It was three years ago today that my Brother Ivan left me for the Rainbow Bridge. Brother Ivan was only six years old when he left. I know I have some new readers that may not even realize that I even had a brother, but indeed I did, the best brother a kitty could have. Ivan was very sad and lonely because his brother Moses had left for the Bridge. That is how I ended up being adopted, as a pal for Brother Ivan. And pals we were too. There was no typical “introduction time” at all, Dad let Brother Ivan sniff me when I arrived and we were instant friends. I came right out of the carrier and it seemed like I was supposed to be here.
Brother Ivan was a very large Maine Coon and as near as we can tell he was dumped by a breeder due to a hip problem. To them he wasn’t purrfect, but to me he was. He was dumped during an ice storm in downtown Charlotte, NC. As fate would have it he was rescued by a couple who lived in our neighborhood. Unfortunately, due to an allergy problem he was confined to a small bedroom in their house. When the family decided that it wasn’t fair to him they decided to find him somewhere else to live. They ended up talking to my Mom who had a friend that took all kind of critters. So Mom went to pick him up and brought him by so Dad could see him. Dad told Mom he wasn’t going anywhere except inside with us. That’s how Brother Ivan ended up here.
Brother Ivan taught me so many things, and the most important were love and acceptance. Brother Ivan accepted me immediately and I have accepted every new family member without so much as a hiss or a swat, just has he taught me. He also taught me how important it is to help others. That’s why I work so hard to help the other less fortunate critters. I do hope my Brother Ivan would be proud of the work I’ve done and I feel him watching over me constantly.
Brother Ivan left unexpectedly for the Bridge in the middle of the night three years ago. I miss him so very much and not a day goes by that I don’t think of him and the love he shared with me. I love you Brother Ivan and I always will. I know I will see you again some day, but until then I know you will continue to watch over all of us.
Remember, adopt cats, we deserve it!!! Purrrrr! Zip! Later!
Brain,
Brother Ivan was lucky to be a part for your family. I’m sure he miss you all too.
Soft purrs and lots of hugs to you and your family.
xoxo
What a handsome Maine Coon brother Ivan was. And you have written a lovely tribute to him. I wonder if he could be an angel member of the tabby cat club.
Brother Ivan sounds like a beautiful and wise soul. He left such a wonderful legacy that you are carrying on Brian, hugs to you all x
I’m so sorry to hear about your brother. He sounds like a wonderful kitty! I know that he is watching over you and that he is proud of you. 🙂
Hugs,
Sierra, Carmine, and Milita
We didn’t know you had a brother, Brian! Ivan was very handsome and we’re sorry he left you too soon. Purrs to you as you remember him today…and always…
We didn’t know you had a brother either Brian. He was so darn handsome. Wow. What a fantastic tribute to him. He sounds like a really really nice boy. Our Mom has a little tear in her eye from that story. What a sad thing that he had to go to the bridge so darn early.
Lots of hugs to all of you. Take care.
My heart is breaking. My dear cat lived to nearly twenty one. I still dream about her, and when I do, I can feel her soft fur on my fingertips. How do fingertips have dreams?
We didn’t know sweet Ivan ~ but we can see how very special he was to yoo all. So we are sending yoo love and purrs ~ and how wonderful that yoo help other animals in his memory. what a fine way to be remembered. xx
Oh Brian… I remember last year when you wrote about your brother. Just like then, this post was beautiful. Ivan sounds like a great guy, and you were so lucky to have him for your brother, even if only for a short time. I am thinking of you and your mom and dad today….
Leaky eyes all round over here. I’ve heard it before, but it’s such a wonderful beginning. Brother Ivan was an example for all of us and you re following in is footsteps, pal. He is very proud of you, I’m sure.
pawhugs, Max
What a beautiful tribute post to aspecial brother. Ivan sounded a real lovely man cat and I can tell he taught you well. Lovely post.. HUgs GJ xx
Sad and uplifting at the same time…
Awww sweet Brian! This is such a beautiful tribute to gorgeous angel Ivan. What a gentlekitty!! Me and Charlie are so glad to meet him and learn about him. Purrs and hugs to you. And big hello to your adorable sisters Precious. Gracie, Zoe, Dolly and Sascha! Take care
x
It seems that Brother Ivan was an exceptional Cat, Brian–and so are you. Purrs and kitty kisses to you today as you remember him.
You must miss your brother Ivan very much Brian – you must take after him as you welcomed all your sisters into your home.
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx
Brian,
Your brother looks just like my sisfur Sassy. I know I am suppose to be forgiving and all, but I hope the breeder that dumped your brother someday gets dumped for not being “perfect” themselves!
Brother Ivan has to be exceptionally proud of you, Briean because you are so good to everyobe who comes to live at your home. He would be proud of you. I happen to remember that ice storm in Charlotte. One of my human brothers still lives there.
You are a credit to Ivan, Brian. xoxoxoxoxo
Brother Ivan sounds like he was the purrfect brother. He sure was pretty. I am glad to know he had a wonderful home to live in.
Ivan sounds like a wonderful cat! Thanks for sharing him with us today!
Kisses
Nellie
Those are great lessons taught by Brother Ivan…we will all do well to remember them. Thank you Brother Ivan…we are purring for your family today as they miss you.
What a great friend you had. Georgia was like that with me too–she accepted me almost immediately when she did not like the other cats! You are a lucky cat and so was Ivan.
We are so sorry that your brother left you. We know you miss him!
Oh Brian, you made me cry…your Brother Ivan sounds like the purrfect older brother…you were so lucky to have such a great mentor and friend, and your sisters are lucky to have you…I know your Brother Ivan is looking down from his fluffy cloud and purring with pride to see how you’ve carried on his legacy of love and acceptance. You probably know that I can go on and on about breeders who dump cats who are not “perfect” but to us, each and every kitty is purrfect in their own way and we love that your Mom and Dad… Read more »
Brother Ivan taught you well. He was so handsome. Unusual coloring, in fact, I thought he was wearing a little furry vest. Brother Ivan was lucky to have adopted your family.
Brother Ivan was a special brother indeed! He was beautiful. Maine Coons are such wonderful cats. My Mister Sunshine was part Maine Coon he lived to be a very old 21 years and 3 months.
It’s terrible that Ivan was dumped because of an imperfection! How shallow those humans must have been.
Brian I know your brother would be so proud of you. You learned some valuable lessons and now you continue on with acceptance and unconditional love of those who are in your life..
Purrs from
Us
Isn’t it wonderful the lessons we humans can learn from our pets!
A true kitty angel, he must be very proud of his little brother.
Oh, my youngest daughter and her husband have a gray Maine Coon they call Smoky. Maine Coons are very special creatures.
Greetings From Southern California
Brother Ivan was a good teacher if he taught you love and acceptance.
Take care Brian the Cat and have a nice day 🙂
Thanks for your recent visit to My Blog
Reply
Brother Ivan is beautiful! I’ve always wanted a Maine Coon kitty. They always look like loveable teddy bears!!
Hugs,
Catherine
Brother Ivan sure was a great mancat. We’re sure he’s watching over all of you from the Rainbow Bridge and mighty proud of you too!
It is so sad when our beloved friends run off to the bridge, I am very sorry that you lost your lovely brother so unexpectedly, he sounds like an exceptional kitty. Oh Brian I am certain that Ivan would be proud of you and what a wonderful mancat you are looking after your sisters and helping kitties everywhere!
Brian, a better brother for you never lived, we’re sure. One of the very best things in the world to have is a friend’s love, because it never fades.
Brian, that is such a special post for Brother Ivan. What a special kitty he was and you two had such a close relationship. We have such a fondness for Maine Coons, they are such unique kitties. We are so sorry that your brother left so young. We are very glad though that he had such a wonderful home and was loved so well before he did. Thinking of you all today.
Be Well Sweet Ivan
Even though Brother Ivan did not spend anywhere near enough time on this planet for your humans, he was around long enough to teach some very valuable lessons – thank you, Brian, for passing them along to us!
What a beautiful tribute!
They leave, but never leave our hearts.
It is so true!
Ivan was awesome!
Thanks for the reminder that we need to love our family as much as we can each and every day.
You were lucky to have a Brother Brian who was your brother and mentor. Purrs.
What a beautiful tribute to your beloved Ivan.
Nubbin wiggles,
Oskar
What a sweet remembrance about your brother Ivan, Brian! He sounds like he was a wonderful kitty. Purrs,
Pip, Smidgen, Minnie, HOllie
Dear pal Brian, You are a great kitty. I know how this feels, the memory is like a punch in the heart. It hurts to think about the sadness, and those lovely memories… so lovely they were. You were a lucky boy to have a great brother. Ivan sounds like he was the best. I think Miles is kind of a pest but he loves me a lot and likes to cuddle with me.
I will try to appreciate him more — just thinking about you and Ivan.
big bonks
Brian
We know you have made Brother Ivan proud.
What a great tribute.
purrs
>^,,^<
♥Abby♥Boo♥Ping♥Jinx♥Grace♥
You’re right, we didn’t know you had a brother! Ivan sounds like quite the guy, taking you under his paw. Ivan was a typical Maine Coon with his gentle nature. I’m sorry that you lost him all too soon.
Brother Ivan can be nothing less than proud at the mancat you turned out to be, Brian! I know he watches over you and your family and always will live in your hearts and memories. Brother Ivan seems as extraordinary as every other member of your family…blessings to you all.
This is such a sweet post about your brother Ivan… purrs to you!
Your Brother Ivan was very handsome. We are sorry he left you so suddenly and at too young an age. We send you and your family our purrs as you remember the anniversary of his passing.
Brother Ivan was such a good brother!!
You made me cry!!
OMG Brian, you’re making Nanny cry! I bet you’re missing your brother a lot! I can assure you that your brother is very very very proud of you! Brian, you’re the sweetest, kind mancat in the whole world!!!! If I had to choose a brother, you would be it!
Thank you so much for your kindness, I’m feeling much better!
You’re the Mancat!!!!
Loki
Oh Brian it is wonderful how you honor Brother Ivan’s legacy by helping all of the kitties in the world! I KNOW he is so proud of you!
Brother Ivan was incredibly handsome, we didn’t know him because we didn’t know you then either. We sure wish we could have known him. We would have loved him that is for sure! ((((hugs))))) to you, we know how you miss him
What a furry wonderful tribute, thanks fur sharing 🙂
Gosh, I didn’t know about your brother Ivan. I am sure he is watching over you and your sisters and making sure you are all safe and happy.
Your pal, Pip
Brother Ivan, forever remembered, forever loved…
Brother Ivan was a handsome mancat and we understand how you would miss him so. Purrs to you all
A lovely tribute to a beautiful Maine Coon. We’ve been at the CWA Cat Writer Association conference (where we won an award for best color photography) and now playing blog catchup.
We remember your handsome brother Ivan. Whoever dumped him sure was dumb. He was a keeper.
Thanks for sharing brother Ivans story. He sounded like a sweet boy.
Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving!