An Old Fine Update
In February, I posted about my Old Fine kitty. She used to be just simply Fine but about a year ago I started calling her Old Fine in recognition of her very advanced age. It has also been clear for some time that she was suffering from congestive heart failure. Yet, she was eating well, drinking well, playful, and affectionate. So, I was not too alarmed but knew her time was limited.
She snuggled against my head every night; my favorite cat thing. And during every nap. I would lay down, and…without exception..she would appear from somewhere within a minute and nestle against my head. I adored this. My beloved Gilda did same. The only two cats of mine so blessed.
Yesterday Fine was still obviously very old but I had zero cause for concern. During the night though, as I got up to pee, I noted the lack of Old Fine against my head. Had I left her outside in the fenced yard? If so, I knew she would dart in when I opened the back door to feed the yard kitties.
This I eventually did. But no Old Fine, darting or otherwise.
Humm. S0, I guess she was napping on the heating vent in my office?
Nope.
That is when worry made an entrance.
I walked through the house. No Old Fine sighting. I guessed she might be under the bed. I was afraid of what I might find.
Yep. There she was. Alive but in obvious, alarming distress. Her breathing was profoundly labored and, in an instant, my plans for the day changed. I called the flight terminal and booked her a trip to Florida.
Arriving at the gate, the pilot and attendant were very nice. Old Fine proved remarkably feisty. I managed to get out: “She’s awfully ferocious for something so sick.”
The pilot nodded: “You did the right thing in bringing her in.”
A moment later, the flight to Florida departed.
I am now down to a single cat out of 14 kittens I saved during a brief period many years ago: Purrmatic. He will not be alone as two cats have been friends with him for many years, both strays that got into the yard and never left. The three sleep together which makes me happy. I have never been able to touch one of the strays. I have other cats, too.
Fine though was VERY sweet with with never an unkind meow about her siblings or many, many playmates. I greatly enjoyed her move from Yard Cat to Indoor Cat.
Please sing with me: “I’m so glad we had this time together…”
Old Fine, February.
Old Fine. Less than happy. Today.
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I am so sorry. I know you’ll miss her.
Thinking of you!
Oh Hugs.
Never easy when you lose the good ones…..
I’m so sorry Ross, it’s always so hard when the time comes even though you think you are prepared. Our cat Gizmo was 21 when he passed away. He was so lovable but never let me touch his front paws. When he was at the end and couldn’t stand up, he stretched his leg out & up and I held his front paw. I like to think it was his way of saying goodbye. Take care.
My sympathies Ross. She had a wonderful life with you, she was fortunate
I’m so very sorry for your loss, Ross. Thank you for loving her.
Very sorry for the loss of your furry friend Ross. My heart aches for you. Big hug.
So sorry for your loss of Old fine. They give so much more to us than we could ever repay. Hugs.
Hugs.
My condolences, Ross. Complicated beings love unconditionally. You were lucky to have each other. Thank you for seeing her off, comfortably. 💜
I am so sorry for your loss. You gave her a great life. She was ready and you honored and respected her and put her first by giving her release. Bon voyage and happy traveling.
I’m sure she would tell you “Thanks for everything, I had a great time.”
You will miss her so much. Thank you for loving her so well.
I’m so sorry for your loss, my pup Fillmore, who happened to absolutely adore kitty’s boarded the southbound to Florida very recently. I know Old Fine and Fil are snuggling together on a couch overlooking the beach!
Thank you for being an amazing person and being such a good cat dad!