World pays tribute to Casper the cat

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Tuesday, January 19, 2010
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This is Cornwall

TRIBUTES flooded in from cat lovers all over the world following the news that Plymouth's famous Plymouth feline had been killed by a hit-and-run driver.

Casper, pictured left, achieved worldwide fame when The Herald revealed he was a regular commuter on First's Number 3 bus between Barne Barton and Royal Parade.

But the city's celebrity cat lost his life last Thursday after being struck by a taxi as he crossed the road outside his Poole Park Road home.

The news of his death triggered a barrage of tributes on The Herald's website from fans living in all corners of the globe – and hit the headlines as far afield as Canada.

Jelle, from Holland, wrote: "Casper was a special cat and he had a wonderful life. He will be missed in the Netherlands too."

Connie, from Glasgow, said: "I never met Casper, but it was so fun to read about his exploits. I can't believe that the person who ran him over could just go on."

Ed Tracey, from New Hampshire in the USA, added: "Learning of his escapades last year brought a much-needed smile to me. Casper, I'm certain that you already know the bus schedules at the Rainbow Bridge!"

Dozens joined Coral, from Australia, in sending their condolences to devastated owner Sue Finden and Casper's fellow commuters on the number 3.

"I thank those thoughtful people," Sue said. "They did touch our hearts. I miss him so much already."

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    by richard, darlington

    Friday, September 03 2010, 10:40AM

    “I have left a previous message for Casper on this website but it has not been published - August 2010. I have read your book, a lovely story about a lovely cat, I wish I could have met you, Casper, and been one of the lucky many who enjoyed your company. I hope they keep your picture on the plymouth buses for ever!”

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    by Marco, Santa Cruz, Bolivia (South America)

    Thursday, March 04 2010, 5:10AM

    “I was so surprised when I knew about Casper, then I googled "Casper the Cat" and almost cried when I read he was dead. I love cats and I have two. I can't imagine how to live without them. Casper was indeed quite a inspiration for us to believe that anything is possible. I don't know why the driver doesnt have a hearth because no human should harm any living animal. I know Casper is riding to next station: heaven. I'll meet you there someday.”

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    by Rich j, United Kingdom

    Monday, February 08 2010, 11:19PM

    “Belatedly, just wanted to say that I was really sorry to hear of Casper`s passing. When I first rad of his "adventures", the stories amused me no end, and certainly brightened my day at work. So it was with a heavy heart i read that he is no longer with us. I am sure his owner and the friends he made must miss him dreadfully, but I`m sure he`s in cat heaven, and I know of some wonderful cats up there who will look after him....”

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    by Jesse, Carmen and Camilla, Santa Clarita, California, USA

    Tuesday, January 26 2010, 5:55AM

    “Thanks for the smiles, Casper, may you rest in peace. And thank you to everyone who loved him, especially Sue. My family will be taking a lesson from Casper this week--we're going on an outing of an adventurous sort. We will be creating memories in honor of our friend Casper.”

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    by Kathy, Seattle, WA, USA

    Tuesday, January 26 2010, 3:01AM

    “Dear Ms. Finden, my sincere condolences to you on the loss of your adorable feline companion, Casper. I read of his adventurous life and untimely passing just today.

    How fortunate for you and Casper to have found each other. God bless you for adopting him and God bless your friends, neighbors and the countless animal-loving bus driver/s and passengers who accepted and loved him, too.”

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    by Ancient Aunt, South West Utah, U.S.

    Sunday, January 24 2010, 7:13PM

    “To those unfortunates who have filtered their bile into these tributes, the psychatrists tell us that "men who hate cats are unsure of themselves sexually."

    What a magnificent creature Casper was...I hope he gets a
    monument for his charm and the smiles he gave so many
    humans.”

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    by Spencer Wynn age 7, Santa Monica California

    Sunday, January 24 2010, 3:33PM

    “Casper was a cool cat.”

  • Profile image for This is Cornwall

    by Cala, Massachusetts, USA

    Saturday, January 23 2010, 5:18PM

    “One of the things that makes pets so precious are their unique personalities. Their charm, or sometimes lack there of, can earn them something akin to legendary status in their neighborhoods, and their presence becomes sorely missed after their passing.

    My sympathy to the owner, Sue, the Plymouth community who enjoyed Casper's exploits, and to the individuals elsewhere who found some small joy in his adventures.

    My sympathy, too, to the individuals who can't or will never understand that pets are more the sum of their paws and tails, but are friends and as much a part of the family, and community, as any one of them.”

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    by Kim, Petworth, West Sussex

    Saturday, January 23 2010, 9:06AM

    “It is so lovely to read everyone's comments about how Cassie touched their hearts and its incredible that his antics reached all round the world!

    He has always been a very special individual cat with spirit for adventure and he was such a people person.

    When Mum lived in Frome, Cassie would visit the local chemist. He would sit on the chair which was intended for the customers most days waiting to befriend people. I think in the end the chemist gave him his own chair so he would sit and chat with the customers while they waited for the prescriptions!

    He was an incredibly special cat and I know that my mother and father will miss him dreadfully.

    I do know that they are very touched by eveyones kindness and special messages which I really think are helping them right now.

    It definitely has cheered them up reading all the lovely well wishes from all around the world. Thank you everyone for your kindness.

    Kim x”

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    by Ann, Los Angeles

    Friday, January 22 2010, 9:33PM

    “Many prayers and thoughts during this time! One of my cats entered Rainbow Bridge (old age) last September and I know she will give Casper open paws! I know Casper will be Transportation Head and guide all with a new form of travel!”

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