Posted on 03/26/2008 1:22:31 PM PDT by Tennessee_Bob
Poor guy. My condolences.
It’s tough to lose a treasured pet. Realistically, it can be as a tough as losing a child.
Been there, done that, and it isn’t fun at all.
I lost a precious little black cat 15 months ago. You have my sympathy. They leave a hole that just can’t be filled. Even though a new kitty has come to live in my house now, I still miss my little black kitten. They are special and I know you are better for having loved and been loved by Pitch. I hope that brings you comfort.
WOW, I don’t know if I should admit this on the board, but my eyes started tearing up as I was reading this. I lost two beloved kitties within 7 months (the second one only a baby), and my heart broke into pieces each time. So sorry for your loss.
Oh, and Gob bless you for having the courage to do the right thing. My little black kitty had CFR as well and we did the hydration and antibiotics for almost 8 months. It bought us some wonderful extra time together, but it becomes painfully obvious when you have to make the decision to let them go. It was the single hardest thing I have ever done. But it is the right thing. Out of all the loving things you have done for Pitch, the last one was the most loving of all. That is probably why it hurts so much.
ASHLEY ON PATROL
Ashley, unremarkable looking grey striped tabbycat, until you see the eyes, cat of sinew and fur, resolute gaze, steady manner, scarred but never bowed, on patrol, on patrol in the house, in the yard, along the wall of the woods, keeping watch, claws and teeth ready, for the invader foolish enough to Cross the Line
Ashley on patrol, through the long hours of the night, the brief hours of summer afternoon, the snow, rain, wind, on patrol, ever watchful, never tiring, resolved, resolute, content to be on patrol
Ashley on patrol, a quick meal inside, at the kitty dish on the counter, gulping down store-bought food, tame, house cat food, for an untamed soul, quickly, still watching, from the corner of an eye, what's that motion outside? just random movement, or an Intruder? no more time for tame eating, must get back on duty
Ashley on patrol, so many encounters in the night, a few in daytime, most unseen by other eyes, several heard in the small hours, many not, but always the yard remains safe, under guard, many scars, much hair gone, not quite as steady as you were, youth cannot be kept by force of will, or sense of duty,
Ashley on patrol, always a friend to your housemates, other cats lacking your resolve, sense of purpose, a small, noisy dog who presumes too much, but tolerated, humans who care for you and who you care for, despite their puzzling lack of territoriality, who cuddle you when you're between duty sections, scratching you under the chin, your most favorite place, which causes you to stretch most luxuriously, and make your soft, rumbling purr, eyes closed in pleasure at the touch and warmth, of those you guard so well, perhaps time for a tame snack at countertop, before resuming the watch, for another long night
Ashley on patrol, who, during some long night of attentiveness, encountered one of the smallest intruders, an intruder of the body, an intruder unseen, unfelt, unsmelled, that began its own patrol of your life's blood, a patrol that doomed you
Ashley no longer on patrol, not eating, sleeping too much, too thin, coat dulled and threadbare, tired, retired sentry now, dreaming of past glories, past battles won, now too fond of the soft carpet, the cozy room, your body invaded by the unknown and unknowable, failing, so tired, time to rest, my friend, a last hug, a last purr, the prick of a needle, a last tear, sleep now
Ashley on patrol, coat shiney again, gaze steady, pace confident, no more pain, no more adversaries, Ashley on patrol, in Heaven
(c) 1986
Bob...
Pitch Cat is gorgeous!
Looks like our Ebony and our Shadow (black cats) who have long crossed the Rainbow Bridge....along with Shag (a dog...a Westie), Boots, Tiger, Gabby and our white Mercedes, more very lovable cats!
Geez, now I have tears in my eyes remembering them and all the joy they brought. Each was unique...every one was so very special! We miss them so very much!
This is my favorite animated version of the Rainbow Bridge.
Perhaps you’ve seen it. If not...
http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html
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