I stood at the front door talking with someone the other day and found my foot blocking egress to an imaginary animal. Our dog, Jasper, was in the back yard and Vic was gone — to kitty heaven.
Almost a month and a half, and it’s still hard to fathom — my precious kitty is really gone… forever.
His demise began back in 2003 when he was diagnosed with diabetes. Two shots of insulin a day since and he was doing really well until about 6 months ago, when he began to lose weight drastically.
The descent had begun.
Then, about a week before our departure eastbound, I heard Ed shriek from the basement “something is wrong with Vic!!!” — and I ran down to find Vic lying 3 feet from his litter box in his own waste.
I’d prepared for this eventuality, having promised that once he could no longer maintain his dignity, I would let him go. Having said that, I made the appointment a week hence, then cried my eyes out, cuddled Vic for all he was worth and made sure he knew he was loved… fun, foibles and all.
The event itself was lovely.
Dr. Kopp talked with us for awhile about Vic and I recounted his escapes, including his kayaking adventures and dressing as an elf for my 50th birthday. When the time came, it was so peaceful, I couldn’t be sad for Vic… the only feeling remaining was my own sadness and missing him.
He’s at peace. I’m happy about that… but it’s going to take awhile for the physical to mesh with the emotional.
Dear Ros, We get a little hole in our hearts every time we lose one of our little loves. At least Jasper will take your attention away for now. I have gone through 15 sadnesses, canine, feline and bunnies. The life shared and the memories make up for the pain of loss. They are all alive and joyful in my memory. You know me from Affiliate Blogger Pro and if you don’t remember I don’t blame you. You probably “know” thousands of people.Take care, Karen Bell (chloesmommy)
So sorry for your loss. It is never easy to lose a beloved pet. Vic looks like he was quite the handsome guy! How nice to have this tribute to him here.
Hi Rosalind,
Sorry for your loss. The same thing happened to my cat Shane. He was also diabetic and I also gave him his shots. He got better and then started to lose weight and not eat. His kidneys were failing. I knew it was almost time. He was almost 16 years old but I had him since he was a two month old kitten. When the day I forced him to eat and he ate I thought he was getting better but he wasn’t and had a seizure in front of me and my sister. We took him to the vet and with the vet’s kind words, he went so peacefully so quickly I knew we made the best decision. With the sadness, comes the good memories. I will always remember him in my heart and he will be waiting for me at the Rainbow Bridge.
Sorry to hear about the loss of your cat. It’s hard to come to terms with their passing sometimes. We had Arabia (who we called affectionately “Ara-beast” or just “The Beast”), a solid black domestic short hair with an attitude, for 18 years. He passing was a real blow. Now we have Wendy, a 16 year old Border Collie, still pretty frisky but with arthritis now and cataracts. Already dreading the day when she’s no longer with us.
Rest in peace, Vic.
Ros,
I´m so sorry to hear that your little one is gone… he was too cute and for sure a great companion. I´ve lost my kitty too, on July, 20th ’10, and i know how much you miss Vic – as I miss my Maxi as much. They are in peace – thank god we are allowed to let them go when we see we cannot help anymore.