MaMA had to take Munchkin to the vet today, and he didn’t come back. He’s been having trouble walking the past week, and he hasn’t done anything but eat and sleep for over a month. I know those are a cat’s favorite activities, but trust me when I say I know he wasn’t feeling well.
The vet said my foster brother had lost a little weight, after he had gained some on his hyperthyroid medicine. He never did stop sneezing and snotting, and the vet said he might have an infection where a tooth had broken off earlier in his life.
MaMA said the vet said the thyroid problem might have been masking other problems. It could be anything from diabetes to cancer — or all of the above. Finding out what was wrong would take some time and would mean doing tests, digging in his mouth, changing medicines ….
MaMA cried when she told me she decided she didn’t want to put him through all that at his age. (He’s older than I am, and I turned 15 in April.)
I’ve been sitting next to her all day, purring as loud as I can, trying to let her know she did the right thing. When my time comes, I know I can count on her to do everything she can to make me feel good but that she won’t make me stay if I can’t enjoy it.
Here’s a picture of Munchkin on October 28, when MaMA brought us home with her.
And here is was today at the vet’s.
RIP, brother. I’ll see you on the other side. Say hello to Ed, our former human, for me, and tell him we found a good home after he had to leave us.
A WRITING PROMPT FOR ANIMALS: Write a letter to a human or another animal who has gone before you.
AA
Dan
October 6, 2015 at 7:17amI’m so sorry Marian. Knowing that it is the right thing doesn’t make it any easier. These little guys become part of our family.
Marian Allen
October 6, 2015 at 2:58pmThanks, Dan. Even my husband, who did NOT want me to adopt these two, said, “You do get attached to them.” Meaning HE ALSO got attached.
Rasheed
October 6, 2015 at 8:24amRIP Munchkin.
Holly Jahangiri
October 6, 2015 at 8:33am<3 I'm so sorry for your loss, Marian. It's never easy; you did right by him. I can't imagine when I'm Munchkin's age, wanting someone to dig around in my mouth and poke and prod me, either. ((hugs to you and a head rub to Amidala))
Marian Allen
October 6, 2015 at 3:00pmThanks, Holly. No, he had already had one dental surgery, and they were talking many different tests, procedures, and treatments. He would have hated it. Thanks for the hugs and head rub. –Oh, the head rub was supposed to be for Amidala.
KatFrench
October 6, 2015 at 9:00amOh, Marian. I’m so sorry to hear that. You gave Munchkin a happy retirement home and you made the decision that was easiest on him, even if it was hard on you. Hugs to you and Ami.
Marian Allen
October 6, 2015 at 3:40pmThanks, Kat. Yeah, I knew Munchkin was feeling bad when he stopped coming upstairs for snuggles, and he stopped purring when I put out his food. Just a couple of months ago, he was purring so loud he sounded like he was gargling!
Miss Elvira and Miss Sneakers
October 6, 2015 at 9:49am{{{{ Marion and Amidala }}}}
The Opinionated Pussycats are very sad to hear this news and we send you both many purrs and purrayers of love and support during this sad time.
Please know you did the right thing.
Marian Allen
October 10, 2015 at 1:25pmThank you! Your wonderful story was so moving and comforting. I do know in my head that I did the right thing, but I sure hated to see him have to go. He was a sweet boy.
Jane
October 6, 2015 at 10:47amDear Munchkin,
Aren’t you glad your happy home was with our friend Marian?
She always knows the right thing to do, and I know you understand that and love her for it, too.
Fare well, mon vieux.
Marian Allen
October 6, 2015 at 3:42pmMunchkin did love me. That’s one of the ways I knew how bad he was feeling — he stopped purring. ๐
Ellen
October 6, 2015 at 10:54amwe had to put our cat down a couple years ago; he was 17. He was going into kidney failure and his back legs had started to give out. It was time but it was hard.
Marian Allen
October 6, 2015 at 3:44pmYep. Munchkin’s back legs were going out and he was peeing A LOT. We don’t know how old he was, but 17 isn’t out of the question. Hugs to you!
Alex J. Cavanaugh
October 6, 2015 at 11:15amI’m so sorry. Even if that was last year, it still hurts. Sad furry friends don’t live longer.
Marian Allen
October 6, 2015 at 3:45pmWe never have them long enough, Alex. My Katya died last year, and that was when I adopted Munchkin and Amidala, two elderly cats. Munchkin lasted longer than anyone expected, but, as you say, it still hurts.
Terry cramer
October 6, 2015 at 1:00pmOh, we’re so sorry. I have watched many fursibs go off to their big trip. I know what it feels like. We have to enjoy our days as a tribute to our beloved sibbies.
Love,
Livvie, rat terrier in charge
Marian Allen
October 6, 2015 at 3:47pmThank you so much, Livvie! We just need to celebrate the love we had, don’t we? The love never dies!
A.C. Flory
October 6, 2015 at 5:54pm-hugs- No words.
Marian Allen
October 7, 2015 at 2:34pmThanks, Meeka. -hugs back-
Jo
October 6, 2015 at 10:21pmSo sorry Marian. Big hugs for you and your furry loves on both sides. <3 <3
Marian Allen
October 7, 2015 at 2:37pmThank you, Jo. I knew Munchkin was toward the end of his life when I got him, so this was, I suppose, the reason I chose him. I wanted to give him love and comfort as long as he could enjoy life, and to help him leave when my choices were helping him leave or holding him against his best interest.
Carolyn van Poppel
October 7, 2015 at 6:33amI am sorry to hear about your puss, it is never easy. But you did the right thing. All the best
Marian Allen
October 7, 2015 at 2:37pmThank you so much, Carolyn! How kind of you to stop by. ๐