A group of stray cats were residing in the vicinity of my childhood home. 11 years ago today, I decided to take some of them in. The littlest of the kittens, the runt, I named Pebbles. Despite her small size (never achieving more than 9lbs) she was a feisty kitty.
She was the type of cat that when you pulled her off your keyboard for the 20th time she would quickly return. Not because she didn’t learn but because she didn’t care – she wanted your attention and she was going to get it. Most of my family found her ways frustrating but I thought it was cute. Pebbles and I took to one another. I was her human. She slept on my pillow almost evey and she would place a paw on my head to ensure that if I got up she would know and could come along. As, I went on to college and graduate school I was unable to bring her with me. When I would return home for a vacation or the summer she would immediately resume our relationship
as if nothing had happened.
She was diagnosed last month with adenocarcinoma of the mammary gland (cancer). The tumor was not noticed until she began limping – soon after her hind quarters swelled to 4 times their normal size. After my parents took her to many doctors including an oncologist and a holistic vet it became apparent that she would never recover. Even last weekend when I was finally able to return home to say goodbye. She struggled to drag her hind quarters just a few inches so that I could hold her once more.
I loved her so much I did not want to be selfish and keep her here and in pain. This afternoon she was relieved of her pain. She is now … dreaming of all the good things that cats dream and playing like a happy kitty should. She is no longer in pain. I will miss her forever.
Dear Pebbley Kitty,
I love you and miss you very much. You will always hold a special place in my heart. I will miss talking to you and hugging you. I hope you are no longer in pain and that you are in a place that you are happy. I also hope that you and I will meet again someday. My sweet baby girl, I hope that I was able to give you as much comfort and joy in your life as you gave to me. I will never forget you, my little mouse cat. I heard your meow to say “goodbye” even though I was 200 miles away. I knew to listen for you … thank you for that.
I love you!!