An Emerald Update
Seven days ago I did a post about an old stray cat which kinda sorta adopted me.
He went blind at some point, and it was evident that he was now in a rapid decline.
My days and patterns adjusted to Emerald’s ever-changing new realities, and of late he became extra picky about the food I would set out for him. Seven days ago, he was a voracious eater.
I discovered that if I sat on the floor while he ate, RIGHT next to his food bowl, and talked to him while he ate —”You are SUCH a good boy! And soooooo handsome! Goooooooooood boy!” — he would actually eat more.
Last night, after he finally finished eating (a fifteen minute process), he put one paw on my leg, then both paws, and then clumsily ambled onto my lap. “Emerald! What a gooooooooood boy!”
He ambled to my chest, and repeatedly nudged it. And started purring.
My eyes instantly watered up.
“Ohhhhhhhhh, Emerald! You are sooooooooooo sweet! Such a sweet boy!”
Then he slowly kinda walked up my chest with his front paws, and started nudging my chin. He purred. And I very gently dragged my hand across his fur.
Well, tears now dripped from my eyes. All I could think of was that this now boney cat had once been, I now believe, a beloved pet. And then something very bad happened, and he eventually, somehow, found his way to my house many many years ago. Until recently, I thought he was feral, and I had never been able to touch him until a few months ago.
And here he was, nudging me with his head. And purring.
That was last night.
This morning, just before noon, he departed.
Emerald. 2002?-2016
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Thank you for showing him love in his final days. I’m sorry he is gone. Rest in peace little Emerald.
Emerald was one lucky little kitty to be able to live out his days in such a caring environment. Loving and caring enough to be able to erase the past hurts and allow the little guy to show affection again.
Sunny days in Florida. Just what he deserves.
Or Rainbow Bridge – waiting for you.
You gave each other just what the other needed.
Lost my old pup this year- wishing you peace.
It is amazing how our Fur Babies touch our hearts and souls- kinda like our historic houses. I am so glad you got to experience his affection for you. Your posts are amazing. I so enjoy being a part of your journey.
Thanks for making his last days warm and peaceful. You’re a good soul, Ross.
Such a gift you gave him… a peaceful ending with a full tummy, a purr in his throat, the touch of a loving hand, kind words. Bittersweet
Emerald is now snuggling with Gilda…and my Mom. My mom went to Florida last month, and I made sure, every day I visited her at the nursing home, to make her laugh and tell her how much I loved her. I shared your Gilda story with her, and she immediately said that she was booking a ticket to Florida! I told her to make sure it was to Key West(she always liked a good party). I just know Mom and the kitties are now basking in the Florida sunshine together. Thank you for sharing your stories…
I am so sorry you’ve experienced the losses of two sweet babies so soon together. What a gift you were to Emerald and he to you. Blessings!
Ross,
You are such a stellar human being, and I don’t say that lightly. Bless your kind heart for loving Emerald and for helping him feel love once again, before he went to Florida to be with Gilda. xoxoxoxoxoxox
I am sending you big big hugs.
Well, damn. I hope that you will take comfort in the accolade Emerald gave you by cozying up to you in his last hours. Cats normally prefer to recuperate or die in solitude, and Emerald apparently overcame a fair amount of experience as well as basic instinct in order to be with you.
I dare say he knew that you are an angel.
I agree with you, David; 110%. Very well said.
Oh Ross, how awfully sad and wonderful. You gave him the happy ending he would have never of gotten without you. He was grateful for your compassion and love. I’m so sorry you lost your friend today, but I’m glad you were the one to be there for him in such a special way.
There are indeed angels among us. Emerald… and Ross.
So sorry…
RIP Emerald…may you now reside in Kittie Heaven where birds fly low and mice are slow. Ross, bless you for giving Emerald his last chapter of life filled with love.
I’m sure the darling is at peace and taking it easy on the sandy beaches of Florida.