Hey you – you, with the greying muzzle. Can you still hear me? You look a little muddled. I’m over here – on the sofa – can you find me? Don’t fret – if not, I’ll come get you. I’m right here. You smell me, don’t you – your eyes are concerned. Don’t worry, buddy. I am right here every step of the way.
We go back quite a ways, don’t we? Some days, things were good, some days, we struggled. But you were always there. When I was irritated, you soothed my nerves. When I was lonely, you snuggled up tight. When I was sulking, you gently pawed my leg. When I thought my world was falling apart, you held me together.
I hurt, and you understood. You gave, and then gave some more. No matter how I felt, how I behaved, or what I did, you were there, watching, waiting, ready to comfort. Always accepting.
And now you’re aging. Know that I will stand by you. While my heart will break into pieces as your body slowly tires, I will do my best to make every step of the way as comfortable as possible. I promise to watch carefully so you don’t suffer needlessly. And when the time has come, I will hold your paw and soothe your soul as you take your last sleep.
We are connected, you and I; physically in this world, spiritually forever after. Thank you for choosing me, I have been honored to be yours.
Always so beautifully written. Enjoy every day with your precious pets and bask in their boundless love for you…there is nothing quite like it!
For the longest time it seems as if the love affair will last forever. Then you find out what a cat’s forever is, and you have to be content with sweet memories, and a picture on the shelf.
How well put, Gary.
I’ve lost six meezers and each has a special piece of my heart. I have my seventh (and last since I’m 74). This article truly touched me more than any others. Thanks, Siri
Emmy was diagnosed with CRF right before the pandemic hit. I have been giving her subcutaneous fluids twice a week for over 2 years. But now she is getting close to the end. She has been an only cat for the first time in her life since her brother Lon Khaa died on 1June 2020. She has been enjoying that so much, but I am watching her carefully to know when she wants to go. I have never had a cat die while asleep…I always have to make the decision, and it is so hard. I will be catless when she is gone, I hope for not very long, because I am willing to put my heart out there again. Thanks, Siri.
It is so hard, I hear you! Any meezer is lucky to have you, Linda!
This made me cry as I am facing this with my almost 20 year old Milo that my late husband and I had adopted from SCRC in March 2014. He has been my constant companion since my husband passed away in 2018. He is such a sweet little soul and will be a tough one to lose.
Sending you strength, Karen! 20 is a good long life, what a lucky guy, and a testament to your love and care!
Reading this makes me miss my passed meezers so. We’ve lost 3 since we’ve lived in this house. Most recently Punkin who we got from Siamese Rescue. We loved her so, but her time on the streets gave her e-coli which affected her kidneys. Terrible way to die. And she was so young. Rest well, Punkin. We’ll meet again my love. 💔💔💔
Beautifully written. Makes me think of all the meezers that I have lost. I was there every step of the way and continue to be with my Cora and my Tucker.
March 8th a year ago, we had our almost 20 year old Siamese, Toby II, the Magnifi-cat, put to sleep. What you wrote is so true, and made me teary-eyed. We had a vet who makes house calls come so that he wouldn’t be in a strange place. We had a cat towel to wrap him in, after covering him in rose petals. (Also well wrapped in vinyl bags and duct tape.) We did funeral readings, including from the Egyptian Book of the Dead, and sang All Things Bright and Beautiful. We wrote messages to him in a card that was buried with him. He was buried up the hill in our back yard. We created a memorial garden around his gravesite. There is both a swing and a hammock nearby, so we can talk to him when we are missing him and feeling sad. Other cats, over the years have been buried at parsonages we lived at, so having Toby here at our retirement home has been a blessing. And we still cry.
well written <3
So beautiful, and the timing makes it especially emotional.
Oh no, are you losing someone, or have just? I’m so sorry. I’ve really been missing some of our past cats lately.