In November I shared that our cat Smokie was behaving differently and losing weight.
I wasn’t sure, but I had a feeling that things were changing and I let the kids know. Smokie seemed ok after that, so we just carried on. I just didn’t know how sick she really was, and I certainly didn’t know that she was going to die on Monday February 6th, 2017. Jadyn and Tanner called me from the basement in a panic and said something was wrong with Smokie. They carried her upstairs. She couldn’t move her legs and she was breathing fast. I had that helpless feeling and wanted to run to the vet with her, but I knew, took a deep breath and waited. We snuggled on the couch and right before our eyes she was dying. She was almost 16. There would be no drastic measures to save her life. We just had to be present. Geordie was at work, so Jadyn, Tanner and I took turns holding her and pet her continuously and told her how much we loved her. We cried the whole time. Her body made strange movements and sounds. It was uncomfortable and unnerving but we stayed right there with Smokie. We held her and loved her for five hours, until she took her last breath. We kept holding her, not wanted to let go. It was so hard, but I know that loving her so much all her life and right to the very end of her life, will help our hearts to heal. “Thank you, Smokie, for all the love you gave to each and every one of us, for not leaving our sides when we were sad, for the morning snuggles, for always wanted to be near, for loving us unconditionally for 16 years. We really loved you back and miss you already. You were a part of this family and a really great cat!”
10 Comments
Julie McIntyre
2/9/2017 07:16:13 am
So sorry to hear of Smokie's passing, but what a lucky cat to have had 16 years with such a loving family! Congratulations on having what it takes to provide such a good death.
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Yvonne
2/9/2017 11:40:12 am
Thank you Julie. I was in awe of my children and grateful that they were able to be present!
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Roslyn Foxton
2/9/2017 07:26:47 am
So sorry to hear about Smokie. Never easy to let go. Tell the kids and Geordie that I am thinking of them during this sad time. xo
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Yvonne
2/9/2017 11:41:05 am
Thank you my friend. I will tell them. Xxoo
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Denise
2/9/2017 09:19:43 am
I'm so sorry for your loss. I can honestly say I know how you feel. Our grandkids gave us a cat one year not so long ago and it died within a year. It broke our hearts, I never thought that having him for such a short time would affect us. But it sure did. We got another cat from SPCA after one year and he just loves us so much and we love him in return. So blessed to have him. He's been with us almost three years. His name is Mango. Hugs to you and your family. Denise
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Yvonne
2/9/2017 11:42:49 am
Thank you Denise. So glad you have Mango!! Cats and dogs and pets really know how to love. We humans can learn a lot from them!!
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Donna C
2/10/2017 04:53:29 pm
Awww...Hugs to all
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Yvonne
2/16/2017 11:01:59 am
Thank you for your kind words. She was the Queen!! :)
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Linda
2/16/2017 08:51:18 am
Our animals teach us a lot and if allowed like you have let your children into a world of where our journey ends.
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Yvonne
2/16/2017 11:04:15 am
So true, Linda. They teach us about unconditional love, enjoying the simple things in life and one of the most important lessons is that we will grieve when they die, but the love they gave us was worth the pain and that our hearts will heal. Valuable lessons for all!
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Yvonne Heath is Canada's Proactive Living Consultant. She is a Speaker, Television Host, Award Winning Author Guest Blogs
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