Breaking Cat News Halloween Special Part Nine
on October 29, 2015
at 1:28 pm
Chapter: Holiday News
Characters: Elvis, Lupin, Puck, Sir Figaro Newton, Tabitha, Tabitha and Figaro's Woman, The Baby, The Man, The Toddler, The Woman, Tillie, Tommy, Winifred Quinn
-sniff
Awwww, that was so touching and funny at the same time! “Tiniest box I could find.” “Bye, mow mow.” <3
I adore Puck telling Elvis “you would have hated it”
Now I’m crying. . . So happy! Thank you Georgia!
Beautiful. Tearing up. Thank you, Georgia.
Bravo, Georgina! what a perfect ending to a cat-tasular story! Couldn’t been done any better. Classic Elvis here as he became a believer!. LOL!
Trying not to cry at my desk in the middle of my office.
Failing not to cry at my desk in the middle of my office
I looked while at work to see if the new one was posted. I thought better of ready it there though. I started tearing up just thinking about it. It was a good choice to wait until I got home.
So sad!!! You’ve got me in tears. Fantastic story.
too many onions here at work (in my school-office) sweet! I <3 Puck! and I love Puck in the window! very nice.
That next to last panel is some of the most beautiful artwork I’ve ever seen from you! It’s just stunning.
I made it to the conclusion before the tears got me. It is what we would all want. I’ve loved every bit of this, thank you so much!
Awwwww, that’s just beautiful, Georgia! And thanks for the last panel, “till we meet again” – we’ve not seen the last of Tillie, yay!
A great ending to a great special story. I can’t cry, because I’m a guy and I’m in the office… ah, it’s my allergies, yes that’s it!
Great story! Love the ending.
Perfect! Love that Puck knows Elvis would have hated it so much. However, what does it say about Elvis that he only sees happy ghosts? I think it says something nice.
Interesting also, Georgia, that Freddie saw herself as a young woman when she was happy and an old woman when she was unhappy. That’s very Terry Pratchett (see Witches Abroad).
I love, love these interpretations Jenna, thank you!!
So touching. Perfect, Georgia. Thank you.
oh all the feels! what a touching ending! and i love Puck’s face when he hugs the notepad 🙂
This is just WONDERFUL. I cried all my makeup off 🙂
Sobbing!
A few months back my neighbor Emily–the real life owner of Figaro and Tabitha–suggested that I write a Halloween special. Puck and Tabitha had both been reacting as if there were another cat around; staring into space, puffing at nothing, just general freaking out. And we both could have sworn we’d seen a little tortie just out of the corner of our eyes, or just before turning on lights…. She suggested I should try to write a special about the building’s possible resident “ghost cat,” and save it for Halloween!
And so, I sat down and started trying to imagine a little tortie cat from the past. I thought about what her reporting style might have been like, who her People might have been… The rest just sort of poured out! I hope that everyone has enjoyed it!
Whew, between the mini-special to introduce Burt, the Shelter special, and the Halloween special, we have had a very “special” couple of months here on Breaking Cat News. I’ve loved it, but I’m really looking forward to getting back to our regularly scheduled broadcasts! I have a long list of new headlines ready to go, that I’ve been collecting over the last month or so. I think you will like them!
Although some folks have been asking, and YES! There WILL be a Christmas special! I have just finished writing some parts of it, and I think it will be VERY different from last year’s and a LOT of fun! …You might not even need any tissues! Although of course, I can’t promise (but I’m pretty certain!)
I hope that everyone has a fabulous Halloween!!! Thank you so much for reading!
—Georgia
Georgia,
My oh my, this was the bestest ending we could have had. Thank you so much for reuniting Tillie and Freddie as youngsters! I can’t wait to hear more from them down the line — Crackerjack indeed! <3
(Oh, and I'm 'glad' we've got some Santa Anas here in SoCal — they bring in a lot of allergens and I didn't have a chance to take my sinus meds this morning…) 😉
Thank you so much for that very happy ending!
Thank You!
This was really wonderful, Georgia! Definitely *sniff sniff* tear jerking! I’m so glad it had a happy ending even tho I worried there over Puckie! Thank you again for sharing your family! Can’t wait for the Christmas special! Last year’s was the best!
Thank you for creating this wonderful strip. I think I would love this even if I didn’t have cats in my life.
Thank you! It was a wonderful story, and beautifully illustrated, as usual!
Georgia, I am just in awe of your storytelling and artistic abilities. What a beautiful ending to this story! And I am so in love with Puck and his sensitive feelings. Now my face is all wet any the back of my throat tastes salty. I started tearing up at “it was the tiniest box I could find” and lost it at “bye Mow Mow”.
Any time I feel like mine are being pitas I’ll reread this strip to remind myself of how much we love each other. Now if you’ll excuse me I have some kitties to hug.
Re: Tabitha and Puck: Get me plastered sometime and I’ll tell you about the Lady in the Red Dress. Or the clinking dishes and jingling bells on the doorknob that the deaf-as-a-post 22 year old cat could hear. Or the :::: dramatic spooky music :::: ECTO-POOP!
You had me at ecto-poop!
Next week, on a very special episode of Blossom… I mean, BCN… *g*
I kid, I’ve loved the specials, even if they have made me sniffle. So happy that Freddie found her person again!
“It was the tiniest box I could find.” “That’s all any cat could hope for, Puck.” Puffy Elvis! And that final shot of the reunited friends… absolutely gorgeous.
This was just beautiful, what a wonderful ending. Totally sniffly, not ashamed.
I hope you have stock in the paper facial tissue companies. Since you are kind enough to share this with all of us gratis, I hope you are making money off it somehow.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
We had a black-ghost kitty that followed us from Ohio to North Carolina…but, alas, we have not seen it since we moved further south in NC. We slept on the second floor in Ohio and the cats were restricted to the first floor, nd we heard a cat running up the stairs 🙂 I miss her.
Sobbing
*HAPPYTEARS*
d’oh, it took me 3 readings to realise the note at the end was in pucky’s notebook and not a note from them to us the readers! O.O <3 <3 <3
I think it’s actually Tillie’s notebook, isn’t it?
It’s Puck’s now. I bet we see it again, too.
–Dave, :),,,
Bye, mow mow.
I am smiling a lot, beautiful ending especially because I had figured that the people would bury Tillie with Freddie. 😀
Those onion ninjas… so sneaky.
Omg!! I’m crying, what a beautiful ending!!!!! And Elvis got to see it!!! Wow!! Knocked my socks off!!! Best Halloween reading I’ve ever done!!!!# woot,woot!! It’s the Cats Meow!!!
Georgia, you are a marvel and a joy.
Feels and weepies!
What a beautiful tale, so fitting on National Cat Day.
ALL THE FEELS!!!
*so happy Elvis finally got to see them, too… especially since it resulted in Poofy!Elvis*
What a lovely Halloween special!
Wow. I needed a tissue. That was a great arc! How fitting to end it on National Cat Day.
There. Is. Not. Enuf. Kleenex. Ever.
This was SO GOOD and I am totally not tearing up a little as I am sitting here grinning like a fool. 🙂
Perfect. Just perfect. Love the robber mice in the coffee cup. I have to ask, though-what got Elvis puffy ? Did he see the reunion ?
Yes, look at the picture with the house, Elvis is seen in the second window (after reading comments below previous comics I now look at every pixel of the drawing :D) Love it! 😀
So, so sweet. I love the sixth panel and the justification on the seventh. I’d do the same! And somehow I doubt many people would complain if they stumbled on to the burial, given the articles we saw on Monday.
“You aren’t allowed to bury a cat here!”
“It’s Winifred Quinn’s missing cat. We’re reuniting them.”
“Oh. Members of the Quinn family welcome.”
And I LOVE Elvis’s freaked out poof! Quite understandable. And he’s got such a bigger poof than Puck and Lupin!
Well it was a very well written cartoon and the last episode made me cry! I loved it! I could just see my little Kali waiting and waiting for me. snif, snif
Omg, georgia, such a beautiful story and how wonderful that all our favorite characters were featured! Definitely needed the tissues. Thanks for the Halloween beautiful present! Look forward to buying your books once they are in print.
So I managed to keep it together until now. My eyes are leaking, and here i sit bawling like a baby and smiling through it all. So glad for the reunion. Amazing!
Aw, so sweet! I’ve really enjoyed this special 🙂
Your comics aren’t supposed to make me cry! 😛
A delightful series, Georgia. I am not a cat owner (my sister in Boise has enough for both of us), but I am a cat lover, and these have been wonderful!
Sobbing. What a wonderful special.
Beautiful story with a beautiful ending. Excuse me while I wipe my eyes. Must have gotten some cat hair in them. Yes, cat hair. That’s it. Thanks, Georgia.
Sweet reunion! Sniff.
I wondered if there might be a seance too, but this is very loving.
Beautiful
I absolutely loved every bit of this special, especially the end!
If you don’t mind me asking, was there really a Freddie Quinn and if so, did she really lose her cat?
crying!
Beautiful. Purfect ending. Especially Elvis super-poofy. Awesomesauce!
All the sniffles! Good thing I had tissues handy.
Bye the bye, I noticed this update on twitter first and mentally went “oh I have to go watch that, what channel is it on?” The cat reporters have gone from print to TV in my head.
A purr-fect ending.
Darn it! Stop making me cry!
Georgia, You are an absolute wonder–I can hardly wait for your book. . .and your continued BCN broadcasts. You manage to pack so much comedy, pathos and LOVE into your comics, and produce so great images!!! All 8 of my cats (lost my oldest a month ago) and I salute you!
You made me all teary eyed.. loved it
Oh Georgia, that was soooo special, I am sure I am not the only one writing to you with a wet face. Happy Hallween to you, The People and all the wonderful kitties! October 31st was my dear sister’s birthday, she pased away after a long fight with cancer at 58, she was a cat person and would have loved al the antics you tell us about xxx
Crying so much……I just love the ending. Your work is so fantastic. I am so happy they are together and will be happy forever. Puck with the box is so nice and even Elvis is understanding to Puck. I love these “specials” and look forward to them.
I often have that feeling that my late and dearly beloved black cat Spook is nearby, just out of sight. I even think I get an occasional glimpse of him scurrying about when I am busy working at my computer or doing something else. Thank you for a wonderful story, and Happy Halloween to you and all of yours!
So touching and lovely! Words are inadequate. Love the part about the tiny box. So completely cat!
The ending was perfect, as Georgia’s endings are wont to be, but I came ill prepared for a feels trip of that magnitude. My little flame-point Siamese, Atticus, doesn’t like it when I cry, so he’s being very dramatic right now.
Dang it…good thing I’m on vacation. Bawling like this in my office would have been most unseemly.
Oh the feelz!
Thank you for creatingthese stories, they are lovely!
Irk, left out the word “many” between so and great. Also, my 28th wedding anniversary is on Halloween, and your month-long special just adds extra oomph to the day!
I should have known not to read this at the office. ::sniffle::
Thank you for a lovely story.
Oh, my heart! “Bye mow mow”
Ohh, got me right in the feels. Great job Georgia
So heartwarming. I only found out about BCN a few weeks ago and immediately loved it. Puck is such a sweet boy. The small box, the tear, the happiness when he found the note from Tillie. Lupin’s goodbye to Freddie was funny. It was so good to see Freddie and Tillie finally reunited after all those years, and Elvis witnessing it was the icing on the cake.
Waaaaaaaah! T^T
What a beautiful ending, thank you Georgia!
I had hoped I wouldn’t cry over this one, but I’m tearing up like everyone else. The little notes of humor — “it was the tiniest box I could find” and “you would have hated it, Elvis” — were nevertheless much appreciated, as was the ultimately happy ending.
BTW, would you consider creating and selling “Puffy Elvis” and “Pouffy Tabitha” masks? If i were dressing up for Halloween, that’s what I’d wear. 😀
I would love to, if I could find a way!
Maybe large stickers or poster someone could apply to their own cardboard?
I’m in tears, and don’t care so knows. Beautiful, just beautiful.
Oh! *wiping away the tears* What a beautiful ending! It’s purrfect! 🙂 I adore Elvis trying to comfort Puck that he wished he could’ve seen evidence of the ghosts, and Puck’s reply of comfort is priceless: “You would have hated it so much.” That made me smile so big! 😀
ALL the tears at work, Georgia. Oh my.
Thank you so much, Georgia. What a perfect ending and such beautiful art! (As always.) I wish this story could be a novel (with illustrations, of course.)
This was a great story, Georgia. Although it seems a little unfair that its resolution is in the middle of the workday, and I may have trouble explaining why a securities law analysis would give me watery eyes. Now that it’s complete, can you tell us a little about your research to get the historical elements right?
Yes! If I get a chance tonight I am going to post photographs of my great grandmother, who served as a lot of the “fashion” inspiration. And a photo of the cat I modeled Tilly after, too.
My sister (the Intruder) and I are wild about history, particularly the early 1900s. We have read many historical nonfictions between us, particularly regarding the last Tsars of Russia, Rasputin, the Mitfords, and many of the “Newport” families. I took a lot of Tillie and Freddie’s looks from family photos. I chose for the house to be built in 1898, because that was the year my great grandmother Irene was born.
I tried to think of how modern devices would look to each ghost perceiving them. I was THRILLED when you pegged ice cream for the 1910s or so. I tried at one point to work in a joke about bananas and oranges, because my Nana Irene never lost her novelty-admiration for them. They were a newer imported treat when she was young. We have a marvelously simple fruit salad recipe she created as a young mother that stars oranges and bananas! But alas, it just did not come together joke-wise.
I looked up slang online, searching for 1910 specifically. Orignally I really wanted Tilly to say “Jeepers!!” a bunch, but couldn’t because the phrase was (supposedly) coined in the 1930s after army jeeps.
My own undoing was actually the spiral notebook. When I first looked it up, I couldn’t find anything on them. Later–two installments or so in–I found a wiki entry that said it’s believed they began in the 30s. Dang!! In my mind, maybe Tillie snatched it from the attic or the basement somewhere once she “came back.” (Which would mean there are tiny trunks of old cat belongings from former feline residents in the attic? You can see why I kinda love that thought…)
Much of Winifred’s life is told again and again through real New England land owners. Grand families owning mills, building big, beautiful houses–and now many of us rattle around inside them as apartment dwellers. In the articles I touched on the fact that Tilly inherited everything in her 20s. I didn’t really have her looking comfortable again until later in life. I think a lot of times people grow into themselves and it all comes full circle; we go back to our best selves, the people we were as kids and finally feel free to really devote ourselves to the things we always loved. Freddie had a life like that. I picture her sort of wandering debutante balls in the 20s, enduring social events in the 30s, buckling down for the war in the 40s, beginning to feel comfortable in her own skin in the 50s, and then really coming into her own during the 60s. Sometime around then she just decided to live life for herself, and for Freddie that meant helping others. And save for Tillie, she never looked back. 🙂
(If there any typos in this, please forgive me, I’m on my “calculator,” as Freddie would say, ha!)
The ice cream cone really is a nice touch. In 1913 they would have been something of a novelty, but popular enough that almost everyone would know about them. And Tillie seems like someone who would like to show off her knowledge of current terms.
“Jeepers” was used by a few people in the 1920s, which makes it too late for this story. It was particularly popular in the wake of the 1938 song “Jeepers Creepers.” It does not derive from “jeep”; jeeps did not come into use until World War II, and Eugene the Jeep, which is probably the origin of “jeep,” did not appear in the comic strip Thimble Theatre (aka Popeye the Sailorman) until 1936. Instead, “jeepers” is a euphemism for “Jesus,” similar to “gee.”
As for the spiral-bound notepad: They may not have had spiral binding in 1913, but reporters certainly used notepads, and it makes sense that upon her manifestation Tillie would have looked for one. Probably she found one somewhere in the house and was using it for her reporting. This would also explain why the notepad continued in physical form on Puck’s stand even after Tillie’s ghost went to be with Freddie. This seems like an extremely neat solution; unfortunately, I don’t have an explanation for why Elvis didn’t notice the notepad floating in the air. I guess that when Tillie had it you could only perceive it if you could perceive her.
That’s very close to how I was thinking of it, I like this interpretation a lot, John!
Your historical comments were some of my favorite during this special! There was SO MUCH I wanted to confirm but couldn’t, ha!!
I notice the pictures where Freddie’s smiling even a little are the ones with the cats in them. Cat Lady if ever there was one.
Awww! So moving. What a great story and beautiful ending, Georgia!
And thank you for sharing your story of how this wonderful Halloween tale was born 🙂
I knew better than to read this at work *happy sob* but there was no way I could wait until I got home. Love this arc :3
Dear Georgia! Thanks for such beautiful story! It’s made me cry. Thank you for your wonderful Breaking Cat News! They make my life much happier here, in Kazakhstan!
Thank you, Irene!! My middle name happens to be Irene, after my great grandmother! I may actually post a photo of her on the BCN Instagram tonight, because I modeled Freddie’s dress and bow after a photograph of her!
My favourite part is seeing Freddie and Tillie in colour at the end.
Same here, just gorgeous
Simply awesome as usual. Thank you, Georgia.
Knocked another one out of the park, Georgia!
*21 paws salute*
再見喵，喵…… (Bye meow, meow…)
She was a good, loyal cat who lived a long happy life. And for
she is someone special who touched each of our own hearts in her way.
Till we meet again, Crackerjack!
*sniffle*
***applause***
Glad I have a box of tissues handy. Brilliant, just brilliant. Thank you soooo much, Georgia!!!
Ms. Georgia . . . . . LOVE this cartoon! Was waiting impatiently for it to post. I’m a late-comer to BCN, so I must ask are you on the east coast now? Saw a note on the internet that you were in Washington State, then saw something else that you were in Pennsylvania? . . . Just wondering. Have a safe and Happy All Hallow’s Eve!
We did used to be on the west coast! In Seattle. 🙂 We have not lived in Pennsylvania (yet? Ha!) but right now we live in New England. We’re from New England originally, the Man’s work (he is a video editor/graphics artist) moves us around a bit as he does a lot of contract work on different projects.
The series has been fantastic. Too many things I could say. But, I want to bring up the Robber Mice. I love them – their antics and popping up here and there. I just have to say, I’m so surprised and love their sensitive side – both on display in the Drawloween “Skull” pic and as authors of the final note to Pucky (at least, that is my guess since they “borrowed” the Man’s pen). All of your critters/creations are so multi-dimensional. It’s wonderful!
I laughed and I cried when reading each installment you posted. It really is a marvelous ending. The only thing I really ask of the afterlife is to be reunited with my life partner Meriadoc, and with Malachi, who hardly ever left my side for over 17 years. Now I’m really crying.
Georgia, you have such a way with faces both human and feline..so expressive. A remarkable series in so many ways! Congratulations, and very very well done.
But please, can you find some way for us to see more of Tillie? I love her style and sass. BCN needs a reporter with her “in yer face” attitude. She’s a gem and a worthy addition to the cast.
Georgia, I liked Tillie, too. One way to continue to have her in BCN would be to have an occasional feature of “n Years Ago Today” or “This Day in History”. She could report on Freddie opening her cat shelter or important inventions (like the buzzy mouse).
That’s a great suggestion, Gene! I like that. 🙂
I was reading the comments, but I gave up on them because my eyes are all blurry. That was a lovely story and a wonderful ending. Thank you.
Mouse in coffee cup! Puck’s forehead smooshed against the window glass! Puffy Elvis in the window! And me… Tears streaming down my face still!
I loved Puck’s head against the window too! The details are amazing and Georgia is a genius.
I’ve got tears running down my face here. This needs to go into a book, I want a copy of it to keep out for Halloween every year! Bravo Georgia! To invoke happiness and sadness at the same time…. that’s a true art! -A
So beautiful!!! And so many wonderful details lovingly crammed into every frame. Like the Woman covering the Toddler’s eyes when a “crime” is being committed! And the little robber mouse behind the coffee cup! And I believe I even see one peering around the headstone…? Perhaps a little mouse reporter who can convey updates to the gleeful thief mice! 🙂
Its so nice that you have the little details in your drawings. Like from the outside, you can see Elvis in the house freaked out. Lol
Well, my eyes needed flushing, anyway …
Happy Samhain!
Brilliant. Made my eyes leak!
I loved that Puck sent energy through his paws as part of his farewell!
Beautiful. Just beautiful. Numerous calicos are waiting for me too, along with tabbies, tuxies, et al. And my 17 year-old calico Buddy is helping me type this.
I have tears running down my face but I also think that is so totally sweet. I think (I can hope) that the ghost of my first cat Aja made the move to the new house (she did to our previous house, I’d catch glimpses once in a while). She was a teeny calico cat that was a little bundle of love. Her death was just another pile on the shitshow that the year 2000 was for us.
Love the strip. Love this one particularly.
Georgia,
Your creativity knows no bounds. Not only are you a superb artist but you are such a creative writer. What awonderful, vivid imagination that you are able to share with all of us. And your stories are so touching. You should write a book.
I *sniff* loved *sniff* every moment of every panel. Remember the tears at the end of the notebook? That’s what’s happening to me right now..I’m like “Oh My God, that’s why they needed the pen!!!!!” And then I totally lost it. Puck is in my heart forever now, I think he reflects the best in each of us. Thank you Georgia! That was simply wonderful…
Excellent, as usual, Georgia! I knew you would bring this tale to a happy and satisfying conclusion. My gray kitty-master Murdoch and I both approve!
Oh man, I knew I was probably going to cry over this, but when I saw the young girl and cat reunited I got that giant lump in my throat as my eyes started watering. This story has been wonderful from start to finish. Touching and humorous, slightly spooky and full of heart. Bye Mow Mow was perfect; I remember dealing with the loss of pets as a kid too.
I guess what I’m trying to say through my emotional rambles is thank you so much for this story, and for such a delightful comic. Allergies keep my from currently having a reporter of my own, so I’m delighted that you share yours with us.
Such a wonderful ending. I loved every bit of the story. Georgia, you have such a creative mind. Can’t wait for the Christmas special. Meanwhile, I will enjoy every strip until then.
WOW! What a magnificent month it has been! Thanks Georgia for sharing your beautiful gifts with us. Outstanding!
Nice to see Elvis in the window of the house watching Tillie and Freddie’s reunion.
Something I just realized: Tillie knows her human by name, but our contemporary cats just talk about the woman, baby, etc.
Wait, is that a little robber mouse watching the reunion? Aww! Looks like they just might have led the People to Tilly deliberately.
I saw the robber mouse in the 1st panel but missed him in the reunion panel. Good catch. So much to digest.
I never thought of that! But don’t forget – they’re still “robber” mice. I think he’s stealing a sip of Lupin’s cat coffee.
WHO IS CUTTING ONIONS IN HERE???
Perfect ending to a really fun series. Thank you Georgia!
Between BCN and my sister-in-law’s two exotic shorthairs, I am a former non-cat person now officially in love with kitties.
xxox
SWEATEST ENDIND EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
p.s. Seriously sniffling.
I completely agree with Bridget! Stunning artwork! I’m reading this on my BIG phone and made each panel as large as it gets to drink in all the detail. There are so many beautiful extra touches that show how much, Georgia, you put into making this special. Even the detail and colouring of the coils in the notebook are marvelous. And each of the changing expressions on the kitties’ faces have a lot of thought put into them to show exactly how they’re feeling at a glance. I’m quite blown away at the artwork, not just the story and characters.
Georgia, do you mind me asking if you took any training at art college or are you self-taught? And what do you do your drawing and colouring on – paper or tablet and software? You need to get LOTS of recognition not just for your stories but your artwork too! BTW, loved that little Freddie had red hair. I knew she had to with her sweet little tortie Tillie.
Thank you, Jude!! My education is a bit of a split; I did go to college for art and I have a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. I focused on printmaking, mostly lithography if you can believe it! (Although without a giant, beautiful press I am, alas, at least 10 years rusty now). Before that, starting around 12 I taught myself to draw, paint, and write comics. Mostly through failing and failing and failing and trying one more time, one more time, one more time! Haha! I spent most of my childhood, teens, 20s, and now 30s drawing and writing whenever I could and sharing my work with friends and online. I create the comic with pencil and ink on paper, then scan it and piece it together digitally… A bit like quilting, ha!!
Well, it paid off. You aren’t a good story-teller or artist—YOU ARE BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!! You blend the two skills so well. Your illustrations seem pregnant with subtle meaning. You use lines and color the way Hemingway used words: every one aimed precisely for maximum effect, nothing wasted. Your lithographic training really shows—all elements flow together, but with a subtle precision that boggles science. What a cartographer you would have made—Erwin Raiz would weep with joy and humility—and I am professionally qualified to make that statement. You boggle. ;^D
Thank you so much, Ross!!
I wanted to add in here, Georgia, as a non-artist (I can’t draw a straight line with a ruler, honestly) I want to commend your wonderful *writing* talents too – coming from a family of writers (and readers!), I know how hard it can be to convey story/emotion/personality/motivation/relationships all in one go, and you do it absolutely perfectly. Of course the visuals are the top in a comic, but the way your characters speak to each other, describe scenes, provide information – all of it, you’re just spot-on (as an English Tilly might say). Just wanted to give a shout-out to the writing side too {g}!
Thank you, so much Alison!! That means a lot to me, I very much appreciate you saying so!
In no way did I intend to slight the writing. It is in perfect harmony with the illustrations—a gestalt if you will.
Never fear, Ross, I took it to mean you meant both! 🙂
wow, just wow. Sad tale (tail?) 😉
Sweet ending. You knocked it out of the park again, Georgia.
Beautiful ending. Can’t say that enough simply purrfect. Elvis puffing out in the window is such a fun touch. I’d never have noticed that tiny little dot in the window if reading these comics wasn’t teaching me to be more observant. 🙂
O.M.G. Big tears at work. So happy for this outcome, and as someone mentioned, that artwork in the next to last scene is so well done, and captures what I *hope* is at the end of the rainbow bridge.
‘re the mask question posed earlier…Georgia, if you would entrust me with the “glorify” pictures I, as a ” professional” paper craft teacher will attempt to put together masks or anyone who asks. And I work in a craft store.
It might be a bit tough for me to get together by Halloween for folks, I’m so sorry. (I’m afraid I’m spread very thin over the next few days, with a couple of prior commitments and two kids Halloween costumes to get together before Saturday). But thank you for the offer!
That should be “floofy” obviously auto correct is still not my friend
I’m not really a fan of Halloween, but this months’ special really has been a “treat”. Thankyou Georgia.
Thank you Georgia for this fantastic story and the wonderful comic in general! I am always waiting for the next one! Simply love Puck, Lupin and Elvis!
I don’t usualy get moved to tears, but Puck all sad in “his” little window got to me.
Dammit. Dudes aren’t supposed to get misty about comics about ghost cats. 🙂
I just found your comic last week and love it! You’re such a good artist and storyteller to get so much emotion and expression out of your characters. This story was perfect!
Anne
That was a sappy ending. Thanks, Georgia.
Oh Georgia! Just perfect! I cried big time, from “Bye Mow Mow” to Freddie and Tillie being reunited. You are such a wonderful creative Kitty and People Mama!
Bye Mow-mow!
That was a sweet story, Georgia. Thank you.
I have a lump in my throat and am doing the rapid blinky-blinky thing to hold back the tears… I am a mess! The little bits of humour (“You would have hated it so much”), the heartbreaking bits (like Puck’s tear and his need to be in his window), and then the joy-filled ending (Freddie and Tillie, Puck’s delighted smile as he hugs the notebook)… What a roller coaster! Rather than breaking my heart, I think you helped heal it. A close friend said goodbye to her beloved cat today, and the thought of a love-filled reunion some long future day brings great comfort.
Thank you, Georgia. You have created a beautiful thing.
Thank you so much, Karen. And I’m so sorry to hear of your friend’s cat’s passing 🙁 I’m glad the comic could give some comfort today!
Well I cried. Georgia, you told a beautiful story. Poor little Puck. I’m glad he found the notebook. I loved Elvis’ fur fluffed up when he saw the ghost meeting. You do a great job with Breaking Cat News.
What a perfect Halloween treat!
Thank you !!
What a wonderful ending to an interesting story! I have tears of happiness rolling down my face!!! So glad they have finally been reunited!
Many thanks, Georgia, for a wonderful story!!! 😀
Again, beautiful ending. *sniff* Loved it tremendously. You are awesome. *hugs and cries some more*
At least two tear-jerker updates in a row– that’s got to be a record. Next time you do a special, please remind readers to buy a few extra cases of tissues. Like just about everyone else posting here, I cried. You got us right in the heartstrings.
Thank you for a lovely Hallowe’en special!
I’ve been studying the strip, and I think I have a theory that when they were
reunited they came back to life.But i’m not sure.That is just the thing with
theory’s.By the way, I think nobody else spotted this, but I think I saw a
robber mouse in Lupin’s coffee mug.
Uh-oh, now they’ll have to steal your keyboard …
Awwww!
I loved it.
Thanks so much, Georgia. It was a beautiful story.
I can’t believe how empty I felt as Tille’s box was laid to rest. I very much enjoyed her tortitude. I was equally delighted by Puck’s discovery of her notebook. Thank you, Georgia, for ‘purrsisting’ through your learning experiences – I refuse to call them failures – to entrance us with your storytelling.
This would make a really sweet book. If you start now it could be available in time for *next* halloween.
Is that a robber mouse on Lupin’s coffee?
It is! 😀
i’m crying and giggling and i’m pretty sure everyone at work thinks i’m mad. Thank you so much for this beautiful Halloween special, it was just wonderful!
*snif* FEELS! Love this story…
You take the high road, and I’ll take the low road, and I’ll be in Scotland before you.
And I love how the Toddler is becoming a Person.
You made me very glad that my laptop has got a big screen i could hide behind *sniffing* and oh boy is this cold hanging on to me ;( i laughed, cried and flat out bawled in the time it took to get through that.
i had a hard time making it out through the tears but in the pic where Tillie and Freddie’s ghosts reunite… is that a robber mouse watching on from the right hand headstone or just a rock?
Thank you, Catherine!
It is indeed a robber mouse. 😀 The black one. (If folks are keeping track, there are four. A black mouse, a white mouse, a brown mouse, and a “gold” or honey colored mouse).
Yes. They have names. Yes, more is to come! 😉
Damn, you’re good.
So very touching! Thank you for sharing this wonderful tale.
Teehee, puffy Elvis!
I really did not think it would be possible to top last year’s Christmas Special. Somehow, some way, you did. Thank you. *happy tears*
Georgia, Georgia, Georgia! You made me start to cry! What a wonderful end to a great story. The warm and fuzzies are racing around inside me!
This is so awesome!! Hope Tommy got to see the reunion. He’s such a sweet, gentle guy, and really appreciates the wonder in the world. Burt must have seen it all too!
*sniffle*
Bye, mow mow.
I was just thinking of my favorite line of breaking cat news… Its on my background, “Lupin, people believe that little girls are made of sugar and spice and chicken fried rice.” My mind went strait to Power puff girls. 😹
Darned allergies…
Oh Georgia, you gave me all the feels.
Now I’m going to go back and read all the comments. I scrolled past some very conversational ones that looked interesting.
::cries hysterically:: Sad, sweet, and beautiful.
d’awwwwwwww x3
I love all these comments–there are no sourpusses here! And everyone is so insightful about each panel and all the characters. I agree with Juasayshi about our need for a book. I would buy it in a heartbeat.
TEARS! That is so sweet!
Wouldn’t mind having that panel of their reunion on a coffee mug – in honor of all my angels !
Fantastic Story. Thank you so much! Have a Great Halloween!
Dear Girl: What a wonderful, wonderful story and ending. Even tho we probably all knew Tilley and Freddy would be united it was a class act the way it happened~ “Bye Mow Mow” from the Toddler; dear Puck (who was really the star of the reporters) needing time in his window with his little paws and forehead on the glass and his joy in finding Tilley’s notebook with her (perhaps not so final comment) were spectacular. As one who grew up in a 200 year old New Hampshire farm house passing at least three family burial plots on a one mile walk to school, feeling the aura of “those gone before” is not unusual. Halloween was always a fun time in our neighborhood. There was never any damage done, but we would generally start at our house and do a three mile loop picking up neighbors with their kids and ending at some house for treats! It was a lot of fun.
Kept wondering why Elvis couldn’t see Tillie or Freddie and finally noticed his back was turned every time they appeared. And how wonderful that at the end he was the only one we saw looking out the window to witness the reunion. Just plain brilliant! So many thanks. Mondays and Thursdays are my favorite days of the week now.
I cried buckets when Stephen Colbert used “We’ll Meet Again” to close out his stint on the Colbert Report. I sang it to my cat when she was nearing the end, and on the final drive with her to the vet’s. And now it’s back to “haunt” me for Halloween. Thanks for a very moving experience!!
This is especially poignant for me because my father died 45 years ago at 11:55 on Halloween. He was my role model for rescuing animals in need. Whatever stray cat or dog found its way to our doorstep found a forever home. He even rescued a parakeet he saw flitting around in our trees. He brought home a baby pigeon whose nest had been destroyed by the construction project he was working on. We hand fed it until it was old enough to fly, then took it outside and scooped it into the air assuming it would fly away. Instead, it landed onto my Mom’s head. She had bonded with us. She stayed around the house of 3 years. We discovered she was a she when she built a nest in the garage and laid eggs. Her baby eventually left the nest and reurned to the wild. Then one day without warning, she, too was gone. I hope she finally followed the call of the wild, but it was sad never knowing for sure what happened to her.
I’ll just say this –
This has been a great story, and I enjoyed it a lot. However, nothing really hit me until I got to “Bye Mow Mow,” part because that’s what my son used to say when he was younger to my parent’s cats when they were alive. That memory came racing back at the speed of light. I had to take a moment, wipe my eyes (damn sand) and finish.
I know it’s just timing and luck, but you hit me right in the heart. And I’m not upset or anything, just kind of nostalgic and old. You pierced my often rough exterior and found my weak spot.
Thanks for bringing back a great memory.
Your specials are always so touching they make me cry. You really out did yourself with this one!
Georgia~ What was the motivation for covering the Toddler’s eyes in Panel 7?
So he wouldn’t see The Man breaking people laws.
I assumed it was to shield him from the potentially illegal shoveling that the Man was doing in the panel before it.
Can’t remember if I said thank you one last time for this special! It is amazing and I just can’t believe you managed to keep so much of it hidden each week! We were all on the edge of our seats waiting for the finale! Haven’t had this much suspense since Elvis went missing last Christmas! Ooo…that was a scary one with lots of tears! Thank you again, Georgia! You always manage to brighten our days and allow us our ‘kitty fix’! Hugs!
Thank you, Shellie!!
I tried to read this earlier this week but it was very distorted, now all I get is an X. What’s wrong? I want to read the conclusion of the story.
BTW, when will a book of the complete Breaking Cat News strip collection be coming out? I really WANT one!
I’m not sure what could be wrong, I’m sorry! 🙁 Sometimes the longer strips do not load on phones or tablets, that’s the only thing I can think of?
In better news, a book of the early strips is coming out this May!
I can read it now…..and please pass the tissues. Poor Puck, in ‘his’ window…I could feel the sadness until he found the notebook. Lovely, tearful ending to a wonderful story Georgia.
HOORAY for the book. I can hardly wait until May! Where do I sign up for the waiting list to get it?
There should be one soon, Lori!! I will share information on it sometime around Christmas!! 😀
Love the woman shielding the boy’s eyes with her red mitten!
Best ghost story ever. Love!
I’m playing catch-up, after discovering the website yesterday (been following the strip on gocomics.com). I have repeatedly said that yours is my favorite current strip, and this just capped it. Marvelous writing. Beautiful art.
And FWIW, I once participated in a Ouija board reading where an friends’ cat came back. Terrible speller, that cat. But we knew who it was.
That is awesome! (I have a delight for Ouija boards, and their design. My wallet is a little Ouija board, hehe!) And thank you so much, it makes me very happy to hear you enjoy the comic!
Oh god, so many tears. This was beautifully written. Thank you.
In a world of so much anger, your story of love and kindness is beautiful. I have to go hug my cats. Thank you Georgia. I hope I can repay you for the joy, tears and laughs you have given me.
I’m crying right now this was amazing it brought back memories of my old lost cats Cuvin and Mr.Fluffy. This was amazingly written!! 😢😢💚💚💙💙
Dawww…I simply love a happy ending
Freddie: Since I was little you were my best friend
Always together every day, and then
You were suddenly gone
And though I had to move on
I always knew my love for you would never end
Tillie:
I went exploring like I always do
I heard a crash, it was the last I knew
Until one day I woke up
And met a new friend named Puck
That crackerjack kitty led me back to you (hey, hey)
Both: Reunited and it feels so good
Reunited, and we’ve understood
There is one perfect
For both human and kitt-
ty, We know we’re both excited ’cause we’re reunited
The Gang:
We’ve all just met you, but we still can see
Best friends forever we will always be
Lupin’s adventures are rad!
And even Elvis is glad
The very best is yet to come, wait and see (hey, hey)
Reunited and it feels sublime
Again together, for the very first time
So come on along, and join us in this song
We’ll never be divided now we’re reunited!
Correction: One perfect fit
This is lovely, Kim!!
Re-read in today’s paper the beloved poem “The Rainbow Bridge” by Steve & Diane Bodofsky. How appropriate to read that right after I discovered your Halloween series. Someday I wish either you or Patrick McDonnell would seek permission to illustrate this poem so it could be framed. Your loyal readers would likely scramble for copies!
Our paper, the South Bend Tribune, just started carrying your work last month. What a TREAT to find your beautiful little world! Animals have the real keys to the peaceable kingdom. We just need to give safe, stable & nurturing homes to them. Their payback is priceless! Much love from all of us to you & yours, bi, tri & quadriped!
Three years later, and I still lose it whenever I look at this.
I have read and re-read this special I don’t know how many times and yet, here I am, wiping away tears and hoping no one walks into my office until the water works subside. Georgia gave us a lovely gift when she crafted this story.