I first got Shamroc when she was 6 1/2 weeks old, born March 17, 1989 she was the runt of the litter, a feisty little kitten with big ears that fit in the palm of my hand. She was a Tortoise Shell Tabby with big beautiful yellow eyes, a white bib, and 4 little white paws. (Her picture is posted on the CRF website under CRF angels) This tiny little kitty grew to be 14 lbs and always kept her feisty personality.
She was my love, my best buddy, my soul mate. All her life she always stayed by my side. She would walk me down the stairs when I left for work in the morning (of course I had to pet her head till my hand almost fell off) and she would be on the stair landing waiting for me when I got home. We would watch TV together and read books together. Although most of the time Shamroc chose to lay on the book. At Christmas Shamroc and Shasta would always help to decorate or should I say un-decorate the tree. She would always know which present was for her no matter how hard I would try to hide it amongst the other presents. I would find it in the living room with all the Christmas paper off of it and then she would look at me as if to say, “Well it was for me anyway.” Everyday at 5:00 AM like clockwork she would jump on the bed and purr loudly in my ear to get me up to feed her.
Sometimes in the middle of the night she would bring me her mouse to play with her. What I wouldn’t give to hear her purr in my ear once again or to have her next to me in the morning.
Then at the age of 13…one day she started to limp and within a few days she could not walk at all. In June 2002 an MRI showed a malignant tumor which encompassed her entire spinal cord. The Neurologist spoke with me for hours on the procedure, the risks, and future outlook.
The operation had a 75% chance of being successful. The downside was that within 1 ½ years a cyst could form in the same place the tumor was located. We opted for the surgery which was a success. For 4 weeks, 3 times every day I gave her home physical therapy exercises to get her back legs to work again. In 5 days she stood up and
took her first steps.
I took a picture of her sweet face looking up at me as if to say..”Look mom I can stand and walk again.” I can remember breaking down and crying with tears of joy running down my face.
Shamroc’s surgery was quite the success story. Her story and picture (she was such a ham) was published in several Neurological brochures.
She was also featured in Time, Sports Illustrated, and Newsweek Magazines in an advertisement for the hospital. Then Shamroc made her TV debut on “Pet Stop” with her Neurologist telling about her surgery and what a very special and lucky kitty Shamroc was. It was truly her 15 minutes of fame.
In the year and a half that followed the surgery Shamroc continued to be a star and she knew it! She was waited on hand and foot, spoiled rotten, basked in warm sunny windows, received flowers and toys from the neighbors for her birthday. Life was good! And then one day, exactly 1 ½ yrs after the surgery she started to limp again.
My heart broke. I just knew what this meant. Another MRI showed a massive cyst had grown in the same spot the tumor was. Another surgery was out of the question. Her Neurologist started her on steroids to keep the swelling down in the spinal cord so she could walk. Shamroc did well on the steroids and managed to lead a fairly active life. Then in November 2004 Shamroc was diagnosed with CRF. I can remember my heart breaking after hearing those words as I knew this was a battle I could not win. The vet who took care of Shamroc was the husband of her Neurologist who performed the spinal surgery.
For 6 months it was a series of pills, Sub Q’s, vet visits and constant care 24×7. I did very thing I could for her. I switched my job within my company so I could work from home to take care of her. I wanted to be with her every minute I could. But all the doctors, pills, vitamins, Sub Q’s and constant love and care could not save her. Shamroc died in my arms of CRF and CHF 8:10 AM on May 19, 2005
Shamroc was a very special kitty who touched so many lives. She fought a brave and valiant fight against this horrible disease. The out pouring of condolences from all over the world, from neighbors and friends touched my heart. I have placed each letter, card and poem received in a memorial book I put together in Shamroc’s memory.
Today, May 19, 2006 marks the 1st year anniversary since my sweet baby joined the angels. My life is so empty without her. I still feel so lost. I loved her so much. I miss her sitting with me on my lap while I worked, sleeping with me, begging at the table for food, watching TV with me, and sitting on the deck with me watching the sun set in the summer. She was my best friend, my soul mate. It’s amazing how such a small little fur person can leave such a gaping hole in your heart. Your whole being for that matter. But I know that Shamroc is whole again, free from all pain and suffering. She is running and playing in green fields of catnip and sunshine with all the other angel kitties. And I know when my journey in this life is over, Shamroc will be there at the Bridge waiting for me with purrs and warm whisker kisses never to be separated again. She will always be a part of me and will remain forever warm in my heart.
In My Heart
I thought of you with love today.
But that is nothing new.
I thought about you yesterday.
And days before that too.
I think of you in silence.
I often speak your name.
Now all I have is memories.
And your picture in a frame.
Your memory is my keepsake.
With which I’ll never part.
God has you in his keeping.
I have you in my heart.
I miss and love you so very much.
| Mieke |