The End of an Era: RIP George
Curious George looking to see where I went. (I had gone outside to talk with my neighbor, Lonna.)
George was my constant companion for 17-1/2 years.
Social media friends got to see a lot of him.
He had his own Pinterest board.
And a Facebook photo album.
He died in December from multiple health conditions (OK, I had him euthanized, ugh!), and I miss him terribly. I know many pet owners who can relate, and I so appreciate those of you who expressed your condolences on Facebook, and those of you who sent cards to my home…!
A farewell to George, Org4life's kitty mascot. Share on X
Org4life kitty mascot
Some of you knew him as my office supervisor…
George, the office supervisor. (He’s sitting in a box, elevated by another box.)
George helping me with office paperwork.
…demonstrator of organizing products…
George + Sterilite 16 qt. bin
George + EZSTAX files (old version)
…and Christmas card model.
Snow kitty @2007
Piano kitty @2017
He was so curious!
I named him George because, from the very beginning, he was so very curious. Get it? When he was little, he would run toward noise (potential danger), instead of away from it, like a normal cat, so I had to keep an eye on him!
Baby George being fed from a bottle by my neighbor. He was so tiny!
My next-door neighbor friends (when I lived in California) found 5-week-old orphaned George and brought him home to me. I demurred, because he was so young, and I couldn’t be around to feed him. But Lonna offered to look after him while I was at work.
Then Robert, my best friend at work (RIP), suggested that what I needed was a mother cat with 5-week-old kittens who could foster him for a few weeks. Um…yeah….right. He disappeared, returning not 10 minutes later with news that another coworker, Jane, had a cat with 5 week old kittens!
I could write a book
I could write a book with all sorts of funny stories about George. And there are many more photos, too. Part of me wanted to dredge up every photo of him that ever existed and put them in this blog post. But that would be overwhelming for both of us. Maybe someday I’ll post a few more. But for now (she tells herself), this is good enough.
He was featured in several other blog posts as well:
Why you need a Project Box & a Master To-Do List
Readers’ Tips for a Good Night’s Sleep
Organize Your Thoughts for a Better Night’s Sleep
George basking in the autumn sunlight.
The end of an era
What’s interesting (to me) is that the end of the George era coincided with a transitional period for my business. (See Org4life: The First 15 Years, and scroll down to “What’s next for Org4life?”) As it happens, the lifetime of my previous favorite cat, Max(ine), spanned most of my telephone company career. She and George overlapped by a couple of years while we were still in California. When I became a professional organizer and decided to move to Albuquerque, 20-year-old (ailing) Max seemingly decided, “Nope. Not me. I’m not going anywhere,” and died. (OK, I had her euthanized too, ugh!) And that was the end of THAT era. Other cats have come and gone, but Max and George had the biggest personalities and were the best company.
‘Forever home’ means forever
This is me trying to recreate an old photo. Both are bathroom mirror shots. George wasn’t so much a shoulder kitty anymore and wasn’t cooperating. (Trust me, I tried many times and this was the best one.)
2002
2016
Farewell, George. Rest in peace. You are so missed!
Who was your favorite pet, of all the pets you’ve ever had? Why?
Do you have any memories (of your own pet, or of George) that you’d like to share in the comments below?
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Copyright 2020 by Hazel Thornton, Organized for Life.
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I’m so very sorry for your loss, Hazel, he was a handsome little office assistant. I’m sure you do miss him. Sending love and prayers for peace your way!
Thanks, Michelle!
My heart goes out to you as your mourn your sweet friend. Pets stick by us in a way no one else does. Their presence can be so calming and comforting. How luck you are to have had such a special little kitty in your life. Sending you hugs of comfort from over here!
Thank you, Seana. I was lucky indeed!
Loved seeing pictures of George and learning how he got his name. Glad you’ve got those pictures and a great story to go with them!
Thanks, Candice. I have lots more (both stories and photos) where those came from!
A beautiful goodbye, Hazel. I can imagine there were times George would drive you crazy while you tried to work, as my Lily does, but I’m sure you’d give anything to have him doing that now. I’ll try to be more patient with Lily 🙂 Thinking of you and sending hugs!
Yes! Generally I just put up with and/or accommodated him, but the first item on my custom-branded-flowchart checklist is…or, was: 1) put George out. (So I could focus on what I was doing.) Thanks, Lori!
Great homage to George. Looks like a dear kitty. I’m sorry for your loss.
Thanks, Jill!
I’m very sorry for your lost but happy that George had so many wonderful years with you.
Thanks for asking about our favorite pet memories – I have too many to pick one, but just thinking about the question has put a big smile on my face!
I’m glad I made you smile!
What a beautiful tribute to your special George. I can identify with much of what you shared. Chip threw in the towel the day after we sold our house – he clearly didn’t want to move to Florida. Such dear memories. xoxo
Awww…I’m sorry to hear about Chip. It’s the end of an era for you, too…..and the start of a new one!
My heart goes out to you for your loss. I can see from all of the beautiful photos and your stories how much (curious) George meant to you- more than a companion, a member of your family. How lucky George was to have you as his person.
With hugs, love, and deepest sympathy.
Thank you, Linda!