When I first saw him, I knew he was the one – or rather, I was the one for him. My dear Shakespeare (the lil man) gave me 19 wonderful years of unconditional love, loyalty, support and joy. We moved 15 times during his lifetime, and he just kept staying by my side. There were plently of times he had opportunities to walk away, but never did. I think he had more than 9 lives – he was so strong and brave and
just kept on going on.
He was diagnosed with kidney failure earlier this year, but his will never stopped – even when he could not walk very well, he was still determined to jump on the bed, his favorite outside chair, and the lounge.
I went through a tough time a couple of years ago, and he was there for me the whole time. It seemed he knew exactly what I was feeling, and knew when I needed cuddles and love the most. In fact, he has spent over half of my life with me, and more than that – has been in my life more than what my own father has!
In January of this year he ran infront of my car, and I ran over his leg. It was touch and go, because he was not going to the toilet. Dr Lawrie told me that I should think about euthanasia. I went home and said to my partner “I wonder if we take his kitty litter to the vet if that would make a difference”. My partner took his litter tray down to the vet the next day, and straight away, he went to the toilet! He was home again that afternoon. All the staff at the vet called him “Wonder Cat”, because they were sure he wouldn’t pull through. His doctor was amazed with how fit and strong he was for a cat his age. Every time I took him down for his check ups, he would always comment how young and
kitten-like he was.
Last week, his little body couldn’t take anymore, he could no longer walk, wasn’t eating or going to the toilet and wasn’t washing himself. He got up to get a drink and fell over, and let out a cry of despair. It was then that I realised he couldn’t go on anymore. He was frustrated with himself, and this was unfair on him, as he had been so agile and
strong all his life.
I was heartbreaking for me. I had to be there when they gave him his injection. His little head dropped with one last breath.
I know he is free from pain, but I miss him. No matter how much you prepare yourself for grief, you still feel a great sense of loss.
We had a service for him on Friday night. He is now resting under catnip (he went crazy on catnip all his life – loved the stuff!)and purple irises. This was his favorite outside sleeping place. I miss him so, but ever so thankful for the love he gave me.
The house feels so empty. The bed is cold without him, and every now and then I see something out of the corner of my eye that makes think he is still there. I will never forget him, he was my lil man.
With so much love,
| Shakespeare |
| Louise |