He had early kidney failure and then he developed a kidney infection. Even with a course of antibiotics, it was clear to me that George was going downhill. Over the last two weeks, he lost a quarter of a pound, which was a significant weight loss for a skinny cat. He also was losing control of his bladder. Unless there was table scraps in the prospect, George had gotten more and more lethargic and he was sleeping more and more.
I can't ignore the possibility that Gracie's death and absence hit George hard. George and Gracie grew up together and they were playmates all of their lives. His condition seemed to deteriorate more in the last several weeks.
It was his time.
I'm so very sorry...
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry, and yes animals do form bonds and often they grieve and refuse to eat sufficiently when they lose a furry friend.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry, EBM.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry. George hunts with Bast now.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that.
ReplyDeleteEck!
I'm so sorry. You've given us a window into the lives of some damn fine cats. RIP.
ReplyDeleteOh, I know this so well...
ReplyDeleteI had a pair of fancy rats, Nobby and Simon. Nobby got really sick with a respiratory illness, so they had to be separated, and Simon simply refused to eat. I wound up having to put them both down, and it was the single worst thing that I have ever been through in my entire life... because I had to do it myself, because I didn't have the money to pay a vet to do it.
It was the single worst day of my life, and I feel the echo of that grief for your George and your Gracie, and I know that they loved you and that you loved them.
Tough deal, even now a couple of years later I still miss my daughter's Persian. She would sleep on top of a family room chair that I would always accidentally bump into in the dark in the middle of the night and she would 'mew' to tell me she was okay, but could I walk a little straighter? Or at least I think that was what she was saying.
ReplyDeleteGood cats are such good friends. Sorry for your loss...
All The Best,
Frank W. James
Been there, done that ..... even the memory is painful. The good memories linger, but they don't replace.
ReplyDeleteSo Sorry for the loss of your companion.
Bear
So Sorry! Had a cat named Gracie, as well. A short-haired Calico. "Say goodnight, Gracie" and she'd meow!
ReplyDeleteNamed Gracie because she was a klutz.
Thanks, everyone. I knew that this was coming for at least a couple of weeks, which gave me a little time to deal with it.
ReplyDeleteFrank, that had to be hard, especially she was your daughter's cat.
Just me and Jake, now.
My condolences, Comrade. It never gets easier to lose one of our beloved companions, nor should it. Cats, dogs, ratties (term of affection, Improbably Joe), possums, horses, African Grey parrots... whatever animal companion we choose, we face the certain knowledge that we will outlive them.
ReplyDeleteAnd even that knowledge does not make it easier, it makes it harder. Sometimes, I think people who share their lives with animals have a kind of courage; we fly our love in the face of death every single damn time.
Not Again! You poor person! I was just thinking of writing Good Wishes on your move and new life, and today I find This! So sad for you. I too have an aging and sick cat,her vet appt. is today and I am hoping for some help here not despair. On the other hand, yesterday in the warm sunshine I made friends with a new Brush Kitty here. She is mostly Black, and medium long haired has the cutest white 'bowtie' on her nose and a very sweet personality. seen her for awhile now but only a blackish blur as she ran. Yesterday we introduced ourselves,and she sat in my lap, much better. So, I am saddest for you, sad for my girl too and happy for the newest kitty at Casa w3ski. Rescue animals RULE ! I know; we have 8 now, Saint Bernards (2) down to little lost Bush Kitties, Quite the furball when it's cold out and the fire is burning warm.
ReplyDeleteWith my love and sympathy
w3ski
Crap
ReplyDeleteDear Miss Fit:
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry that you have to deal with this so soon after Gracie's departure. My condolences to you and Jake -- give him a scratch behind the ears for me.
Frank
I'm sad for your loss.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry, Comrade. My sincere condolences for all your tsurrus lately.
ReplyDeleteMy deepest sympathies on your loss of George.
ReplyDeleteDear EB, I am so saddened to hear of George's illness and crossing. My thoughts and heart are with you.
ReplyDeleteYogi
So sorry to hear this. I have three myself, and the oldest is showing signs of nearing the finish line. Not imminent, but stories like this make me try to appreciate the days left even more.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry, EB. How is Jake taking this?
ReplyDelete