The last thing we expected this morning was that we would lose another beloved little friend today.
Patches always suffered with what seemed to be sinus irritations or allergies, but we were managing to keep them in check.
.
Then a couple of days ago she appeared a bit more congested and subdued.
Last night, she had hardly moved from her box downstairs and when I took her supper to her the thought crossed my mind that she was becoming frail. She was 17, after all.
.
So this morning, we took Patches to the vet, expecting maybe a course of antibiotics might be in order.
Patches was always quiet and never fussed about vet visits, but this morning she was very vocal.
Inevitably, because she was agitated, there was a protracted wait but as she wandered back and forth seeking a way out of the room, I suddenly noticed her eyes.
.
Her left eye was very dilated.
In itself this was likely bad news, but there was much worse. She had a mass beneath one jaw.
Maybe we could have kept her with us a few more months but with what quality of life?
.
It’s that worst of all decisions we make, though I found small comfort in the doctor’s opinion that it was the right thing.
She would not have said so if she didn’t think it.
As Grant and I talked it over, Patches relaxed into my arms and seemed to have calmed and I am very grateful for that last memory of our beloved girl.
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God speed, beloved Patches, you were the sweetest little soul and you will be so missed.
❤️
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear Patches. ❤️🥰
Thank you.
I’m really sorry.
17 is a great age.
Yes, she had a long life and hopefully most of it happy.
What can I say, Carolyn, just that you wrote so movingly about the passing of your
friend, Patches, I will remember her forever!
Joanna
She was a sweet little innocent. Thank you.
I understand, I am sorry!
Joanna
May she be at peace.
I hope she is back with all her old cuddle buddies who went before.
Patches RIP. It’s always hard to make that decision.
Yes. Thank you.
So sorry. All comfort and best wishes. It’s so hard. Even though you cared so well for her and yes, it was the right thing to do.
Thank you Josie!
So sorry to read this sad and painful news about Patches. I hope you can find some comfort in the beautiful memories of such a beautiful cat.
Thank you Herman. I know you understand only too well.
I am so sorry for your loss., Carolyn.
She was so loved by you both.
God speed sweet Patches……💜🐈
Catherine
I’m so sorry to hear this Carolyn (and Grant). Always a difficult decision, but a necessary and humane one. Love to you all.
Thank you Peter. XX
Sorry for your loss C Smith… another one over the rainbow bridge. I’m glad for you sending suffer too much in the end and you gave her so much love!
They are all special in their own way and when they go they leave a big empty space. It was way too soon after all the others, you know? Thanks for your words.
Oh Carolyn … it’s such sad news. I’m so sorry to read about dear Patches. Another empty space in your house (but not in your heart). My thoughts are with you and Grant.
Thank you, yes we are very sad. She was a different little cat, a sort of sweet innocent. 17 years is a good life for a cat and she was with us for most of them.
17 was a good age, but it is always heartbreaking at any age. I agree with the Vet, you did the right thing by her. And when she relaxed in your arms, she knew that too. x
Best wishes, Pete.
Once she had been examined, she seemed to get over her anxiety and I stood with my arms around her and she purred just as she always did when she came for her evening cuddles. I was so grateful for that, that she felt no trauma. She was such a funny, simple and sweet creature. Thanks for your words Pete. I know you understand.
The losses are coming so close together and I know each one hurts deeply. Take comfort that little Patches isn’t suffering anymore and she had a wonderful life with you, Grant and the other kitties.
It was sudden as she had checked out fine only months ago. It’s a reminder never to take anything for granted. Thanks for your kind words.
I’m sorry for your loss. It hurts to lose a furry friend.
Gladys
Yes. Thank you.
So sorry to hear the news. Age hunts us all down. She was loved and knew it. She went with quiet dignity. None of it helps I know, but you know you did the right thing for her.
Thank you Colin. I think as we get older all of these losses add up or maybe we are less resilient. Less busy, probably, more time to think. We were lucky to have such a sweet creature and yes, we gave her lots of love.