When I was 25 my cat was hit by a car. I was heartsick.
A week later Pete met me at the door when I came home from work. There was meowing coming from upstairs.
He had found a stray, the strangest looking cat I had ever seen. My first question was, "Did you shave him?"
No, he hadn't. That was just how he came.
He also came with only one functional eye and the worst case of worms our vet had seen in her almost twenty year career.
We found his owners but they never showed up to take him back home.
That was sixteen years ago.
Spike has been with us since we were just starting to figure out what "us" even meant.
Every house.
Every job.
Every unfolding of our life.
Marriage. Parenting. All of it.
There was Spike. The almost hairless one-eyed cat.
A few years ago cancer set in. We had one of his ears removed, then the other. In the past few months it began to spread across his forehead and to his nose and throat. Open sores that never healed. He was hurting.
It was time.
Today we said goodbye.
Sixteen years, six houses, two kids, three other cats, three dogs, one family.
Oh, Spike.
Travel well, old man. You were truly one of a kind.
And you will be missed.
Oh! I feel for you. Our kitty just passed away a few months back. We also got her when we were trying to figure out what “us” meant and she traveled with us through 5 moves, 3 children and a dog. She was the constant and she was reliable. She was just always there. I’m sorry for your loss.
Our Buzby had cancer of the sinus passages. So I know what you’ve been going through. It tore me apart to tell him good-bye….we had such a special relationship. My thoughts are with you all.
Making the right decision doesn’t mean it’s easy. Healing comfort to you all.
(((Hugs)))
How many of my memories of visiting involve Spike? All of them. 🙂 He was definitely one of a kind. When we had our rexes, you were the only one who I knew that had one too and yours was by accident. Things won’t be the same without his silly, sweet face around. Love to you all!
xo to all of you. truly. xo
Sending you many hugs. xoxo
Sounds like Spike was very loved.. And no doubt he felt that til the end.. Such a loss for your family. We’re recovering from the loss of our beautiful cocker spaniel, Ndugu. Losing a beloved pet is so tough. Love and light.
Oh, man. That sounds so hard. What a lovely family he happened upon all those years ago–lucky cat. To find a family that would love him, funny looks and all. Take care!
I’m sorry for your loss. It is hard to lose a friend and companion. I’ve been on both sides- a vet euthanizing a pet and an owner having my pet euthanized. Neither side is easy. I will say though Rachel, as a vet I was always glad to have the option of euthanasia because when things get to the point where there is nothing more that can be done I knew I could end or prevent further suffering.
Deciding to euthanize a pet is one of the hardest and in someways the most loving things a pet owner can do. There is something to be said for a peaceful death. I’m glad for Spike and your family that he came into your lives.
Thanks for these words, Kim. Truly.
Thanks darlin’. Love you.
Peace to you, Barb.
Oh my Gods, I am so very very very very sorry. <3 He was well loved, and that is what is so so important.
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss, Rachel…but happy to know that you had such a great companion for so long. What a priceless treasure. He looks like a soft teddy bear in the last photo. =)
My cat has been with me through starting a family and many other things.. and she’s getting old.. I treasure her every day, and I know that it’s only for a relatively short while that kitties can be with us.
all of you, take care. xx
Oh! I am so sorry, he was such a sweetie! I totally would have bitten my child, and he didn’t! Looks like he knew he was loved!