Mister Harley kitten shurkus, the most handsome kitty in all of the land, passed away Tuesday, March 19th in my arms. We discovered shortly after moving that his kidneys were failing him.
He came into my life at a time when I had a broken heart, and he was by my side through some of my most challenging years. He was a true mama’s boy… following me everywhere, whether it was “helping me” shower and getting ready in the morning or supervising me in my studio.
We came to a compromise early on, where he really wanted to be an outdoor cat, but I wanted him to be safe and healthy, so I trained him on a harness and leash. He knew right away when I said, “Do you want to go outside?” What that meant was going to the front door and waiting for his harness to be put on him. After his “adventures” outside, he came in with the most content look on his face. When I started doing step challenges, he would wait for me in the front window, wondering why he couldn’t join; that is when I got him his stroller. I escalated to a whole new level of crazy cat lady, but he was so very happy.
He always greeted me when I came home, even those late nights/ early mornings when I was traveling. He would smell my face and figure out what I was up to.
He gave the best head butts and preferred that over pets.
He enjoyed “hunting” his favorite toys at night or when I was teaching LIVE online.
He was toilet-trained before his younger brothers came around. He tolerated them but liked to pretend he was still an only kitty. I was told he was a “singleton” litter with no other siblings.
He loved to wear bow ties when we were going to have company, and I still feel my very first art retreat in our 900-square-foot loft was so popular because most of you wanted to meet Mister Harley in real life.
You all helped me celebrate his big birthdays, 10 and then 15 last year, when we raised money for our local shelter where I adopted all three of our boys. Mister Harley has been featured on many of my card designs throughout the years.
He was sassy and fresh in his early years. I have a scar to prove it, but he became a sweet mush in his older years.
He was always vocal, and bossy, no idea where he got that from 
I told Chris when we first met it wasn’t going to work out if mister harley didn’t like him, lucky for him he was ok with sharing.
Mister Harley had such a strong personality and was always with me; the house seemed empty without him. His death is going to be a hard one for me to cope with.
I couldn’t have asked for a better companion for the past 15 years, 7 months. It went by too quickly, and I would give anything to have him back for a short time.
Thank you to Dr. Venezia for all the fabulous care in his earlier years and Dr. Lloyd for continuing his care and advising us on how to keep him comfortable and at home until his last breath.
I tried to spare you from posting the thousands of photos I have of him, he was so darn photogenic, it was hard to choose just a few.
Oh Jen, my heart goes out to you. Whenever I think I think of Mister Harley and how you would smile whenever you talked about him — which was at every craft event I made it to and so many videos. I wish you comfort for your loss and my true sympathy. I know how hard it can be . . .
Peace….
Lee
I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your photos. He was very handsome. Peace to you as you go cope through this difficult time. Thoughts are with you.
I’m so very sorry for your loss!! And of course, post as many pictures and stories as you want to – keeping his memory alive is important and I’m sure all you followers will be happy to see them all! Big hugs!
Jenn, I am so sorry; they are our babies and give us so much love and asking for so little back in return.
Oh, I am so very sorry.
So sorry for the loss of your fur baby, Mr. Harley. Our fur babies are such a big part of our lives. My heart goes out to you.
I’m so very sorry. We are like you, our pets are not really pets they’re family. We lost our sweet precious boy Teddy last August due to a heart condition. Our home isn’t the same. I wish you hugs and prayers. We are lucky to have them!!
Dear Jenn,
I commented on IG already but I am certain you will appreciate all messages of support at this very difficult time for you. I wish I could see you in person to give you a big hug. My kitty Ritz has just been diagnosed w/ cancer and I am starting the process. I know that Gus and Jac will help you grieve. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Lori S in PA
So sorry for your loss. He was a beautiful boy and I enjoyed seeing him in your videos. There is a lovely children’s book called The Invisible Leash which tells of a special connection between our hearts and the hearts of our pets. Even when they aren’t with us anymore, I like to believe that we are always attached to our fury friends. Thanks for sharing some of your wonderful memories.
So sorry for your loss Jenn xx
We are so sorry to hear that Mr Harley has passed away, he can join our two in heaven to play, slob out & watch over you till you see him again. Ours were 19,& 20 when they went , we’d had them as rescue cats & they are still missed very much now. Mr Harley has been such a star & I remembered who you were originally due to his photos with your work so We will miss his face around.
Many of us crafters will be thinking of you all right now so try to remember you’re not alone ever, give the others lots of fuss so they get included too.
We send you huge hugs & you are always welcome to talk to us about him if you want to reach out.
Oh so very sorry and happy for you in reading this. I had the same with Bleau Kitty for 19 years. I swear I still see him around a corner.
Sending healing hugs and prayers. Your pictures say it all. Mister Harley was a blessing.
Dear Jen,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss: it is hard to lose a furry friend and Mr. Harley sure was special. You gave him a great life and he reciprocated by giving you all his love, you can’t ask for more than that. Enjoy the memories that you have of him and all those wonderful pictures, where his true character shines through.
Fran Holt
Sorry to hear of the loss of your crafty companion. He looks so happy and content in all the photos. I hope you can take comfort in the fact that you contributed to his happiness and longevity just as much as he enriched your life. Prayers….
OMG Jen, I am so very sorry to hear of his passing. I hope you can find some joy in sharing your memories and photos of Mister Harley. I will miss his little Meow chatter during your videos!
I’m so so sorry Jenn!!! Big hugs to you all. It’s so difficult when we lose our fur babies.
So sorry for your loss. Hope you will find comfort in the many wonderful memories and photos of Mister Harley in a life well lived and so loved. Sending hugs your way.
Dawn
Condolences on the loss of Mr Harley. He will be missed..
Oh my gosh, Jen! I’m so sorry for you. I know all too well how hard it is to lose a pet. They give us so much. He was a sweet boy, and had a loving home.
I’m very sorry for your loss. He was very loved and had a good life.
I commented on either your FB post or Instagram via my phone, which is never ‘user friendly’ and I wanted to leave a longer message.
So here it goes.. I lost my sweet Rosie Kittie back in 2017. Life is never the same without the sweet critters that are also our beloved family members.
I do appreciated the memories that pop in FB that include photos of my kitty. They bring me joy, I hope in the days/years that come, you also get to have those sweet reminders.
My heart goes out to your heart.
Your Harley was such a beautiful kittie. I loved seeing him in your crafty shares.
Peace be with you.
.
I am so sorry for your loss – this must be a very difficult time for you and know I and many others are thinking of you and your loss of Mister Harley
Meigan