Sparkle left us a week and a day ago today, and ever since, the cat blogosphere has been in mourning. So today, instead of tears of sadness, let’s spread tears of joy for a life well lived. Sparkle was a small cat, never weighing much more than six pounds and often less, but her presence on the internet was larger than life. Any big cat would have envied her influence.
Sparkle’s beginnings were, to be honest, not humble. She was a purebred Somali cat who was privileged enough to know her exact birthday, who her parents were, and most importantly, that she was wanted from birth. Eventually she came to learn that so many cats were far less fortunate than she was, and she made the choice to fight for them, to write about them on her blog, spread the word about them through social media and to ask for donations for them. Often she encouraged her human to open up her own pocketbook and help out kitties in need.
But let’s start at the beginning. When Sparkle first came home to Los Angeles, she almost instantly became a blogging kitty. And she was just a kitten. Here she is at five months. Does she look a little like anyone you know?
At first her blog was just a monthly diary of the goings-on at her house.
But soon enough she realized there was a need to offer cat advice — from a cat’s perspective, so she began her cat-to-cat advice column. A few months later she also began reviewing books about cats and reviewing cat items. Back in 2003, 2004 and 2005, this was a novelty. Cats were barely a blip on the internet and blogging cats? Practically nonexistent.
Sparkle set out to change that — and she did! When she discovered that there were other cat blogs developing, and that the Cat Blogosphere had formed, she already had several accomplishments of note: she had become an award-winning model, with a photo earning top prize in a Cats USA competition, her blog had appeared in a book by Yanik Silver, Moonlighting on the Internet, and she had already begun promoting cat rescues via social media, by helping spread the word about Winging Cat Rescue on her MySpace account. Sparkle was a pioneer.
By the time Sparkle had found Twitter, the Cat Blogosphere, and so many of her friends, she was getting ready for her next accomplishment: she became an author. She had two books of her cat-to-cat advice published in her life time, and at the time of her death she had two more partially written and left unfinished.
But whether she was helping raise money for World Vets after the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, saving the life of one special kitty, or interviewing Jackson Galaxy, Sparkle always kept it real and down to earth. Maybe she got some help on that from her roommates Boodie, and especially Binga. Sparkle mostly saved her catitude for humans, those creatures who were born to serve kitties but who don’t always realize it, and for any organization or legislator who did anything to harm cats in general.
Over the course of her lifetime, Sparkle wrote over 2100 blog posts and two books, was featured on wall calendars 11 years in a row, and her image will live on in the cards, mugs and other items in her Zazzle store. She befriended hundreds of cats on the internet, and had a pawful of special pals. She had a lot of fun, a lot of laughs, and shared her bounty with her readers — it wasn’t so much generosity as she felt it was the least she could do to give back after receiving so much.
Sparkle’s legacy will live on, beginning with the commenthon attached to this memorial service. One of Sparkle’s favorite cat rescues and sanctuaries was Tabby’s Place, the Ringoes, NJ organization that works so hard to help cats in desperate situations. Many of their residents are special needs… and they do get adopted! This is a very special place, and Sparkle’s human has pledged $1 for each comment on this blog post, from now until the end of Labor Day weekend, Monday, September 1, at Midnight Pacific Time, up to $500 (you are also welcome to make your own donation to this special group). So please share your favorite memories of Sparkle below, or wish her well on her journey to… where ever she may be going. We all have different beliefs, spiritual or not, but there is one thing for sure — Sparkle did her best to make this world a better one for cats, and for that, she will live on in our hearts.
See all of Summer’s merch at her Designercat Shop, available on Zazzle.
*sniff* we miss you, Sparkle. You always had such good advice for young lady cats. 🙂 sorry our interaction on your blog dwindled as R got busier. We always checked out your activities on Facebook. Such a beautiful kitty. God bless you, Summer cat, on your new adventure!
What a wonderful story. She will be a inspiration for ever.
Sparkle,
What a sad time for your old roommates, pet bloggers, and us anipals. You inspired so many humans and animals alike, with your humor, and “cattitude.” You were always true to your feline self, while tolerating all the human “goings-on” around you. From Sparkle, to stardust. From thoughtful, to a memory many will carry. May you be at peace, and may your “family” know you were satisfied. Fly free, Dear Sparkle…
@Quadpawd, @OscarTheCat, Zoey, and the “Food Dispenser” bid you farewell.
a beautiful tribute to a pioneer cat. we hope we are in time to be included in the commentathon.
Sparkle, you were a blogging pioneer and set a great example for all of us who came later. We’re not writing anymore but our mom helps at a local shelter and we let her. Glad to have known you.
Rest well, Sparkle. You made and are continuing to make a difference in the lives of cats everywhere.
RIP, dear Sparkle, after 20 years with Somalis, I understand how suddenly chronic kidney disease can become acute and heartbreaking. I’m glad to see your human got another baby to help the other kitties with their grief. Good luck on the CommentThon.
Sparkle will be missed.
We wish you all the best! XOXOXOXOXO
What an amazing, beautiful girl. She may have been a small cat, but her presence and impact in the world were (and still are) enormous.
Sparkle, yous has left a furry large pair of high heels for Summer to fill. Me will miss yous but me knows your time had come.
Kisses to your Human
Nellie
Dear Sparkle.Here I am again trying to help reach your goal of $500,thinking of you, little Summer and your human.You had a special bond with her and you will live in her heart forever.I know neither of you believed in the rainbow bridge but there has to be something,it just doesn’t end when we pass away.I like to think you are one of the brightest stars in the night sky,sparkling like a diamond just the same as your special name SPARKLE.Love and Purrs SheenaXXX
As someone owned by Abys, I can so understand your attachment to one another. I know Summer will help fill the space in your home and your heart. Sparkle was a beautiful girl and I’m so glad to have had her as part of my life.
I always loved Sparkle. She and that crazy Binga always made me laugh! My best wishes to Summer as she embarks on her new role. You’re a cutie pie Summer!! And RIP dear Sparkle.
Sparkle – this is my first introduction to you, but I have been following Tabby’s Place since it was a hopeful dream in Johnathan’s mind. I hope your person gets her wish to donate to Tabby’s Place. And that your person continues with your legacy.
Diana – and the (currently) 8-1/2 furries
Sparkle, wonderful kitty, please visit your beloved human in her dreams. You will not be forgotten.
I didn’t know Sparkle until today when a friend wrote me about her.
RIP Sparkle…I know you are busy at the Rainbow Bridge as you wait for your special human to join you.
What a very special kitty. I know how much you will miss her.
Sparkle was a beautiful cat in both appearance and deed. The world has been left a better place by having had her in it. My deepest condolences to all those who are missing her, but she lives in your hearts.
Gentle journey dear Sparkle. Hugs to your mom and here’s hoping you make your fundraising goal!
What a beautiful cat Sparkle was. I’m so sorry to hear of your loss.
Sparkle, I love your blog, and will always remember you. My condolences to all who love and miss you.
RIP Sparkle you will be missed, but the blog goes on. Very good memorial donation.
What a wonderful tribute to the beautiful Sparkle. She was really one in a million and will never be forgotten. I’m so happy that even her passing has been turned into a pawsitive thing for others. The kitties at Tabby’s Place will be so grateful I’m sure. Sparkle will never be forgotten.
Sparkle has left an amazing legacy behind- one worthy of her beauty and stature. She leaves behind a grieving family, but they should feel proud and blessed. The impact she made on the world is far bigger than her paw print would suggest. It is clear that Sparkle and her mom shared a once in a lifetime bond, one I refer to as ” soul kitty”. Those of us who have been blessed to have a soul kitty know what this means, and those that haven’t will doubt and wonder what it means. To Sparkle, thank you for letting us get to know you, and teaching us so much through the years. Run free, dear girl. To her family, may you find comfort in your memories, and in knowing you were truly blessed to have been loved by a special cat. To her mom, you experienced something rare and beautiful with a soul kitty. Do not stop talking to her, she will continue to answer you in her own special way. Do not fear you will forget the sound of her purr or the feel of her fur, for it will always be in your heart. Rest in Peace, Sparkle, Rest in Peace.
Purrrrr hope you reach your goal purrs for Sparkle & Summer xx
Adieu dear Sparkle. You are sadly missed, but your legacy will live on.
Thanks to your wisdom, my kitties now do exactly what I want – which is to do exactly what they want.
Dear Sparkle, may you enjoy eternal rest amid the delights of the Elysian Fields; we know you are watching over your family and giving dear little Summer a helping paw as she continues your wonderful work.
Remembering you always …
Purrs … Rainbow
EvFURRYone KNOWS I’m all about THE KHATS!
We were sorry to see SPARKLE left us –
We khan tell she was furry much loved!
Hug&Khysses,
Khyra
PeeEssWoo: Loved AND tasty!
Sparkle was an integral part of the cat-blogesphere and it was a terrible, heartbreaking shock to learn of her passing. Though we mourn alongside all of you, we celebrate all she did and all she taught us about cats. We know her legacy will live on in little Summer, but no cat will shine quite as brightly as Sparkle did.
Lots of hugs & love from me, Sam and the cats of Covered in Cat Hair & Kitten Associates.
Cheers to you, pal!
All the best your family!
stephanie <3
Rest in Peace dear Sparkle. You will not be forgotten.
Sparkle, we are all grateful to have known you. You have been well loved and although we will miss you, you will live in our hearts always. With much love. Britt, Puffy and Winky
RIP Sparkle…may you run free with the butterflies and be at peace. Thank you for helping the kitties at Tabby’s Place. Its a beautiful thing to do and I hope you reach your goal of 500.
Thank you for going back to the beginning and telling us all about Sparkle’s life and accomplishments! She was quite an amazing cat and made a big difference in so many cats lives, and she will continue to do that and that’s even more amazing and proof of what an impact Sparkle had on us!
May the sorrow of her passing be softened by knowing how much she was loved and how many cats in need that she helped!
We’ll always remember Sparkle and the things she did for the CB and for others. We feel we had a special connection with Sparkle since she was our Secret Paw and introduced us to the Tickle Gherkin two years ago. Truffle still carries it all over the house and has that special meow when she does. Good luck reaching 500 comments. This is a wonderful thing Mom Janiss is doing to celebrate Sparkle’s life.
I knew Sparkle for a very short time but I fell in love as soon as I met her through her blog. She was an inspiration to those that read her stories about kitties saved and brought joy and that special “sparkle” to everyone’s day. Now that summer has taken over it will be fun to learn more about summer. I know she has big paws to fill but she can do it.
Rest in Peace Sparkle. Your work will go on.
She was beautiful, and I know how much you miss her. I’ve had 3 furbabies that were like my own children, and it crushed me when I lost them. Sending prayers and love to you.
Seeing an update from Sparkle always made me smile; thank you for many years of happiness.
Little Nicky and I appreciate all that Sparkle did for kitties in need. Farewell, much beloved feline.
Loved your Catitude Sparkle! RIP! Love, CJ, Mia and our human.
Okay, no Human or Kitty quite said we could not comment more than once, and it’s a different day, and we really want to help you reach the 500 . . . well, the long and the short of it is that this is our second comment…but who’s counting? We are sure Sparkle wouldn’t mind a little extra dough finding its way to Tabby’s Place 😉 XOXOXOX
You are so missed by many. I ‘m sue you will reach your goal. The light is a little dinner in the cat blog world.
OMC..please excuse the dreaded Auto Correct.It should have said
“You are so missed by many. I ‘m sure you will reach your goal. The light is a little dimmer in the cat blog world.”
Oh sweet Sparkle…Kiki and I have been so very sad since the day we heard of your leaving. She (my six pound special needs brown tabby who I rescued 11 years ago) is sitting on my table with me while I write. I’ve been reading back through the lovely comments people have written and so many share my thoughts. I’ve only known you a year or so but in that year you were a bright spot in my day. I have a stressful job and my favorite memories of you are taking time to read your blog while having my coffee and or breakfast. You made my mornings a little lighter. Frequently I would forward them onto my husband hoping you would put a light in his day as well, and you sure did!! When I found out you were ill it crushed me and when I learned of your passing I cried like I had lost a cat of my own. You were so special to so many of us, but most importantly the kitties you saved. I love reading about those stories in these comments. I enjoy reading the posts you wrote before I knew you, and I will still do that..but also I welcome Summer, and will read her blog with the same passion. Thank you Sparkle, for being one of the happy parts in my day, for saving so many precious kitties and for all the advice and wisdom you shared………we are all better because you were part of our lives. God Speed sweet girl…love and kisses from us both.
I hope you reach your fundraising goalâ¤ï¸â¤ï¸
RIPðŸ¾
I made a donation to Tabby’s Place in Sparkle’s memory. Summer has some big paws to grow into–and I’m sure she will
I am so sorry for your and our loss. Just know she is waiting for you in heaven.💖👪✌👒
What a lovely and fitting memorial for Sparkle, who gave so much to less fortunate cats during her lifetime! Thinking of all the lives she has touched makes my heart all warm and purry. Blessings on her, and her wonderful family!
RIP Sparkle!