My vacation days are not starting off as well as planned. I had to take our oldest cat, Callie, in this morning to be put to sleep. Here's a little history on our beautiful Callie (and I know some of you out there aren't cat people!). We adopted Callie almost 13 years ago when the kids were little. She has been a wonderful part of our family all these years, but over the last few years, she turned into Kaitlin's cat! We had a routine EVERY night at bedtime - yes I have a 17 year old daughter I still tuck in - where Callie would climb on Kaitlin's tummy for an ear rub. For months now, she has slept on Kaitlin's pillow with her every night. A few weeks ago, Callie started sleeping elsewhere - I think in preparation for her death. She hasn't been well - hasn't been eating - didn't want anyone to touch her - has been missing the litter box - and the last week or so she's been hiding in out of the way places. After discussing her health with Kaitlin yesterday, she decided it was time to have her put to sleep. So, that chore rested on me today. This morning, Kaitlin couldn't find her. She had gotten behind our TV - in a very out-of-the-way spot. Kaitlin told her goodbye, through tears, before she left for school. I called our vet and found out the specifics, and after dragging her out from behind the TV and putting her in the pet carrier (very difficult, as she did NOT want to get in there), I took her to the vet. I couldn't stay with her. I just couldn't. I'm not that strong. I know she will be romping in animal heaven with the other animals we have lost over the years: Gidget, my first animal, a beautiful german shepherd/collie mix from my childhood; Snuffy, our gray cat who got run over when I was just out of high school; Pepper, a black long-haired cat my mom got just before I moved out years ago; Dakota, our gorgeous part Samoyed who we lost in 2001; Chocolate, Kaitlin's guinea pig; and Smokey - a gray stray cat who adopted us and who I ran over a few years ago.A poem in honor of Callie:
A Cat's Prayer
Now I lay me down to sleep,
The king-size bed is soft and deep...
I sleep right in the center groove
My human can hardly move!
I've trapped her legs, she's tucked in tight
And here is where I pass the night
No one disturbs me or dares intrude
Till morning comes and "I want food!"
I sneak up slowly to begin
My nibbles on my human's chin.
She wakes up quickly, I have sharp teeth -
And my claws I will unsheath
For the morning's here and it's time to play
I always seem to get my way.
So thank you Lord for giving me
This human person that I see.
The one who hugs me and holds me tight
And sacrifices her bed at night.
~ Author Unknown ~
Rest in peace Callie, WE WILL MISS YOU!
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