Tuesday, October 18, 2022

And Then There Were Five...

 

I had to say goodbye to one of my six kitty friends yesterday. It was very unexpected.



Thelma seemed fine until Saturday morning when I noticed she wasn't eating her breakfast. She was also breathing too hard but when I tried to get a hold of her she ran off. She's one of the outdoor kitties that were born in our woods 12 years ago. She was the only baby we couldn't socialize to be a house cat after we trapped and spayed them. She lived outside with her Mommy cat and only came in if it was really, really cold. In spite of her house phobia, she was really, really sweet. I never saw her hunt or bother with any of the little varmints the other cats like to bother. Her thing was to lay in the sun in the yard and I could always count on her being there. 



We spent the weekend trying to catch her. She would run under our neighbor's shed just out of reach. She wasn't alone. Mommy cat was always at her side so I knew something was terribly wrong. They usually don't get along. 



I let her be and told myself that if she came to me for help I would take her to vet, if not I would have to let nature take its course. I was in agony all weekend worrying about her and feeling so helpless.




Then at about 2 pm yesterday I noticed her laying out in the sun. When I tiptoed over thinking she'd run, she lay there and meowed at me. She cried and cried and I knew that she knew she needed my help. After a few hours of tests at the emergency clinic they said it was time to let her go. It was either severe heart disease or cancer and it had progressed too far. I had no idea she was even sick. The vet said it wasn't unusual for outdoor kitties to hide their illness. None of this made saying goodbye any easier. I cried like a fool the whole time. I'm still crying.



When it was time to say goodbye they lit the candles in the waiting room and brought us into a quiet room that had a big thick blanket on the floor. She had been given a sedative and oxygen so she was more than happy to lay there on the blanket with me until I was ready to let her go. I told her what a good kitty she was and how much I loved her while she peacefully went to sleep. I promised her I'd get her back to her beloved woods so I am having her ashes put in a sprinkling tube. My beautiful blue-eyed girl.



She was the first of our four babies to leave us and it hurts like hell. Not to have her knocking me down every morning for food when I feed her sister Louise is going to take some getting used to.  I see a lot of tears in the days to come. 






*On Sunday I anticipated a not so happy ending so I wrote a bunch of pre-posted blog posts about what I had been doing all weekend trying to take my mind off the impending heartache. I don't want you to think I am not grieving and have moved on. I don't work that way. I'll be curled up on the couch with a box of tissues and a big bag of potato chips listening to The Year of Magical Thinking for the umpteenth time for who knows how long. It's pretty sad that I've gone through this so many times that I have a usual routine for this kind of heartache. But....no matter how many times I go through this it never gets easier. In fact, I think it gets harder.











15 comments:

  1. I know how difficult it is put down an animal. I had to put down my Layla, the most lovable cat I have ever had. I cried like a baby at the vet, when I got home and the next day. My heart still cries, and my arms miss Layla's lovable hugs! My thoughts are with you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I wanted to say the first post is from Marion. I don't like to be Anonymous

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh so sad. My heart is breaking. She was a beautiful cat.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yes, the pain is familiar but never easier. I'm sorry for you grief; sending a hug.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I don’t usually comment but I needed to send you my heartfelt condolences. I’m so sorry for your loss and feel your pain. I cried for weeks every time I lost one of my fur babies. It never gets easier but just know your readers understand.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thinking of you and sending virtual hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Shedding a tear or two for you and for Thelma. This is a lovely tribute to her. The emergency clinic is a lovely place and I'm glad they gave you time for saying goodbye. Never be ashamed of crying for love and loss.

    ReplyDelete
  8. So sad to read about Thelma. It's just heartbreaking when a pet is sick or you have to say goodbye. I admire you for all you have done to help the cats who show up on your property. Sending hugs and prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm so sorry. Our dear Rocky was like that... he was okay, until he suddenly wasn't. Even house cats hide their issues. But always remember that you gave her a much better life that she would have had on her own. 12 years is not long enough for us, but it's not bad for a cat, and very good for one who's mostly outdoors. Sending BIG HUGS!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. It is so painful to say goodbye to a beloved cat-- even when they are shy and not necessarily cuddly. She had a good life with you and the Mister. I still miss my cats years later... *sigh* sending you lots of good thoughts and virtual hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Yes after awhile they seem to just stack up and you have to grieve them all over again everytime one dies. Rest in peace Thelma! My sympathy to you.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh I'm so very sorry Debbie. Even though she wasn't an indoor cuddly cat doesn't mean you loved her any less. I know. We had one like that in Spokane that came with our house. It was awful when Lucy passed. Thelma had a lovely life with you and she knew it. I'm so very sorry for your loss.
    Blessings and huge hugs,
    Betsy

    ReplyDelete
  13. Oh! I'm so, so sorry. It is never easy to say goodbye to one of our 4-legged children. My heart goes out to you and I'm glad you were able to be with her in the end. My thoughts are with you.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oh I am so sorry that your sweet girl had to leave you. I know how much it hurts, but I hope that soon you will be able to know that she loved and trusted you, and you were with her when it counted most. Take care. xoxo

    ReplyDelete