It wasn't all THAT sudden. She had been losing her appetite and she wasn't one to not respond to the "dinnertime" call. She loved her food. But she had had a loss of appetite a few months before and a shot fixed that. So I had scheduled a "wellness visit" for April 10th.
That morning, I got up an hour before the exam and found her with dried blood on her backside and was shocked. The phone rang and it was the vet asking about the exam purpose. I had to tell her things had changed and it was probably a "goodbye". She told me to come in immediately and I did.
After pacing the parking lot for 5 minutes, a vet assistant came out to say I should come in and handed me a mask. The vet said Iza was dying. No certain cause but probably cancer. I told her I expected euthanasia before I arrived and she agreed there was no hope of a treatment.
Iza went off to The Bridge in my arms while I told her what a Good Girl she had been and that the pain would be over soon and that she would be well and happy again OTB. That she would meet Skeeter and LC and some blog kitty friends.
I miss the softness of her mink-like fur. I miss her total dedication to me. I miss her weight on my lap in daytime and her weight on my hip at night. I miss the way she would stare at me from the floor with wide eyes of adoration.
I once thought that my human heart could only stand one cat-hole. Apparently, it can stand 2, and probably more. Maybe cat-holes make hearts stronger. They better, because there is Ayla. And Marley. And now Laz...
I miss you, Iza...
She always looked the same age all her years. From 2009...
A very moving tribute, Mark.
ReplyDeleteAnd, as much as it hurts at the time, I believe that a heart can withstand many cat-sized holes. The joy of sharing your life with them is what strengthens the heart to deal with the anguish.
Megan
Sydney, Australia
Oh, MY...I am tearing up again.
ReplyDeleteIza was a beauty and we miss her too. Cat holes? Yup, I have 5 of them...and a dog hole too. There are a lot of patches on m y heart but somehow it still beats and sends and feel love. And those holes are also patched up to keep in all the treasures of memories.
Thanks for baring your heart and feelings.
((( ♥ )))
Our hearts are breaking all over again for Iza's loss. She really was one of a kind.
ReplyDeleteWe miss dear Iza too. She was a character, the kind that makes an impact on your heart.
ReplyDeletePurrs for you as you miss your sweet kitty.
Purrs,Georgia and Julie
Yep, we're crying again too, we understand, we really do.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful tribute to Iza and it has brought tears to my eyes. The time does go by so quickly, too quickly to give the heart chance to heal.
ReplyDeleteShe gave you so many happy memories though, and loved you as much as you love her.
No matter how long they give us, it is never long enough. But at least you could release her when she knew it was time, and she certainly knew - and gave - love.
ReplyDeleteIza was a special girl. A lot of times we see our kitties growing old and sicker, but want to hope they stay with us longer. XO
ReplyDelete"I once thought that my human heart could only stand one cat-hole. Apparently, it can stand 2, and probably more. Maybe cat-holes make hearts stronger." That is truly one of the most beautiful things I've ever read.
ReplyDeleteOur hearts grow larger with every cat-hole a death leaves in them. Yes, Iza was and is ageless. It was only her body that grew old and weak. Such a beautiful creature.
ReplyDeleteShe was truly beautiful. I grieve with you.
ReplyDelete