Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Remembering Smoat


Our 15 year old cat, Smoat, died yesterday. 

It has been a very difficult, emotional time since last Tuesday evening, when Smoat stopped eating.  I had been to the vet with him Thursday and Friday.  We discovered he had cancer, probably thyroid cancer because he was a hyperthyroid cat who had been on meds for years. The mass was pressing on his esophagus and was above his heart.  He declined so rapidly, which is both a blessing for him, and a sad thing for us.

We took him to the vet as soon as it opened yesterday morning to be put down. He suffered a lot on Sunday, and couldn't breathe well. Our vet was not open on Sunday, and we did not want to take him to an unknown 24-hour pet hospital. It was heart-wrenching. We hoped he might pass on his own in the night, and I kept getting up to check. He worked his way from my bed to the basement, and it was a real labor for him to walk around. He hadn't eaten in almost a week, and was weak and sick. He lost his ability to make the litter box. 

On Sunday, I took him outside to sit in the garden, one of his favorite things to do. It was a really nice day out, perfect for him. He just laid under the rosemary and lavender and labored to breathe. I couldn't believe he actually wanted to go out. I asked him "Do you want to go outside?" and his ears perked up and I jingled his collar and he limped to the stairs. I feel peace knowing I could give him one last time outside.


Our poor boy.






We buried him in the catnip bed of our garden, his favorite place to sit and hang out. Several of his favorite toys went with him, and we sprinkled some flowers that remain in our fall garden on his body. We had one rose bud left on the bush, and that was included. Roses are special to us because when Haley was about 2 years old, she and I would bring Smoat outside on his leash and he would lounge happily in the yard. She picked pink rose petals off the ground and ever-so-gingerly, she would lay them on his back. He did not flinch and seemed to like it. So, I was glad there was one last rose for Smoat.

He was the best cat anyone could ask for. He was sweet, quirky and loving. He will be missed so very much.

I'll get back to card-making soon, because it is good therapy for me.  But my girls are home from school today, mourning, and I need to be with them.

Thank you to all of you who have sent wishes and prayers our way.  I am grateful with all my heart.

Colleen

14 comments:

Emily Keaton said...

I am so very, very sorry, Colleen. You are doing the right thing, being there for your girls today. Please know that I am thinking of all of you.

Holly AKA KopyKat said...

Oh, you lost your Smoat. So sorry. Thinking of you and yours today.

Joanne Travis said...

Colleen, I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs to you my friend, you will be in my thoughts.

Bev J. said...

So sorry about your furry friend-a great loss for your family.

Marisa said...

Oh Colleen....my heart goes out to you (((hugs))). Glad you were able to enjoy some outside time with him and he is no longer suffering. Love the top picture of him with his front paws crossed :)

Bonnie said...

So sorry Colleen. You gave him a good life and you all have such good memories of him. He was a beautiful kitty.

Andrea Ewen said...

Oh Colleen, I'm so sorry about Smoat. Knowing that you and your family gave him such a wonderful life must comfort you now. I know it's like losing a family member. So sorry for your loss.

Suzanne C said...

So sorry Colleen. I had to come check and see how he was doing. I am sorry for your loss.

Carol Hurlock said...

Aww Coleen I am so sorry to hear about your precious fur baby. Animals bring so much joy into our lives and love us so unconditionally. You wrote such a heart touching beautiful tribute to Smoat. Thank you for sharing that with us and hope you feel better soon. Hugs to you and your family!

Bear Hugs,
Carol

Benzi said...

Smoat was such a beautiful cat. I love the picture of him in the garden. I am sure it is a hard time for your family. Take care, Colleen.

Laura (scrapnextras) said...

Colleen, I am so sorry for your loss. I feel the emotion in your words, and I know the pain of loosing a pet. He's in your heart forever. Treasure the memories while you grieve. {{{Hugs}}}

Leslie Miller said...

Oh, sweet baby. My heart breaks for you, Colleen. Your story is very much like what we went through with Marvin so I, like other devoted pet people, understand your grief. Your heart will know when the time is right to let another sweet one into it, but Smoat will always occupy his special place in your memories. I often stand in the garden and look at Marvin's spot by the azalea bush and think about him with love. It gets easier with time. Bless your heart. Sending you a hug today.

LeAnne said...

Aw, so sorry to hear about your kitty. Putting my cat down was the hardest thing I ever did, so I can imagine your family's pain. Happy memories will carry you through....it is good you have sweet pictures to remember him by. Knowing you loved and cared for him til the end will bring you joy when you look back on these days.

~Tammy~ said...

Colleen, I am so sorry to hear about Smoat! I can't even imagine! Glad you have so many memories and pictures!

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