Today I had Tiger, my senior cat, put to sleep.  He was in renal failure.  He had been chronicly ill for a year. 

I did everything I could to ensure he had the best quality of life while fighting chronic disease (hyperthyroidism and chronic kidney disease with some heart disease thrown in)  Even with all that, it was still heartwrenching to watch him go downhill especially the last few days.  Today, before his vet appointment, he was still following me around the house and insisting to go outside early this morning.  However, his appetite was poor the last several days and his weight loss was  devastating over the last few months.

The Vet said he was severely dehydrated and we could try IV fluids but it would only buy us a little time.  He had days left to live, not weeks, not months.  It seemed cruel to perpetuate his suffering.  I already knew his situation was very bad but hoped the vet could suggest other treatment options. 

He was over 15 years old and stuck by me before and after my cancer diagnosis.  After he was diagnosed with chronic disease, last year, he stuck closer to me than ever before, following me around the house, staying close to me most of the day and sleeping  beside me on a pillow at night. 

Tiger would knead my belly and chest some nights, after I received  chemo which I affectionately called “catupuncture”. 

  I called him “boss kitty” since he was the oldest of my 3 cats. He was a very special member of my family. 

I will miss his purring, the vibration of him jumping into my bed at night, the way he would treat my leg as a scratching post when he thought I was not giving him enough attention, meowing to go outside and when he rubbed his head against mine.  He even did the head rubs at the vets office this afternoon while I quietly cried, before the vet came back to put him to sleep.  I let him do it as long as he wanted until he jumped down off the vets metal table and returned to his crate. 

It is always heartbreaking to lose someone you love even when you see it coming months or years before it actually happens.  I lost both my parents that way. 

Here is my tribute to my beloved Tiger.  I will treasure your memory for the rest of my life.  I will love you forever. 

I don’t know if there is a real  “rainbow bridge” for our deceased pets.  Tiger I hope and pray you are in a happy place, no more pain or nausea playing with  other kitties, walking in green grass, feeling the cool refreshing breeze on your face, while laying out in the sun,  chasing lizards and birds and knowing only joy.