I came home from my trip today and you were not here. I am so used to your presence in the house. Being a cat, you were not one to jump all over me, but just rub your head gently against my legs and headbonk against me. When I'd sit down, you'd come up for a cuddle. You warmed my lap. You took my desk chair and I had to move you, but you heated it for me too. I miss your little face waiting for dinner around this hour, impatient for the good stuff you got in the evening.
The hospital sent home your ashes and your paw prints in a plaque. I am so lucky to have this from you. I don't know how I am going to move on without you. You were such a presence yet so quiet and dignified that you just melded into what we did and where we went.
You sister dog Sienna is not the same, nor is your cat brother Foucault. They feel your loss as you were a friend to them. Beside your sister to cuddle, beside Foucault to chase or beg for food.
For so long we lived with you and each day I grew to love you even more. I will miss you so much.
Last night I had a dream. All the animals I've ever loved were at this house and wonderful garden. My dogs from childhood were there, and Zuki and other dogs I've known and some I haven't. Even a sheep and I goat I think. Then I went into the house and opened the attic door. Out came all the cats. I thought "oh they really aren't gone, they were just stuck here in the attic" Out came Heather and Sami and some others. Then I started looking for Sienna and Ellie and thought I may have seen them but they never came up to me. Only the ones who had passed were there. Maybe it was a special trip to the rainbow bridge. It felt like such a special place and all the animals were in peace. What a pleasure to see it. Thank you Heather for showing me you are Ok and with you friends. You always loved other cats and dogs so much. At first more than people.
Heather died last night. Yesterday morning she was on the bathroom floor when my husband woke up. She was unable to move her back legs. He took her to the emergency vet. She had heart problems and a blood clot. The prognosis was not good. Three vets said that probably the best thing to do was put her to sleep. My husband saw her last night and after talking to the vet, wanted to give it a full 24 hours to see how she was doing. She seemed out of pain and loving the visit with him. In the night he got a call that her body temperature dropped and she died. Probably a blood clot in the brain.
This all happened so fast. We know she is now with her dog brother Zuki at the bridge and they were buddies. Life will not be the same without her. She loved being on my lap, getting pets and combs, giving headbonks, cuddling with Sienna, chasing with Foucault, licking catnip, and sleeping right by my pillow. We are grateful she did not have a prolonged illness. She had a good life during the time she was with us. We appreciate all the time we had with her. She taught many people to not give up on feral cats, they can come around and can learn to love people instead of fear them.
Goodbye Heather, we will miss you. Please give Zuki a kiss for me.
Why Does My Cat Always Use the Litter Box Right After I've Cleaned It?
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