wonderful to 'meet' you. What a lovely man you are, and so thoughtful to write and share such real and heartfelt words. That big blag cad was so very blessed.
      jelli
      PS Think I'm dehydrating through my eyes...

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    12. Thank you Dr. Slade for your presence in the lives of Marie, Vince, and Storbito. And thank you for this loving eulogy.

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  47. What a perfect life, Storbie. Muchas gracias for this funny and wonderful years, Storbito and Marie and Vincent, with tears and smiles, from Barcelona

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  48. So very sorry to hear your sad news. I've been an avid follower of the kitty over the years, what a lovable character. RIP Storbie

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  49. :( Well... kaka.
    I too yam cryeen for Estorbo being gone. And for Beence, who had to be strong enough to do what had to be done. And for Marie, who could not be there to say goodbye. We all know there is going to have to be an ending, but I am sorry it had to be like this.

    When Morgan died, I wrote a poem. I am not a poet, but it just sort of poured out from somewhere in the area of my broken heart. From one beeg, blagh cad lover to another -- http://tessknits.com/4307/lament

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  50. So wish I had eloquent helping words to share. Estorbo was a lucky kitty and no doubt in my mind he understood and appreciated being part of your family. Thank you, Marie and Vince, for sharing Estorbo with me. Love to you both.

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  51. My deepest condolences to you both, Marie and Vince. Thank you for sharing how wonderful Estorbo was us.

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  52. Thank you Marie and Vince for sharing the beautiful life of your most wonderful Storbie. We all mourn with you. So very sad. Peace, light and love to you both.

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  53. Auf Wiedersehen Estorbo!
    I'm so sad for your loss Marie and Vince. Reading this blog brought so many smiles on my face. Thank you for sharing the stories and wonderul photos.

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  54. May you both be comforted by strong and wonderful memories of your time with one of the finest gatitos on the planet. His legacy is the love enmeshed in these comments here and those left over the many years of Don Estorbo's blogging career. I am choked up with sadness and I know I am only one among many. Sending light, love and peace to all three of you, beloved friends. -Karen and her Henry cat

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  55. I am so sorry Marie and Vince. My heart aches so much for your loss. Thinking of you both and sending virtual hugs xxx Amy Lee

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  56. Thank you for sharing your life with us. Goodbye, Don, you will be missed.

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  57. To Vince –

    This is a story about a dog. Understand that the feeling is still the same.

    Four years ago my husband was in Australia on business. That afternoon I woke up, put the leash on Brutus, and walked him to the dog park. He had a spring in his step and a tennis ball in his mouth. He had been with my husband for eight years. I had been with them for three. I threw the tennis ball in the air, he leapt, caught it, screamed a sound I have never heard another creature make and fell to the ground, never to move again, a shattered spine, whimpering in pain.

    I remember saying to the vet, “I don’t know what is happening to me right now, but I don’t know if I am capable of logic or reason. I feel like I am going crazy.” I remember how the walls of the emergency clinic were rippling. I might have actually gone crazy in that moment. I asked the vet if there were any scientists who experimented with spine replacement in dogs, and if I could give Brutus my spine. The vet took my hand and said, “let me make the decision. Let me be the one to say we should put him to sleep.” I don’t regret giving him that burden, and I know I should. I am only grateful that he was able to be brave, where I was not.

    You will want to be strong for Marie, but you must let yourself feel your pain. You must tell her your story. I don’t think it is fear that cripples us, I think it is guilt. You will both carry guilt with you now – you because you were there, she because she was not. It’s a proven fact that forgiving ourselves is the hardest thing to do. But you two have a capacity for love that means you will forgive each other without even a second thought. From that love, you will find healing.

    Know that the sympathy is sincere -

    Carrie

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  58. I have no words, just sadness and a wish to hug you both through the internet.

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  59. So much sympathy and empathy for you both. I've lost 3 kitties, each one well before my husband or I were ready to say goodbye. Our loss was shared, but it almost seemed our pain was doubled. It is amazing how much we can love a small creature that brings so much joy every day. It is hard, but it will get better. My guess is that Storbie will send along another little cat who needs love and shelter just about when you are ready . . .

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  60. Oh, no, I am so sorry to hear of this loss! I have followed Storbie's journey these past few years and have always gotten so much love and light from his stories. Vince and Marie, may healing come your way following this terrible loss.

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  61. So very sorry to hear this. It is so hard to lose a good friend.

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  62. I am so very sorry. What a wonderful cat he was.

    JULIA

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  63. Oh no, I'm so sorry! He will be missed by all of us that loved him. May you both find peace and solace with each other. Love and hedbonks from our house to yours.

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  64. Sending all that is warm and comforting to you both. May the gods bless all 3 of you and hold your hearts together.
    Much love from the Netherlands.

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  65. Requiscat in pace, hermano,
    in pace,
    in pace.

    'Quiet consummation have;
    And renowned be thy grave!'

    yur bruther on the maneland,
    ~^:^~

    dear woman and beence -- Mine says that hrr frends say that wen they die they wanto com back as 1 uv hrr catz. she wantz to come back az 1 of yrrs. go gntly, my frnds. sumtymes luv is hrrd and yu hav dun the gud, if vrry vrry hrrd, thng.

    ~^:^~

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  66. I'm sad for all of us. He was adored.

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  67. Dear Marie and Vince,
    You have my deepest sympathy. I have been in that dark place many times, made that awful decision too often. Only time, of course, will lessen the sting. The mantra that we must repeat to keep the tears at bay is that you gave that sweet black cat the best life he could have wished for. I will miss checking up on him. Take good care.
    Lisa, Henry, Fran and Samson

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  68. Nos Amors Marie and Vince, we are sending you all the love from our hearts. Thank you thank you thank you for sharing the comings and goings of a cahd muy mas magnifico: Doñ Estorbo Loco, Primo, El Rei, El Heife...........

    The stories have kept us going, here in the heights of Washington - la corazon of all things bananas - both green and yellow.
    Knowing that Estorbo was living a mere 40 blocks or so away from us, also living la Vida Loca, was most reassuring.

    The most lion-hearted souls with the grandest and most stoic stories to tell, often do have enlarged hearts - my cat Tigger and a distant Aunty Sal to name but two.........Estorbo, the giant-hearted, will be waiting for you until you can re-unite - maybe eating a liddle yoghurd or cheeken leeber, yo no say!! However, yo DO say that you gave this mouse cachair extraordinaire a most blessed life. I thank you for generously sharing him, your garden and aspects of your lives with the public most general. As Mercedes Sosa, most eloquently sang..........Gracias a La Vida.

    Marie Viljoen, of course you wrote it the most graciously, the most perfectly "He gave it all he got".......... Not everybahdy can say that same theeeeeng !!

    You are amazing cahd parents and the beloved ones who love us and leave us, stretch out our hearts until it feels like there can be no more stretching; and that the fabric of our souls will be rent in grief.

    We send you both our love love love and most generous thanks xoxox ("") <3 ("")

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  69. The Cad made us laugh and laugh, and this is just kaka news. He will be so missed. What a good life you made for him. Thank you for sharing him with us.

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  70. 82 comments already! Storbie was quite a celebrity and brought joy to all our lives, Thank you for sharing your fun over the blog. I will miss him enormously.

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  71. RIP Don Estorbo. Thank-you for all your eeeps and insights of the human world that made us cry with laughter. You will be missed enormously.

    Bless you Dr. Slade for being a rare diamond.

    Lisa, London

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  72. I am so sorry for your huge loss Beence & Marie. I loved Storbie like he was my own cad, & I know he was adored by thousands world-wide. I can't tell you how many times I snorted my tea or coffee, nearly spitting it out, because you, he made me laugh so hard. We love you Estorbo xoxoxoxoxox Susan & les chats de Rue LeNoire

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  73. I have have not wanted to come here because I feared the worst. I am at work bawling my eyes out if he was one of my own. Thank you for sharing him with us in such an artful way. He has touched so many - more than you know. I am a first time commenter but checked in on him daily. I am sure there are many many more like me. My heart goes out to you, Vince, Estorbo and all his adoring fans. We are all better off for knowing him.
    XOXO
    Kathy B. - Farmingdale, NY

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  74. Another one in floods of tears here; and even more tears on reading Dr Slade's post.
    So, so sorry for all.

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  75. Heartbroken,.. I loved Storbie as if he were my own.
    I'm very sorry for your loss Vince and Marie.
    Thank you for sharing that great, big, beautiful cat with us.

    Our best friends are still with us,
    they live on in our hearts, our thoughts,
    our prayers and our dreams.
    R.I.P. Don Estorbo.

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  76. my deapest prayers for you and Vince. I hope you find comfort in knowing that you touched so many lives. I live in a small town in Texas. Pease be with you Estrobito...

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  77. I am so sorry for your loss. Estorbo was a magnificent cat and I enjoyed being one of his followers. Peace be with you.

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  78. I'm overwhelmed by the response, thank you everyone for your support! If anything, your thoughts should go to Marie who is dealing with all this from across a deep, murderous ocean and a few times zones.

    I have never met anybody with so much dedication and unconditional but intelligent love for a cat. But then again, I had never met such an endearing, utterly irresistible cat either!

    Sure, 'Storbie had a magnetic personality. But a large chunk of what you read for so many years on Estorbo's blog was her witty sense of humor and sharply satirical look at life. The two of them formed a symbiotic being which tragically has finally been broken, and to Marie, so far away, I think it feels like her heart being torn out of her chest.

    To your candles, people! Man those chandeliers! Fire up those matches! For the departed and for the survivor(s). And thank you!

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  79. Forgh, Estorbo, this is no good for all of us who loved you. But I am happy if your painful time of sickness is over and you are now the Chief Cat of the Rainbow Bridge. You, the Wooman and Smoothman made things so much fun for all of us. We wish your parents well and send love to all who loved you! Jo and Stella the Blag Dawg

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  80. I'm crying (literally) for all three of you.
    He had such a good life!
    Barbara

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  81. hugs to you both..... and, thanks for all the good times and the funny posts you put up on so many occasions....it always took me a larng...er, long time to read them.... cuz it had to be done with the accent ...it had to be done! They were very amusing for us...I always read them aloud to my husband ...we laughed.... it was good fun....

    Sorry to see it end..but, there comes a time....... and, that time was now...... it would not be right to extend it any longer when there is suffering...I wish we could do the same for our human friends...
    Thanks Marie, Vince and 'Storbie.....

    Vee
    xxx

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  82. I made a donation in your loving memory, Storbie, to the cathouseonthekings.com
    So that more cats will lead happy lives. I think you would approve of the place. And your name is on the In Memoriam website wall. I miss you.

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  83. My deepest sympathy. Never was there a cat so loved.....
    Amy

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  84. Yes, he did have a good life.
    Sorry for your loss.
    Deirdre

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  85. Yes he did have a good life.
    Sorry for your loss. And sorry I will never see any more pictures of him.
    It always brightened my day.
    Deirdre

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  86. My deepest sympathy to you both. I know what a huge loss he will be to you. x

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  87. Te quiero estorbito.Dayoud. mucho hugs to marie and Vince.

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  88. Shocked and so, so sad. <3 ((((((((^^)))))))) <3 Estorbo sweet. (O) (O) to you, his peeps. Words are superfluous. *PRAYERS* and *LOVE* <3

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  89. Dear Vince and Marie, it is a long time since I looked at Estorbo's blog (I felt a foreboding when I saw his fur awry) but such a shock to read of his passing a whole month ago! my condolences to you both, and thank you so much for sharing his character and your humour and wonderful photos for years of laughter and enjoyment.

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  90. I am so very sorry for your loss. I am just catching up on your blog.

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