Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files.
The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life. The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent. Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
Like River I usually run with a theme. This week? Hopefully my tears won't short out the keyboard before I finish. Monday was hot here. Jewel went out briefly in the morning but was subdued and off her food when she came in again. On Tuesday she was no better so we went to the vet.
X-rays and blood tests gave us dreadful news. Jewel's kidneys had failed and she had a tumour on her bladder. There was no hope and nothing we could do, so we made the dreadful (for us) decision to let her go. And my tears have fallen in floods ever since. Jazz misses her too. And looks for her. And calls her. And cries. Which makes me cry too.
So this week is all about Jewel. Precious. Beautiful. And gone too soon.
Jewel was a rescue cat, who had already been adopted and returned once before she came to live with us. She settled into our home and hearts quickly, and while she has left the home she remains in our hearts.
And a huge thank you to those of you who have supported me as I wept.
The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life. The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent. Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
Like River I usually run with a theme. This week? Hopefully my tears won't short out the keyboard before I finish. Monday was hot here. Jewel went out briefly in the morning but was subdued and off her food when she came in again. On Tuesday she was no better so we went to the vet.
X-rays and blood tests gave us dreadful news. Jewel's kidneys had failed and she had a tumour on her bladder. There was no hope and nothing we could do, so we made the dreadful (for us) decision to let her go. And my tears have fallen in floods ever since. Jazz misses her too. And looks for her. And calls her. And cries. Which makes me cry too.
So this week is all about Jewel. Precious. Beautiful. And gone too soon.
Jewel was a rescue cat, who had already been adopted and returned once before she came to live with us. She settled into our home and hearts quickly, and while she has left the home she remains in our hearts.
And a huge thank you to those of you who have supported me as I wept.
I am really sorry to hear of your news. It is never easy to say good bye to a faithful friend. BIG HUGS and know that I am thinking about you.
ReplyDeleteTeresa Hennes: Thank you. Not easy at all.
DeleteA very difficult post to write. And to read.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you all
dinahmow: Hugs gratefully accepted.
DeleteVery sad to hear the news, poor Jewel EC.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: Thank you.
DeleteOh no. You poor darling. Moving on isn't easy. I know just what it's like. And more often than not, losing a furry family member is more painful than losing a human because in the case of the pet, you were not pretending to love it.
ReplyDeleteA huge *hug* from across the ditch. Take care EC xoxox
Wendy: Not pretending to love it, as it was not pretending to love you. It hurts like hell. Thank you.
DeleteEC your cat was lovely what a pity she is is deadly ill. Take care and adopt another cat.
ReplyDeleteGosia k: She was indeed lovely. And for a very small cat has left a huge hole.
DeleteOhh that is so sad Sue. You must all be missing her incredibly so. Hugs to you. xx
ReplyDeleteCountryMum: We are all missing her badly. Thank you.
DeleteSuch a beautiful creature. I am so sorry you lost her, EC.
ReplyDeleteI feel for Jazz too. Grief lives with everyone at your home these days. Take care!
Marie Smith: It was a shock. It is a shock. And yes, she was very very beautiful.
DeleteSorry to hear about Jewel...our pets are members of our family and it is always difficult to lose a member of our family. Hugs to you...xxx
ReplyDeleteSienna Smythe: Definitely a member of the family. Which is diminished. And aching.
DeleteHow awful and I am very sorry for you. She doesn't look so old in the photos.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: Thank you. She wasn't old. Ten is our best guess.
DeleteOkay, now I am crying too. I am so sorry to learn that this beloved four-legged family member is gone. And with so little time to prepare for it, it's doubly hard. My heart goes out to all who are missing her as well as giving thanks for having had her around for as long as you did. Blessings and hugs galore, EC. :-(
ReplyDeleteDJan: Thank you. It really was a shock. And we feel the reverberations. Hard.
DeleteSo so sorry for you. It never gets easier.
ReplyDeletedonna baker: It doesn't does it. We know that they will leave before us, and the pain is huge.
DeleteNo! No! No! Oh, dear. My tears fall as I type. I'm so very sorry and so sad for your loss, EC. I do know and understand how you feel...oh, dear Jewel.
ReplyDeleteA long hug for you from me and a long cuddle for Jazz for me...I'm so sorry....beautiful, beautiful Jewel...
Lee: Thank you. It was and is so very hard.
DeleteJewel was certainly a beauty! So hard when it's time to let go of our furry friends. But letting go is the right thing to do. My thoughts are with you, and I know how it feels for the tears to keep falling. I've been there too many times so now I don't have any pets at all. I bet Jewel will meet up with my beautiful DixieCat and Midge and Wendydog and Blackie and Sheba....
ReplyDeleteShammickite: Letting go was the only thing we could do. It was right for her, and only hard for us. And yes, we have a long list of animals who have gone before us too. Still missed. And loved.
DeleteI am so sorry. It's a terrible thing to lose a pet but a wonderful thing to love and be loved and you are still doing that.
ReplyDeleteBig hugs
xox
kylie: Thank you. Unsurprisingly tears are still falling.
DeleteWhen my Bichon, Lucky, was put to "sleep" six years ago, my anger knew no bounds as I was second guessing myself - and Joe most of all. I beat myself into a puddle, with thoughts like "Lucky trusted you, and look what you did." Oh, it was horrendous. I had zero desire to "replace" him, as my loyalty to him would have been compromised. Then this discarded wee dog crawled up to me, needing ME instead of ME needing Lucky. And Beau is still with us on very limited time. But, at our age, we cannot, and will not, be blessed with another furchild. (Besides, none would measure up to Beau.) Although we call it "euthanasia" where the pet is concerned, where the parents are concerned it's a dead-center shot to the heart that never seems to go away.
ReplyDeletelotta joy: They can never be replaced. Letting Jewel go was the last thing we could do for her. It was the right thing to do. No more pain. For her. Lots of pain for us.
DeleteIf anyone sends me one of those "Rainbow Bridge" poems when it's Beau's time....they will catch all my fury. I wish it was true, but it hurts to see that damn poem.
Deletelotta joy: At the moment the only thing which helps (a bit) is that she is no longer in any discomfort. I hope there is a Rainbow Bridge, but here in the now we ache.
DeletePoor cookie.:-(
ReplyDeleteMad Cat Lady: Thank you.
DeleteHuge hugs to you...and to Jazz as well. It's such a hard decision to make when inviting a furball into your life, isn't it? Knowing they will leave you all too soon and yet something in our hearts melt each time and we open the door again. One can say it's the circle of life but it's painful. Jewel had a beautiful life with you though. You were both enriched by her stay. And loved.
ReplyDeleteRiver Fairchild: Slow learners? Except that I can't regret inviting her into our hearts. She gave us a lot. With grace. And style. And snark.
DeleteJewels has now the meadows of heaven to roam in and chase butterflies. Sorry for your loss. It is never easy when a pet dies. Our first love a girl named Cha-Cha died in my arms after 12 years and it took awhile but then we got our furry boy Sid so now things are alright. Your lucky to have Jazz. Virtual hugs.
ReplyDeleteRasma Raisters: Thank you. And last Sunday Jewel was chasing butterflies here. And having a lovely time.
DeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. It never gets easier to have to make this decision but it is the right thing to do and as my vet always says to me, it is a kindness.
ReplyDeleteI'm dreading having to make that decision for our older cat. I know the time will eventually arrive, so I am just making the most of our time left.
Much love to you and yours and especially to your Jazz. :)
Snoskred: The decision was easy. It was the only thing we could do. She was/is more important than our grief. But yes, it hurts. And thank you.
DeleteYour post made me cry too, and the lovely comments above from your friends did nothing to stop the tears. So very sad - hugs to you, and to Jazz. And thank you for the photos of your beautiful girl.
ReplyDeleteAlexia: Thank you too. And yes, the tears are flowing here. Hugs gratefully received. By me, and by the psycho cat from hell (aka Jazz).
DeleteNo words can ease what what you are going through. Thank you for these precious moments
ReplyDeleteMartin Kloess: Thank you.
DeleteOuch! Sorry to hear that. Get someone to give you a hug and debit my account.
ReplyDeleteJ Cosmo Newbery: Consider your account debited. And thanks.
DeleteNo cat too black! The stuff of diamonds. A bibliophile, to boot. The worst is the ones left behind, and that is Jazz, as well as you and the Thin Man. A virtual pet, pat and hug to all.
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: Jazz is also black. Inside and out. And yes, the ones left behind ache. Pats and hugs gratefully received.
DeleteA big hole left by a pet, a true friend in so many ways. We learn to cope without them, learning about loss, learning about life's limitations...
ReplyDeleterosaria williams: Painful lessons. Lessons I knew but... And a gaping chasm left behind.
DeleteThat is so sad and she was a beautiful cat, black and lovely.
ReplyDeleteMerle.............
Merlesworld: She was beautiful. Very beautiful.
DeleteI lost my black and white cat a few years ago, and since then I think of him every time I see any cat. It's very hard letting them go. Our fellow was a rescue cat as well who got diabetes as he aged. He was one in a long line of cats I've had, all great friends. I understand and hope you remember - there is a cat heaven, at least in my mind there is. My sympathies,EC.
ReplyDeleteD.G. Hudson: Heaven without animals wouldn't be. In my mind. And yes, I do know what you mean about thinking of your cat any time another cats jogs your memory. Thank you.
DeleteJewel was such a beautiful cat, sleek and glossy. If only cats knew some way to tell us when they aren't well, they're such stoic, tough it out creatures. I'm still crying now and again too, today I have very wet eyes. I'm sad for Jazz too, since he probably doesn't understand why she is gone.
ReplyDeleteRiver: I am hugging to myself the fact that Jewel had a lovely day last Sunday. She went outside and chased butterflies. She came in and demanded tummy rubs. She asked for (and guzzled) some of the fishes food. She purred and she napped. She was undoubtedly a very sick cat already by then - but wasn't letting it interfere with her happiness.
DeleteSo sorry to read about your Jewel. Like family are our animals. Take care.
ReplyDeleteMargaret-whiteangel: Definitely family. Thank you.
DeleteWhat a beautiful kitty. It's hard to imagine that she'd been returned to the shelter only to be adopted again, but it's good that she found you & your home. I'm very sorry for your loss, E.C., and may your tears lessen over time, if, however, not your feelings for Jewel. x
ReplyDeleteBea: The first people who adopted Jewel kept her indoors and alone in a flat all day. When they got home from work she was needy and demanding. Of course. So they gave her back. We benefited. I think she benefited.
Deleteshe definitely benefited.
DeleteRiver: Thank you.
DeleteShe was beautiful, EC, and had a very good life with you folks. It's so painful for those left behind. That's the price of love, isn't it? Take care, dear friend. And thank you for sharing this post with us.
ReplyDeletejenny_o: She did have a good life I think. I hope. And was happy till almost the end. The price of love is high - but I am not sorry. And thank you.
DeleteSo sorry to hear about this.
DeleteTreey Stynes: Thank you.
DeleteOh, EC. I am so sorry. I know how much you love your kitties.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the pictures of her. They made me smile. Sitting in boxes and in plant stands (?) and bags. I am glad you rescued her. And that she left pawprints on your heart.
Birdie: Jewel loved getting in things. Boxes, bags, suitcases, cupboards... And I smile looking at these photos. Through leaky eyes. I am glad that you smiled too.
DeleteOh dear she is adorable. Loved the ventures of black beauty
ReplyDeletebaili: She was indeed adorable.
DeleteDear EC - my thoughts for you all and for Jewel for leaving early ... she does look delightful and full of life with her happy rescue ... So difficult losing an animal ... they embed themselves into our homes and lives and hearts ...
ReplyDeleteWith thoughts as I cry gently with you ... Hilary
Hilary Melton-Butcher: And they take a piece of us with them when they leave.
DeleteI'm so sorry for your great sorrow.
ReplyDeleteThis post is a great memory of you dear pet.
Huge hugs.
orvokki: Thank you. The house is full of memories of her. Which is lovely. And hurts.
DeleteWhat sad news. Poor baby. I am so sorry EC.
ReplyDeleteWe share your loss x
carol in cairns: Thank you.
DeleteShe was so beautiful. I never realized how much she resembled Larry, with those greenish eyes. They looked a lot alike. I'm crying buckets now too. Those black cats ... I can't find the words, E.C. I know how devastated you are, and must be. My heart breaks for you. She was taken way too soon, and much too unexpectedly... Beautiful, sweet, sweet girl. Thank you for sharing the photos of her.
ReplyDeletePaper Chipmunk (aka Ellen): Thank you. There really aren't words, but I know that you are hurting for and with me.
DeleteLovely tribute to a beautiful family member. I am weeping with you for your loss.
ReplyDeleteGranny Annie: She was probably the MOST beautiful member of the family. Thank you.
Deleteoh so sorry you had to let her go - not easy to do but you wouldn't want a precious animal to suffer... you will be 'seeing' her for months ... you have some lovely photos to help you to remember her when she was at her best.
ReplyDeleteAnna: No, I couldn't let her suffer. But. And yes, we are all seeing her. And looking for her. Thank you.
DeleteDear EC
ReplyDeleteOh, I am so sorry to hear your news. They give us so much joy and happiness, but we also have to cope with the pain of losing them. Jewel had a wonderful life with you and gave you some wonderful memories in return.
Virtual hugs and sympathy and empathy from the UK
Best wishes
Ellie
Ellie Foster: Thank you. Our rescue cats rescue us just as much (and perhaps more) than we do them.
DeleteI am so sorry about the loss of your precious Jewel.
ReplyDeleteSue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: Thank you.
DeleteI was so saddened to hear about that beautiful girl. I have been thinking of you ever since I received the news about Jewel from River. When I told Phil it reminded him of our Soot that he loved so much and misses still after about 16 years. Our Precious also suffered from kidney failure and in a matter of days, no matter what the vet or we did, she had faded badly. That was 2 years ago and we miss her still. I am sure Jazz will miss Jewel too as Precious did when our Henry suddenly died in his sleep.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful photo records you have of Jewel and what a beautiful name you gave her as well.
RIP gorgeous little girl. I am sorry but I am one of those silly sentimental people that loves to think our furever friends have found happiness on the Rainbow Bridge. That from a non-believer sounds a bit soppy.
Mimsie: Jewel had her name when she came to live with us. (The people who had her briefly renamed her Sapphire). And a jewel she was.
DeleteI know you miss Precious, and understand Phil missing Soot. There are cats long gone who still tug at my heart strings.
I hope the Rainbow Bridge IS true. And that we can visit.
I am so,so sorry EC.
ReplyDeleteJason and Michelle: Thank you.
DeleteIt broke my heart reading your post. We don't have children but we've had many dogs and cats through the years. They all had a way of making us fall in love with them. They were all hard to let go.
ReplyDeleteR
Rick Watson: No children here either. Of the two legged variety. And a great deal of love for the furry family. Thank you.
DeleteSo very sorry, Sue, to learn the sad news about Jewel. Our furry children do capture a bit of our hearts and take it with them when they leave us, don't they? The hearts of your readers are with you today.
ReplyDeleterhymeswithplague: Thank you. I have been so very grateful for the warmth and the support I have found in the blogosphere. For this and other sorrows.
DeleteOh EC, I am so sorry to hear about Jewel's passing. I know how hard that is to bear. Sending you hugs and empathy from Oregon. Love you. She really was a jewel.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: Thank you. She was a jewel and I know that you have felt this pain too often.
DeleteI'm so sorry to hear such news but, seeing I believe in reincarnation, my hope is that she'll be just as happy as she was with you in her next life.
ReplyDeleteLon Anderson: Thank you. I hope so.
DeleteTheir going leaves such a hole in our hearts and in our lives. Please know I'm thinking of you. And Jazz.
ReplyDeleteDiane Tolley: Thank you - from us both.
DeleteOh, E.C. my heart breaks for you. I'm shedding my own tears for you as I type. Jewel was so beautiful. I know mere words can't stop the loss you feel but know others do understand. Some may call them 'just cats' or 'mere pets' but to others like us they are a precious gift that is a huge part of our lives. They touch a part of our heart that is forever theirs. Sending you hugs and love that the wonderful memories you have will give you comfort during this difficult time. Give Jazz an extra hug for me.
ReplyDeleteMason Canyon: There is nothing just or mere about them is there? Givers and receivers of love.
DeleteMy heart is heavy & sad today.
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry, my darling, so very sorry.
Kay is holding her, loving her. Don't worry. xxx
My Inner Chick: Thank you (and Kay) so very much.
DeleteI am sure that was a very difficult decision that you had to make and your heart grieves for the loss of this creature that brought joy into your life. Wishing you peace in the coming days. Jewel was indeed a jewel in your life. ((hugs))
ReplyDeleteTruedessa: It was the only decision we could make. Jewel's comfort was much more important than our happiness. I am so very sorry that it was necessary though. And thank you. Hugs gratefully accepted.
DeleteI'm so sorry...I had a cat from the age of 5 to the age of 27 and, I have to tell you, I was utterly devastated the day I had to put her down. She was so sick she couldn't walk, she couldn't eat, and her body was already in the process of a slow collapse that would have left her in pain for weeks.
ReplyDeleteIt was a horribly painful decision and one that still brings tears to my eyes whenever I think about it.
I'm so, so sorry for your loss. :(
Robert Bennett: Yes. It is horribly painful, and was the only decision I could make. Jewel was still relatively young, but some years back we went down the same painful path with a cat who had shared our lives for twenty one years. And it hurts like hell.
DeleteSweetie, my heart breaks for you.
ReplyDeleteKeeping you close in mind and heart. I'm so very sorry.
Rawknrobyn: Thank you. So very much.
DeleteOh sweet, EC, we are SO very sorry for what you are going through. You did the right thing, even though it hurts so very much. They are not with us our whole lives but they make our lives whole.
ReplyDeleteBig hugs to you from across the miles,
1st Man and 2nd Man
1sr Man (and 2nd Man too): Thank you so much. It was the only decision I could have made, but yes, it does hurt. Lots. And I am very glad to have had her in my life.
Deleteawww
ReplyDeletehugs and warm thoughts
Author R. Mac Wheeler: Thank you.
DeleteOh Honey! Now I am weeping along with you. The saddest time in life. SO SORRY!
ReplyDeleteCloudia: It is very sad. And I have to remember that I am sad because she gave me/us so much joy.
DeleteOh I am so sorry! The loss of jewel is heartbreaking....very pretty, gone too soon
ReplyDeleteKim@stuffcould...: Thank you. Much too soon.
DeleteWishing you many wonderful memories to fill the void.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Sandra Cox: There are lots of wonderful memories. Which will help over time, but at the moment just show how deep the void is.
DeleteLosing a loved cat is wrenching. They leave such large gaps in our lives. Arms around. And farewell, Jewel.
ReplyDeletecleemckenzie: Thank you. A huge gap - and a tiny cat.
DeleteI am so sorry for your loss. Wishing you tranquil and happy memories. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteNilanjana Bose: Thank you.
DeleteThank you for the photos. The sadness is almost unbearable. I’m so very sorry. We take our Brewsky to the vet today because he’s off his feed, and this was what happened the last time he had bladder issues (twice this year). Peggy doesn’t think he needs to go, but I don’t want to risk not taking him.
ReplyDeleteI wish I knew when you posted such emotionally significant posts because I wouldn't want to miss them.
Love,
Snow
Snowbrush: Thank you. Good luck at the vet. Jewel showed no symptoms till the end. She must have been unwell for a while, and I feel guilty that I didn't know. The vet told me that some cats just keep on going until they can't, but there is still guilt. And loss. And love.
Delete“The vet told me that some cats just keep on going until they can’t"
DeleteI know, and it is one of reasons why I’m taking Brewsky to the vet in an hour despite Peggy’s belief that he doesn’t need to go, but it’s also for selfish reasons. This cat could die of his urinary problems, and if he does, I don’t want it to be because I didn’t take him to the vet when I had any idea he might desperately need to go. Besides, we can afford it.
Again, I don't get around as much as maybe I should, so please, please, please let me know when something major is going of for you. I know you have too many followers to do this for everyone, but I nonetheless ask as I have a horror of missing something that would put a distance between us.
Snowbrush: I am sorry. I should have told you, and did tell a few. And yes, I will let you know when anything major is going down. Good luck with Brewsky.
Delete“Snowbrush: I am sorry. I should have told you…”
DeleteI don’t think you need be sorry; I’m just talking about what I would like, Sweetie Pea Friend. Love you,
Snowy Boy
Snowbrush: I was glad to read this morning that your vet was able to do something for Brewsky. I hope it helps.
DeleteMale cats have small urethraes, so they are fucked in that regard (stones hurt, and bladder blockages hurt more). Brewsky has had one more spell, but we switched to his urinary food, and he is doing well. I think we'll eventually buy him a PH meter. He is, after all, the cat we're closest to.
DeleteSnowbrush: I am glad he is doing well on the urinary food. Very glad. And still weeping that we weren't able to help Jewel.
Deleteanche i gatti hanno un loro piccolo paradiso, questo bel micione sarà senz'altro felice lassù
ReplyDeleteventisqueras: Welcome and thank you. I hope so.
DeleteI'm so very sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing these photographs - she has left your home but she will remain forever in your hearts.
Thinking of you
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member ~ Jan: Thank you. And yes, she will indeed keep her home in our hearts.
DeleteSo sorry to hear about Jewel - what a stunning cat! Much loved and much missed, I'm sure. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteLady Fi: Thank you. Definitely much loved and missed.
DeleteSo sorry but a lovely tribute, I enjoyed all the kitty pictures <3
ReplyDeleteHBF: Thank you.
DeleteI just popped back in to say "G'day" and let you know I'm thinking of your, EC.
ReplyDeleteLee: Thank you.
DeleteI am so sorry about your Jewel. HUGS B
ReplyDeleteButtons Thoughts: And a huge thank you to you too.
DeleteOh no - so sorry. Tears just sprang up - I know all too well how you are feeling. And we will miss Jewel, too. Hugs
ReplyDeleteLynn: Thank you. Tears continue to flow.
DeleteI am so sorry for your loss! I have lost many pets who have been part of my family and it is heartbreaking. Jewel was a cutie pie and I am sorry that she was so sick. Sending you hugs.
ReplyDelete~Jess
DMS ~ Jess: Thank you. It is heartbreaking. And yes, she was (and is) one of the family.
DeleteThe hardest words to write, I know this. *Hugs and love* Such a beautiful girl. xXx
ReplyDeleteAll Consuming: I know you know. As so many people do. It still hurts though. Hugs.
Delete“It still hurts though.”
DeleteI’ve thought a lot about this, as in, if “it hurts anyway,” why bother trying to help anyone, yet you're right in that it is going to hurt for years no matter what anyone can say or do. What I came up with is that the point of trying to help isn’t to make things better but to keep them from getting as bad as they might otherwise become. We each live at the edge of a very deep pit, and all that others can do sometimes is to throw us a rope that will keep us from falling as far into that pit as we would most certainly fall if we were alone.
Snowbrush: Yes. It horrifies me how fast and easy the descent into that pit can be, and how slow and difficult the climb out again.
DeleteVery sorry to read about Jewel. This just sucks.
ReplyDeleteThe Happy Whisk: Thank you. It does.
Delete