The Loss of a Furry Family Member

 Dear Friends & Readers,

I am setting this post for Friday, June 24th at 3:00pm, PST.  This is the appointed time that our veterinarian will arrive at our home.  A special burial plot is ready, as is a small box.  It is time for me to give my beloved kitty, "Tiger Lily" a dignified end to her life.  She has been a member of our family for 14 years.  I am writing this tonight, on Thursday evening, as my own form of therapy-- in dealing with the fact that I will miss her very much.

 Tiger Lily and her Littermate, Camo

It is Friday, at 2:00pm.  In one hour, the vet will arrive.  I lifted my kitty up, to take outside into the sunshine. She has been pretty listless for the last two days.  She managed a few rolls on the concrete. She's so thin-- a mere wisp of 6 pounds of fur and bones, as her intestinal cancer is ravaging her body.  But she's back in the house, in her hunched position.  She is tired. She is ready.  It is time for me to let go... say goodbye.

I always thought that I love dogs as the best pets.  Somehow, this kitty-- who destroyed one of my favorite chairs, years ago... the kitty who learned how to grab bathroom cabinets and open them at 3am just to hear them slam shut with a loud BANG... the kitty who always spooned next to me on the bed...who picked up her cat food with her paw and used it to spoon feed herself... she has given me fourteen years of companionship, unconditional love, amusement and she captured my dog-loving heart.

I worry about her sister's grief, as I'm prepared for her to search for where her sister has gone. She will be buried on top of our hill, and we'll plant flowers on her spot. 

...so, now, it's just you and me "Camo".  You no longer have to fight for your share of dinner. My lap will be vacant for you to take her place.  Then, one day, the time will come for you to be laid to rest next to your sister. When that time comes, I will give you the dignity of not having to suffer.

Tonight, I plan on making potent margaritas to help numb the pain a bit,  and to just remember what a wonderful family pet that my Tiger Lily was.  I'm thankful that I can give her the gift of humane euthanasia.  She has earned it; she was just "on loan" to me for as many cat years as she had to give.

I'll be back to blog in a couple or three days. I just have a few buckets of tears to cry.

Four Feet in Heaven

Your favorite chair is vacant now...
No eager purrs to greet me.
No softly padded paws to run
Ecstatically to meet me.
No coaxing rubs, no plaintive cry
Will say it's time for feeding.
I've put away your bowl, and all
The things you won't be needing;
But I will miss you little friend,
For I could never measure
The happiness you brought me,
The comfort and the pleasure.
And since God put you here to share
In earthly joy and sorrow;
I'm sure there'll be a place for you
In Heaven's bright tomorrow...

by Alice E. Chase