Friday, February 16, 2007

I can taste again but I'm still not very hungry




I put my cat Ernie to sleep last night, as if being sick this week wasn't bad enough. They don't make a lot of cats like Ernie. He was the most affectionate, mild-mannered cat you could ever imagine.

Three years ago he was diagnosed with lung cancer. Fortunately the doctor was a quack and it was just asthma. They still tried to kill him with steroids but after 7 days in 3 different hospitals in 2 different states, he pulled through.



A couple of months later, I had my son but I made it a point to never push Ernie aside, as often happens to a pet after a baby is born. In the three years they shared together, my son never treated Ernie badly. Only once, in that age when babies like to painfully grab things did Ernie ever scratch Nick. They couldn't have gotten along any better.



I'm actually not nearly as sad as I'd thought I'd be. I think because it was obvious it was time for him to go and because I had those three extra years with him. I lost his buddy, Mookie, just a month before my son was born and that hit me hard because it really came out of left field.



Now, I'm catless for the first time in almost 17 years. Feels weird.

Rest in peace, sweet Ernest.



I'll be back with recipes on Monday.

10 comments:

Randi said...

I'm so sorry. It is so awful to lose a cherished pet. I hope you're feeling better.

Anonymous said...

sorry to hear this. losing a pet is hard, especially after so many years. glad you are feeling better.


anette

Wanda said...

I am so, so sorry for your loss. I know how terrible it can be. Gentle hugs to you.

Anonymous said...

Oh, Paula, I'm so sorry. It's so hard to lose a beloved pet. Ernie was a beautiful cat. I love the picture of him and Nick sleeping. I'm so glad you had the extra time with him. I agree, it is a little easier when you know their time has come. It's the kindest thing you can do to not let them linger on and suffer. Peace to you.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry about Ernie. Hugs to you.

ThursdayNext said...

I am sorry about Ernie, Paula. I empathize all to well. Thanks for sharing the photos of him with us.

NoPeanuts said...

Sorry for your loss. Sounds like Ernie had a happy home!

Red Dirt Mummy said...

I too am so sorry. I know how hard and how awful it is to lose a much-loved pet.

Alanna Kellogg said...

Awwwww. I'm sorry, it is hard, no matter what. I love the shot of Ernie and Nick together: most sweet.

Anonymous said...

Ernie sounds like the most wonderful type of creature!! He will never be forgotten and always loved by you :)