I remember when Stretch came into my life. She appeared on my back porch one sultry summer evening back in 1994. She was a tiny sweet tortoise shell kitten, only a baby. It was very clear she was pregnant. It also was very clear she had chosen us as her new family. At that time our one and only cat was 18 and we knew we only had a very short time left with her. So we decided to let Stretch have her kittens. I figured small as she was and this being her fist litter, how many could she possibly have. This little sweet soul ended up having 5 kittens. My sister took one, her best friend took another. I couldn’t let the last 3 go to just anyone….could I? NO! So our family was blessed with Mom Stretch and her 3 offspring, Midnight, Romeo and Juliet. That was 13 wonderful years ago.
A year ago, she lost 2 of her five pounds suddenly and we were concerned. Blood tests showed nothing out of the ordinary, so we didn’t worry. She certainly seemed ok, if still a bit thin. We thought, just old age catching up with her. Several weeks ago, we noticed she started putting on weight, but only in the midsection. By the end of last week, it was clear something wasn’t right. She looked like she was pregnant again. She was still acting fairly normal though. Eating and drinking and being very affectionate. Day before yesterday, she was unable to use the litter box anymore. We knew this was the end. We took her in to the Vet this morning and were told that she had a tumor inside the size of her head. There was nothing more to be done.
So this morning, with tearful voices, we said goodbye to Stretch and gave her the peace she so richly deserved. She had enriched our lives for 13 years with the love, affection and laughter, only a cherished pet can give. It was only fair that we should give her the respect and dignity of a peaceful, painless end.
I have gone down this bumpy road before and it never gets any easier. I find myself doubting my choice. Could I have done more for her before choosing this course? The painful answer is always no. Did I love her enough during her life with us? Was her life happy? The answer is always, I think so, I hope so. I will miss her sweet face and the little funny things she always did that made me laugh. I will even miss the things she did that made me frown. I always called her my “little alley cat”. She never quite lost her alley cat ways.
My heart and my prayers go out to all those out there who have lost a pet and one of their best friends. I grieve for my lost pet as I would one of my own family members and I understand your loss completely.
