One day I was visiting the vet with my cat Max and on the way out on the board I noticed a picture with 2 cats: one black and one black and white long haired. It turned out they were abandoned and they needed a home. Since I already had 2 cats I thought about it for a week, but could not get the black and white cat out of my mind. Finally, I decided to take him. It was the best thing that happened to me. I named him Stanley. I did not know his background, but he was about 5 years old at the time, and judging by his behavior, came from an abusive environment. It took some time to gain his trust, but once he did trust me
he was the most wonderful cat.
He followed me everywhere, he slept next to me, he greeted me at the door. This was in 1997. In 2000 he had a thyroid surgery, and made a full recovery. In February 2002 it turned out he had diabetes. He received insulin twice a day. Despite many attempts, we were never able to control his diabetes.
In June 2003 they found a growth in his tummy. In November 2003 Stanley had another thyroid surgery and the surgeon checked the growth to see if it could be removed. Due to the location we decided not to. Even though Stanley tested negative for Cushing’s disease, the vet was convinced Stanley had it, because he had many of the signs: heart failure, thinning skin, hair loss, diabetes… Stanley was never complaining about having to take the medication daily.
He was a wonderful, wonderful, special boy until the end. Finally, after seeing him struggle for air, while he was in heart failure and a skin infection I had to make a decision. This was the most difficult decision I ever had to make. I said goodbye and told him how much I loved him. He was put to sleep while I held him. Stanley, your brothers and I miss you terribly. Life without you will never be the same.
I love you forever, my munchkin.
| Stanley |