Tuesday, November 18, 2008

FAREWELL, LITTLE BUDDY

After struggling for 10 years, Snuffy left us yesterday. We never thought we'd have him even for one year, but, somehow he managed to hold on for 10. He had a number of surgeries, 2 for cancer, 2 last summer for a growth under his tongue, after which he ate baby food to which he promptly became addicted. He did not start out as my cat - but the years of being his primary caregiver kinda changed things. He definitely became "mine." If he couldn't find an open window, he slept up next to my pillow.

He struggled to breathe all his life and I don't think he realized there was any other way. He was famous for his sneezes. When we could not find him - gray cats are good as disappearing in plain sight, we just listened for his labored breathing. Consequently, his name, Snuffy.

But, it all caught up with him Monday morning. One could say it was fast, but one could also say it has taken years... he has been on some kind of medicine every day, all his life. It is amazing how we changed our way of "doing" things to accommodate him, towels on all the furniture, no perfumes or smelly chemicals in the house. Not even smelly (fragrant) soaps or candles.
He also liked sleeping with the possums. I am going to miss him.

4 comments:

Marla said...

Sorry to hear about snuffy! It is hard to lose a pet. We lost Oscar our first boxer only after 3 years. He got Lymphoma at the same time that my husbands reoccured for the third time in 2003. It was terrible when we had to put him to sleep, he was suffering so much.

ancient one said...

How sad. My granddaughter is allergic to cats. Who ever knew that cats were allergic? I can sympthize... strong perfumes will "snuff" me up too! I know you will miss Snuffy!

Tossing Pebbles in the Stream said...

You were kind and loving toward Snuffy way beyond what could be reasonably expected. He gave back a lot to you. May you enjoy the precious memories.

If you lived closer I would offer you one of more of my lovely kittens. I think they would love you.

MADNESS22 said...

I KNOW YOU PUT LOTS OF EFFORT INTO KEEPING HIM SAFE AND HAPPY. BE KIND TO YOURSELF FOR DOING THOSE THINGS. LOVE YA J