Disciples of Otis,
Brother Oliver here. On Monday, October 28, just after 3 pm Pacific time, Leader Otis was laying in a comfortable bed on the couch. Sun was streaming in through the windows, and rainbow shinies cast by a crystal in the window danced all around the room. One Guardian sat on the couch next to Leader Otis, and the other sat on a chair facing the couch. They held hands, stroked The Leader’s fur, and gave Him gentle kisses on the head. One of the kind doctors that had helped Leader Otis throughout His long illness sat on a chair facing Him, and his assistant sat on the opposite side of Leader Otis from the Guardians.
After having said their goodbyes earlier, Brother Henry, Mama Cat, and Thomas had left the room. Only I remained. I sat between the Guardians and looked upon the face of The Leader for the last time as the doctor performed the compassionate act. The transition was so swift and so gentle it was nearly undetectable. With one last kiss on the forehead, and a whispered goodbye from the Guardians, Leader Otis let go. Bathed in sunlight He departed this world, surrounded by the love and gratitude of those fortunate enough to have shared His life.
Leader Otis departed while bathed in sunlight and surrounded by love.
A few days before His passing, Leader Otis entrusted Me with His final message. Just writing it down has proven to be one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do, but I will relay it to you soon. For now, I just want you to know that all of us here at The Cult of Otis cannot thank you enough for your kindness and support during this most difficult time. We have read every one of your comments and have received great comfort from them. We feel the love, and we return it to you with all of our feline and human hearts.
So Sayeth Brother Oliver
The Blog of Otis 
Many purrs and hugs for the Guardians and the whole of the Cult of Otis. And many tears here, too.
I’m so very sorry.
Big fur Hugs all around.
My love to you all.
Purrs.. because words escape me..
*leaky eyes*
I hadn’t realized how much your kind, compassionate, and entertaining writing had affected me until I dreamt about Otis the night you posted about needing a break. You have brought him, and your other cats, into so many lives, and I thank you for it.
Wishing you strength, and peace, and even joy through what I know is a very hard time.
*sob*sob* We knew it had to be…but why oh why for our Leader Otis. Hearts in our home are all broken and sad. But, we know he is running free, again has full use of his whole body…and is finding many furriends to sing his message to. Thank you Guardians for having shared so intimately the life of your precious Leader Otis. Savannah and Mom Linda and Dad Peter
I’m so sorry.
Tears are falling. Goodbye, Otis. ❤
So much love for Brother Otis. Purrs to you all. Tears. 😦
Goodbye dear Leader, please know you will be deeply missed by so many. Guardians, the Brothers, Mama Cat and Sir Thomas, I’m so sorry for your loss and send you all my best wishes during this heartbreaking time. Guardians, you are immensely compassionate people and if only all kitties received even a fraction a the love and protection you gave to Otis, the world would be a kinder place. You are an inspiration to all of us.
Very well said, I agree completely.
So sorry for your loss, The Leader was a brave and gentle soul.
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Oh no… I am so sad to hear this news. 😥
I have enjoyed reading all of your family’s posts, seeing everyone’s pictures, and feeling like I know you all pretty well…
I’m sure your family is very sad about his passing right now, but I’m also very sure that he knew how loved he was, and he must have been grateful to pass in the best way possible, with his loved ones and in his own home. I lost my baby boy recently too, and wish it could have been as peacefully as Otis’s passing, though I know it doesn’t stop me from missing him. 😦
I am so sorry for your loss and send my best wishes to all of you. ❤ ❤
Thank you for providing Otis the most loving home, and supporting him in such a compassionate way at the end. Many of our prior companions were waiting for him across the Rainbow Bridge.
I have always mourned my animals harder than people. It took me forty years to figure out why…animals never hurt you and all they ask is love in return. Your love and commitment to your friends is so obvious andso moving.
Thoughts with you and the disciples. May our beloved Otis find love comfort and sunshine on his journey.
I’m so sad to hear of your loss. My thoughts and purrs are with all of you at this time. We all know what it feels like to lose a beloved pet/friend but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy thing to go through. Otis was a wonderful cat and this blog has been an inspiration to us all. He’ll always be loved and missed.
So sorry. 😦
My deepest sympathy to the whole Cult of Otis crew. There are few things more difficult than having to say goodbye to a furry family member. Otis brought sunshine into so many lives, and his message will carry his spirit on. Wishing you peace.
Pluma says, I am purring for yous, such a sad time to lose a friend.
While we didn’t know Leader Otis, it’s obvious he touched your lives and the lives of MANY others…..just know we are thinking of you and hoping the heartache lessens with time.
Kitty Hugs, Sammy and his Mom Pam
I am so sad, bless you leader Otis and his family
safe journey over the Bridge Leader Otis. purrs and gentle kitty kisses to your family….. we are so very sorry.
We can’t help crying for the magnificent leader Otis who now watched over us in a different way. This is such a beautiful post for this beautiful boy/leader. Bless you who take such good care of your furry family. Max, Bella, and biped Paulette
We’re so sorry and send purrs and pawtaps for this sad time.
God bless you Otis, God bless you.
You have earned your peace, Leader Otis. Thank you for the wisdom you have shared with us during your time here.
Run free dear Otis at the Bridge. You will be missed by all. May you family be comforted by memories of you. You will be in their hearts forever. To the Guardians of Otis – I am so sorry for your loss. Otis knew how much you loved him. RIP Otis.
Otis, you will live on in our hearts and our memories forever. Hugs for the Brothers, Sir Thomas, Mama Cat and the Guardians in this so very difficult time. Our thoughts and our love are with you all.
Take care all of you, as you always do for each other. You all are in my thoughts. Otis continues to be my Leader. Each of you have taught me so much, reinforced beliefs, touched me, and brought me very much joy and peace. He will be missed so, but He and have prepared for this time. Thank you for inspiring, and for all your care.
Nancy
We will never forget you … :´(
Boots and Bine
I know our sadness can’t compare with the Guardians’ but we’re so sad. We’re continuing to purr for everyone.
Dear Guardians & Kitties of the Culot of Otis..we jsut read the news about Leader Otis & tears are streaming down our faces…we thought he had a bit more time & figured we would say Goodbye in a few weeks….please know that Nylablue & I have worshipped Leader Otis since we found your blog & he has touched our hearts DEEPLY!!! He was the most amazing cat & I can say all of here will miss him and carry his memory in our hearts!!! We wrap the Guardians in warm ((HUGS)) of Love….
You are so very very brave to let him go in such a beautiful way…I know sharing this was difficult…you are wonderful people!!!
Sincerely Sherri-Ellen & Nylablue
*run free in Summerland Leader Otis*
Nylablue says” We will meet dere soon Leader Otis….Lub Nylablue”
I am so very sorry to read that Otis has gone, please accept my heartfelt condolences!
And god asked the feline spirit
Are you ready to come home?
Oh, yes, quite so, replied the precious soul.
And, as a cat, you know I am most able
To decide anything for myself.
Are you coming then? Asked God
Soon, replied the whiskered Angel.
But I must come slowly
For my human friends are troubled
For you see, they need me, quite certainly.
But don’t they understand? Asked God.
That you’ll never leave them?
That your souls are intertwined, for all eternity?
That nothing is created or destroyed?
It just is… forever and ever and ever.
Eventually they will understand,
Replied the glorious cat.
For I will whisper into their hearts
That I am always with them.
I just am, forever and ever and ever.
.
What a beautiful poem. I am sad and missing Leader Otis and his jade green eyes. What a wonderful, wise, and inspirational cat.
I feel like I have lost a friend. Having travelled this journey with a feline friend last June I know the pain that all of you feel …. may peace, deep comforting peace be with all of you….. Take special care of the guardians, they need your warmth and purrs right now….
I only knew Leader Otis through this blog for a short time but he became very familiar to me and his blog was one that I looked forward to reading. I am so sorry for the loss of Otis. May you all find peace in each other.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you so much for taking such good care of Otis and allowing us to come along on his journey. Hugs to all of you.
I so sorry for your loss of Leader Otis. I know he was much loved by the Guardians, Brother Oliver, Brother Henry, Sir Thomas and Mama Cat. He was also very much loved by all the followers of his Blog. My thoughts are prayers are with you all. RIP in peace sweet Leader Otis. You will be sorely missed.
How very sad, you must be heartbroken. We are. All our support and caring goes out to you all.
Little Evie
FROM FAY’S IPAD
>
Det var fullständigt tyst i KattHimlen, när de Himmelska Portarna sakta öppnades för att välkomna en mycket Speciell Katt… Skaparen Katten och alla ÄnglaKatterna kurrade en stilla hymn och spanade nedåt RegnbågsBron, där en väntad katt kom vandrande med trygga steg. Det var Otis, men nu en helad och stark Otis, som trädde genom Grinden. Alla katter reste sig och jamade “MjauHurra!” medan Skapare Katten sänkte sitt huvud och bugade djupt för honom.
“Otis, du har varit en trogen katt, en god Ledare för dina Lärjungar, och ditt uppdrag är nu fullbordat. Vi är alla hedrade att få dela din Eviga Frid! och Ditt namn skall från och med nu vara “Sankta Otis”!
Tröst Kramar med alla tassar!
What a beautifully written post, and what a very sad time for everyone who loved Otis, near and far. Guardians or blog lovers. The greatest gift one kitty can give is to help another, and it looks like Otis gave gifts that abound.
I send all of you thoughts of comfort and peace, and know that the space you will take to process this loss is oh, so important. There are others who can carry Otis’s mission until we hear from you again. That, after all, is what he has inspired.
Bask in the sunlight, love one another. Help a friend.
Peace from Laura and all 5 Squeedunk Cats: Coco, Valentina, Manhattan, Bessie and Lulu
Otis, you are free now. Run and eat and play with those who have gone before. Many hugs to your Guardians, and to the fur babies.
Luf, Us and Maw
I just can’t imagine how you all felt… I am heartbroken, and at the same time very pleased to know he didn’t suffer and he was always taken care of by such great guardians – I am a huge fan. Thanks for sharing his touching story.
I’m glad you were there with the Guardians, Brother Oliver. I’m glad that light was streaming in and making the room dance with rainbows. I’m grateful for the kind doctor and that Leader Otis went gently into that good night. But I’m so very, very sorry that we, and especially you kitties and your Guardians, had to lose him. Typed through tears.
Our thoughts and love are with you. Embrace the memories and love that was, that is, and that will always be with you.
Many thoughts and purrs to the Cult and Guardians at this most difficult time, from Klara and her people in Calgary, Alberta.
We’re sorry for the news, Brother Oliver, but we are glad you could witness his leaving and let us know, and it could not have been more beautiful, the type of gentle and loving transition every kitty should have. Please give purrs to your fur siblngs and your humans.
Dear, sweet Leader Otis. You’re beyond physical limitations and illness now. Thank you, Guardians for your compassion and putting the Leader’s situation first.
We are so sorry for your loss. We never meet the Leader in person but he has touched our lives. Thank you for sharing his life and mission with us.
So very sorry for everyone’s loss. He will be missed greatly. Love and purrs to the Cult of Otis, the Brothers, Mama Cat and the Guardians.
Thank you so much for sharing this journey with us. Having just let one of my little girls go in July, my reaction to Otis taking his leave was very raw. Please be gentle with yourselves, and keep up the good fight.
Never enough time. NEVER enough time. But the time he did have was filled with love and that’s what matters most.
Purrs,
Nissy
I’m so sorry to hear this. I hope that you know that you have all of our support.
Brother Oliver – thank you for your note. With tears shed in sympathy, our hearts are with you. Leader Otis touched so many of us and we shall never forget him. Take the time you need now and know that all of us send healing thoughts to you all and the guardians. xo
Goodbye our dear grandkitty. I am so sorry to see you go, but I know you are having fun with all the kitties that have gone before you. Your guardians will be ok as they will always have you in their heart.
We are so sorry that Otis had to leave all of you. Sending tons of purrs and prayers and hugs to the guardian. We know you will watch over everyone.
Even though we knew this day was coming, it did not make it any easier when we read the news that Leader Otis has left this world. We send you all gentle purrs and headbutts.
RIP, Leader O….you will be missed. 😥
😦 So sorry. I don’t know how else to say this but sometimes the circle of life just sucks.
I’m so sorry. The kitties at House of the Mostly Black Cats send their best purrs.
My mum cried as it brought back memories for her of my brother and sister, Fred and Jessica. It is hard to let go, but he is now at Rainbow Bridge where he will never know suffering again, can run and play in sunshine everyday, and have an endless supply of catnip.
Over love is with you all at this time
Purrs & sandpaper kisses
Sam, Lucy & Louise (our mum)
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So sorry, xx
Thank you, Guardians, for allowing us to share your love for Otis. Beat wishes for comfort and joy in knowing that he was loved and that you made the correct decision to free him from pain. Purrs from Tippi and Rose and from our Guardians, Deb and Allan.
Deeply sad to hear of the Leader’s passing. So little time and so much to say. Thank goodness you are all there to carry on his message. Great big hugs to you all at this distressing time xxx
Hi. You don’t know me but I’m a furrend of Savannah. I’m coming to pay my final respects to Leader Otis. *bows head* Take this flower and run free.
Leader Otis this is a very sad day finding out this news. Even though expected and we never met in person you gave us great joy ion the time we got to share with you and will continue to make sure your fellow brothers, Mam and guardians know we are all here for them in the UK xxxx
Goodbye, beloved Leader. You’ll live forever in my heart…
Love and hugs to the guardians, Brothers Henry and Oliver, Thomas and Mama cat.
Otis, most beloved kitty, you will live in my heart forever. I’m happy that your final hours were peaceful and that your whole family was with you. Your message to make the world a safer and better place for all cats everywhere will continue. Blessings on you, Brothers Henry and Oliver, Sir Thomas, Mama Cat, and your wonderful Guardians. You’ve all made a difference in the lives of cats. Rest in peace, sweet Otis.
My Person is diong the *leaky eye* thing. Having lost my friend Bandit just a few months ago I know what a hole is left in your hearts and the hearts of the Guardians. I’m sure she was waiting on the other side of the Bridge to greet him. Sending purrs to all of you and your Guardians. Selleck and His Person, Emily. 😦
We wish there were words to convey the heartbreak, relief and joy we feel right now. We were blessed to have found Leader Otis and we hope to help carry on his mission. We will see you in our dreams, Leader Otis. Blessings on the house of Otis.
Safe journey over the Bridge Leader Otis …
Sending comfort huggies to the Guardians and the fur siblings ❤
My head priest and cats and I are purring for you all during this sad time. Leader Otis will not be forgotten, nor will his message. I’m sure that Leader Otis continues to watch over his furbrothers, fursisters and Guardians. Know that the love given and received between you is sacred, and in that is eternity.
Purrs… I can’t believe he’s really gone. I will try to continue on with the message that he left us with, though it is heartbreaking to think that we will all have to continue without him.
I’m so sorry for all of you.
Dear Brothers, Mama, Thomas, and Guardians,
I am so sorry for the loss of Leader Otis. I know he will always live on in your hearts, and that you will miss him very much. I am so sorry for you, and I’m sure you all are feeling very sad. It is such a shame that the Leader had to pass away, but I am glad it was by the hand of a kind doctor, instead of the fearful grip of illness. I know what you must be feeling, and I am so sorry. I purr for you all.
Sincerely, Joy
Many tears, hugs, snuggles & purrs. He made his journey surrounded by love. That is all any of us can ask for. “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” This is the quote I found earlier this week and I am learning to apply this as I too faced a bittersweet moment. The stray I’ve been feeding finally got neutered and tested, unfortunately he is fiv+. Thankfully there is a lady willing to take him, but that means I would never see him again. Leader Otis has crossed the rainbow bridge for his next purpose, unfortunately none of us will see him in this life again. Thank you all so much for bringing such joy, love, laughter and tears to my life. What an honor it has been.
With love and light and on wings of Gossamer fly to the bridge sweet boy ..deepest felt sadness and sending all our love to you at this time..really no more words..Love to you all Bev xxx
Lots of comforting purrs to The Guardians, Brothers Henry and Oliver, Sir Thomas and Mama Cat! We know how very much you are going to miss Leader Otis. We also know that Leader Otis will live on in your hearts and memories and your commitment to his Mission of safe and happy homes for all cats so that they may know the same love he had living with all of you!
See you later Dear Otis..not goodbye, for we will see you and think of you each time a kitty is removed from a life of limbo or neglect and into safety.
Purrs from Karen & furries Kasey & Roxie
I have to agree, the circle of life sometimes sucks. Can only focus on the fact that a circle has no end and once you are a part of it you will forever be a part of all. Dear Leader Otis, you will never be completely gone as your spirit lives in us all forever. Thank you Guardians, Brother Oliver, Brother Henry, Sir Thomas and Mama Cat for sharing the Leader and your lives with us. Here’s hoping we will all strive to follow the ideals set before us to help all in need as much as we can. Hugs, purrs, soft kitty kisses to all.
I am so sorry…there are no words to make this easier or less sad. Please know that we are sending our thoughts and love your way.
Bye Otis. Thank you.
I am sorry for your loss. Hugs and purrs.
Sue B
Charlie, Cashew, Garfield, Tubby
We are so profoundly sorry for your loss and thank you so much for telling us the news during a time that must be so much more painful for all of you than we could ever imagine. The memory of Otis will always be in our hearts and we will work with you to continue to spread His Good Word. May his spirit and knowledge that he is now in a better place bring you peace. Many purrs and much love to all of you. Linda, David, Lola, Griffon, and Luna
Such a beautiful gentle tabby boy has left his family and all of us much too soon. We celebrate his wonderful life with the Guardians and the Cult. We will not forget him and his message. Please know we grieve his passing with you. We lost our Moushe in June and know she’s there to welcome Otis to this new dimension. She has a real soft spot for big sweet tabby boys…
Lizzie & 2 kitties
I am so sorry. I truly believe that animals live on in spirit – and Leader Otis’ spirit is so strong that I imagine he will still be in your lives watching over and supporting you, even if you don’t see him. My thoughts are with the Guardians and the brothers, Thomas, and Mama Cat. Thank you for supporting Otis and helping him when he needed it. It is a very sad time though – take care,sandy
There are just no words. We should all be so lucky to depart this world surrounded by so much love and light. The Leader and his story and passion touched me deeply and he will be missed but not forgotten. My heart is with you in Seattle. You have been so generous in sharing the Leader and your lives with us, and we share your grief. You are all so loved.
I am so sorry for your loss, it’s a terrible loss to the whole cat kingdom. I know his legacy will not vanish, he was just that special.
My heart is heavy with the loss of my own father this week so I can feel your pain as well. Hugs and purrs to all of you.
I’m very sorry about your losing your father, Andrea. What a terribly sad week for you.
I am happy that his last few moments were peaceful and full of love. You will be missed Leader Otis.
Teddy and I are saddened by the passing of Leader Otis. We are sure he is running and rolling around to his heart’s content. You are wonderful Guardians and Otis knew this and loved you. He will always be a part of your heart. May you and the other cats of the Cult find comfort and peace in knowing you loved him well and he knew it.
We are so sorry to hear that sad news. Purrs, hugs and love from all of us.
Leader Otis. How we will miss you, remember you, and aspire to emulate you. Until we meet again, you are merely in the next room, awaiting our arrival–never far away.
Love to the cult and the Guardians from Trish and the Kats.
An inspiration to us all is gone. We are deeply saddened by the loss of Leader Otis, and we’re sending you rumbly purrs and big, comforting head butts.
Our hearts are hurting for the Disciples of Otis, his Guardians and his fur family. We send our strongest purrs, hugs and love, hoping that they will be of some small comfort. We will continue to share the message of protection and love for all cats.
Love, hugs and purrs from the Carolina Cats – Finnegan, Buddy, Jazzy and Mom Nora
So sorry for your loss. Once a cat finds your heart, a week or twenty years isn’t long enough.
I’m really, really sorry to read that… I’ve read ALL your blog and enjoyed it immensely. I know you loved that cat more than anyone can know. Hugs to Thomas and Mama cat and Brother Henry. I hope you can find it in your heart to continue to chronicle the adventures of your cat friends. I’m still rooting for the day when I see Mama and Brother Henry cuddled up together in a Catatonic nap…
Anyhow stay true and weep and let the Spirit of Otis forever purr in your memories.
Poor Otis! He’s been such an inspiration to so many people. I only hope that will continue after his death. He’s inspired me to love my own cats more.
A sad time for us, but Otis is at peace, and that’s a thing to rejoice. There’s a candle on the altar for you all.
Thank you for sharing Otis’s passing with us;its peacefulness and gentleness is a comfort to all of us who love his brave spirit. May all of you find comfort is the fact that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time
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What a beautiful way to go wrapped in love, and so relaxed and peaceful. Knowing he was truly loved, safe and secure.
Sending you all a massive hug and know you are not far from our thoughts at this sad time! X
our love and purrs to the guardians and all, our hearts share your sadness.
We are so very sad to hear of Leader Otis’ passing. Hugs and purrs of comfort and sympathy at this sad time. ~Socks, Scylla, Fenris & Tuiren (ATCAD)
so sorry for your loss
Dear Kitties and Guardian,
It is a sad day indeed for everyone. Leader Otis is an inspiration to all Kitties and their Guardians everywhere. His legacy will live on and must continue beyond his passing.
Dear Otis – we will miss you and hope that you pass on to the Rainbow Bridge, where there is no more pain only happiness.
We came from Savannah’s blog. I first must say how very very sorry I am about the loss of your beloved Otis. I also must tell you this is my first time to visit and I am so sorry it for such a sad sorrowful thing. Your love for Otis comes through so powerfully. Having recently lost my own heart kitty, I can understand the loss, sadness, and emptiness you will feel over the coming days and months. I will keep you in my purrayers and say many purrs for all of you. May all of the love you shared help heal your heart and know that you did the most compassionate thing for your Otis.
*pawhugs*
We only met you once or twice but we know you will be missed very much by your loving family and all your furrends. You will all meet your friends over the Bridge and they will show you how lovely it is there to wait for your family when it is their time.
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx
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There is peace in doing a thing well when needed. Strength for each other in this sad time.
We are so very sorry for your loss. Purrs, prayers and thoughts of comfort to you all.
All of us at the Tomcat Home send purrs of support
Until that day we all meet again may you watch over us Leader Otis and keep us safe
Much love
Timmy and Family
I only read the sad news today. I am so so sorry.
Sending you lots of purrs
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I’ve just learned of Otis’ passing. It’s so hard to lose a cherished member of the family. But I hope you are taking comfort in the knowledge that you gave Otis a life filled with love, companionship and respect. Isn’t that all any of us really want in life? I shall miss him and I shall honor him by taking in the next homeless cat that wonders my way. Stay strong.
Oh we are so, so sad to hear of Leader Otis’ passing. We are so very sorry for your loss of your precious boy. We send you our gentlest purrs and surround you all with thoughts of love.
Be Well Sweet Leader Otis
I was heartbroken to hear of Otis’s passing. He was a beloved boy and because of you two, lived the BEST life a kitty ever could. That is something to always cherish. My thoughts go out to you both. Your blog is so inspiring.
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