For quite some time now Alice-who-is-a-cat has been getting more frail and raggedy. She’s been looking somewhat like the cat in Bedknobs and Broomsticks.
But last week she went downhill fast and on Tuesday evening it became very apparent (I’ll spare you the details) that it was time to Make The Right Decision.
I thought I was ready.
Turns out I wasn’t.
Alice and I have been together for the best part of 20 years. We took on the world and won. We faced good times and bad, shoddy boyfriends (her’s and mine) and too many house moves to count.
She was cantankerous and bolshy. She could meow for hours on end until you gave up and did whatever it was she wanted.
She held a grudge better than anyone I’ve ever known and was inventive in her revenge. The Husband will testify to this. She wasn’t thrilled at moving north and let her ire be known in a most unpleasant fashion.
She was mostly grumpy with me but stood beside me through thick and thin. She did, however adore Pa, and when Button came along, Alice loved her dearly. Button loved her right back.
So, when her health deteriorated fast last week, I knew I had to make the right decision. The vet agreed. It was time.
Alice, who had spent most of her life giving me the evil eye, snuggled up close and said goodbye. She let me know she was ready to go and that it would all be ok.
And she was right. She passed quickly and peacefully, and broke my heart whilst doing it.
See…I wasn’t ready at all.
But my one of my amazing friends, when I asked her why we love our furry friends so much, summed it all up perfectly :
“They worm their way into your life and heart and become part of the pattern of your day and your history. So when they die they take more than themselves (which would be enough) they take some of the you that you were with them. And, I think our relationship with pets is more honest and straightforward than with people so it’s a big chunk of you.”
And that, I think, is the most fitting tribute to my oldest friend.
Goodbye, dear old lady…you’re missed so very much.
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. She sounds like an amazing companion! Many people underestimate or just plain do not understand how much someone can care about an animal, especially when it’s been a part of your life for so long!
Thank you so much. She was a good friend and we’ve got some amazing memories of her and her antics.
Dear puss. A lovely tribute. X
Thanks…I’m missing the old girl!
Oh, Evie – I am totally crying. What a loving tribute to a long time friend – and family member. So sad for your loss.
Thank you. She was very loved. It’s awfully quiet without her.
What a nice tribute to your Alice. I too just this year lost my cat of 20 years. Emmit was a tuxedo kitty & my best buddy. He had quite the personality & loved to hunt. Being an indoor cat, that meant carrying socks to me from upstairs & yowling the whole way. He loved to snuggle in our laps & knew when I did’t feel well or really needed it. I really miss the little bugger. I am so sorry to hear about your dear Alice.
Alice was a hunter too…I wish it was just socks! And such a shouter. Usually in the middle of the night. Good job we had understanding neighbours.
Tuxedo cats are so handsome. I’m so sorry to hear about Emmit. They really do leave a gap when they go.
Oh, I know exactly how you feel, my heart goes out to you. They do become such an integral part of our lives. Hugs to you all
Thank you….even Carter is missing her. They were such buddies.
I’m tearing up!!! Hang in there!
Thank you…we are!
Oh bless her and bless you. Losing a pet is tough, I know we should be grateful that we can make it quick and peaceful for them…but oh what a great big gap they leave in our lives when they go 🙁
The only blessing in all of this is that I was with her at the end and she passed in seconds. The vet was astonished at the speed and how peaceful. He says she was ready. It makes it easier….I think.
Totally teared up here. So sorry to hear about the lovely Alice passing. She sounds like quite a character. We are so blessed to have cats share our lives and when they go they really do take a bit of us with them. Great thing she was so loved and had such a nice life. Sending you all my best thoughts. xx
She was a minx! The tiniest thing with the biggest personality. I think that’s why she and Button were as thick as thieves….kindred spirits.
Oh my lovely! I hope you’re getting there and Button understands and isn’t too upset. Big hugs xxx
Button was heartbroken (as was Boy to be fair)…we had lots of tears. Until they realised that she was in Heaven with Grandad Angel (my dad) and suddenly all was well again.
Hugs appreciated xxx
So sorry to hear about your beloved kitty. I lost one of my kitty cats just a month ago, and he had also outlasted every male relationship I’d ever had. He too was a cantankerous old bugger in the end and even though it was the right time it was very hard. Hugs to you my lovely x the best bit about kitties my friend told me was that the important bits of them stay curled up around your heart so you always carry them with you.
It seems you have wise friends too! Sorry about your little man too. It’s so hard. Even when it’s time it’s still difficult to let them go. He sounds just like Alice. She was outrageous and yet adorable. Very, very cat like! 😉
Oh, Evie. You always make me cry. I’m so sorry to learn of your loss.
Noooo….no more crying allowed. 😉 We are remembering her feisty little self and being glad she was in our life. xxx
I’m so very, very sorry to read this, it’s just the most heartbreaking thing to say goodbye to a beloved pet, especially one you’ve had so long. Bethx
It is. Even when you see it coming. Thank you x