My Evolution Through Cats: A Tribute and a Memorial
A tribute and memorial to Simon Pieman, the bravest cat who ever lived, this episode is also the story of my transition from a "dog person" to a "cat person (and “goat person,” “chicken person,” “cow person,” “turkey person,” “pig person,” but that's another story). The most profound transformations I’ve experienced have all revolved around animals – whether it was through the animals I stopped eating or the animals with whom I’ve shared my home and life. This is a universal story about loving and letting go with a very special musical ending.
You can listen to this podcast episode by going to iTunes and searching for vegetarian food for thought or by visiting www.vegetarianfoodforthought.com and choosing the means through which you would like to listen.
You can watch the tribute video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlWmJBgrsfc
Labels: cats, death, dog, dogs, dying, grief, loss, pets, recovery
posted by Compassionate Cook @ 7:31 AM
9 Comments:
At 3:16 PM ,
Beth said...
Colleen,
Sorry to hear the loss of Simon. I'm a cat person myself but don't have one...yet. Pepper the Persian was our family pet and she passed back in 1995. One of these days! Hopefully your remaining four-legged family members are getting all your love.
At 11:34 AM ,
dsharp88 said...
RIP Simon, and my most sincere sympathy you, David, and Schuster. I listened to your podcast this morning and it struck me because of the loss of my beloved dachshund, Coda, who recently left his sister and brother - Solo and Opus - behind. When we lose a family member like Coda or Simon, we come to realize the memories will never leave any of us, and we are all so much better for having known them.
Hang in there.
At 3:53 PM ,
Wendy said...
I just listened to your podcast and watched the memorial video on YouTube. Both are beautiful tributes to Simon.
I can relate to your story of adopting Simon and Schuster. I adopted "my boys", who are also tuxedo cats from the same litter, 2 years ago (www.flickr.com/photos/perlgirl/2077569958). Like you, they changed my life in far reaching ways. I've since become a vegetarian, and I think at a deeper level their presence was significant in this choice that I made to stop eating meat & even begin to think about animal advocacy.
Thank you for sharing Simon's and your story, and my condolences to you. Rest in peace Simon.
At 9:41 AM ,
relleven said...
Very sorry for your loss. Can someone post the video URL? I can't find it:-(
At 11:11 AM ,
Marly said...
I have come to this belief that cats just don't like me. I have been seriously bitten by cats at least 3 times and nipped and scratched many more. The first bite happened when I was in college. The most recent bite almost landed me in the hospital. So, I have chosen to admire cats from afar. But I appreciate your post and truly sympathize with your loss.
Marly
At 2:46 PM ,
Domino said...
Colleen, David and Shuster, I send you my deepest sympathies. I have walked this road so many times, I empathize with your grief. Your tributes to his spirit and grace are so beautiful. I have come to believe that animals are truly the enlightened beings on this planet, because only an enlightened being could love so unconditionally and forgive so wholeheartedly. They have so much to teach us about our potential and evolution. I hope someday we evolve enough to fully understand that. I also want to thank you so much for your cookbooks. I strayed from my path after being a vegan for so many years, and you've helped my transition back to veganism to be so much more passionate and enjoyable. In so doing, I can once again live and speak my truth. I wish for you the transition of this difficult time, so that you can heal your hearts, and rejoice in all the wonderful mischievous moments I'm sure he blessed you with.
At 8:00 PM ,
laurel said...
Thank you for this episode, and sorry for your loss. I enjoyed listening to you so fondly talk about your cat, for I have had a similar experience with still present cat, Spanky. He is truly one of my best friends, and one of the reasons why i went vegetarian. I also can't understand why some people seem to think cats are all mean, and not affectionate animals. My cat used to be quite shy and reserved (quite possibly because he was once a stray) but has since grown into a loving, playful, and extremely brave cat. Cats have such amazing and complex personalities (my cat will always clean himself before going on any of our furniture or beds! ) and it is such a tremendous blessing that we can share our homes with them. They inspire me to be curious and adventurous.
Your cat sounds like an amazing friend and animal. I think you are handling the grieving process wonderfully, by remembering the times you shared with each other.
cat love!
At 4:01 PM ,
vegirl said...
Colleen,
I am so sorry for the loss of Simon. When I listened to the podcast, his story had me sobbing and laughing, sometimes at the same time. I know how you feel, as our family recently lost our cat to a coyote a couple months prior to Simon's day. My heart pangs for you, David, and Schuster.
Be well,
Jera
At 6:01 PM ,
TaliJoyfulVegan said...
All of your pod casts have an effect on me and my life. This particular one made me so sad! I was crying for your little Bean and Simon and you and David and found myself tearing up as I retold the story to my mother-in-law. My husband and I have a kitty and I would be losing a family member to us if he were to leave us. You are so strong to be-able to share this story with us. Thank you Colleen, for all that you do =)
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