When we got home from the Nevada County Fair on Friday and read the concerned note from our house sitter and saw the altered state of Charlie, I picked up the phone and made an appointment for yesterday morning at 7:30. They ran lab tests for the status on his kidney disease and did a treatment to flush them. The lab scores were abysmal but I elected to try another round of antibiotics and see if Charlie might rally. He did rally but it was only from miserable to okay. We decided to let him roam the front yard this morning, a longstanding forbidden fruit because out here it's much too dangerous for cats - too many predictors. He loved it and I followed him around with my morning cuppa. He checked everything out, rolled like crazy in the dirt and bossed the dogs. When Ian opened the front door, all the dogs wanted in and Charlie trotted with them, like that's what he always does when he's outside with the dogs.
Once inside he promptly fell asleep, obviously worn out. We have been talking the past couple of days what to do, and decided that since that outdoor visit was probably a high note, we should make an appointment with our vets and let Charlie go. He was clearly suffering. Since today is my book club and also CSA box pickup, I was the delegate. I'm thankful for that because he and I had a sweet parting. He loved me all over the place and thought he was just going for a lie down. We've said goodbye to pets before but apart from one dog, I'm not sure we've ever had a pet command such a presence. I know I need to change my banner. Give me a couple of days to process that and find something meaningful.
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20 comments:
Oh, but I LOVE that banner! Maybe when you're able, you could add a very small line in it, giving Charlie's name and lifespan, so new visitors know it is a tribute to a beloved pet now gone.
Oh Sharon, I'm so, so sorry. Big hugs out to you and Ian, for providing such a wonderful life, lots of love and stepping up to the plate and bestowing that final and hardest comfort
That is really sad! I'll be thinking about all of you today.
Dear Sharon,
I am so very sorry! Dear Charlie! He looks exactly like my Leo, secretly my favorite cat, who's sitting right behind me after being evicted from laying on the keyboard. Imagine a big cat hair covered hug from me to you.
For those of us with cats and looms, your banner speaks volumes. There's no hurry to replace it...Charlie was that special. My hugs are headed your way......
Sharon, I'm so sorry. That is one of the hardest things to do, even when we know that it is the kindest. The walk around the yard was a beautiful gift to give him.
Sending big hugs your way.
I am so terribly sorry about Charlie. I know how much you loved him and how much joy he brought into your life. I love the banner picture of him playing the the threads in your loom - it shows great personality.
Sandy, Scott and I will be thinking of you.
I'm so sorry Sharon, it's always hard to lose a pet, a member of the family. My thoughts are with you.........Cindie
Oh Sharon, my heart goes out to you. It's so hard to say good-bye to a beloved pet, even when you know that they've had a good run.
Oh how sad...I don't know how I will handle such a loss when my dear aging kitties have to say farewell. My sympathies to you.
Thinking of you and of Charlie. He has been such a presence in both your life and in your blog. I grieve with you.
I'm so very sorry for the loss of your cat. We lost 2 in 6 months a year and a half ago, and I still grieve their passing, while being grateful they were in our lives. I'm sure your memories of Charlie will help you during your periods of sadness. I agree with others - no rush to change your banner. I think it speaks volumes about Charlie's character.
my thoughts are with you today. so sorry for your loss.
I'm so sorry to hear about Charlie. Our pets become family members and it is hard to part with them, though it may be the right thing to do. I love your banner. Charlie and the banner pic are part of good memories. I also say don't rush to change it. It's a spectacular photo which tells a great story about Charlie's personality.
Sharon - I am so sorry - many many hugs! I know Charlie is so appreciative that you were such a responsible and loving family
It's just SOOOO HARD!!!!! These darn animals are so hard to let go. Like I have said many times. They never lie to me, they don't let me down, and they always like me. No wonder it's so hard to say goodbye...
I say keep the banner, Sharon - unless it's too painful for you and Ian. It is a tribute to Mr, Charlie and after all, he was the Snoopervisor for all weaving endeavors, wasn't he?
Again, I am so sorry you and Ian have lost this beautiful gem of a cat.
And I know that someday, Charlie will send someone to fill a piece of the hole he left behind.
Two days ago I sent the link to your blog to my sister in Alaska with the note: "I love the photo on the title of this blog!" She agreed. I'm so sorry for the loss of Charlie. Some pets are so special and thier loss leaves such a hole in our hearts.
I've never commented on your blog before, but I read it every week.
Cindie, in Colorado.
I say leave the banner up for awhile as well, if you can of course. It can remind you of the silly antics only a much loved cat can do, or maybe they are loved more because of the silly things they do!
oh sharon, so so sorry. he was such a great cat. don't change the banner, leave it as a tribute like michelle suggested.
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