Some, or more likely, most of you who know of Bookpuddle know also of my cat, Jack. I've talked about him a lot over the years. Jack became very ill in the past few weeks. I only noticed that he was not eating his usual amount of food and drinking water in an odd manner -- and, to my own shame, I waited a bit too long to take him to the vet.
His first trip there was last Saturday, a week ago, and the doctor discovered that Jack had a tumor on the underside of his tongue. Painkillers and steroids were prescribed, and I had a heck of a time getting these pills into his mouth, especially when this was an area so sensitive to him at the time.
A few days later [Thursday] I returned to the vet with the intention of having poor Jack injected with steroids, rather than continuing to struggle with the pill format.
His prognosis was not good, though. He had deteriorated yet further, having lost about one-quarter of his body weight, and was in more obvious pain than before.
The doctor considered that given Jack's age [nearly 13], even with surgery there was no guarantee that Jack would survive, fully healed and pain-free.
I had to make the decision then and there, to have Jack euthanized.
I have rarely been more sad and grieved, and definitely never more sad over the loss of a pet.
He died in my arms, wet with my tears.
Jack was the perfect gentleman -- the calmest and most patient of friends, my room-mate and buddy for over 12 years. He was just the best cat ever. Sitting here now in the quiet of night, so aware of the lack of his presence, is very painful for me.
The above photo was taken just before we went to the vet on Saturday. Out of respect for Jack, I do not show his face. He was still beautiful and heartrendingly adorable, but his mouth was inflamed and very irritated looking.
Below is a shot of Jack about a year ago now, in all his inquisitive beauty.
I love you and miss you Jack.
Thank you Alyce, for hosting the terrific Saturday Snapshot meme @ At Home With Books.
-- Jack --
May 1, 2000 -- March 7, 2013
32 comments:
Oh dear. Reading your sad tale brought tears to my eyes. It is so hard to lose a faithful, furry friend. My heart goes out to you. He was quite handsome.
Oh that is so very sad. Jack looks such a gorgeous, inquisitive cat, I really like your respectful final photo. My last cat Max died from a tumour when he was 12 too, 6 years ago- I still miss him. He used to greet me when I got home from work particularly late in the evening when the family was asleep. They do leave such a big gap.
Heartbreaking...I'm so sorry for your loss. *hugs*
Oh, I have been through a similar experience with a pet, and there is nothing so sad as losing a faithful friend.
He looks so happy in the bottom photo...and remembering the happy times will be a blessing.
Here's MY SATURDAY SNAPSHOT POST
Oh I'm so sorry! I feel like I have gotten to know him over the years from your posts, and it is so sad to hear. Much compassion for your loss!
I am so sad for you with the lost of your furry friend Jack. May happy times bring you comfort.
I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful Jack. Your post made me emotional thinking of Romulus and also, Champ, an earlier cat who was also euthanized.
Oh ... I am so sorry about Jack. They do creep right into our hearts don't they? Such good friends and constant companions ...
Oh, Cip. I'm so sorry. I had to steel myself a bit to even open up your post because a cat like Jack shouldn't ever have to die, you know? He should get to go on forever.
He had a great life with you and you did right by him at the end.
You have my condolences.
My heart goes out to you. We had to do that last year to our family dog of 15 years. Elmo was a shi-tsu and had been with us since he was 6 weeks old. BEST dog ever and like you said, hardest decision I ever had to make and one of the most painful as well.
Hugs to you. Jack had a wonderful life thank to you. Remember, you were his miracle.
So sorry to read this! It's heartbreaking to lose a pet.
So sad when a good friend dies. I'm sure you keep expecting him to come padding into the room any minute. Here's Mine
So sad to hear about Jack. We lost our Shevek a little over 2 years ago, and we still miss him despite our two young furballs keeping us entertained and on our toes.
Cherish the memories.
So sad to lose a loved one.
Oh Cip, I am so sorry. Jack was one lucky cat. I will miss hearing stories about him. I know how much his loss hurts and my heart goes out to you.
It's so nice to wake up this morning and see all these warm thoughts for me. I miss Jack especially this morning and so Thank You, dear Readers.
Sorry to hear about your cat. HUGS.
Elizabeth
Silver's Reviews
My Saturday Snapshot
I am sorry for the loss of your beloved Jack.
I am so sorry about the loss of your cat. It's always hard when a pet dies. blog http://goo.gl/9qx5t
Oh I'm so so sorry. We had to do this with our dog last October so I know how painful it is.
You've got us all crying for dear Jack and wishing we could give you a hug. I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend; I really am.
So sad. How difficult for you. It's hard for those without pets to understand the extent of the loss but we do, your homie and I, we really do.
C.
xoxo
I'm so sorry for your loss! As someone who has had a pet for many years, I know how they become family members. I know you'll cherish your memories of Jack!
I'm very sorry for you. He looks such a beautiful cat.
What sadness it is when we lose an animal member of our family. There are no words to make it better. He was such a beautiful cat.
I'm so sorry, I know you'll miss him desperately. He was a gorgeous cat.
Again, I must thank you all, those who have responded since my last visit to this comments section. Thank you for your lovely thoughts for me, and about Jack.
You know, one of the most poignant and searing things is whenever I get to my door, returning to my apartment. Jack used to meow as I approached -- he was so constant and consistent in this sweet little welcome home that it is painful now that his greeting is gone. This may sound nutty, but sometimes I actually hear it, still. Like....... pretty much LITERALLY hear it.
And so many times throughout the day I will look here and there where he used to have his fave sleeping places. And then I will realize what I am doing.
Still so sad. Still trying to get used to the loss of my good pal.
Thank you again, dear Readers.
Jack was such a little angel. He will live on in your heart, I know it. You did the right thing. Things will get easier. You're a good man.
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, I can only imagine how you must be feeling. You're in my thoughts.
So sorry to read about Jack. I hope the sadness fades to wonderful memories very soon.
Cip - I'm so sorry for your loss. I had to put my cat of 16 years down not long ago and I experienced the same here-but-not-here feeling; almost like she was haunting the apartment. I, too,could almost feel her. K. also used to greet me at the door and the first thing I would do would be to pick her up, so it was weird coming home. It does get a little easier though. You are in my thoughts.
What sad news. Jack was obviously well loved by you and seems to have been a great cat. Your stories and pictures of him on your blog are a great tribute.
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