Hello everyone. I promise to post something tomorrow showing my latest commission and show you what I’ve been up to with my art. But first, some sad news. I’m posting this because I know that many of you know Max, one of my dear little studio “helpers.” He’s appeared in my books and many of my videos. I’m very sorry to say that Max died today. He went peacefully in his house, surrounded by all the things he loved. He has been sick for a few months with a condition that was never fully understand or diagnosed completely (despite numerous tests, scans, and trips to the vet). This has been part of the reason for my silence recently. We’ve been spending as much time as possible catering to his every need. Every pet owner understands how hard this has been. Just a couple last photos of my little friend.
First step in every project…get Max off the newspaper!
Max’s favorite thing to do….tear up paper!
More paper please!
Max checking the progress of my Sea Dragon
Gourmet Paper Mache Blog 
Oh Dan, I’m so sorry to hear this news. I am such a kitty person, and this just tugged at my heart strings tonight. I’m sure Max is having a great time chasing catnip dragons on the other side of the rainbow bridge, and will be there to greet you when it’s your time to leave. My condolences on the passing of your sweet boy.
Sorry for you loss. It is never easy saying good bye to a beloved pet. Max certainly was a beautiful cat.
He was a sweetheart. Thank you Jan
So sorry about Max 😦
Dan, we are all so sorry for the loss of Max. They burrow into our hearts and take a chunk of us when they leave. He was lucky to have such a caring human.
Thank you Pat. I like to think we gave him a great place to live.
So every sorry for your loss, my condolences. I can understand, I lost my dear feline companion after twelve years.
Linda
Thank you Linda. Max was 12 too. Seems way too young. Sorry for your loss too. Take care
Dan,
I’m so every sorry for your loss, Max was a beautiful creature. I can understand, I lost my dear feline companion after twelve years.
My condolences.
Linda
Thank you Linda!
Oh, no! So very sorry about your dear kitty. I hope it will be a comfort to you, knowing that you have those great pictures of him helping with your projects.
Thinking of you.
Take care.
Lori
Hi, Dan! I’m sorry about your cat. I’ve been following your blog for about 2 years now. I’m a Peruvian teacher, mom of three (5,3,1) who loves art! Always wanted to thank you for inspiring me with your work, but never said anything. Maybe this is a good opportunity. Thanks to you, and Max, who made your videos extra special ^_*
I really appreciate the note Elizabeth. I’m very happy to know that you enjoy the work. Do art with your kids. It’s important. (I’m sure you do.) Thank you.
I am very sorry for your lost, We know how much you loved him; He always will be in your heart… some day you all will be together. My condolences… I will pray for Him. Blessings.
From: Gourmet Paper Mache Blog To: godave74@yahoo.com Sent: Thursday, October 20, 2016 11:43 PM Subject: [New post] In Memoriam #yiv0918053842 a:hover {color:red;}#yiv0918053842 a {text-decoration:none;color:#0088cc;}#yiv0918053842 a.yiv0918053842primaryactionlink:link, #yiv0918053842 a.yiv0918053842primaryactionlink:visited {background-color:#2585B2;color:#fff;}#yiv0918053842 a.yiv0918053842primaryactionlink:hover, #yiv0918053842 a.yiv0918053842primaryactionlink:active {background-color:#11729E;color:#fff;}#yiv0918053842 WordPress.com | danmonsterman posted: “Hello everyone. I promise to post something tomorrow showing my latest commission and show you what I’ve been up to with my art. But first, some sad news. I’m posting this because I know that many of you know Max, one of my dear little studio “helper” | |
thanks Godave. I appreciate the thoughts.
I am sorry for you lost, we know how much you loved him; he always will be in your heart.
A Pray for Max.
Blessings.
Thanks Dave! I really appreciate the sentiment.
Sad to hear about Max, Dan. The feeling of helplessness sometimes is overwhelming when you try so hard to figure out what is wrong with our fur babies when they are sick. He was a beautiful cat and quite the helper. I’m sure he is hanging around just to oversee your projects. Blessings to you and your family in this time of loss.
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I will miss seeing him in your shop and books tearing up paper for you. Prayers for you. You are truly gifted.
Thank you Raylene. I will miss him terribly.
I am so sorry for the loss of your little love one… I know how hard it is to loose one of your furry family members. God bless you Dan, and Peace.
Much appreciated Robin.
Max was a handsome cat. I’m so very sorry for your loss!
Mike
Oh jeez! I’m sorry about Max. I love your “cattery” and the pictures of the cats helping you and just being inquisitive. It’s so painful loosing a pet. Take care-
Oh, I am very sorry for the loss of your dear Max. He will be waiting for you when you cross the rainbow bridge.
What a nice thought. Thanks Karen
Bless his little heart. I’m so sorry for you and all the others who knew and loved Max. He must have been very special for you to love him so much.
Hugs for you. ❤ I'm pretty sure Max is flying around in kitty heaven right now with an awesome set of dragon wings.
Very nice thought. Thank you Bridget
So sorry to hear that your darling Max went over the rainbow bridge. My heart goes out to you and yours.
So very sad, I completely feel your pain. Losing one of our own just over a year ago, I still feel the pain. Max had a wonderful life, take your time and know that we understand. Hugs
So very sad to hear about Max.Sending all good thoughts to you and yours ,Dan .
Thank you Pennie.
Really Sorry to hear about Max. He was always a star in your pictures
Dear max! Our pets are our friends, and companions. I feel for you.
Yes, they really are. Thank you Marion.
So sorry to read you sad news about Max. Such a beautiful cat. You have some lovely pictures and you must have some amazing memories of him. God Bless Max.
Thanks Janis. Luckily I have lots of photos and video of Max to remember him by.
I’m so very sorry for your loss.
I’m very sorry for your loss, Dan. I know how much you love your cats by the cat walk/patio/gazebo area you built for them, complete with enough space for you to sit in! You make the best life possible for your pets and I know they love you dearly for it. Thanks for sharing the pictures, Max looked like quite the character.
Thanks Cheryl. Yes, Max was a special character. He was also quite a pill at times. He loved the “catio” I built for him, so much so that he started not letting Eddie into it. But we loved him nevertheless. Don’t know how Eddie feels about it.
This is terrible news. 😢 Max was a beautiful boy and I’m sure he was well loved. I have lost 3 cats this year. I know how you feel. Thinking of you and yours in this most difficult of times. Many hugs!!
so sorry for your loss
Sorry to hear about your loss of Max. I get it. Though I never met Max (or you for that matter) I can tell he was one special cat, quite beautiful and curious and a lovely friend to have had in your life.
Yes, he was a special animal. Thank you Suzanne.
So sorry.
thank Peg
Dan I’m so sorry for your loss. Max lived in a warm, loving home and hopefully you can take comfort in those wonderful memories.
I am so sorry for you loss. Max was absolutely adorable !!!!!! Condolences from me and my “helpers” T-Bird and Dewey.
Thank you Charles. Give T-Bird and Dewey an extra hug today (even though they would probably rather have treats).
Yes…the passage of a dear friend is one we all must share in order to have the honor of their presence. RIP, Max
On Oct 21, 2016 12:43 AM, “Gourmet Paper Mache Blog” wrote:
> danmonsterman posted: “Hello everyone. I promise to post something > tomorrow showing my latest commission and show you what I’ve been up to > with my art. But first, some sad news. I’m posting this because I know > that many of you know Max, one of my dear little studio “helper” >
Hello Dan- So sorry to here you lost a great little friend. In hopes of cheering you up, I am including a couple of links to my Halloween latest project that is both a tribute to my favorite author as well as all the dear furry pets that I have loved and lost over the years. Hope you get a chuckle out of it.
p.s. Making art is the best therapy in the universe
I couldn’t agree more. Thanks again Cher.
Being a mom of “quite a few” fur-bearing children,…my heart goes out to you. The loss of such a grand soul is never easy…our love and prayers to you…💔💐
Yes, all pet owners go through this. We know the price when we adopt these little beings. Thank you Val.
So sad to hear about Max… I loved all the photo’s and happy times that you have shared.
RIP Max.
Thanks Jezella
Rest peacefully Max. The videos will be missing your artistic touch.
Thank you manofsteelej
My condolences To you and your family ♥️
thank you Vicki
This the hardest part of loving these delightful friends, that they leave us too soon. Literally, they are with us in our memories and after the worst of the grief they still talk to us. Hang in there.
That is very true Leslie. Max was only 12 years old. Seems like it was much too soon to lose him. Thank you for the note.
I’m sorry for your loss. Losing a member of the family is never easy.
Very true Marie. Thank you.
It was one year ago today we lost our Mouse Cat under very similar circumstances. Our hearts and sympathy go out to you and your family. Peace. Blessings and Healing.
Thank you Pamela. I know time will help. Sorry for you loss too.
Our condolences for your loss, Dan! It is always such a sad, sad thing when one of your furry four-footed family members gets sick and then passes away. It doesn’t really matter how many times someone goes through this, it never gets easier and it leaves a hole in your heart.
Rest In Peace, Mr. Max! I sure hope you have all the paper that you want up in Heaven, so you can shred it to your heart’s content ❤
Very true Ruby. It doesn’t get any easier. It’s the price we pay for our pets.
i am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your fur baby…they are truly part of our family and I’m sure he will be greatly missed.
They really are my “kids”. Thank you Eric.
My heart breaks for you. I lived seeing him in all your videos and blog posts. Sending lots of love your way ❤
Thank you Cassi. Much appreciated.
Yes, it’s sad losing our little companions – I’ve also been through this.
Cherish your memories of Max!
Hey Lyman. Thank you for the note. Hope all is well.
Sad news. Really sorry to hear this.
Thank you Amanda.
I am so sorry to hear the loss of your beautiful baby. I do hope you are okay and just know that all of your friends, family and followers are with you during this sad time. It never gets easier but just remember how happy Max made you and that will always bring a huge smile to your face.
Thanks Taylor. Yes, time will help. And I have lots of photos and video to remind me of him (since he was always around my work space).
Dear Dan, I am so sorry for your loss. They leave such a big hole in our hearts when they leave. I’ll light a candle tonight in Max’s memory.
Thank you Martina. That is very nice of you.
So very very sorry for your loss. May your kitty be shredding massive amounts of paper in heaven.
Yes he will. Thank you Faith.
Dan, sorry to hear about Max. I lost my fur helper last year after 18 years of being in the middle of my projects. It is certainly a hole in your heart. My positive thoughts go out to you and yours as you process the loss.
Thank you Jen. You know how it feels. I appreciate the nice note.
Nothing more heart-breaking than the loss of a furry member of the family. My heart goes out to you.
Thank you Susan. It means a lot.
Dan, So sorry to hear about your loss. It’s so hard. You and Julie gave Max a fantastic life. I’m thinking of you and the empty space in your heart, and adjusting to filling that space with all the happy memories Max gave you. Take care of yourself. Trust that time is your friend. Those were great pictures of Max. Thank you for sharing this news. Helps us all be human and hug our pets more often! Love you,
Connie
Connie Austin conzaustin@gmail.com 541-728-7120 “The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are” — Joseph Campbell
>
Hello Connie. I hope you are well. It is so nice to hear from you! Thank you for condolences. Take care of yourself.
So sorry for your loss. Pets are like kids.
Thank you Janet.
Dear Dan, Deepest condolences go out to you on your recent loss. Such a beautiful soul. Rest peacefully Max, you will be missed by your extended family on the interwebs. ❤
On Thu, Oct 20, 2016 at 9:43 PM, Gourmet Paper Mache Blog wrote:
> danmonsterman posted: “Hello everyone. I promise to post something > tomorrow showing my latest commission and show you what I’ve been up to > with my art. But first, some sad news. I’m posting this because I know > that many of you know Max, one of my dear little studio “helper” >
Thank you K. Much appreciated thoughts.
Poem For Cats
And God asked the feline spirit
Are you ready to come home?
Oh, yes, quite so, replied the precious soul
And, as a cat, you know I am most able
To decide anything for myself.
Are you coming then? asked God.
Soon, replied the whiskered angel
But I must come slowly
For my human friends are troubled
For you see, they need me, quite certainly.
But don’t they understand? asked God
That you’ll never leave them?
That your souls are intertwined. For all eternity?
That nothing is created or destroyed?
It just is….forever and ever and ever.
Eventually they will understand,
Replied the glorious cat
For I will whisper into their hearts
That I am always with them
I just am….forever and ever and ever.
Author Unknown
I’m very sorry for you and your family, it hurts to say goodbye too a little pet friend….
It does. Thanks Susan
Oh no… I certainly understand the love of a pet. I have dogs, have rescued many…and lost several – my kids have lots of dogs too… I loved seeing Max in your videos and books… He was loved for sure, and he knew it. Am so sorry for the loss of your beloved pet… Max will live on in your work, videos and books… which is really cool. I wish you the best. Juliette O’Connor New Orleans
Yes, I’ve been looking though lots of video of Max today. He got into many of my shots. Thanks for the nice remarks Juliette.
I am sorry for your loss. Maybe Max will find my kitty Boo in heaven and the can share some grand adventures as the await us. Much love my friend as your hearts heal.
Thank you Samantha.
So sorry for your loss. Each cat brings us something different, and each leaves us changed.
That’s very true. Thank you Janet.
Hello Dan. Sorry to hear of your paper mache buddy Max’s passing. I know he was a beloved friend and family member. Just like another child getting into things he probably shouldn’t have. Always fun to see him in some of your videos.
Don H.
Thank you Don. I still have Eddie. I’m spending a lot of time with him today. I really appreciate the note.
I had a friend whose husband loved black Scottie dogs, and had many over his lifetime. When his most recent dog passed away, on a whim he went to see a psychic. Without asking any questions, or being given any information, the psychic told him that he had several small black dogs following him around. He was in a strange town, alone, and paid in cash.
So perhaps our little companions stay with us.
Thanks Debbie. You never know. It’s a very nice thought.
Dan, I’m so very sorry for your loss. Our furbabies are as much our children as our human children are. We mourn their loss just as deeply. But what Debbie says is true…even our furchildren live on outside of their physical bodies. If you open your heart to him and talk to him, you just might be gifted with a visit from your little fur-son, Max. Blessings ❤
That’s a nice thought I have to admit. Thank you solitaire.
Dan, my heart goes out to you, because I know yours must be breaking. I always loved seeing Max’s presence in your videos and books, and I’m quite confident I’m not alone in that.
His beautiful soul will be missed by many.
Be good to yourself.
thank you very much felidaej. Those are very nice thoughts.
So sorry to hear that Max has passed on. He was a very pretty cat, and as you show above, very mischievous. Rip Max, we will miss your presence in future books. Hope you and your family get through your loss quickly Dan, chin up.
Thanks Lesley. Time will heal this. I appreciate the note.
So very sorry for your loss. Watching your video of the cat enclosure you made in your yard with Eddie, Riley and Max shows what deep feelings you have for animals. Not all people realize that they are not just animals, but special spirits that choose to be our friends. And pay extra special attention to any of Max’s friends, they grieve too.
Yes, Eddie is pretty confused. Although I have to admit, he seems more comfortable without Max imposing his will upon him. Max always had the run of the house. Thanks Lucy.
I’m so sorry for your 4 legged loss, they are our children and they will be missed so much…
They are our children, no doubt. Thank you Regina.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve lost 2 cats myself…..never easy. Rest easy knowing he’s playing in all the paper his heart desires waiting untill the time you are reunited.
Blessings,
Sandy
On Oct 20, 2016 21:43, “Gourmet Paper Mache Blog” wrote:
> danmonsterman posted: “Hello everyone. I promise to post something > tomorrow showing my latest commission and show you what I’ve been up to > with my art. But first, some sad news. I’m posting this because I know > that many of you know Max, one of my dear little studio “helper” >
That is a nice thought. Thank you Sandy!
Hi Dan I am so sorry to hear about your buddy…
Dan, I am so sorry about your cat. I hope you can recover soon. I will like to see your videos in Spanish, if is this possible. God bless you!
Thank you Maria.
I’m so sorry for your loss.Max was very special and will live on in your books and hearts.
You don’t know me, but I feel I know you because of your blog and now I know you better because of this post about your special helper Max. He’s a very handsome cat. So very sorry for your loss.
I’m sorry your Max is gone
Im sorry for your loss, I send my best wishes and hope that he may rest in peace, he was wonderful to see in posts, it always brightened my day when he was featured, he will be missed.
I’ve had a few years now of chuckling over pictures of Max, so thank you for sharing him with us. I am glad you have had his companionship and sad for your loss. Hope your heart heals quickly.
Thank you Beth. Time is the only thing that really helps. Take care
We love and cherish our furry little soulmates, seek them out, even though we know we outlive them. Giving them love and comfotable homes in exchange for the companionship they give us. I have loved and lost my kits, it hurts us terribly to lose them, but would do again even knowing how it hurts when they leave us. Your Max was a beautiful companion, he will always live in your heart. May your memories give you comfort. Know he will come for you someday. Heaven would not be Heaven without them.
I have lots of good memories with Max. Thank you Laci.
I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved kitty. It must have been hard to watch him in decline. Remember the happy times when you miss him.
Hola Dan buenos días, lo siento mucho, se que querías mucho a tu mascota, la vida sigue, hay que seguir adelante, te mando un saludo y un fuerte abrazo, saludos desde México.
Gracias por las amables palabras Austre. Ellos son muy apreciados.
Hi Dan. Very sorry to hear about Max. All the best.
Thank you Dave
Dear Dan, So sorry to hear abot Max`s death, at least we have pictures of him well and happy and busy with you.
Dan, I am so sorry for your loss. It’s never easy to say goodbye to the little furry ones that are so much a part of the family.
They really are. I can tell by your profile photo that you understand.
So sorry for your loss. Max was a obviously a special kitty. wishing you peace, Penny
pennybenson.com
On Fri, Oct 21, 2016 at 12:43 AM, Gourmet Paper Mache Blog wrote:
> danmonsterman posted: “Hello everyone. I promise to post something > tomorrow showing my latest commission and show you what I’ve been up to > with my art. But first, some sad news. I’m posting this because I know > that many of you know Max, one of my dear little studio “helper” >
Yes, he was very special. Thank you Penny.
Dear Dan -so very sorry to hear that Max has gone. They leave a big hole in your heart when they go. The pictures of him are lovely and the memories will be special. xxxx
Thank you Helen. Yes, I have lots of photos because he was always around when I was working. I appreciate the note.
This is so sad! I always looked for Max in your posts. My thoughts are with you and Max.
________________________________
An awful day for any pet owner. I am sure Max loved the years and years of paper chasing and helping you provided for him.
Yes, he did. Thank you so much Erica.
I’m so sorry to hear about Max, Dan. Pets are awesome. You gave him a great life.
I am sooo sad to hear the news that your little friend is gone. I admire your work so much but also the kindness and love you show for your animal friends. As a pet owner, I share you grief. It is a
very dificult and sad time. Just take your time to heal.
Thanks Agnes. Yes, time is the great healer. I’ve gone through this many times. The pain of loss is the price we pay to have these animals.
I’m so sorry for your loss.. 😦
On Oct 20, 2016 9:43 PM, “Gourmet Paper Mache Blog” wrote:
> danmonsterman posted: “Hello everyone. I promise to post something > tomorrow showing my latest commission and show you what I’ve been up to > with my art. But first, some sad news. I’m posting this because I know > that many of you know Max, one of my dear little studio “helper” >
Thanks Jessica.
It’s never good and words are never enough. I know just what you are going through, the positives are the great memories they left. Life is about how others remember you, it’s a way of living on. He will live on in your memories
I couldn’t agree more Kes. Thank you for taking the time to write.
Wow, what a terrible loss. I am so sorry to hear. Such a beautiful boy and those gorgeous eyes!
Losing a fur baby is one of the toughest life experiences to go through. Take your time and know that you have many people rooting for you.
Thank you for the nice note Angela. It’s been tough.
Heart goes out to you and your family for losing a family member.
Oh, I’m so very sorry for your loss! Max was amazing and I always looked forward to seeing him in your posts. He will be sorely missed by this cat lover.
Thank you for the note Jesusknight.
It is Sad to hear about Max.
Thank you Loren
Very sad and difficult for a pet owner. Our cats are all rescues. The eldest was particular fond of being outdoors. He became ill and the mystery illness turned out to be poison set out by someone who was not happy about wandering cats. He did recover, but initially his condition was difficult to diagnose. The cats do not wander outside anymore.
All the best.
A person who would be bothered enough by a wandering cat to hurt it is not much of a human being. Sorry to hear that story. I don’t know if you saw the cat enclosure I made for the kids. It works really well for big city indoor cats.https://youtu.be/VnP4uCE9NjQ
We have an enclosed veranda in the back that the cats enjoy. A couple weeks back a bear made it in there during the night and had the dog going nuts.
Wow, don’t know if I’d like a bear in my cat enclosure! That must have been a thrill!
Sorry, I just realized that you’ve seen that video.
So sorry for your loss. Our fur babies mean everything to us😢😢😢
Thank you Vicki!
Rowrr!!! I will do a stompity-sad gargoyle dance in memory of Max.
What a great thought! Thank you Jean-Claude!
I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine just how painful that must be… but you know, he’ll live forever in your family’s heart, and I’m happy for him because you gave him an amazing life. I know he wasn’t the first one you’ve lost, but I still hope you’re coping and I also hope the healing process will be as quick and painless as possible. Bless him, bless you.
Thank you again Cernunnas. Time helps.
I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine just how painful that must be… but you know, he’ll live forever in your family’s heart, and I’m happy for him because you gave him an amazing life. I know he wasn’t the first one you’ve lost, but I still hope you’re coping and I also hope the healing process is as quick and painless as possible.
Thank you for the comment Cernunnas. I’ve been having good memories of Max the last couple of days.
Dear Dan,
Greetings from Cape Town. I am really sorry about Max. My heart is sore for you. He will be missed and fondly remembered.
regards
Helen
Thanks Helen. I appreciate the thoughts. Only time will fix this.
I am very sorry for your loss of Max. I know that as a pet owner how these animals become our furry, hairy, feathery, scaly, or any other sort of texture babies! as time goes on, the heart will always have a place for the little individual that we have lost, and the memories of them will always be held dearly. Max looks like such a fun little guy to have around… 🙂 MEOW! He must have had a lot of cool experiences with Dan and his family… take care!
Michelle Ramoutar
Thank you Michelle. Yes, Max was a special cat. We do miss him greatly. But time heals. I appreciate your sentiments.
Very sorry on the loss of a dear friend. I know the feeling of pain and sorrow that comes with the loss of a pet. There is really nothing anyone can say to make it easier, just know that you are in others thoughts and prayers on your loss.
Jeanette Smith
So sorry for your Loss, Max was Lovely. Im new to your blog and looking forward to learning some new tehniques. Thanks for the Great Videos, Love your Dragons.
Thank you for the nice remarks. We miss Max a lot. Take care
I am so sorry for your lose! I too lost a pet back in April of 2016 and I was devastated to the point where I could not function. I had to go to the doctor’s and get treated for anti-depression. I am a lot better now but I feel your pain! I remember the first time I saw this picture about almost it seems like 10 years ago!!!!! I love your work. You have inspired me with your art. Maybe one day I will post pictures of my paper mache and cloth mache art. Thanks to you. Again I am sorry for your lose. Take care.
Thank you for the nice sentiments Rudy. It is very hard indeed to lose a pet. Sorry to hear about your loss.
I’d be happy to post photos of your work if you are interested. You could send them to dan@gourmetpapermache.com if you ever decide to do that.
Take care