You were our beautiful little boy Spike, only just turned 4 and yet you died so suddenly and in so much pain, it just wasn’t fair. The Vet didn’t know what was wrong from the tests and it all happened in the space of a few days – I’m so sorry we couldn’t help you more, please know that we loved you so much and tried all we could.
You were so intelligent, you knew it was your time late Wednesday night when you cried and cried to be held, you always hated being picked up but this time you went quiet, snuggled under my chin, then on my chest and went to sleep. When you wanted to move and wriggled an hour later I put you in one of your favourite sleeping spots. I was so worried because you wouldn’t eat that night and you needed to take your medicine – it just wasn’t like you and deep down I knew something was really wrong. But exhaustion set in and I needed some sleep – I couldn’t sleep though and at 2am heard you crying again so went in to check on you, this time in the bathroom but you’d fallen down as you had been lately and couldn’t make it to your favourite fluffy bath mat. I picked you up but your legs went out from under you and you struggled in my arms – then I realised you were dying. I lay you on your favourite mat and stroked you as you passed – it looked painful and I cried so much.
I know now though that your cuddle earlier had been you saying ‘good bye’ – I’m so thankful we had that at least -I told you good bye and sleep peacefully without anymore pain. I didn’t sleep that night and OT and I buried you under the mandarin tree – today the birds are dancing and chirping above you and tonight I’ll light a candle there for you. I feel you with me all the time and know you’ll always be there.
I’m so grateful we had 3 years and 3 months of happiness together. Those 9 short months before we found each other at the shelter are hopefully forgotten as I know they weren’t easy for you. You picked me and I’m so happy you did – what a special cat you were.
I miss you dearly. I’ll always remember what a funny little guy you were, you must have had the loudest purr I ever heard and loved to sleep with your tongue hanging out! I loved it when you rubbed your head against my hand, especially the last time you did Wednesday night – I won’t forget it. You were so gentle, wouldn’t fight other cats (very submissive) and just craved human company.
The house is so quiet now and it breaks my heart, with Mischief gone 2 years ago I have no other animals but the silence helps to preserve your memory and will continue to until one day we help other cats. We will never, ever forget you though. Your spirit will live on and I’m sure one day I’ll meet another cat that seems so like you that I’ll shake his paw and say ‘Hello Spike’.
Loving, affectionate, funny, ‘mighty purrer’ and ‘little shadow’. We know you are at peace know and free of the pain you had.