Goodbye to my Gentle Giant.....

Yesterday, my sweet and precious kitty Addison, was put to sleep. He got sick so suddenly and without any warning. On Monday, I saw that he was very lathargic, wasn't eating or drinking and just looked really sick. I took him into the vet and they weren't exactly sure what was wrong with him. They thought it could be diabetes, his kidneys, a virus or infection....basically anything. They took some blood and gave him fluids and then I took him home to wait for the lab results. He was so sick and I knew whatever it was, it wasn't good. I spent as much time with him as I could, Eric even slept on the couch so that I could have Addison in bed with me. Early the next morning, the vet called me and told me that it was really bad....he was in renal failure and she had never seen numbers that bad. He had days to live. It was either hospitalize him for the last few days of his life and have him alone in a cage, or put him down and end his suffering. I chose the last option so that he could leave this world being held in my arms, knowing how very much he was loved. It was a horrible miserable day and it was so hard to let him go, but I knew it was what was best for him. I held him for a long time, told him everything I wanted to tell him, and then as I held and kissed him, the vet ended his suffering.

Those of you who are not animal people, won't understand just how painful it is to lose a pet. Our animals are so much more than pets, they are a part of our family and we grieve their loss like we would a good friend.

I was in college when I adopted Addison. I went to the humane society to pick out a cat. I remember looking at all the cats and wondering how I would ever choose between all those sweet kitties. Then, I heard a gentle meow and a small black and white paw came poking out of one of the cages. That was it for me. I like to think that Addison chose me first. :) I went over to the cage and the purring began. Decison made. I was hooked. I couldn't get him home fast enough. Addison became my truest friend who sat on my lap and purred, through heartbreaks and hard times. My tears fell many times on his beautiful black fur and his purr helped heal many wounds in my life. He never did anything bad. Never! He was one of those special cats who is always obedient. I have only known one other cat like that in my life, he also died far too young. Why does that happen?

Addison would always come running when he heard my voice, or when I entered a room. He was fiercely loyal and loved me no matter what. I am so very thankful for the 13 wonderful years I was able to share with him. I only wish there could have been more....