Thursday, December 27, 2012

A reverent break for a pal

Besides all the holiday shenanigans, I have taken a break for another reason. My dear, dear cat of 11 years got stomach cancer and had to be put down. Let me tell you - this might be one of the hardest things I have gone through. My whole life I have had a pet/pets. I grew up in the country riding horses, spending time on my friends' farms and generally cultivating a love for all things animal! I think my childhood was lonely at times - my parents were divorced, my sisters were much older, and having a pet was such a comfort for me. A friend who would always be there to greet me and comfort me.

My gorgeous gal was not a cat that others loved as much. She was reticent about strangers coming over to the house and even hissed at my husband sometimes. But, to me she was adoring. Following me around waiting to be pet. Coming to bed as soon as I did and waiting for me to pull back the covers so she could crawl under and sleep next to me. I miss her! She was a giant part of my home life.

Thanks, friend, for your gift of unconditional love for these past 11 years. We will miss you here at home.


12 comments:

  1. I'm sorry about your sweet kitty- I understand what a heartbreaking void this leaves in your life. It's unthinkable and unfair, especially since she was so relatively young. These fuzzy friends are such an essential part of your everyday life, with memories at every turn. I say hold onto them, even if it means embracing the sadness.

    We had to say goodbye to our fuzzy grey boy of 14 years this August and I still can't quite come to terms with it, even though we had a month to get used to the idea as he declined. I still feel bad that I couldn't make myself acknowledge it on the blog, which is purposefully less personal- as if it hadn't happened. It's like even cuddling with my now solo cat sometimes feels like a betrayal (ahem, he's pretty happy now though...)

    I'm sorry about your beautiful gal- what's her name?
    -Sarah

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    1. Sarah - thank you so much for your personal story and support - it means a lot! It's really hard to come to terms with - I keep thinking I see her in her usual spots around the house. I can't quite wrap my head around the concept that I will never see her again. I'm sorry to hear about your 14 year old boy! It's tough to watch them decline but also good to know you are making the right decision fo them.
      My lovely lady's name was Delilah. Thanks for asking :)

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  2. I am so sorry! I have a little dog whom I love very much, and I completely understand your loss. Your cat looked beautiful! I think having pets is the most wonderful and heartbreaking thing and I will be thinking of you in this time of loss.

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    1. Thank you so much, WMM! I agree that pets are amazing and heartbreaking all at the same time! I know when the time is right, I will go get another one. I can't imagine ever being without a furry friend in the house !

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  3. I am so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is to say goodbye such a good friend, but I hope you can take some comfort in knowing that you gave her a wonderful life.

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    1. Thanks, Caitlin. What a wonderful comment. Now that a little time has passed I have been able to focus more on more wonderful memories of her. It's so special to have a pet in your life and I feel lucky that I was able to enjoy her for as long as I did.

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  4. Aww, so sorry Operarach! Totally empathize with how you are feeling right now. My black kitty (polydactal and so special) of 15 yrs had to be put down and it was SO hard to do. She was extra special to me, for similar reasons your cat was to you, plus she just had a great personality! Just know there is another kitty waiting to be special to you too. I didn't think it possible but another cat came our way, a very special cat, within a year, and we weren't even looking. :)

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    1. That's so wonderful to hear! The last time I had a kitty cat go it took me over 10 year to get a new one (granted I was in college, etc., but still). I look forward to finding a wonderful new pet when the time is right. Glad you found yours!

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  5. What a beautiful kitty. It is so heartbreaking to lose a beloved pet. Your kitty sounds like she was very special, a real sweetheart to you.
    I, too, lost my lovely kitty to cancer recently. The loss leaves a big hole, but I'm so glad to have had her in my life. It sounds like you were equally lucky.

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    1. Thanks for your lovely comment. Yes I was really lucky! It does leave a real hole in your life, one that I'm anxious to fill but trying to give myself time to heal from first.

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  6. I am a quiet reader of your blog, and I love your posts although I don't comment much. This post spoke to me because I've been in your shoes before saying good-bye to a cat a few years ago, and I know how hard it is. I also have a cat now that was recently diagnosed with cancer, and there is little we can do, and I know what the outcome will be. The memories and special moments (my cat crawls under covers too!) are what make it all worth it. My thoughts are with you and hopefully each day gets a little easier. And if you do decide to get another furry friend when the time is right, please share :)

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    1. Thank you for sharing, Starla! I'm so sorry to hear that you kitty was diagnosed with cancer! It is such a terrible thing to hear and an even more terrible decision to have to make. I was really worried I rushed it but the more I think about it, I'm so happy I let her go out with some dignity and without too much pain. I miss her so much though. I found her carrier today and started crying. Our furry little pals are such a big part of our lives it is truly heartbreaking to have to let go! I wish you luck with your beautiful friend!

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