The cruise world mourned late last year when Celebrity Cruises Captain Kate McCue shared that her beloved cat, Bug Naked, had passed away on Dec. 26.
McCue shared the terrible news the next day on her Instagram page.
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"Our hearts are shattered. Bug passed away last night from complications after a routine dental cleaning and tooth extraction," she wrote.
"She was surrounded at home by our family and enough love to fill this universe. 8 years and 6months that we were blessed to spend together. The greatest of sidekicks, the sweetest of angels, the saltiest of seafaring cats, Bug was one in billion. We are devastated. Our hearts have been ripped from our chests."
Bug was a social media celebrity and was well-known to the cruising community. Many people shared messages of condolence.
"I burst into tears the moment I saw this post," wrote Reneeadsfit4life. "I’ve never owned a cat, but fell in love with Bug through Instagram. What a personality Bug had and sweet joy she brought to everyone! My heart breaks for your loss. I can not imagine what you’re going thru as a family. However, I do know Baby Bug will be missed by people around the world."
Pattipd13 echoed those thoughts on the post, which received more than 67,000 reactions.
"Oh my gosh…I’m crying writing this as I can’t believe what my eyes are reading!" she wrote. "Sending love and hugs your way…best little cat that ever sailed the seas… she will be greatly and forever missed by so many. I am so glad she was with you on the ship to spend time with."
Now, McCue has shared that her family has experienced another unspeakable tragedy.
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Image source: Captain Kate McCue
Celebrity Cruises' Captain Kate loses her dog
Just a few days after she posted about Bug's passing, McCue used her Instagram page to share more horrible news.
"When you think your heart can't break anymore...This morning, Bug's best friend, Dewey, joined her across the rainbow bridge. He left this world on the same spot, in the same room that she did four days ago," she wrote.
Dewey was a dog who did not have the social media fame of his friend because he did not live on board with McCue.
"Named after the animal shelter where they adopted him, Dewey was the most gentle, loving, patient, and loyal companion to my Mum & Dad," she posted.
"He wouldn't lick your face, but he had a great fondness for feet and blankets. There is great peace in knowing they are together. Heartbreak is the price we pay for loving them...and if heartbreak could bring them back for just a moment, I'd gladly give my heart. It was their's all along anyway. Goodbye, sweet Dewey."
That unexpected post was met with a flood of love.
"Bug knew and went first to be there for Dewey. They’ll see you on the Bridge. May their memories be a blessing to you and all they loved. Some are in your life for a reason and some for just a season," shared PhyllisTravel.
HoustonLew spoke for many of the tens of thousands of people who commented on or reacted to McCue's post.
"Oh my heart breaks for y’all. The absolute hardest part is outliving these amazing animals who love us more than we could ever deserve. Sending you all the hugs," they wrote.
Some posters shared their experience meeting Bug.
"I'm so sorry, Captain Kate and Chief Nicola," wrote CaptainDeb. "I got to meet sweet Bug on the International Women's Day Cruise in 2020. I have her picture on my refrigerator. I'm so very sorry for your loss.
"We childless people love our critters like they are our babies. I'm crying right now. But know that my veterinarian dad, Dr Ed, who said he'd be in doggie and kitty heaven, will be there to care for them and give them their wings."
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