Pet Death
This is what has been on my mind all month. I know a lot of people who have lost their long-time beloved family pet this year, and now it would seem it’s my turn. I don’t like it.
Our cat is very ill with renal failure. This occurs quite often in older cats, and she’s been around 16 1⁄2 years, so it’s not unexpected. It’s not tragic, just sad, as it’s one o’ those parts of life, the cruddy parts.
I honestly don’t know if anyone else does it to the degree that I do, but I attach sentimentality to our pets in that they were there when the kids were little and did THIS with them, or THAT happened with them. This cat has been as friendly as any dog, and very attached to us; but not to the other kids that come over. When she was younger and able, she would bolt at record speed to get away from them. How enjoyable it was to see her trying to get up the stairs and away, totally losing traction and missing them entirely.
There are many memories I have of her with my now-adult son when he was little, and still my little boy. Her busting into his room. At the time, she was rather plump, and could send those doors banging, startling him. Of her sleeping on his head. One day he came home from school sick (actually NOT faking), and was in bed. He called down on our house intercom to place an order of “The large, fluffy grey cat please”, so I hunted her down and brought her to his room. That is what I think pets are supposed to be so good for, and she was – a quiet, and USUALLY low-maintenance companion.
There are things that WEREN’T so perfect. Our dog was never a problem with chewing up our possessions; the cat cost us quite a bit of money over the years with that bad habit. Shoes, toys, cords to expensive items, they all were delicious. She even had the dubious pleasure of surgery to remove a swallowed cord piece. And that killed the Rock Band drum kit.
The last couple of weeks have been trying different meds to see if we can extend the quality and quantity of her life with us. It’s become clear that’s not going to happen. So, too soon I will say good-bye to one of my favorite gals. I am trying to make myself remember that having her for the 14 years we did was for the most part, awesome.
