Sunday 15 January 2012

Goodbye Tiger

I had half written a post about my blogaversary and 800th post giveaway today but something sad has happened.
He had a lovely face and very long whiskers!
Tiger was about 18 years old, give or take a year or two and he was a rescue cat from the PDSA.  He had recently developed a form of diabetes, and we were told that we would have to inject him twice a day.  Tiger would not have put up with that, he hated having his claws clipped.  He did not like being grabbed and held down.  Only the Vets seemed to get away with that.  We felt that as long he was not in any pain and was eating and drinking we would not go down the injection route.  Some may not agree with this but we felt to stick a sharp item in him at least twice a day and not be able to explain to him why was a bit cruel.  So we have been keeping a very close eye on him and was one of the reasons why we did not visit anyone over Christmas as we did not want to put him in a cattery, they probably would not have taken him anyway.
We noticed weight loss, especially when we were travelling back and forth to see my Dad.  He was eating well, Tuna being his favourite, but the last few days we have seen a rapid down turn and last night he was eating but could not stand for long or walk.  Could not get comfortable and was crying a bit.
One of the oldest cats in the area and none of the other cats ever bothered this old boy.
This morning when I got up he was worse.  Hubby had left at 7am to go to the NEC to see the motor show, the first time he has gone anywhere like that with two friends for years!  Excellent timing.
Tiger would not eat, kept falling over and was clearly distressed, so I rang the vet emergency line and Sophie and I were asked to take him in.
After a quick check up he was quietly put down at about 1.15pm. I asked Sophie to wait outside but she said no and wanted to stay.  This aspect is all part of being a pet owner but  it was a first for me at 42, so I was not sure how she would react, I had always been at school or college .when this ever happened with my parents pets.  I know have to tell hubby when he gets in as we did act quickly this morning and I have decided not to ring and tell him but wait until he gets in.  There is nothing he can do.
So it has been rather a bad day but it was for the best.  We have pictures and stories to look back on and we knew when we took Tiger on that he may not last long, it has been about three years.  At least it was in a  warm family home with comforts, and not stuck in a large cage where we first met him.
 He loved lying in the sun on the decking all afternoon!
We decided to make the last few months/weeks as comfortable as possible and he was purring a little and spirited even when the vet picked him up, and we made a fuss of him right up to the end. Toffy is sitting on one of the kitchen chairs next to me, he is going to wonder where Tiger is at dinner time but he will adjust.
So....I shall post my giveaway in a day or two time. 
xx

21 comments:

MelMel said...

I'm so so sad for you.....the thought of your little kitty crying is enough to make me cry.....he was such a lovely lovely little cat.....
Thinking of you......melxxx

West Michigan Quilter said...

I'm so sorry. I know your heart must be broken. I lost my beloved Sassy about a year ago and I still cry when I think of her. Thinking of your during your difficult time. A big hug for you.

Anonymous said...

I know you'll miss Tiger. Saying goodbye to a loved pet is always so hard. tiger was lucky to have such a great family for his last years.

Sharon said...

I'm very sad to hear this, as an owner of three very spoilt and loved cats myself I know how you are feeling. Congratulate yourselves for giving an old cat a loving home and a happy one at that in his twilight years.
Kind Regards
Sharon

Andi's English Attic said...

So sorry for your sadness. He had a wonderful few years with you. xx

Anonymous said...

Such a sad thing to have to write about though you know that you gave him some happy years in his life, try to take comfort from that.

Sending you all a big hug.

wonderwoman said...

I am so sorry about your loss. I have had to make this sad decision 5 times now and it does not get any easier. Our cat is 18 and has a form of alzheimers and soon we have to decide when it is her time. We do our very best for them and thats all we can do. That and love them to bits. Xxx big hug.

Carol said...

So very sorry to read this, it is so hard when our pets leave us. Tiger was a very handsome cat, you gave him loving home and you will have some precious memories to comfort you.
Carol xx

Julie said...

It's always so hard to say goodbye to a special friend and I'm sorry you had to make this decision. Tiger had a lovely home with you and you are right to remember him in happy times.

Laurie said...

Oh, you made me cry. Such a wonderful life your Tiger had. So sorry.

Peg - Happy In Quilting said...

I am so very sorry to read about your boy Tiger.

Fenland Textile Studio said...

So sorry to here about Tiger. It sounds like you have some precious memories of him. Hugs x

manda said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Tiger. It's a part of life but it still doesn't make it easy. You did the right thing by him until the very end, and he knew he was loved. Big hugs!!!

MomWaldsPlace said...

He had such a wonderful long life with you! That's a lot of love. Sorry you are sad. You certainly did do well by him. He could not have had a better family.

picciolo said...

What sad news, I hope you are all ok
x

Dealbaida said...

I was visiting to say how much I enjoyed "discovering" your company and your inspirational demos on Create and Craft at the weekend BUT, that must wait....... I was truly sorry to read of Tiger, he was a beautiful boy and you will all miss him very much. Grieving the loss of a pet is the hardest part of having them as a part of the family but the pain will ease with time and I bet anything Tiger is lying in the afternoon sun just the other side of Rainbow Bridge right now. Gentle hugs....
Marion

Dealbaida said...

Please forgive me, I mistook you for a lady who appeared on a craft tv station in the UK at the weekend. My words with regard to crafting are misplaced but my sadness at the loss of Tiger are truly heartfelt.

Marion

Jo said...

sorry to hear the news about Tiger, at least he was happy and loved with your family in his last years.

Josie x

Lynn said...

So sorry for you and your family, Andrea. Pets are such an important part of our lives and it hard to let them go. I bet Tiger is smiling in heaven!

Louise said...

I'm so sorry to read of the loss of your dear cat Tiger. x

Indigo Blue said...

I am very grateful for the lovely comments left here by everyone. I have never had to make that choice before and hope I do not have to again for a very long time. Toffy seems alright, has taken to staying in at night at the moment and you have to look carefully where you walk as he is oftern right by your feet. Follows you from room to room.
He will be two years old at Easter so many more furry friend years ahead of our Toffy
Thank you again.
x

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