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Home » Stories, True and Otherwise

Little Joe, 199?-2013

Submitted by on February 5, 2013 – 11:43 AM245 Comments

ripjoe

Angels, prepare to receive among you my little friend. Please make him welcome with people food, especially Kix, because he likes to chase them, and lettuce, because I still don’t know why, but I know he deserves it. No fuzzy little butterpants ever took better care of a broken heart. Except for this one.

Little bear, I miss you terribly. Until we meet again, remember that I love you, and that shoelaces are toys, always.

Sarah

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245 Comments »

  • azucena says:

    So sad for the loss of your long-time companion!

  • Sarah says:

    RIP Little Joe. You will be missed around here!

  • AlisonC says:

    So sorry. RIP Little Joe

  • Meredithea says:

    I’m so, so, sorry for your loss. RIP, Little Joe :(

  • nsfinch says:

    I’m so, so sorry. I hope your good memories comfort you.

  • sheila says:

    I’m so sorry. RIP, good little kitty.

  • Hellcat13 says:

    He was well loved by you, Sars, and by thousands of members of the Nation. I will always remember the photo of Little Joe in the tomato costume. Sleep well, sweet kitty.

  • GracieGirl says:

    Sars, I’m so very sorry for your loss. Rest in peace, Little Joe.

  • Soph says:

    So, so sorry for your loss of Little Joe! XOXO

  • Jennifer says:

    Oh SARS!!! I remember when Little Joe joined your family, much to Hobey’s great displeasure, and I’ve loved every single story you’ve posted about them since. He was such a special guy, and I am truly sorry for your loss. :-(

  • Wendy says:

    I’m so sorry. I know how much he’ll be missed.

  • Kizz says:

    Oh, Sars, this is terribly sad news. I loved the old stories of Hobie & Little Joe. There will be treats for everyone at my place in Little Joe’s honor.

  • Q says:

    Oh I’m so sorry for your loss, Sars.

    I loved Little Joe. This is such sad news.

  • Whitney says:

    I’m so sorry, Sars. I found your blog about the time you posted the original Roomba story and I’ve enjoyed following the cats’ adventures.

  • Maria says:

    I do believe this calls for a trip through the archives. RIP, Joe.

  • Sarah D. Bunting says:

    @Q, I still treasure that picture of the two of you on the couch in my T.O. loft.

    Thanks so much for the kind words, everyone.

  • Yoshi says:

    Sars, I’m so sorry to hear this. Your stories about him over the years have brightened some really dark days. It’s amazing how one goofy furball could touch so many people.

  • Meagen Voss says:

    So sorry to hear. He was such a cutie. Thank you very much for sharing him with us.

  • Katie says:

    I’m so sorry, Sars. He was a cutie.

  • LaSalleUGirl says:

    Oh, Sars, I’m so sorry! Little Joe’s battles with a raviolus and a jalapeno are what brought me to Tomato Nation, lo these many years ago, and I have so enjoyed reading his adventures over the years. RIP, Little Joe.

  • Thing1 says:

    Back when I first stumbled across this website I DEVOURED any essays about Little Joe. I knew his habits and quirks even before I learned about yours, Sars. Such an awesome cat, and it sounds like you gave him a fantastic life.

  • Rachel says:

    Awwwww, RIP Little Joe. May you rest in the warmest, least-conveniently-placed sunbeam of them all.

  • Matt says:

    So sorry, Sarah. He was a great cat. Jovian in spirit as well as in heft.

  • Shanchan says:

    I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. He seemed like such a great cat. I always introduce your blog to new people with a link to the roomba story.

  • Hollie says:

    I know how it is to lose a pet, and I’m so sorry. I’ve always loved your stories about Little Joe. He will be missed.

  • Isabel C. says:

    I’m so sorry!

  • Lisa M. says:

    Awww, I’m so sorry to hear this. When I lost my dog it was devastating. I wore her collar on my wrist (she was a small dog) for a day, but it was too depressing to hear the familiar jingle, and have that momentary feeling that was there, and then the dismay when she wasn’t there. I ended up getting an antique locket from Ruby Lane, and putting her photo in it, so I could wear something that made me feel closer to her. I loved the Little Joe and Hobey stories, and missed them when they became less frequent. I’m going to re-read the Roomba story now. :)
    With thoughts for you today,

  • Bitts says:

    So sorry for your loss, Sars. Godspeed, Little Joe.

  • Christy M says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss.

  • Seankgallagher says:

    I’m very sorry for your loss, Sarah. RIP, Little Joe, and hope you’re in a place where there’s plenty of cat toys but no Roombas.

  • Liz says:

    So sorry. There is nothing more comforting than a big tom sleeping next to you. RIP, Little Joe.

  • Molly says:

    Aw! I loved the adventures of Little Joe and the Hobe. I’m so sorry for your loss.

  • Jenn C. says:

    I am so sorry to hear that you’ve lost Little Joe.

  • schlinkaboo says:

    No greater pain than when we lose our furry friends. Their love is so pure and unconditional…well conditional on just the right food and lovin just the right way and sunbeams in the perfect spot…geez, they’re dmanding. So sorry for your loss. I still miss my Schlink everyday and it’s been two years.

  • DCB says:

    I’m sorry to read about this, Sars. Take care of yourself hun.

    Rest in peace, Little Joe.

  • Erin W says:

    I don’t know you personally, Sarah, but I’ve been reading your stuff for the better part of 10 years and now I am at my desk crying real tears over your loss. Strange thing, this internet.

    (I hope you, Hobey, and Mabel are all comforting each other today.)

  • CJ says:

    Just wanted to reiterate how sorry I am for your loss. I was fine until “shoelaces are always toys”. Whew. I hope you have lots of folks around you who understand and have a good beer to pour out for such a grumpy great cat. We’ll toast him tonight. :)

  • Jill says:

    Sars, I’m so sorry Little Joe is gone from this world. RIP, Little Joe, you’ve earned it.

  • Judy says:

    Awwwww. RIP Little Joe. So sorry for your loss Sars…

  • A says:

    Oh, Sars, I’m so sorry. You gave him a great life.

  • ferretrick says:

    So sorry for your loss Sars. I lost Powder (my dog) a few weeks ago and it sucks big ones. I will miss stories of Little Joe vs. Roomba; they were the best.

  • Thing2 says:

    Rest in peace Little Joe, with sunlight always in the perfect spot for naps and soft tomato costumes to snuggle in any time you want.

  • Natalie says:

    RIP, Little Joe. You were a good kitty and gave us Tomato Nationals many wonderful stories. We’ll miss you.

  • Meg says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss. He sounded like a delightful, loving, hilariously quirky cat; I hope he went easily. RIP, Little Joe.

  • Sherry says:

    So sorry for your loss. Some of my favorite posts on Tomato Nation have been your stories about your cats. RIP Little Joe.

  • Reading about Little Joe’s (mis)adventures always made me smile. I’m so sorry for your loss.

  • Katherine says:

    I’m so sorry, Sarah. Good thoughts for you & Little Joe.

  • Danielle says:

    So sorry for your loss. I can’t have cats, but love them, and reading about yours always made me smile.

  • Jill TX says:

    So sorry to hear about your little buddy. I know he had a wonderful life with you. I’m another who’s been reading since the Roomba days, and always enjoyed any updates on your kitties.

  • Janice says:

    Oh, Sars, I’m so sorry. I have an extraordinarily geriatric cat myself, and I think of Little Joe and the Hobe frequently–as I think they’re similar ages to my Rusty.

    I’ve embarassed myself countless times by laughing at their antics in my cube over the years. Godspeed, Little Joe.

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