Toby was a sweet cat who acted more like a dog than a stereotypical feline. I called him my “cog.” We met in the spring of 2010 and I became a stepmom to him by that summer. My significant other at the time had gotten him when he was 8 weeks old with his previous girlfriend. One year later, we all began to cohabitate along with my guinea pig, Jack and his bearded dragon, Dino. Toby was friendly to both other animals and humans, playful, talkative, and had an appetite for all cuisines. He never wanted to hurt a soul. Fast forwarding several years, we moved across the country from the east to the west coast in fall 2017 without Kevin. Toby had chosen me and my now ex-boyfriend decided that he should stay with me for the remaining years of his life. We lived another wonderful 6 years together. Toby even met and approved of my new future love, who is now my life partner. Although he was diagnosed with CKD and developed other conditions along the way, we managed the symptoms and continued to enjoy life as best as we could all the way up to his last breath the evening before Halloween. He transitioned into the spiritual realm in my arms. He did not want to leave my side, and I know his spirit is still within and among me. It’s everywhere. No longer is he confined to wait for me at home when I am out working, going on trips, or doing errands – he was an indoor kitty unless I leashed him up to explore the neighborhood. He is everywhere I go and involved in everything I do. I love and miss his physical presence so much; I developed an altar and a photo book capturing the good times in his honor. We shared 13 beautiful years together.
One day, we will meet again at the Rainbow Bridge when the time is right. Not too soon, not too late. Our souls will be bound together for all eternity. Until then, there’s only sadness, bittersweet joy, and love. Always love. Everyday. All day. I love you, my Prince of Cats.
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Date: Thursday, April 3, 2025
Time: 7:00-8:00 PM, ET
Location: via Zoom (registration required)
We are now offering Online Video Support Groups every Saturday from 7 pm - 9 pm EST/USA.
Beginning March 23rd we will be offering Video Support Groups every 2nd and 4th Sunday from 7 pm - 9 pm EST/USA.
Our Video Support Groups are available to all Silver and Platinum members.
If you want to learn more about our Video Support Groups, please click or tap the button below.
Webinar: A Conversation on Pet Loss with Author E.B. Bartels
Join us for this exciting event
In honor of Rainbow Bridge Memorial Day (August 28), we are offering a 20% discount on Silver and Platinum memberships throughout the entire month of August. By joining us, you will have the unique opportunity to create a lasting online memorial for your pet, complete with photos and stories you can cherish.
Navigating Pet Loss & Grief, hosted by Moose’s
March, this webinar is designed to support pet
owners through the difficult journey and depth of
pet loss, anticipatory grief and understanding
guilt. This webinar will also provide 3 key
takeaways for the management of grief,
Featuring insights from renowned experts
Colleen Rolland, Association of Pet Loss and
Bereavement and Dr. Nancy Curotto, Pet Loss &
Bereavement Specialist. Attendees will have an
opportunity to ask questions of the experts.
We understand that the holidays can be a difficult time for pet parents missing their fur babies. APLB will be extending our hours this year to help you – we’ll get through this together.
Sun Dec 24: 2 – 4 pm EST
Sun Dec 24: 8 – 10 pm EST
Mon Dec 25: 8 – 10 pm EST
Tues Dec 26: 8 – 10 pm EST
Wed Dec 27: 8 – 10 pm EST
Fri Dec 29: 8 – 10 pm EST
Sun Dec. 31: 2 – 4 pm EST
Sun. Dec 31: 8 – 10 pm EST
Mon Jan 1: 8 – 10 pm EST
Sat Dec 9: 7- 9 pm EST
Sun Dec 10: 7- 8:30 EST
Sat Dec. 23: 7 – 9 pm EST
This year the Association of Pet Loss & Bereavement (APLB) is participating in Giving Tuesday, December 3rd. Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.Â
Please give generously. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those grieving the loss of their cherished pets.
This year the Association of Pet Loss & Bereavement (APLB) is participating in Giving Tuesday, on December 3rd. Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.Â
Please give generously. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those grieving the loss of their cherished pets.