Today I had to put my cat to sleep.
We picked up Missy as a stray on a wet winter day in Denver in 2001. She was a friendly black and white cat with a few missing teeth and sharp claws. She immediately dominated and terrified our other three cats but was friendly and nice to her humans. Eventually, she got along fairly well with Spencer and Kooshie but she always had a special disdain for Maggie. Although missing a lot of teeth and pretending to only eat soft food, she would craftily steal french fries and Doritos.
When Boo came along, Missy was an amazing and wonderfully patient cat for the baby to play with. She tolerated, and almost seemed to enjoy, wet sloppy kisses, pulled tails, and baby poking and prodding the cat. Doodle and Missy also got along very well. She would plop down in his “path of terror” and he would plop down right on top of her. As recently as this weekend, Doodle would roar with laughter at Missy flicking her tail at a rambunctious two-year old.
When my wife left in March, Missy was often in my lap or on my chest purring and comforting me. She made a house that was suddenly way too big and too quiet seem cozy, comfortable, and warm.
A few weeks ago, I noticed her appetite begin to wane. She wasn’t begging for food the moment I got home and wasn’t jumping up on my lap anymore. She’d still climb into Boo’s bed when I went to wake her in the morning and would still tip the trash over when I forgot to lock it up. When I brushed her last week, she didn’t fight as hard and I managed to escape without scratches for the first time.
This weekend, it finally clicked to me that something was seriously wrong. Her food was sitting untouched and her litter box was going unused. Her belly was distended and hard. I took her to my vet this afternoon and an x-ray found her belly was full of fluid and some of her blood chemistry was out of whack. The possibilities ranged from dire to moderate illness that at the very least would require a lot of testing and treatment. She needed a lot more work than a simple round of antibiotics. Reluctantly, we decided that the best course was to put her to sleep.
Boo and I spent a few minutes saying goodbye and my daughter comforted me.
We’ll miss you, Missy.
Sleeping on the Elmo Chair.
Stealing an expensive steak. I won that round.
Playing with Boo.
Saying goodbye (yes, Boo took this picture).
One last cuddle.
9 responses so far ↓
1 kdw523 // Jun 9, 2009 at 7:56 am
I’m so sorry Dave. I know how hard it is to say goodbye. (((HUGS))) to you, Boo and Doodle.
2 On a limb with Claudia // Jun 9, 2009 at 8:01 am
I’m so terribly sorry for your loss.
3 Reika // Jun 9, 2009 at 8:03 am
Hugs to everyone in your house. I know how hard this process is; sometimes it’s really hard having pets.
4 iambrianrice // Jun 9, 2009 at 9:44 am
Our own adopted, black and white feline is in a battle against kidney issues. I am sure this is difficult but you must be so proud of the way that Boo is responding.
5 Claudia // Jun 9, 2009 at 11:17 am
Hey Dave,
So sorry, my friend! Hang in there. Just think Missy is no longer uncomfortable and in pain. I’m sure she thanks you for it.
Hugs…hugs..and more hugs!
Claudia
6 Morgan Christopher // Jun 9, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Tears are flowing here!! I am so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful kitty and so beautiful. My heart goes out to you all.
Here is a poem that I love:
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
Author unknown…
7 Cheska // Jun 9, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Oh no! I’m sorry to hear the news. I just saw and petted Missy not too long ago too! Big hugs to you and the little ones.
8 cajunvegan // Jun 9, 2009 at 3:33 pm
My pet-loving thoughts are with you. And, for what it is worth, this is one of the most touching posts you have ever written.
9 Devyl // Jun 9, 2009 at 7:41 pm
What a beautiful tribute to a well-loved member of your family. I am so sorry for your loss. **hugs tight**
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