Posted on 08/17/2013 3:13:33 PM PDT by servo1969
RUSH: I've got people e-mailing me about Punkin, my cat, and I would not have been able to describe this or tell you about this any earlier than today literally without losing it, but we had to put Punkin to sleep a week ago. She was 16 years old, and the first cat that I'd ever had, and ended up being the best pet that I've ever had. I'd always thought that cats were these aloof creatures that couldn't care less if you were around or not.
And to strangers and so forth, they might be. But when a cat attaches to you, some might say when a cat loves you, it's entirely different. This cat attached to me years ago and was everywhere I was. This cat followed me around and just had just a robust personality with me, but she had kidney failure. She's actually had it for 10 years, and she had built up an immunity to every antibiotic. It had stopped working. (sigh)
I guess two weeks ago, whatever you call it, dramatic acute kidney failure set in and she stopped eating. Because when the kidneys fail, somehow the vet said the body tells them that food is poison because it can't be dealt with by the kidney. They stop eating, and she was literally withering away before my eyes. But she was... I mean, these animals, you know, they never give up. Suicide is not in their makeup.
It was one of the hardest things that I've had to do. Last weekend was really sad and lonely, and I wouldn't have been able to tell you about this on Monday without breaking up. But a lot of people have been asking because I had mentioned that she was not well, so I wanted to mention it to you and thank all of you for asking. I appreciate it. You all know. Those of you who have animals and lose them, you know what it's like.
Rest in Peace, sweet Punkin.
Sincerest condolences to Rush. It’s been over three years since my Big Red’s passing. Still hurts.
Very sad, I know how awful it is to lose a beloved pet.
Uh oh! That does’t look like a Two If By Tea to me! ;)
I know what Rush is going through. It does hurt a lot. The best thing to do is get another kitten when the time is right, that is the best way to keep the love going from you past cats. I miss a lot of the cats I had, my longest lived one went to 19 years and 8 days.
I’ve recently read posts on FR saying that Rush seemed to be off his game. Maybe this was the reason.
BTW, again, I feel for your loss, Rush, if you are reading this. I lost a cat last year, Whitey. She was half-Snowshoe from her looks (born all white except for her grey tail and ears), her mother, Spunky (she’s one of my two cats, she survived all of her three kittens) is grey and white. I remember Whitey swatted Obummer when he came on the TV and even hissed at him once.
I don’t blame Rush at all, when I lose a kitty, I’m off my game for a while too.
Of course not. I'm the same way.
Oh no ... That’s so sad. Abys are among the most charming of cats, just full of personality, and of course so beautiful with that ticking in their fur. Poor Rush!! I hope when the time is right, another sweetheart in fur comes into his life. RIP, sweet little Punkin!
I was trying to be humorous... Francis the talking mule and all that... aw forget it! :)
Rush,
Condolences on losing your dear Punkin. My best cat ever was an Abyssinian that I got when he was 7 and had him for 7 more years. It’s been 13 years since I had to put him down and I still miss him.
Regards, Slim
>I was trying to be humorous... Francis the talking mule and all that... aw forget it! :)<
S’ok. I actually was attempting light humor. And, I got the joke (as you got mine - chuckle).
beautiful cat, sorry for Rush’s loss..
Darn this blurry screen! :*^(
Punkin looks like such a sweetie, which makes me think of our “girls” and how this will very likely be in our not-so-distant future. I will be such a mess.... **sniff**
Oh, no. Prayers up for Punkin and for him and his family!
My wife suffered the same fate and that was 45 years ago and I still have that problem. She was carrying our child at the time.
You have let me know I am not alone...thank you.
At about ten years old, he developed cancer, and despite several lengthy and expensive treatments, one day I found him lying on the floor twitching occasionally, unseeing with wide-open eyes and unresponsive. Vet examined him quickly and then sighed before looking at Me to give Me the bad news. He died in My arms while I kept petting him and assuring him how much he was loved.
I was devastated for weeks afterwards, but once in awhile while half asleep I would feel him jump up on the foot of the bed and begin walking up to lay on his usual place on one of My arms (I sleep on My side(s). I think it took him awhile to realize he had passed on.
Still love that little guy.
Same here. I had to stop reading this thread several times.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.