Once again, I find myself on this site writing a tribute – what a sad chore this is – and yet, it somehow
alleviates some of the pain.
This time around, I’m writing in memory of my once big (18 lbs) Dexter Ambrose, who, before traveling over the “Rainbow Bridge”, was only 9.5 lbs. Dexter developed hyperthyroidism over a year ago & although he’s been on medication, he remained ravenous and kept losing weight. It was felt that there was a chance that he might have had some type of cancer despite the fact that this was not really being indicated by all of the tests given to him.
Then, on April 29th, he was diagnosed with diabetes & immediately put on insulin. After being on insulin for 4 months, he suddenly – with no warning – went to bed ok one day & on the next day he had developed a severe, uncommon, unbelievably terrible to look at, “skin condition” which was determined later that day to be a complication of his diabetes. The prognosis was extremely poor and he was in very bad shape. There was only once choice – and all pet owners know what a hard choice that was to make.
Dexter Ambrose had just turned 17 years old on the 4th of July. I originally found him in my building’s parking lot in 1995 & after having him neutered, tested, given appropriate shots, I embarked upon the journey of looking for a home for him. He soon got one, a home with a legally blind young lady who had 1 cat. Within a few days, though, I received a frantic call with the news that he “bit” her cat & I was told to get him out right away – I had to go & get him at 3:30 AM!!! I was determined NOT to adopt him, didn’t want any more cats! I then was given the name of a person who was willing to “foster” him while my friends & I continued to look for a home for him. Dexter, though, had other ideas – he got fleas, which of course prevented me from giving him to someone without having him treated & totally cured of this problem. Next, creative Dexter put on a good show of “panting” one day when it was 105 degrees outside, so I took him into my home. When I picked him up onto my lap during that day, he put a paw up on my chest & looked deeply into my eyes. Ok, I was a sucker, he “got” to me & has been with me ever since that day! Dexter,when he was much younger, had a pancreatic condition which required daily pills. Dexter LOVED these pills & literally climbed up my legs trying to pull the pills out of my hand! This behavior earned him the nickname of “Dexter the Druggie” !!! His other nicknames were “Dexetrim” (after the once well-known diet pill) & “Mr. Rat Tail” – due to his long, straight, thin tail. Dexter got along well with all of my cats except the one that everyone in my household hated. He joined in the “collective hate club”!
Dexter maintained a close friendship with my white cat for several years & they could be found together, grooming each other. He also became very close to my elderly dog who was not doing well, and frequently, they would sleep right next to each other on my dog’s special blanket. Who knew that only 7 weeks after Dexter’s doggie friend went to the Rainbow Bridge, that Dexter would be joining her? It does bring some sort of relief to think of them being together again to continue their friendship.
And so, there’s no longer that screechy, “rusty” sound of Dexter’s morning meowing, asking for his meal. There’s no Dexter for me to go running after him with “test strips” whenever I noticed him going to the litter box, to check his glucose readings. No more lifting him up to his feeding spot that was now too high for him…and no more looking at his beautiful green eyes. His eyes now blend with the many colors of the rainbow, as he takes his place with all of the other pets – over that bridge.
Missing you so much,
| Dexter Ambrose |
| 20, Aug 2008 |
| Geri |