JPF Home Page Forums General Messages General Message Forum PLEASE-PRAYER REQUEST, MY CAT DYING, I'M IN FLORIDA

Just had a minute to post...hubby took the day off so he could work from home, and he'll be on the computer all day....

Right now, though, I have access...because he just took Murphy to the vet.

The homecoming was as unbearable as you might expect. The petsitter was so wonderful, though....she had taken all the cat paraphenalia (sp?) out of my bedroom (where Murphy basically resided -- she was a scaredy cat! --) and had placed her gently on my bed. She looked very peaceful, though she had died with her eyes open, which was very disconcerting for us (but again, the petsitter had warned us of this). She had also brushed her fur, and taken the pieces of kitty litter that had been stuck in between the pads of her hind legs (she had been too weak to clean them herself).

Still, the children and I (even the mighty JJ!) were all hysterical. After a time, the kids were spent from crying and fell asleep. I actually just slid her over a bit, and spent one last night with her at my side. I was able to talk to her and apologize to her for not being with her during her last days. I did take some comfort in having that time with her -- though of course, it was too late in the most obvious way.

We've decided to have her cremated...I know many people think it a luxury/waste, but we have lots of coyotes and such around here, and wouldn't want her to be dug up. We spoke at length with our wonderful vet today -- naturally, I was blubbering like a baby the whole time -- and she did her best to comfort us in our decision. She is also going to give us a book for the kids (and us, for that matter)to help them come to terms with this. I know it's not the same as losing a parent or other significant person....but since she was 19, they never knew life without her, and she was an integral part of our family.

Before JJ took her away just now, we wrapped her in her favorite blanket. Then I wrote a note to God and to Murphy, and enclosed a picture of our family, which will be cremated along with her. Among more personal sentiments, I asked God to look after her, and wished Murphy an endlessly warm day, with friends a-plenty and loads of slow mice.

Thank you all so much for your concern and good wishes. And Richard, how I wish you had been right with your prediction....

With love and gratitude,
Beth