EVERYONE STRUGGLES AFTER the loss of a family pet.
There are few things as difficult as losing the one family member that never disagrees with you and always comforts you at the most opportune moments.
Like many of us do, X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary recently went through the harrowing experience of losing a pet.
His cat Silver was diagnosed with a heart condition in December and was given days to live but defied the odds and managed to survive for seven months.
In the heartfelt Instagram post he wrote:
Had to finally say goodbye to our little Italian boy Silver today. He bravely fought on for 7 months against a horrible heart condition (originally given days to live back in December). One tough little Puglia paisano cat!
He went on to say:
No words can begin to describe what a massive heart shaped hole he leaves in our lives.
He made our house a home, made us better people, and won the hearts of all that met him. He gave and received unconditional love, and was genuinely the most dog-like cat we’ve ever met.
Dermot wrote that the four-year-old cat managed to join the 27 club… in cat years.
As heartbroken as we are, we are so grateful for the stray kitten which came into our lives.
From the moment he came into the world in an olive grove in Puglia [Dermot's wife Dee helped to deliver the cat], to his last breath holding onto his mama – he was a wonderful friend, companion and cuddle giver, and you couldn’t have wished for a more human-like cat.
Silver was “smart, funny, intuitive, with a models looks and a killer blue steel”.
Born, raised and went to sleep in his mama’s arms. You couldn’t have wished for a more dignified and serene passing.
Rest easy little prince, we miss you terribly. Snooze and play on the laps of those who we followed, and know we’ll be rubbing that brilliant white belly and massaging those beautiful pick paws further on up the road.
He ended the emotional tribute with a goodbye:
Some hearts are just too big to be here for too long.
Love you forever little man,
Your Mama, Papa and sister Toto xxx
A lovely goodbye for a very cute cat.
