Hi,
I just want to thank all who showed such kindness and caring over the loss of my lovely 15-year old calico, Jasmine. It was such a comfort to read the many replies and well-wishes. Jasmine was a true friend and companion - quiet, always a bit shy, never a 'lap cat', but loving in her own way. It was hard to see her start to decline over the past year, and I didn't enjoy giving the many meds that she needed to be on - along with the weekly sub-q fluids. But, as the saying goes, we 'do what we have to do'. I found myself keeping a detailed medicine chart and doing anywhere between 7-9 meds a day. That went on for close to 6 months. It was a long, hard road for Jazzy and myself. And, I am comforted by knowing that I did everything possible to try and keep her with us for as long as I could. But, as with any pet, we know that as there is a first day when we bring them home, so will there be a sad, final day.
Jasmine's last weekend was as good as it could be. Sunday dawned nice and sunny. As the sun streamed on to the dining room carpet, I brought her up to lay her in the sun - as she was hardly able to get around much on her own the past few days. I know she enjoyed it, because after I took her back down for meds, she came right back up on her own to lay in the same spot! It was a last time for her to enjoy the quiet and sunshine. Fluids given during that day simply had no effect at all. At that point I knew we were really at the end. I dreaded last Monday. But, Jasmine was so ready when the time came. She went peacefully with me brushing her and talking to her the entire time. In fact, my wife told me later that I was still talking to her after she was already gone! Afterwards, we stayed with her for quite some time. I treasure the memory of just laying my head on her side - just wishing to feel her warmth one last time before we left her in their care.
Now, I can't wait to bring her back home again! Following her private cremation service, she will be coming back to me in a velour pouch placed inside a hand carved, hardwood urn with her name engraved on the outside. I also have a very nice collection of her fur - all 3 calico colors - that I will place in the box and undoubtedly look at often. The fur is very special to me - not sure if the ashes will quite have the same effect!
So, that's about all I have to say at this point. The pain of the loss is hard - actually harder than I anticipated after last Monday night when she passed. I was at peace with it afterwards, and still am, but there is such an empty feeling and the tears are just below the surface. It's just not the same here without her.
Thanks again to everyone. You have all been so good and kind. I never expected what I found here over the past many months. This place is truly like a family. I am including with this post a few pictures of Jasmine. They are some of the last ones that were taken back in December. You can see she looks pretty tired in them. She was truly a sweet, special kitty that I will have with me in my heart always.
Oh well....sorry about the pics. I tried over and over again...but I get a notice that says there is an error in the picture uploads. I'll try again some other time. Too bad. Anyone have any idea why the pictures may not be transferring?
Take care,
Keith
I just want to thank all who showed such kindness and caring over the loss of my lovely 15-year old calico, Jasmine. It was such a comfort to read the many replies and well-wishes. Jasmine was a true friend and companion - quiet, always a bit shy, never a 'lap cat', but loving in her own way. It was hard to see her start to decline over the past year, and I didn't enjoy giving the many meds that she needed to be on - along with the weekly sub-q fluids. But, as the saying goes, we 'do what we have to do'. I found myself keeping a detailed medicine chart and doing anywhere between 7-9 meds a day. That went on for close to 6 months. It was a long, hard road for Jazzy and myself. And, I am comforted by knowing that I did everything possible to try and keep her with us for as long as I could. But, as with any pet, we know that as there is a first day when we bring them home, so will there be a sad, final day.
Jasmine's last weekend was as good as it could be. Sunday dawned nice and sunny. As the sun streamed on to the dining room carpet, I brought her up to lay her in the sun - as she was hardly able to get around much on her own the past few days. I know she enjoyed it, because after I took her back down for meds, she came right back up on her own to lay in the same spot! It was a last time for her to enjoy the quiet and sunshine. Fluids given during that day simply had no effect at all. At that point I knew we were really at the end. I dreaded last Monday. But, Jasmine was so ready when the time came. She went peacefully with me brushing her and talking to her the entire time. In fact, my wife told me later that I was still talking to her after she was already gone! Afterwards, we stayed with her for quite some time. I treasure the memory of just laying my head on her side - just wishing to feel her warmth one last time before we left her in their care.
Now, I can't wait to bring her back home again! Following her private cremation service, she will be coming back to me in a velour pouch placed inside a hand carved, hardwood urn with her name engraved on the outside. I also have a very nice collection of her fur - all 3 calico colors - that I will place in the box and undoubtedly look at often. The fur is very special to me - not sure if the ashes will quite have the same effect!
So, that's about all I have to say at this point. The pain of the loss is hard - actually harder than I anticipated after last Monday night when she passed. I was at peace with it afterwards, and still am, but there is such an empty feeling and the tears are just below the surface. It's just not the same here without her.
Thanks again to everyone. You have all been so good and kind. I never expected what I found here over the past many months. This place is truly like a family. I am including with this post a few pictures of Jasmine. They are some of the last ones that were taken back in December. You can see she looks pretty tired in them. She was truly a sweet, special kitty that I will have with me in my heart always.
Oh well....sorry about the pics. I tried over and over again...but I get a notice that says there is an error in the picture uploads. I'll try again some other time. Too bad. Anyone have any idea why the pictures may not be transferring?
Take care,
Keith
