Thursday, April 1, 2010

Worst Day

Rooster & Fay Wray 2009



My rooster is gone and I am completely heart broken. I don't think I will ever be the same without him.



It turns out he had a large tumor in his throat which was preventing him from eating. I was mixing a high calorie wet food with water so he could drink his food during his last few days but he was still choking on it. Sunday morning I woke up to the sound of him choking and gagging on mucus and he was foaming at the mouth. His tumor was compressing his airway. I rushed him to the emergency vet and they put him in an oxygen tank for a few hours but he was not improving. There isn't much success in removing an esophageal tumor in cats and so I had to make the hardest decision of my life to let him go.



My surviving cat, Fay, is very distraught. She is continuously wandering around the house crying and looking everywhere for him. It is very upsetting because I can't explain it to her and it makes my heart hurt even more to know how much she misses him too.



I was there for his birth. He was the very last kitten born and was coming out feet first. He got stuck with just his legs out and his sac broke. I was afraid he would suffocate so I decided to pull him out of the mother by his legs and she was not happy about that. She clawed at my arms while I pulled him out as gently as I could. We were instantly bonded by his traumatic birth. After he was weened, he would sleep on my head and lick my lips if I kissed his nose. He was the smallest kitten in the bunch and I always wanted a small cat so I decided to keep him. Little did I know he would turn into a giant 21 pound cat :)



Rooster has been my loyal companion for almost 13 years now and he has helped me survive some of the hardest and darkest times of my life. He has moved across the country and back again with me, and has seen me grow from a girl into a woman. I was holding him for his very first breath and I was holding him for his very last. In the end he was calm and purring when he passed. I held his body and kissed his nose one last time. Rest in peace my sweet Rooster, and me in pieces. 1997-2010



Rooster & Fay Wray 2010


Rooster & Romeo 1997

13 comments:

Coco said...

Oh, sweetie, I am so, so sorry. There is never a "right thing" to say in this kind of situation, but you and Fay are in my thoughts.

ChristinainSeattle said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Speaking as a veterinarian, you made a loving and selfless decision in letting him go. Speaking as a cat mom, I know that probably doesn't help right now. You will be in my thoughts.

Unknown said...

Sorry to hear that. It's rough losing a beloved pet.

Rinette said...

I am so very sorry. I know your heart is broken- I have been there, too, and it is so hard. You did the right thing for Rooster and he had a wonderful, happy kitty life with you I'm sure. Take care of yourself.

Anjali said...

Oh, I am so very very sorry, this is such a heartbreaking post. What a sweet tribute you've written to him. I hope you find some comfort and peace soon.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry. I came across your blog on accident and have a cat, Larry, with the same problem. Taking him to the vet this weekend to figure out what we're going to do. :(

CheesyGoodness said...

RIP Rooster. My heart goes out to you, and Fay. Keep each other close.

Maggie Marm said...

I am very sorry to hear about your cat. I have several cats of my own and they are my best friends. I cannot imagine what you are going through, but it is obvious that you loved Rooster very much and gave him a good life.

rez said...

I am so so sorry for your loss. I hope in time you will find comfort in the blessing of your having had each other and his presence never leaves you.

Laura said...

I'm so sorry! Rooster is beautiful. I'm a fellow cat lover. I've held two in my arms over the years as they went to sleep. I still cry when I think of them. One was 20 the other only 4. I miss them terribly while I love the two I have now with all my heart.

Red Leslie said...

Thank you, Laura! Obviously I haven't blogged since that entry over a year ago but I still use my blogger account to quietly follow other Anthro bloggers. I found yours today (actually NOT because of the drama) while searching for a review of the Mompos dress and yours was such a detailed review that I knew I had to follow your blog!

Lindsey A. Turner said...

This is heartbreaking. I am so sorry for your loss!

Lindsey Turner
http://thriftandshout.blogspot.com

Sara said...

Hi Red Leslie. Don't know if you're still checking in on your blog or not, but wanted to get in touch with you. If you get this comment, will you please email me at cwolf715@aol.com? I used to read your blog (found it thru Roxy at EA). BTW, I just moved away from Austin and miss it so much!!! Are you still there?