By Jo Singer
This is a review of Purr Prints of the Heart: A Cat’s Tale of Life, Death and Beyond as told by our kitty Sir Hubble Pinkerton….
I’m just a little white cat who is almost 15 years, with simple pleasures. Until recently my life has been a joy with not a care in the world. To be honest, my only problem was worrying if the dinner my two legged-human mom was dishing out would be to my liking. I had no idea that my happy life would suddenly be filled with darkness and sorrow.
I treasure the moments when Mom and Dad read to me while we are snuggled up together on their bed. I learned many new, interesting things from the words that pour out of those fascinating books they share with me. But I dearly wish that they had shared “Purr Prints of the Heart: A Cat’s Tale of Life, Death and Beyond” before my world crashed around me.
The book was written by Deborah Barnes as told by Mr. Jazz the cat – the cat Deborah so deeply cherished. Had they read it to me sooner, it would have helped me better understand why my beloved brother chose to take his final journey over the Rainbow Bridge.
You see, Mr. Jazz’s birth-mom explained many things about life and death to him when he was a kitten while he was preparing to go to his loving, new Furever home. And while he didn’t quite grasp everything she taught him, as he grew older and met the other animals that shared his new home; ultimately many of her crucial teachings finally made sense to him.
Since my human mom and dad know a lot about cats, I imagine that they understand that when major changes in our household might occur, that even the most intelligent and emotionally well-balanced kitty might easily become overly anxious and confused. But still being a rather naïve kitty, I didn’t have a clue about how strongly my brother’s passing would affect me.
I did know that he was extremely ill. Mom and dad were constantly bringing him to Dr. Erin, our loving veterinarian who did everything she knew to try and make him better. And mom and dad tried everything they knew to restore my sweet, loving brother back to health.
Whenever Dr. Hush Puppy went to the hospital, mom always told me that he would be home soon; but this last time she broke her promise. He didn’t come back home.
Mom and dad spent hours telling me about the wonders of the Rainbow Bridge and how Dr. Hush Puppy would once again be happy and healthy. But you see, unlike Mr Jazz’s experience, my birth mother never talked to me about such things, so I really didn’t understand. I had no frame of reference for what they were talking about.
It was only when mom carried me into the bedroom so I could listen to dad read this enchanting book aloud to me that I began to have the foggiest idea of what they were trying to tell me. Dr Hush Puppy had let them know that he longed for them help end his pain and suffering. I finally understood that the time had come time for them to make that agonizing decision and grant his wish to set him free.
Yet just the thought of not having Dr. Hush Puppy with us anymore caused all of us extreme heartache. But Mr. Jazz’s wise and compassionate words helped me better understand that this decision was the most difficult one they ever had to make. And they too were reassured by him that by helping my brother cross over what Mr Jazz described as “the Rainbow Bridge”. Dr. Hush Puppy would be free of pain and be healthy again. It gave us great comfort to know that he was waiting for us until the time that we could all be reunited once again.
I am very grateful for Mr. Jazz’s counsel and for Deborah, his loving mom to have written this touching, heart-felt book. Most of all I am extremely thankful to my mom and dad for reading it to me which helped me understand more about life and death, and to realize how important it is to treasure every precious moment we get to be with one another for whatever time we have together.
But slowly I am beginning to feel lonely without a feline pal. So when I am ready I imagine a time will come when I, just like Mr. Jazz, will want to teach kittens how to be cats, how to live with the two-legged ones and what life and death is all about. I promise I will pass on Mr. Jazz’s wisdom to the best of my ability.
So you too can understand more, please ask your human mom and dad read this book to you. While some parts are very sad, you will also find yourself chuckling at some of very humorous happenings that took place at Mr. Jazz’s home. And you will get to meet all of his delightful furry companions!
Did my story inspire you? I sure hope so. If it did please ask your pawrents to visit Amazon.com to get you a copy of “Purr Prints of the Heart: A Cat’s Tale of Life, Death and Beyond”….
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Thanks Deborah for commenting.
Thank you deciding to give Purr Prints a try, Serbella. I understand your concern that the book will be hard to read. I suggest you take your time with it. Some people have gotten it, purposely to read it on the day a particular cat has passed in tribute, some read the book in one sitting, and for some, it takes a while – perhaps a chapter or two at a time. Ultimately, the book is meant to offer comfort and you will not feel alone after reading it.
What a beautiful sentiment – thank you for sharing it jmuhj
I’ve lost enough loved ones, both human and feline, in my life. I have a feeling this book is going to be a very hard one to read, but I’m going to buy a copy and read it anyway. Thanks for the wonderful review, Sir Hubble. Samirah and I send our deepest heartfelt condolences for the loss of your brother.