Heart of the City by Steenz for February 25, 2012

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” -Dr. Seuss

Oh man…I’m sorry. Godspeed, Tudaze. We’ll see you later…

The spirit of Tudaze lives on with Spock and Dean.

In memory of Reggie, Cabbie, Candy, Boots, Tommy, Scooter, Brutus, Tara, Murphy, Bitch Kitty, Blue, Nathan, Pinball, Runaround Sue, Arthur, Whiskey, Jasper, and Princess Dammit. Good birds, fish, rabbit, cats and dogs, all.

In memoriam – Pyewacket, Midnite, and Scotti.

We will never forget our dear little friends and never stop missing them. I know your pain, Mark, and offer you sympathy and condolences.

I haven’t been reading the strip from the beginning, so I wonder if anyone could tell me if Dean lives in the same building as Heart.

I FEEL 4 EVERYONE WHO LOSES A PET. THE LOVE OF AN ANIMAL IS THE MOST SELFLESS AND ENDURING OF ALL.

We’ve lost two pets in the last year and a half. Still, I did not actually cry through this whole ark…until today…

I feel the loss…

Sympathy and condolences, Mark. I totally understand and empathize. A cat (or dog) is not a pet; they are members of the family. I’ve lost 3 of my own: Pippin, Punkin and Loki. My folks and my brother have lost fur-friends as well. Each was a unique individual, a small life and a big soul that was and is keenly missed. To grieve is no shame; there would be something seriously amiss if you did not. The human heart is large enough to love our small, furry friends too.

Tudaze will live on through Dean’s Spock. I couldn’t believe Spock would be leaving so soon, glad he didn’t. In memory of all my furry friends waiting for me at the Rainbow Bridge. Dogs, cats, rabbits and various imaginary friends. Thanks for touching a place in the hearts of all critter lovers and giving us a reprieve we didn’t get!

Condolences Mark in behalf of my Teenyshoe, who left this year also.

Our hearts are mourning losing our beloved Echo, and we are so sorry that Tudaze is gone from your lives. Our condolences.

If only, indeed… My condolences, Mark, for your loss. The pain fades, after a while – after a long, long while. In memory of my Corsair and Maztika.

Boy, you sure tugged at the (forgive the pun) heart strings for the past couple of weeks. If real life could be like a comic strip, indeed. I still miss my Foudini that had to be put down a few years ago. Love doesn’t die, and my condolences on the loss of Tudaze. May we never take our animal companions for granted.

So sorry – we know their time with us will be too brief, but still we’re so lucky to be able to share our lives with them… a beautiful eulogy.

Heartfelt condolences have been sent and sensed through this whole arc. RIP Tudaze

i have not ben entirely happy with some of the comments out of some of the visitors of this story arc. most have ben saddened (understandably) with the possibility of loosing Spock, but some have ben rude, and some have ben down right crass.most of us knew why the story was being told, and communicated this to everyone else. and the rude and crass comments kept coming.i said it once before and i am going to say it again.this is Mr. Tatullis world. Heart and Dean are his children. Spock is his pet. they are HIS stories. if you don’t like the stories or the strip, “change the channel”.this arc has ben a sole soothing salve for me and from most of the comments (even the ones that hated the idea of Spock dieing) it has helped many others as well. thank you Mr. Tatulli. i will not be “changing the channel”. further more i have and will continue reading in the archive until i have read every wonderful story you have put to paper. please keep up the good work.Shesahe, George, Shotsie, (2 of them at two different times), Thore, Hanna, and last my little Punkin. i so miss that little girl.

Bailey, Willie and Sassie. They’ll all be waiting for us at the Rainbow Bridge. Remember when you’re ready for another friend, adopt and save another homeless cat.

Lucy, Boots, Muffy, Tiger, Calico, Frodo, Sheba, and soon… Didi

Condolences to you and yours Mark. Thank you to MsPip who says it so well: “Each was a unique individual, a small life and a big soul that was and is keenly missed.” We will never forget them.

My dearly missed Bandit, Fidget, Gonzalez, Bakhita, Tigger, Sweetpea, and Cookie …. they were all wonderful loving cats who enriched our lives.

So sorry for your loss, and thank you so much for generously sharing his fantastic personality with so many.

I’m sorry you didn’t have the same happy ending. The strip is a nice tribute to your Tudaze. :)

My sympathy goes out to you. Remember you will meet Tudaze again at the Rainbow Bridge. In the meantime, he will live on through Spock. Rest in peace, Tudaze.

OK, but if there’ s a Spock at that vet and no one is there for him our two heros should comfort him in his final moments here.

So sorry for your loss. We miss our kitties, too, and it’s been a few years since they passed away. We hope Dean and Spock have many years together!

Perry, Sylvia White Cat, Mallory, Grunt, Red, Tigger, Sadie, Blue, Dr. Wu and all the other fur friends who’ve transited my life.

Aww! The reality lends so much poignancy to the last weeks strip. Now I’m all Teary eyed again!

Mark and family,

I know this pain, all too well. You have my most sincere sympathy.

Paul GCrozet, VA

What a wonderful story ark- I know what you have gone through! I have a cat that is pushing 18 years old. He has been w/me since he was a kitten- not looking forward to saying goodbye..

I am also saddened for your loss and for others who have lost beloved pets. Our own kitties are precious to us as well. I have enjoyed Spock’s antics, and I’m glad that they will continue.

Thank you for sharing the HEART warming story.

My deepest sympathy on you loss. I understand.

Just when I thought the week of crying was over, a real kitty had to be the one who died….

I’ll drink a toast to anyone who was an inspiration to another. Here’s to you, Tudaze!

In Ancient Egypt cats were given places of honor in their households. When a cat died, the family would shave their eyebrows and wear mourning clothes. Sometimes the cats remains would be mummified.The Egyptians revered a cat-headed Goddess called Bast, the center of worship being a city bearing the name Bubastis. She was the protector of the sun, goddess of motherhood and love, and took a special interest in the souls of departed felines.

Time has come, great mouser bold,The years have passed and you’ve grown old.The body that once served so well,Is a painful cage, a hollow shell.Your time upon this plane is through,For Mother Bast has called to you.

Go to sleep and dream a dream,Of sun drenched meadows by a stream of cream,With darting minnow and dragonflyYou’ll drink your fill while your feet stay dry.Hunt the grass where the big mice go,And birds take off just a hair too slow.Where all day long it’s jump and run,Then stretch and nap in the drowsy sun.Then stalk the shadows when fireflies glow,To the night clad fields where the catnip grows.

But spare a moment in your feline rest,To remember me, who loved you best.We shared so much throughout the years,Laughter, fireside warmth, and tears.I gave you food, a bed and milk,You gave me purrs as soft as silk.When life was tough, and friends were few,I knew that I could depend on you,To remind me never to give in,You’d bump your head against my chin.

I brought you toys, stuffed mice and strings,But still you would destroy MY things!Or claw the rug, the door, the chair,And blanket the house with cast-off hair,Until I’d scream, “WHO NEEDS A PET?”But minutes later we’d both forget.For who could be mad at shredded lace,When looking at your “I’m sorry” face.I’ll cry and clutch the gnawed on shoe,For Mother Bast has called to you.Go where you must and never fear,There will always be a soft spot here,In another time your soul may rise,I’ll know you when I see your eyes

So don’t look back, I’ll say goodbye,For everything that’s born must die.You’ll shed this cloak of age worn skin,And be a kitten once again,In a place where skies are always blue,For Mother Bast has called to you.

So sorry! Losing a pet is very hard. They become part of the family. :(

I am sorry for your loss. “My heart has joined the thousands for my friend stopped running today” – Watership Down

“If only real life were like a comic strip”….no truer words were ever spoken. So sorry for your loss. Tudaze was a very handsome looking cat & looked like a real love.

Ferret Fawcett, Phideau the cat, Maverick

So sorry to hear of the loss of your kitty. Remember the love you had for each other and let it comfort you.

I have lost Cleo, Kaya, Sir Winston, Pete and Gladys and am now trying tom decide if I should once again adopt. Sorry for your loss Mark.

They are all waiting for you; you will see them again…

Felix, Duchess, Misty, Mindy, Callie, Sheba were cats. Princess, Frisky (yes!), Jiggsy, Vinny were dogs. And a finch we called Little Miss One-note.

I’m very glad to have Tom and Phoebe today.

Tom and Phoebe are cats.

Goddess bless Tudaze as he crosses over the Rainbow bridge and may the Goddess ease your sorrow over his loss.

My condolences. I truly believe you will see Tudaze again in the future. Love can never die.

Brandy and Princess Underfoot

Condolences, Mark. :-(

R.I.P. Sylvia. ’til we meet again litle girl.

Max, Sam, Logan, Demon, KC, Jackie, Whiskey…

So THAT’S what this series was about (I enjoyed it, but it was very different). I’m glad for Dean’s happy ending, and glad that Tudaze had such a loving friend. Sincere condolences, Mark.

And to those in our Starclan http://www.flickr.com/photos/22772439@N04/sets/72157620074096335/

Ah Zuul Kahm Lo, Bear, Bastet, Boojum Jinx, Charlie (Tuna), ,Duke, Elliot, Ginger, Isis, Limbo, Patina, Pewter, Posey, Pywacktet, Scraps, Serendipity, Silver Belle, Starla, Who and Zeeman

Rest in Peace, Tudaze. And kindest wishes to Mark and his family as they adjust to your absence. Losing such a friend is never easy, but the good memories will find their way back to the front of your mind again.

“Remember our storieswhen fur and bonesand tail of me are gone.Share them with some new mouser,who’ll need to learn where blue jays live,where rabbits hide…who’ll share your couchand bowls of milk,who’ll be your friend…though maybe notas good a friend as I.”From “Old Cat” by Barbara Libby

And thank you, Mark Tatulli, for giving us this story.

Now I know why you did it. Misery loves company. We lost a dog AND a cat last year, and it was awful. Condolences.

Remember the love. Rest in piece Tudaze!

Never owned a pet gmartin?

The passing of a cat is truly a tragedy for each one is unique and will never come this way again.

What a touching tribute to Tudaze Mark. Thank you for the heart wrenching arc with a happy ending. Indeed, if only life could be a comic strip where we write our own happy endings.

In memory of Shep (part Shepherd, part Chow.), Snowball, Spooky, Caspar, Ginger, Cinnamon, Stormy, (B.C.) all cats, and Mua (pictured).

Aw. Sorry about Tudaze. I still miss my first cat.

I feel for you Mark. I’ve been there myself a few times and it never gets any easier.

I lost my cat Harvey Foxborough Quinn (Foxxy) at the end of March last year. He was only 6. I know the feeling all too well. Thanks for a nice tribute to Tudaze. a long time reader

So sorry for your loss, Mark. I’ve had to say goodbye to many pets myself. It never gets any easier. You just have to remember what a good life you gave your pet.

Wonder if “Tudaze” refers to how long he was originally supposed to stay in the house.

Warning: Hildy, Lindy, Misty, and Grady will be barking their fool heads off at you up there.

:( i’m sorry for loss. pets are with us only a portion of our lives but they bring a lifetime of memories.

So sorry, Mark. The loss of a pet is breathtakingly hard. Thanks for the beautiful story here.

Thanks Mark, for sharing your Tudaze-kid with us. So sorry for your loss. Remember though, only the most special people come… and go, in fur. I honestly believe that you’ll meet again.

To those of you who have used this strip to memorialize your own pets from the past – Bravo! And to Jennie, Eliot, Chow, Missy, Grizzy, Bitty, Baby, Charlotte, Grindl, Maggie, Templeton and Charlotte the guinea pig, you will always live on in my heart.

@praetorian1313 – thank you for the beautiful poem.

To gmartin: It looks like quite a few others made memorial mention of every pet. I’m not that stange after all.

Mark,Thank you from all pet lovers; especially those of us who have had the sadness of euthanizing our beloved pets. Heart of the City is my life-time favorite cartoon (& I am in my seventh decade)! My heart-felt empathy for the loss of your beloved Tudaze.Peter

I’ve cried everyday First at the strip and then through the comments. Don’t ask me why I kept coming back day after day when I said every day I wouldn’t.

In memory of Sparky and Sparky II, wonderful Boston Terriers, and Fluffy, Cassie, and Mac, loveable cats, all greatly missed, I sympathize.

It’s hard to say good-bye to our pets. My sympathies go out to you.

What a wonderful heart-warming “arc” (does that mean a story line?) this has been. Thank you.

I am sorry for your loss. We may not always realize how much they are a part of our lives until they aren’t.

I’m so sorry for your loss. Pets give us so much; including inspiration!

I’m so sorry for your loss. We had to have not one, but two cats put down in the last few years, ourselves. ((hugs))

Blessed to have beautiful Tudaze for as long as he was around. Sorry for your loss. Understand completely.

gmartin: You are not required to mourn pets. But why disparage tihose who do?

This series touched me to the core, I cried when it started. RIP Monty The Cat and Reggie The Cat … you were my little boys. I am still so lost without you…

Therw will be a crowd waiting for me at the Rainbow Bridge ( http://rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm )

You are an insensitive swine.

It’s always sad to lose a furry member of the family.

Ah, Mark! An appropriate finale to this arc. Tudaze will be waiting, as is my beloved Treasure, also gone within the last month. (And I could list all of ’em, but it would take too long – sympathy to all of you who have lost the ones we loved, furred, feathered, finned, scaled – or two legged!) Love is love.

Years ago there was a wonderful cartoon which showed an oldish man meeting St. Peter. In the distance, a dog is running pell-mell toward the Pearly Gates. St. Peter says to the newcomer " So YOU’RE little Joey! Spot’s been going on about you for years!"

To all our beloved pet’s thay live on in our memory.

Aw… sweet.

Velvet, Tiger and Fluffy the cats. Dum-dum the mouse. Merry and Christmas the turtles. Mischief (aka Missy), Muffin and Saucy the dogs. MIss them all.

Aww. I miss my two beloved departed cats—Worthless and Seraphina. Worthless was the sweetest orange tabby one could ever know. My dad named him when he started hanging around and I began to surreptitiously feed him. For more than a decade, I had wanted a cat and my parents said no. Then Worthless left and never came back. I cried for weeks! They finally gave in and took me to the humane society to get another cat. Mom pointed out a little grey kitty who just purred and purred and sat there, docile and friendly. I shook my head and went for the tiny snowball-looking kitten hanging from the top of the cage by her claws. Some idiot had bought this kitten for his girlfriend—a flight attendant who lived alone. When I heard that, I knew the kitty belonged with me. She was an indoor cat and lived about 15 years. My parents kept her when I went away to college and moved out. That cat was a demonic beast, hated everyone, clawed and grred all the time… and I just loved that cat. Anyway, sympathies to Mark and family. :(

I sympathize with the passing of a faithful companion.

I feel for poor Spock the dog and his family.

I don’t think Heart and Dean live in the same bldg. My condolences to Mark and his family

Putting down a pet is one of the saddest things you can do for a beloved family friend.

most recent losses in the past five years :trouble and muggles – cats / topaz the bouncing goldfish / rose and lily – hamstersblessings on tudaze and all the others we’ve lost

This was a great storyline. My condolences for the loss. Just like losing a human family member.

If you need to feel peace just read the Rainbow Bridge story. It will affirm that Tudaze will be there waiting for you. The best memorial that you can give him is to adopt another cat.

On Today’s tale,Wee paws for thought.

So loved…so missed. You have my heartfelt sympathy.

I’m so glad Spock didn’t die, and I’m so sorry for your loss. I read your goodbye to Tudaze and cried.

gmartin, Some of your comments are good, but what you just said here today, do you have a heart at all? I mean, REALLY MAN? WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?

THEY SAY IF YOU CAN’T SAY ANYTHING NICE, DON’T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL!

noicant, your first longest comment was GREAT!

DOGS: TEDDY, GALLAGHER, SUSIE, CHARLIE GIRL, MUFFIN, going back to my childhood, PEPPER, PENNY AND SNEAKERSCATS: PUSS-PUSS, SUNSHINE, AND THE ONE I HAD THE LONGEST 16 YEARS, MY HANNAH BEE!

LOVELY STORY ARC MARK! EVEN IF YOU HAD US ALL IN TEARS AND SUSPENSE! I hope this helped you deal with your loss!

I’ve been jumping ahead to read this strip each day – and feeling Dean’s pain. Thanks to Tudaze for inspiring such a touching story.

Dogs: Coalie, Stubby, Fawn, Shasta, Fifi, Cats: Blackie, Puddin, Puddin II, Tanfoot, Puss n’ Boots

RIP to all departed, beloved pets everywhere. Sorry your friend is gone, Mark.

So sad to loose a well loved pet! Tudaze is very cute!

Also Dean is so happy to see Spock, he’s a scrawny little mite isn’t he? My cat is doing better and she’s a little 7 lb old lady.

I feel for you, we have lost two kitties in this past year – the were the babies of the family. Keep your chin up, people do care.

I couldn’t believe the strip this week.

We just lost our 17 yr old kitty Nahla at the beginning of the story and I was so sad that Spock the Cat was dying too. It was almost too much….

… I am so sorry for your loss of TuDaze he looked very sweet.

I never had a near death experience of my own, but When I was 12 my collie was at the vet,I didn’t know what was wrong.

We went to my uncle’s ranch and I was walking on the prairie when I saw my dog come running toward me. It seemed so real that I knelt down to hold her, but just before she reached me, she vanished.I wondered what it meant. What it did mean was my dog had just died at the same time as I saw her.

I have never doubted life after death since then. It was the most crushing death of a furry friend ever, but I feel greatful that it had happened .

I lost a very dear rat 2 summers ago. It seemed like I somehow shared his spirit.Later when I would feel the slight weight and motion on my bed I would say “Hi Stevie”.And when a friend told me he felt something move across the bed, I told him Stevie the ghost-rat had just been by to say hello.

My condolences. Spock is great.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….

Author unknown…

I’m sorry for your loss. I hope you find some comfort in this poem. It has helped me in times like this…

My condolences…

Thank you for letting Spock carry on the memory of your adorable Tudaze. You have my sympathy for the loss of such a beautiful member of your family, and also my understanding of what it means to lose such a beloved pet, as I’ve lost 6 of my own over the years.

Remember that it is using ‘comics’ time. If the little girl does not age, her cat need not age either.

All these comments. Back when Farley died (after an act of heroism) we didn’t have a forum like this to share our thoughts.

Bun Bun, Fiesta, Petricia, Foo Foo, and Phineas J.D. Woolworth (aka Mr. Woolly)

Condolences Mark and thank you – this has been very touching, at least for us cat people.

This brought tears to my eyes. I’m sorry for your loss – Tudaze will live on in Spock. Thank you for sharing the wider aspects of life, not just the laughs. I love Heart in the City for just that reason!

Sorry …. It’s hard losing a pet. Readers that have lost pets too, understand your loss.

I just lost both of my cats, Nara and Nermal… it’s the toughest thing I’ve been through… My condolences

This is, of course, part of why we love comic strips. Because Spock can live on. Even if TuDaze couldn’t stay with you.

so sorry for your loss. Animals give us the purest love ever. We are very honored to have a relationship with our companions.

Good bye Todaze, and Inky, and Mitiades, and Soter and all our late beloved pets. Thank you for the joy you brought us.

Condolences from my family to yours Mark. We go through this every six or seven years too. Trixie would approve.

Condolences Mark, on the loss of your furry family member – TuDaze! TuDaze is happily rolling in the catnip patch, with my Ashleigh; Buster, and The Attack Kat Needles.

Deepest Sympathies. TuDaze will always be with you simply as the inspiration for Spock.

RIP, Tudaze

Thank you, briatollah, for the Dr. Seuss quote, aaf709 for the Barbara Libby quote, all of you who mentioned the Rainbow Bridge, and praetorian, for that wonderful tribute to KitKat. I knew about the Rainbow Bridge, but the others, even Dr. Seuss, were new to me.

The cartoon I mentioned was in the New Yorker, and I know I have a copy somewhere, but right now I have no idea of the cartoonist, even. I probably saw it about 1995. (Like that helps, I know.) If I find it I will post any info I have.

Peace to all of you and your lovely animals.

RIP Tudaze, Cuddles, Eldrige Cleaver, Clark, and Buddy

Catching up on my comics and just saw this one. Oh, my goodness, I’m so sorry! I would guess that the tenderness with which you treat Spock in the strip is a reflection of the love you gave Tudaze.

This one is still racking up comments. I wonder what the record is.

i feel for you mark. the loss is tough to swallow.

my condolences

I’m so sorry. I lost two of my three last year. Very hard to deal with but they were old. I loved them so.

it was hard reading this story line…I lost my 2 beloved cats, 1 in nov and 1 in jan….I miss them still…I am so sorry for your loss

All our knowledge merely helps us to die a more painful death than animals that know nothing.

The heartfelt message was appreciated, but I think this whole story was a misfire. It wasn’t willing to tackle the subject of death in earnest. And don’t tell me “it’s for kids”; children have to deal with all kinds of things regardless of what censors try to hide from them.

I can’t see myself doing this storyline and ending it the same way Tatulli did if I was writing it after I lost a pet. I just don’t think I could make a happy ending while I’m grieving and not have it feel fake and sad to myself.