Some of you newer readers might not know I had a Brother, but I did. His name was Ivan, and he was the best Brother and my best friend. Brother Ivan was a pretty big Maine Coon boy and was Dad’s lap cat. When I was adopted our “break in period” lasted all of about three seconds, we were instant pals. You see, Brother Ivan’s brother Moses had left for the Bridge and Ivan was very lonely.
Brother Ivan and I were rarely more than a few feet away from each other, we did everything together. Then, three days before Thanksgiving in 2009 Brother Ivan let out a scream in the middle of the night and he made a run for the Bridge. I miss him every single day, he taught me so much and I always try my best to live up to his expectations. Special he was, special he will always be. I love you Brother Ivan, and miss you so very much.
Brother Ivan taught me to always remember to adopt cats, we deserve it!!!!! More Forever Homes More Often! Purrrrr! Zip! Later!
Ivan was such a special cat, and he left a great legacy in you, Brian.
Ivan was a handsome ManCat. We know he’s watching over you from the Bridge.
The Florida Furkids
Oh Ivan, you really were so handsome. Brian, I bet you do miss him a lot but I guess all those sisters of your keep you busy. You are such a good brother.
We got our ark out yesterday. We had to in order to get out to see the donkeys. Hope you all didn’t float away. Have a fun Monday.
Your brother Ivan was such a handsome and gorgeous kitty. And he was really good big brother to you. I’m sure he is very proud of you for taking care of your sisters and helping homeless kitties. Purrs to you xoxo
Oh Ivan was a gorgeous boy Brian……and sometimes there is no “break in” period you just plain KNOW you’ve got a new soulmate. So happy you have some time together before he left for the Bridge….holidays are tough anyway for many people but having lost Ivan this time of the year makes it extra hard…….we send purrs………
Hugs, Sammy
Brian, you were blessed to have such a wonderful brother as Ivan. But, we are such he felt blessed by you. Now you have a special angel who watches over you. ~xo~
It sounds like you have some good memories of your sweet brother.
Sending good thoughts!
xo Catherine
Your Brother Ivan was handsome too and we know you will miss him very much. We are sure he will always watch over you from Rainbow Bridge.
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx
Brian, you had a truly special brother in Ivan. I know you must miss him terribly, but such lovely memories of your time together! xoxox
Your brother was a stunning mancat. We know you loved him deeply, and one day you’ll be with him again. Soft purrs and kitty hugs.
A brother like that will never be forgotten indeed
What happened to Ivan (a very handsome kitty) sounds much like what happened to our Margo in 2005. Those who appreciate cats never forget those who have gone on to the Rainbow Bridge!
We are back from our vacation. We got bumped from our departure flight and arrived home a day late, but at least we are here! We had a great time on vacation!
We got a little teary eyed on Ivan……Brian, take heart you’ll meet up with him again!
It sounds like Ivan was a wonderful brother, friend, and mancat. We are sorry he ran off to the Bridge, but we know you will see hims again. We send you comforting purrs at this difficult time of year for you. <3
Mommy got teary about Ivan and we both know that you miss him so much…that you both always will.
Brian, how are you, sweet friend? XO
We’re sorry brother Ivan was needed so quickly at the Bridge. We lost our sister G.B that same way a few years ago. Thank you for sharing Ivan with us. Purrs…
Brian, you are living the lessons that Ivan taught you, so he’ll never really be gone. Many purrs to you and the family as you remember him.
Sending you ((((hugs)))) and much love!
Have a nice week Brian!
Kisses and hugs!
dood…we ree ceeved a message frum dude & sauce N they asked us ta pass thiz a long two ewe:
two brian frum ivan….eye love ewe dood, all ways have, all ways will…ewe wuz knot onlee my brother but me best pal; pleez noe eye am doing aye oh kay N watch over ewe all de time ♥♥♥
BRIAN
IVAN WAS A MOST GORGEOUS BROTHER CAT. OMCs…very very majestic…thank you for telling us about him we did not know.
hugs madi your bfff
Your brother Ivan sounds a lot like our Whiskers. Mommy & Socks still miss him, the rest of us never had the pleasure of meeting him, but they tell us about him.
Brother Ivan will always be a very special kitty.
I hope that all the happy memories comfort you today.
Time does soften the sadness, but we always remember with the love they gave us.
Ivan sounds like he was a special mancat. We wish we had gotten to know him. His passing sounds very much like the way our brother, Bandit, passed in December. It was very sudden. Thanks for sharing Ivan’s picture.
Oh Brian, Ivan wuz such a handsum mancat. And yous awe so pawsum yous selff of course you wuz fast furiends. Weez so sorry fur yous loss, we surely unnewstand bittersweet holidays, and awe sendin’ many purrs and purrayers yous way.
Luv ya’
Dezi and Lexi
What an amazing kitty and brother Ivan was, Brian. He will live always and forever in your heart, and you carry on his wonderful legacy. Hugs to you and your family.
I didn’t realize you had had a brother, Brian. Ivan sure was one good-lookin’ cat. Clearly, good looks run in your family. Good hearts do, too.
Purrs,
Nissy
I am so sorry your brother Ivan had to rush to the Rainbow Bridge like that. I bet you miss him and think of him especially at this time of year.
We bow our heads in remembrance of dear Ivan.
I am sorry you lost your brother, Ivan. He was a beautiful kitty. This time of year must be especially hard for your family.
Sure was handsome. Sounds like a wonderful brother.
Brother Ivan was very handsome. He must be proud of the way you look after your sisters.
What a handsome guy Ivan was. Purrs to all of you as you remember him today.
Oh Brian wasn’t Brother Ivan gorgeous & lovely?? I can see why you aspired to be like him…
I wish i had known him…thank you for sharing your memories of Ivan with us…..
Gone but never forgotten & always deeply loved.
Love Sherri-Ellen x0x0x0x0x0x0
Sending comforting purrz as you remember Ivan.
Oh we’re sad that we never got to meet your brother. Our thoughts are with you as you remember him today.
ohhhh, my good buddy Brian. How did I miss that you once had a brofur? And such a handsome mancat he was…so like you. It is so hard to miss a relative who is also a furriend. Blessing of Ceiling Cat on both of you
I am happy you ha a little time with such a good role model. I bet he misses you all, but is happy.
Beian, Iavan sounds like a fantabulous brother, yous is a lucky cat! Mes sends yous many hugs!
Kisses
Nellie
Brother Ivan was GORGEOUS! I bet you do miss him! Purrs for you all as you remember him today Brian.
luvs
Marty and the Gang
We did NOT know about Brother Ivan! Our purrs of remembrance…
I didn’t know Brother Ivan, but he sounds wonderful! Thank you for sharing his memories with us.
Your brother Ivan was very floofy and hansdome. The two of you big mancats playing and snuggling together must have been quite the site. It’s hard when a kitty leaves for the bridge so quickly, but he left wonderful memories and taught you how to welcome other kitties into your home. Thanks for sharing him with us today.
Ohh, this made me think of my dear departed brother Isaac. I just wanted to come by to thank you for your very kind words. I’m still not quite 100%, but I’m still kicking. Thank you thank you thank you!!!
Hugs!
It’s so nice of you to remember your brofur on the day he went to Summerland. Bet he was there to meet Nylablue and give her some good cuddles. And, of course, you two will be pals again and be able to play forever and ever; though, we pray that time doesn’t arrive for a very long time. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo
How handsome he was,xx Speedy
What a handsome brother Ivan was.
Sorry he had to leave so soon.
Sounds like he taught you the important things
as you are a pretty cool cat 🙂
Purrs Georgia and Julie,
Treasure and JJ
Ivan was very handsome! So sorry for your loss. It sounds a bit like out kitty Boo, who at only 8 1/2 let out a loud scream one morning and was gone. Very sad and we miss her too.
What a beautiful and handsome boy Ivan was! We are glad you had a loving big brother Brian. We understand about short “break in” periods. Our Angel Lewis and Mitalee were instant friends too 🙂
the critters in the cottage xo
What a handsome boy Ivan was! Maine Coon Cats are gorgeous. You must miss him so much….we’re so sorry you lost him, and so suddenly.
What a gorgeous Mancat Brother Ivan was…we just adore Maine Coon kitties. Such a special post and relationship you had with Ivan, sounds like me and my best friend Inka. Purrs to you and your Mom and Dad as you remember your sweet Angel Ivan.