Hey everyone. I don't post in this thread, I don't even lurk. But I wanted to write something and wasn't sure where to put it. I don't do social media so pardon me for using this as my platform.
In 2006 my life was getting back on track after going off the rails a bit. I was turning 30, coming off probation for a criminal offense, and dealing with a miserable job, no good social network or support, and trying to figure out where my life was and where it was going.
On a whim, I decided to get a pet. I only had one pet growing up and it always felt like my dad's. He was the one who took him for walks, fed him, and all that sort of thing. I met someone on Craiglist who had to get rid of their cat because they were moving to a place that didn't allow them (I don't think you can even do this anymore on Craiglist). She was about 1 year old and her name was Twinkles (or maybe it was Sparkles). Not to get all TOXIC MASCULINITY here but there was no way I was going to own a cat named Twinkles so when we got home I renamed her Sally. I lived alone and it was the first time I was responsible for not only a pet, but also for someone other than myself.
We bonded quickly and she was so easy to care for. A little while later I met the woman who I am now married to. She is more of a dog person and allergic to some cats, but fortunately for my marriage not Sally. We bought our house got her a dog, had two kids, and Sally was with us (me) for the whole ride.
Last week she seemed very lethargic and we noticed she wasn't eating. I picked her up and felt she had lost some weight. I took her to the vet and they ran some labs and realized her kidneys were failing. It was a chronic condition and had been developing for awhile, and only now toward the end was she feeling the effects of it. We gave her some antibiotics and some fluids but they did not anticipate any long term recovery.
I had a plan to take her to the vet to put her to sleep this weekend if her condition worsened. Sally always slept on my legs or chest in some manner but hasn't since she got sick, and last night I curled up on the floor with her. She was visibly tired and started looking like she had the chills. We laid there for a while and then I dozed off. I woke up in the middle of the night and heard her breathing get heavy. I was able to cuddle with her and give her some love as she fell asleep. I was hoping she would fall asleep at home with me next to her instead of at the vet, or while I was away at work.
It is scary to think she deteriorated that much in a week but I am comforted by the fact that up till then she was her normal, usual self. My wife has been amazing through this, realizing she always recognized she was "my" cat. This is my 7 year old's first death and I think she is handling it appropriately.
It is not a stretch to say that Sally taught me how to take care of someone, and that I would not have been the husband and father I am today without that. I can say with 100% confidence I am a better person because of her. Thank you, Sally.