The Late "Sailor" Jake: I wasn't sure if this picture "qualified" for the recent Portrait contest so I didn't submit it. It wasn't intended to be a portrait, but it turned to be the...

JCam Loc: MD Eastern Shore

I wasn't sure if this picture "qualified" for the recent Portrait contest so I didn't submit it. It wasn't intended to be a portrait, but it turned to be the last picture of our 19 year old Siamese cat. It was taken on our boat at the Solomons Yacht Club dock in May. It has been cropped and had some light Topaz "Adjust" enhancements applied.

Taken with a Canon 60d & 18-135mm IS lens; camera to cat distance was about 6 feet.

Sailor Jake

Kingmapix Loc: Mesa, Arizona

JCam wrote:

I wasn't sure if this picture "qualified" for the recent Portrait contest so I didn't submit it. It wasn't intended to be a portrait, but it turned to be the last picture of our 19 year old Siamese cat. It was taken on our boat at the Solomons Yacht Club dock in May. It has been cropped and had some light Topaz "Adjust" enhancements applied.

Taken with a Canon 60d & 18-135mm IS lens; camera to cat distance was about 6 feet.

He sure looked good for his age.

JCam Loc: MD Eastern Shore

Kingmapix wrote:

He sure looked good for his age.

Thank you for looking and commenting. In May Jake was just fine; it was in late fall that he started to lose weight and waste away. We had him put down in early November; it was one of the hardest things we've ever had to do, and we are not yet over it. The only alternative was for him to suffer, and we couldn't let that happen. Over those years he had sailed with us from Penobscott Bay, ME to Albemarle Sound, NC, fair weather and foul. He is surely missed; the house seems empty and the boat will too next season!

bcheary Loc: Jacksonville, FL

JCam wrote:

I wasn't sure if this picture "qualified" for the recent Portrait contest so I didn't submit it. It wasn't intended to be a portrait, but it turned to be the last picture of our 19 year old Siamese cat. It was taken on our boat at the Solomons Yacht Club dock in May. It has been cropped and had some light Topaz "Adjust" enhancements applied.

Taken with a Canon 60d & 18-135mm IS lens; camera to cat distance was about 6 feet.

:( Sorry for your loss. We had a cat very similar in appearance (cross Siamese/Himalayan) had to put him down when he was 12. Too bad our pets don't live as long as us. :(

Kingmapix Loc: Mesa, Arizona

JCam wrote:

Thank you for looking and commenting. In May Jake... (show quote)

So sorry that Jake is no longer with you. We also have a Manx cat named Mica who is showing signs of slowing down lately.
We do get close to our animals and they all so much to our lives. Over time you will get over your loss, but the memories last. Take care of yourselves.

Cykdelic Loc: Now outside of Chiraq & Santa Fe, NM

19 years......wow! Sorry to hear of your loss, but it sounds like you guys made the right decision. From experience, you will never get over it, but you will eventually accept it.

sailorsmom Loc: Souderton, PA

I'm so sorry for your loss, JCam! Jake is gorgeous and doesn't look his age!

JCam Loc: MD Eastern Shore

Thank you all for your thoughts and sympathies!

After 52+ years of marriage and several pets, this was the first time we have had to put one down; I doubt it ever gets easier, and as you have said we will always have the memories from kitten to adult cat. I know that only time helps, but at this point, it there has not been enough to not make it any easier.

Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays to you all; may we all have a Happy, Healthy and Joyous New Year.

Jim