I can't believe it. I really can't.Just a couple of days ago, Tom was up to his usual tricks, stealing Ted's socks out of the closet and dragging them down the hallway in his mouth.
He'd been insistent these past few weeks that his rightful place was on my pillow during the night, and I was so irritated about that, feeling crowded and having to shoo him--no, drag him him--out of the way when I'd need to prop myself against the pillows to nurse Mae in the middle of the night.
I could've sworn that, just yesterday, his nose and paws and belly (just barely visible under the soft tufted tummy fur) were still a robust bubble-gum pink.
But he refused two meals yesterday, and by this morning he was fighting for his last breaths. How did this happen?
Our vet said it was pneumonia, brought on by a horrible bacterial infection that may or may not have been secondary to something like a tumor. The infection moved with ruthless speed--the emergency vet said she'd not seen an infection kill so swiftly in her 26 years in practice. She said we probably could not have done anything more or better to save him. In spite of the best efforts of the staff at the veterinary hospital, Tom succumbed to the pneumonia around 2:00 this afternoon. He was about 14 years old.
Tom, you were one of the best cats ever. You are sorely missed already.
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10 comments:
Oh Jen, wow, I'm so sorry.
There really is nothing like this experience. Having recently been there TWICE recently my heart goes out to your whole family. Casey
I'm so sorry, Jen and Ted. He was a beautiful cat.
Having had a pet that lingered for weeks before passing, I guess the only small comfort I can provide is that Tom went relatively quickly. How's Arlo taking it?
I'm so, so sorry, too. This is really tough. Hugs to all.
What a huge sweetheart Tom was. He will be missed dearly!
Ugh, I am so sorry. The loss of a pet is awful, they give us so much and our hearts break when we must say good bye. Many hugs.
Bless your hearts! Tom had a wonderful life in a loving home and we will always remember him with smiles. Big hugs to everyone.
Thanks, everyone. We're enjoying our happy memories of him and wishing he was still around. Life goes on, doesn't it?
Sigh.
Jen please share with Ted too that it gets easier. I just dreamed about Fiona vividly for the first time the other morning just before I had to get up for work. It was nice and then I fully woke and felt that little sadness that will probably never go away. I am deeply sorry for the loss of Tom to your family.I have fond memories of him "fetching" crinkled balls of paper at the guest house in Highland Park that summer we stayed with you and Ted. Give Ted a hug will you-Michael
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