Homer the Blind Cat in Memoriam
Mondays with Merlin pauses today to honor a beloved cat. Homer the blind cat died last week at age sixteen. He was a soulmate and muse to his mom, writer Gwen Cooper, a fearless advocate for special needs cats and an inspiration to millions of cat lovers. Rest in peace my friend. We’ll meet you on the Rainbow Bridge.
Peace, love and purrs,
Merlin the blind cat, Odin the one-eyed cat, Gris Gris,Domino and our mom, Layla
Homerβs Heroes Fund
Gwen donates 10% of her royalties from Homerβs Odyssey to organizations that serve abused, abandoned, and disabled animals. To keep Homerβs memory aliveβand to give chances to other animals like Homer, who are so frequently overlooked simply because they arenβt βperfectββshe is creating the Homerβs Heroes Fund. Every year, she will make a donation in Homerβs name to a shelter or rescue group that does outstanding work with βspecial needsβ animals. Her newest book, Love Saves the Day, will come out in paperback on October 22nd. For every copy of the paperback that is pre-ordered or bought in-store or online between now and Sunday, October 27th, she will donate 100% of the royalties to a shelter/rescue group through the Homerβs Heroes Fund.
Please send Gwen and her husband Laurence purrrrrs at this difficult time. They are also moving on September first and Gwen’s mom is having health issues. For the latest updates, visit Gwen’s blog at Gwen Cooper
37 Comments
Iomoio
Great post, I conceive people should learn a lot from this website its very user genial. So much wonderful information on here :D.
Ranjeet
I can understand that because I had experience that. RIP Homer
Hannah and Lucy
We hadn’t met Homer but he sounds like a wonderful mancat who will be missed by so many. It is wonderful how he lived his life to the full despite his handicap.
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx
susan
RIP Homer!
Steve Fisher (& Quasi)
Condolences. It’s always so hard to lose a beloved kitty companion.
Coccolino
We are so sorry to hear this. We didn’t know Homer but we are sure he was a special cat and we are sorry for their loss.
Oui Oui
We were so sorry to read about Homer’s passing. He was truly an inspiration. He will be missed by so many. Purrs and condolences to all his fans and loved ones. Thanks for posting a link as well.
Skeeter and Izzy
It is with great saddness in our hearts that we say goodbye to yet another friend and fearless leader to all of us furkids. Homer is with Abby there is no doubt! All of the furkids are free and well over the bridge and one day we will see them all once more of this we have NO doubt…..
Luvs and Purrs to all who have loved and lost.
Skeeter and Izzy and the Feral Gang >^..^<
Brian
We were so sad to hear about dear Homer.
Shellie
God bless that little boy. He was a wonderful boy. I felt as if I knew him.
Deb Barnes - Zee and Zoey
I am so sorry to hear about Homer. He was such a tenacious kitty who beat to his own purrfect drummer. How kind of Gwen to set up a fund to help other animals.
Kelly
I am very sad to hear of Homer’s passing. RIP sweet Homer. You don’t knoe how manu peoples hearts you truely touched.
Sharon Hamilton
Love the Beautiful picture of Homer. Our three legged Topper kitty sends his love to you in your time of sadness. RIP Sweet Homer. You’ll be forever in all our hearts.
Kurt
I’m so sorry to hear about Homer. He was (and is) an inspiration to us all. RIP Homer.
Debbie B
Beautiful. Thank you for posting this in memory of sweet Homer.
jansfunnyfarm
This was a sad weekend. Among other things, it was sad to read about Homer yesterday morning. We didn’t realize he was 16. He sure had a good long life with Gwen. Losing a pet is so painful.
Deb Stephan
I am SO SORRY for your loss!!! GOD BLESS you for saving that beautiful soul and THANK YOU for sharing him with us!!!! Run free Homer!!!! β₯β₯β₯
Julie Engler
This is so absolutely beautiful, I already shared it on my FB page. What a perfect tribute to a little blind black cat that won the hearts of thousands all around the globe. I lost my brother-in-law in Germany on Saturday, then found out about Homer on Sunday. I have been crying ever since, and to tell you the truth, I don’t know which of the two I have shed more tears for… Homer meant so much to so many, he will live on in our hearts, minds and souls forever. I hope Gwen can feel the circle of love and caring , stretching all over the globe, that shares her grief and is keeping her in a warm embrace . Years from now, the tears may have dried out, but Homer will still be read about, and loved, and people will talk about him and smile, and cry, and be inspired by the fact that he could see more with his heart than with his eyes.
Layla Morgan Wilde
Julie, I’m so sorry for your loss of your brother-in-law. Thank-you for your beautiful comment an for sharing. (((hug)))
Anne
What a lovely memorial to Homer. Good night Homer, may you rest in peace in cat nip heaven.
Gwen Cooper
Thank you, Layla, for this lovely tribute. I’ve been overwhelmed by the tremendous outpouring of love and grief for my little boy.
I also wanted to let you and your readers know that the first beneficiary of the “Homer’s Heroes Fund” will be Blind Cat Rescue in N. Carolina. They do such wonderful work on behalf of cats like Homer.
My heart is too full for eloquence right now, but thank you again for this.
Layla Morgan Wilde
Gwen, sending you ((((hugs))) talk soon.
Angel Abby
What a lovely memoriam to have posted for Homer. We heard this news yesterday and were so sadden by the loss. We went over and read what Gwen had written and found it could have and some of it did come out of our own writings about love and loss. Homer was a icon to many, but for Gwen he was hers. She need not worry about how to describe her feelings because those of us, which describe most of us, have had a heart & soul kitty, and losing them is by far one of the hardest things we will ever face.I know Abby was one of the first to greet Homer and I think they might just get along at the Bridge until Gwen and myself find ourselves in that lovely meadow by that beautiful stream crossing that Bridge to the triumphant reunion with our furry hearts.
Tamago
So sorry to hear sad news about Homer. This is such a abeautiful tribute to this special kitty. My thoughts are with Gwen..
Cheysuli
We were quite sorry to hear about Homer
Viki Worden
I saw the news on a post on facebook. That is sad. It is never easy losing a beloved furry kid. I have had and lost many over the years. My thoughts and prayers are with Gwen.
da tabbies o trout towne
God’s speed two ewe dood, & His strength two yur mom ~~~~~
Caren Gittleman
beautiful, beautiful memorial. My eyes are leaking. I just found out when I returned from BarkWorld. My thoughts, love and prayers are with Gwen and her family
Marie
Was so sad to hear this. Such a sweet and special cat. The book was wonderful. One of my faves.
RIP Homer xx
Sue Brandes
I was so sad to hear of Homer’s passing. Purrs and hugs to his family.
The Paw Relations
The woman read Homer’s book. He truly was an inspirations to cats and humans everywhere.
Sometimes, Cats Herd You
We were so sad to read about this yesterday. Our head peep has had this book since its first printing, and is still trying to pull together the words. We’re purring for Homer’s family, because we know they’re absolutely devastated, especially Gwen.
Everycat
Thank you for alerting us to the passing of Homer. He was an amazing cat and through his Mum, a marvellous advocate for cats with special needs everywhere. He achieved so much for so many.
We will read his book again to remind us of his incredible story
Gerry & Mungo
Sparkle
My human and I were SO sad to hear this on Sunday. I know his human is devastated and I’m sending lots of purrs her way.
Cynthia Southern
I am so sorry to hear this. Gwen and her books have meant a lot to me. Homer was one special and funny cat. I truly loved reading ‘Homer’s Odyssey.’ Thanks for letting us know this Layla.
Andrea
I’m so sad to hear this. That book was a great story of dedication and love. I can still picture Gwen’s desperate attempts to get to Homer after 9/11 and always knew I would have done the same.
Katie and Glogirly
We were so very sad to read about Homer. He and Gwen have made such a difference int he lives of so many homeless and special needs cats.
One of our favorite quotes came from Gwen: “Remember, love isn’t something you see with your eyes.”
Our hearts go out to Gwen and her family.