It is with such grief and sorrow that I write this story about Fred, but I felt it was a good way to immortalize him. Eighteen years ago I had adopted a very small kitten from our local shelter. It became obvious after a short time that he was very ill and although the vet did everything he could, the kitten passed on. When the vet called to tell me the news, he added: “Please stop by tonight on your way home,
I have something to show you.”
I stopped by and there in a cage was a big, orange, long haired cat. He so wanted to be out of the cage that he had rubbed a raw spot on his nose from nuzzling the bars. The vet said he had found him that morning as he was rummaging through the trash cans. He knew that he wouldn’t survive in the wild because he didn’t run away when the vet picked him up. He suggested that I take him and although I was still upset over the loss of the kitten,
I took the cat home.
That was 18 years ago and through that time, Fred has been my best buddy. Such an unassuming guy, although he did “talk” to me all the time. He was very vocal and always meowed as if to say “Feed me, love me, pet me, notice me.” He was always a healthy cat and rarely required anything more then his annual check-ups and vaccinations. I told him he would live forever, but I lied. Two days ago, after a couple months of vomiting off and on and lots of weight loss, pills and meds, shots and vet visits, I made the decision
to put him to rest.
The vet said that to do otherwise would be selfish and I never, ever wanted to put my desires before Fred’s. There was no amount of time or money that I wouldn’t have given to save him, but I couldn’t bear to see my once “fat boy” so thin and frail. I am still struggling with my decision and have read the stories of others who wonder
if they did the right thing.
I pray to God that I did and hope that he realizes it was all for him – only for him. How hard it is for pet owners to let go of their beloved companions. The house is now empty and quiet without him and I am reminded constantly of my loss. The pain is so great and I only hope that time will let me think of Fred without such sorrow and guilt. I cannot bear that I let him down –
that I couldn’t make him better.
I went to a second vet in the hope of a magic cure, but it was not to be. Fred, please know that you were a special part of my life – you outlasted every other pet I’d ever had and I guess that’s why I thought you were invincible. I pray that you are at peace and that
you know how much you are loved.
With much love,
| Fred |
| Jo Melucci |