Married to the Empire

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Goodbye, Sweet Tiger

Psalm 34:18
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
This is a hard post to write.  We said goodbye to our precious Calvin yesterday.  We knew Saturday night when Steven witnessed him losing bladder control as he slept that it was time.  But Sunday Calvin was being so Calvin that I started second guessing that.  He was talkative and busy and fighting us to try to eat the food off our plates.  When he was that energetic, how could it be time for him to go?

But when I woke up Monday morning, I found that he'd wet the big, woolly pillow with a heating pad inside.  He'd never peed on that bed before.  I noticed him and Doogie huddled together on a jacket Steven had left on the couch.  All the good sleeping spots were destroyed. 

So, on what wound up being the worst Valentine's Day of my life, I made the hard call to the vet's office to schedule Calvin's Final Appointment.  I could barely speak through the tears.  We scheduled it for Tuesday, February 15th, when our favorite vet could be there to do it. 

Calvin had a good last day.  He got to eat tuna (and he'd had pork the night before).  The sun came out, and the temps outside were in the 70s, so we spent a good amount of time in the yard, just soaking up the sun.   One of his "aunts" came over to say goodbye and pray over him.  Steven took off work so we could all be together. 

I'd been in a state of tears since Saturday night.  I think the anticipation of it all was worse than the actual event.  Calvin's passing was peaceful, and I'm happy to know that he's no longer sick or in pain.  I believe that animals go to heaven, so we told him to enjoy it, but we asked him please not to pee on God.  Our sweet vet said that she thinks God won't mind if Calvin does, though.  But as a friend pointed out, Calvin is now healed, so he doesn't need to pee on anything up in heaven.  That's a comfort. 

Thank you, as I know several of you who knew about this were praying for us.  For my regular readers, thank you for all the kind words and prayers you offered on behalf of Calvin throughout his illness.  And for indulging my need to talk endlessly about my cat.  And now I'll leave you with one of my favorite photos of my sweet tiger cat.

14 comments:

ashley said...

I cried all through that post and can barely type this through the tears. I am so sorry, Anne Marie. I wish I knew the words to encourage you! I am so glad that Calvin had a good last day, that you were able to say your goodbyes. I will keep praying for you, because I know the pain doesn't go away overnight!

Catherine @ Frugal Homemaker PLus said...

Oh sweetie, I cried while reading this too. It is such a horrible decision to have to make, but I know you made the right one. Calvin had such loving parents while he was here- and our Eternal Father is holding him (and both of you!) right now. You are in my prayers.

Molly said...

I am so sorry! Words and tears don't describe how my heart breaks for you, and I know they won't take away the pain. Just know, that I am praying for you and Steven. I am so thankful Calvin had such a wonderful last day!

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for the loss. I too am going through something very close to this with my beloved Beaulah Mae. She will be 15 next month and is having some kidney problems now. She has started peeing on the carpet and she has never done that before...
I will keep Calvin in my prayers.

Beth said...

i'm sorry for your loss Anne Marie. I could tell by your posts about Calvin that he was a big part of your family. I lost my cat and dog in the summer of 2009 a friend sent me this for some comfort
http://rainbowsbridge.com/poem.htm

Jen said...

I'm so very sorry, Anne Marie. Praying for you all.

Becky said...

So sorry to hear about Calvin.

shannon1159 said...

I prayed that my two sweet boys Emrys and Herald (both of whom had kidney disease) will find Calvin and give him a tour of all the best sunny sleepy spots.

Cathy VanPatten said...

He was such a handsome boy! Peace and comfort to you.

Beth S said...

I'm so sorry! I will continue to pray for you, Steven and Doogie. You tried so hard to make Calvin comfortable (and well! all those antibiotics!) recently. Love that picture of him. Thanks for sharing your struggles, it can't be easy.

Anonymous said...

My prayers are with you and your family. Losing a pet can be so hard but know that you gave him a wonderful life and all the care he could ask for in these last few months.

Jennifer said...

I'm sorry for your loss. I know how painful it is to lose a beloved friend like Calvin.

*carrie* said...

Anne Marie,

I am sure it has been an emotional week for all of you. I am sorry for your loss!

Anonymous said...

Anne Marie,

It's Erin from BHG...I don't comment often but know you and your husband have been in my thoughts and prayers....Calvin brought so much to your life, but what a wonderful life you gave Calvin ((Anne Marie))

Keeping you in my prayers during your time of grief,,,,I am truly sorry.