Saying Goodbye

It breaks my heart to tell you that conditions did not improve, and we sent our sweet, beautiful cat and friend Jenga up to heaven today.  This was something we thought might happen, but the idea versus the reality of the situation weighs heavy on my heart.  It was a difficult decision, but after several weeks of steroids, multiple vet check-ups, and a regiment of 5 pills a day with no improvement, loss of appetite, and worsening of her condition, we recognized her suffering and pain was only growing, as well as the significant decline in her quality of life.  Needless to say, it's been an emotional day.

I know many out there are not cat people.  Cats often get the bad rap, labeled reclusive, anti-social, and standoffish, but these characteristics Jenga was not.  She was always frisky, vocal, and affectionate until her final few weeks; evidenced by her meowing conversations with me the minute I'd walk in the front door, her high-volume motorboat purr, and unwavering enthusiasm to leap onto our laps every evening where she'd recline, stretch out lazily, and fall asleep.  We'll miss so many things; her playful tendency to swat at doorstops and fascination with the metallic "boing" that followed, her ability to spear and devour a stray fly in 10 seconds flat, and the pacing-in-the-window-while-crooning routine she'd display for neighborhood orange tabby we affectionately named "boyfriend."  The list goes on...

Jenga was a part of our family, and her absence is devastating, especially since we thought she'd be there to greet us when we bring our baby home from the hospital.  The hardest part to reconcile is understanding why this happened to her, she was such a young, lively cat until a month ago, and only 5 years old at that.

A request to you pet owners and lovers out there, cuddle your pet a little tighter tonight.  You never know how much longer you'll have with them.  I picture her in heaven, lounging contentedly in a window sill somewhere, happily meowing at the passing squirrels and birds.
We love you Jeng, and miss you so much already.
Rest in peace. xoxo.
{one of my favorite pictures of hers, sleeping with both paws curled up underneath her chin}

21 comments

Shannon of HAPPINESS IS said...

Oh honey, my heart breaks for you. I went through the exact same thing last Monday with my baby girl. In fact, our blog posts sound very similar, as do our sweet kitties. It's such a hard thing to go through, but please know you did the right thing. She loves you and she will never leave your side. I'm still hurting, and to be honest, I'm worried the pain will never go away. But this book is helping me a great deal: Animals in Spirit by Penelope Smith. Maybe it will help you too. Hugs, love and strength to you. xo

Mary said...

Oh I'm so sorry. I'm a definite cat person. My beloved childhood cat, Sammy, lived 15 wonderful years, and I cried buckets when she died. My husband is allergic, so I'll never have another. :-( Sorry for your loss.

heather{land} said...

Sad day Michelle. While I am not a cat person, Jenga was such a nice little kitty, and you can be sure I am sending lots of hugs and love your way.

E Hayes said...

I'm so sorry. While I probably prefer dogs, I still LOVE cats and remember having to put our cat down after a very similar situation after 10 years or so after being adopted. Losing a pet of any kind is tough, big hugs!

Lea said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Jenga. When you have a cat like Jenga, you realize how great cats are. They're not all aloof. I had a cat (Gypsy) that was just like Jenga. She was a "Catdog!" Also greeted me at the door and talked to me nonstop! I still miss her! It sounds like Jenga had a wonderful life, and even though it was short, you brought each other lots of love and happiness, and thats whats important. ( : Hang in there! Again I'm so sorry...

Lea said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Jenga. When you have a cat like Jenga, you realize how great cats are. They're not all aloof. I had a cat (Gypsy) that was just like Jenga. She was a "Catdog!" Also greeted me at the door and talked to me nonstop! I still miss her! It sounds like Jenga had a wonderful life, and even though it was short, you brought each other lots of love and happiness, and thats whats important. ( : Hang in there! Again I'm so sorry...

Teresa said...

I'm so sorry to hear this, losing a beloved pet is so hard. Thinking of you during this difficult time. Lots of love.

the southern hostess said...

So sorry to hear this. Thinking of you and hoping you find comfort in your memories.

LKF said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. I will definitely be snuggling up with my dog, Bleu, tonight.

birdie to be said...

Oh my goodness... I am sooo sorry. My thoughts are with you. Xo

Alexa said...

What a little sweetheart. :( Sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is one of the hardest things.

Holly said...

im so sorry about your sweet kitty and sorry your baby girl will not get a chance to meet jenga. sending you lots of hugs.

molly pinto said...

So sorry, Michelle! Jenga looks like such a sweetheart. xoxo

Jenny said...

I'm tearing up reading your post. So so sorry Michelle.

Kate said...

so sorry :( What a beautiful cat too <3 Lots of hugs and kisses. Rest is peace, sweet Jenga.

Diana Mieczan said...

I am so very sorry for your loss, sweetie. Kisses

Emily {Isnt That Charming} said...

Aw, so sad, my deepest condolences. Sending love your way.
Isn’t That Charming.

Sarah Alway said...

Oh, this makes me so, so sad, even though I know that Jenga is not suffering anymore I can't imagine how much you miss your sweet kitty. I've had my cat Jasmine for ten years now and I don't know what I will do once she's gone. My thoughts are with you!

Sarah @ Life As Always

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