Tomorrow it is nine years since Dash Kitten died on 6th September 2013 and today is the closest posting day so I thought I would revisit the wonderful gift I got from many of Dash’s friends. Our friend and colleague Newt the Cat and his Mom organised the gift which is carefully kept and used to this day when the weather turns cold.
The 2013 Thank You Post
There are a lot of Thank You’s to be said. Thank you’s for a secret that was silently kept, until a box arrived on our doorstep on the 13th of March 2014. A box that was unexpected, carried a miracle and a warmth we never thought we would feel again after Dash Kitten died on 6th September 2013. This post was first published on 28th of September 2013.
First View of Dash Kitten Memorial Blanket being unpacked.
The Dash Kitten Memorial Blanket
Here’s the story:-
A few days before Mum and Dad were setting off on their first vacation in a few years we had a message from @NewtTheCat our Liver Shunt pal from Twitter. ‘Something’ was on the way Something Impawtant ……… We were puzzled but thought Newt had sent mum some fibre as they are both crazy spinning wheel owners, so nodded and kept our eyes open.
On March the 13th there was a knock at the door. Of course, as is our custom, all 8 cats scattered to the four winds and left mum to deal with the fearsome ‘knock on the door’. Mum accepted a box, signed for it and brought it inside.
It was quite heavy, and we wondered what it was ……. Mum opened it carefully and found wrapped up inside the most beautiful handmade blanket, with a loving note from Newt.
Sprinkled across the surface like magical snowflakes were a host of messages, memorial notes and greetings from the crafters who have crocheted or knitted squares. It was unbelievable, and we stood transfixed as Mum unfolded the blanket reading each note attached to each lovingly made square and the rainbow unfolded in front of us. * stops to wipe Mum’s tears *
We found out the story of how it happened from Newt and his Mum
Newt said he wanted to wrap Mum and us in the comfort and warmth of a lovely scarf and approached friends to help knit squares, but Dash was so loved and missed that the scarf grew and grew. One by one pals came forward wanting to knit or crochet part of the gift or wanting to be involved in some way. (These friends had a square knitted or crocheted for them by a willing volunteer), and the scarf continued to grow…..
Newt is the most awesome friend ever, his Mum organised everyone and kept the whole thing completely secret from us by creating a top-secret group where everyone could meet or ask questions and stuff. When the blocks were gathered in Newt’s Mum crocheted them all together by herself.
How can we describe our blanket? * Shakes head in wonder *
Each square is beautiful, there are miracles of cable, beautiful squares of colour, crocheted squares in brilliant shades, and each one shows how much Dash mattered to everyone. Mum picks up the blanket and hugs it, and feels so much comfort, it is a huge help in allowing us to take steps forward after losing our boy.
To each and every one of you, this is the most beautiful gift, and it means the world to us. Thank You for your work, and the immense comfort you have given our family. @NewtTheCat, @TheTardisToms, @Mr_Pie, @I_am_Luka, @TweetingTruman, @Ms_Pud, @AngusFromAfrica, @ClingyCat, @PuppyNumber7, @Gromekcat, @Hf_Fulvia, @PetMonarchy, @ZooGrandmother, @Catteam65, @Chelleloulou, @NutmegTorby, Paulie and Warden (?) @4catsstrapski, @JeffMusk, @whatdoingdugal, @CuddlesPhoenix, @DoggyMolly, @TillyTumTum (?), and @SunnyLadyJ
If I have noted a name incorrectly please let me know.
With Deepest Gratitude,
Harvey Button, Miranda Kitten and Silver
“The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name
and the inheritance of a great example.” ~ Benjamin Disraeli
What a wonderful team of friends ! That’s one of the most amazing and thoughtful memorial gift we’ve ever seen ! Purrs
Looks like my comment got eaten….sigh…Wordpress woes once again. Anyways, I said similar things as Ellen did. No blogging here till about 2016.
That is a gorgeous and amazing gif. Brought tears to my eyes.
I am glad you reposted this as it was from before I started blogging. What a beautiful and thoughtful gift from so many. XO
Wow, what a team! I’m sure Dash is purring down from heaven. Pawkisses 🙂
What a great staff you’ve assembled! We know that Dash is proudly purring at the Bridge!
Wow – what a wonderful team of felines! Can’t wait to see what you all have in store for us.
All wonderful news, kitties. You are doing your founder proud!
sounds like you have one capable staff indeed!
What a great Team! We’re so glad you are carrying on Dash’s work!
The Florida Furkids
Sounds pawsome!
Hello there, cuties! What a great team of kittehs!
Great to meet the new staff! I love that Silver isn’t allowed on twitter cuz if the nip! Lol
Great news and shared!
Somewhere, Dash Kittie is sitting with a smug look on his face. It took three kitties to take over his job.
Welcome to the CB and blogging, all of you.
We know Dash is thrilled that you are carrying on his legacy.
Great team! Dash would be so happy that all the kitties are working with you to highlight New Zealand issues!
Luf, Us
Hey Guys! We are so very, very sad when we read the news of Dash and Ginger and Ellwood were very embarassed (as they well should be) for the horrible actions of their kind. In our house, us cats and dogs live in harmony, but we know that is not true everywhere. We’re happy that the reins have been taken up again (gotta get back on the horse, or, as in this case, the blog) even when its painful (well, we are not one to talk as our blog has been pretty meager since our leader passed away and that was over a year and a half ago…). We admire your courage and the desire to communicate with and help others around the globe. We look forward to learning more about Middle Earth. We are located in Upper Earth, where it is already Fall (yuck! Mom even has to rake leaves in the garden already!!) in the Czech Republic. We don’t know what it is like where you live so look forward to hearing all about it!! Bravo for your courage and good luck in your endeavours…you’ve got a great team there and I’m sure Dash is proud of you for carrying on the torch!!
Much purrs and tail wags from the 5 of us: Tiny (our Abysinnian Queen at the age of nearly 19 years), Ellwood and his sister Ginger (the dawgs), and me, Elioth and my sister Chouchou (we are Siamese if you please!)
What a great new staff! I’m sure Dash would highly approve. Someone needed to fill his boots – errrr paws – and he would be a tough act to follow. So happy there are 4 willing newbies willing to step up and do the job. it will be fun getting to know all of you better and seeing more of your beautiful country.
Great staff, and I know Dash would be proud of the legacy.
Keep up the great work!
Hai! You have a great team there.
We are looking forward to getting to know you all.
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx
I’m so happy you’re continuing the blog! Dash is smiling down on you for continuing his legacy of helping others. 🙂 Hugzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz, my friend.
Nice to meet you all! 🙂
You all are gonna follow in Dash’s pawprints, so well and most likely make a few pawprints of your own, too!
Purrs,
Nissy
What a great staff! They will continue Dash’s mission!
MOL! Sounds like Silver cannot make the acquaintance of his counterpart in da USA–my brofur, Sebastian. How he luvs nip. Otherwise, what a fun blog. Looking forward to all the new information to be provided. I have to make sure I’m following everyone. Purrs
Glad to meet you!
What a top-notch staff. Dash would be proud of them, and of you for organizing to carry on in his name. <3
HI Team! Nice ta meetcha! We know you’ll do Dash proud!
A team in place with Dash kitten to watch over all. What could be better..<3
Wow, shopping?We I love shopping.
Merci & Cyndi
We’re confident the new staff will do Dash proud.
Funny Farmers
What fantastic news for you all! Truffles just took over for my beloved Tara. She had big paws to fill but she’s doing just perfectly 🙂
Welcome to the internet. You are following in big paw steps, but I’m sure you will do wonderfully
How awesome to meet your new staff! This crew looks well prepared to carry on where Dash left off.
Such a noble crew to carry on Dash’s work. I’m betting that Dash is smiling Over The Rainbow Bridge. (That is when he’s not checking on Mum and Dad
Ooo hullo Miranda and the rest of the team!! So nice to see you guys 🙂
This sure looks like a wonderful staff. We sure are glad to be gettng to know all of you. We would love to help in anyway that we can to help some animals find their homes. Have a great week end.
You could not have a finer staff to carry on Dash’s legacy!
Hugs and so pleased that Chris, Miranda, Harvey Button and Silver are taking on this pawsome taks for darling Dash xxx’s
We are so proud and happy that you are carrying on the legacy of dear Dash and we know the Bridge is glowing with pride today!
Great job, everyone! We are looking forward to more from you! Welcome to the blogosphere, Team Dash. Purrs and head butts. – Crepes.
What a PAWSOME staff!!! Miranda, Harvey & Silver will carry on Dash’s memory with honor. We can’t wait to hear more from them.
…We’ve never heard that beautiful quote from Disraeli before. It’s as if he said that with you and Dash in mind. (((purrs)))
Big hugs!
Glogirly, Katie & Waffles
Love your new staff. I’m so excited that Chris Groove will be along. Love ago he had a blog that I followed. This looks like a top notch team that should be able to make Dash proud.
A wonderful and exciting line up. Look forward to exciting times :))
U is good inheritors of teh Dash legacy. Wear it with meows. 🙂
Love you all and looking forward to your carrying on. xxoo
It sounds like a great team! I bet Dash would be proud!
Purrs