Posted on 03/26/2008 1:22:31 PM PDT by Tennessee_Bob
The world is a far, far darker place for the loss of a little black cat
Pitch was a rescue cat. We went to a black cat rescue group 11 years ago to see about picking a cat, and we got picked instead. I sat down on the floor, and this little kitten with the crank in his tail came right up to me and climbed into my lap, and that was it.
Originally, Pitch was supposed to be “my” cat, as much as a cat can belong to anyone. However, when we got him home, he instantly adopted my then four year old daughter. She could do no wrong in his eyes. He followed her around the house like a puppy. If she were in her room with the door closed, he would sit there and knock at the door until she opened it. He slept with her, kept her warm on chilly nights, and in the morning, would make muffins on her stomach, and give her kisses on the cheek until she woke up.
When I got divorced, Pitch had to stay with my ex-wife. My daughter came with me, and would see him when she went to visit her mom, but until we had a house of our own, Pitch was over there. He became an outdoor cat for better or worse. When I bought my house, we went and picked up Pitch, and turned to the task of making him an indoor cat once again. When he discovered hot spots on the heated floors, it made our job much easier.
Pitch – Pitch Cat, the old man, Buddy, Partner – I called him all sorts of names – and he would answer to Pitch – he would come when you called him – was an unusual cat. My best friend stated, “I am not a cat person, but Pitch isn’t a cat.” He made friends with anyone that came over. He knew no strangers, only friends he had never met before. Scratch his chin once, and he’d be in your lap wanting more. My wife (I got married again) stated that she wasn’t a cat person, but she loved Pitch. You could hear the old man purring from across the room.
In December, we noticed that he was losing weight. A big cat – not a fat one, according to the vet, but a big cat – Pitch weighed in at eighteen pounds. When I got him to the vet, he was down to eleven. They ran a blood panel on him, and found that his kidneys were failing. They showed me how to run a hydration line on him, and gave me some Prescription Diet, along with some antibiotics for an infection he had. He perked up overnight, was his old self in a matter of 24 hours, and we were off and running. This lasted for a couple months, but we couldn’t get him to eat steadily, and in the end, we realized we were just watching him go slowly.
This morning, after everyone had left the house but me, he collapsed. I checked on him, and in typical cat fashion, he got up and was walking around the house. At lunch when I came home, he had collapsed again, and seemed to be having trouble breathing. I called the vet’s office, and they told me to bring him in, so I did.
I pride myself on being this rough, tough, ex-military kind of guy. I was a Staff Sergeant. I’m bad ass, but I was a huge baby when it came down to it. The vet came in and examined him, and I could hardly talk through the tears. She understood though, and was so very kind. They allowed me to stay in the room with him while they gave him the tranquilizer to quiet him down. He staggered around on the table, and finally laid down next to where I was standing. I wrapped him in the blanket that belonged to the Girl (Marissa – my daughter that he adopted), and sat down with him while the vet gave him the shot that sent him home. He was sicker than we realized, and he went very quickly – in less than a minute. There was one last breath – and I’m telling myself that it was a sigh of relief – and that great heart was stilled.
No more good morning kisses or making muffins in the middle of the night. No more listening to him talk to the birds on the feeder in the backyard. No more pain or suffering for the old man, my partner, my buddy. He’s gone home to the Rainbow Bridge.
Hey brother, it made me tear up.
I’ll never replace my little Phudd, but adopting a new dog then another and more there after has really helped.
I wish I was half the man my dogs think I am.
Thanks for the ping Grizzled!
So very sorry.. we lost a cat last year.. it was very hard. 12 years old.. and he just got sicker and sicker.. we had to put him down.
Its amazing the bond you can develop with a kitty :) He will be wating for ya at Rainbow Bridge.
I lost two last year. My rough, tough ugly biker facade didn't hold up to well either.
Sad meows.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
My seven kitties and I send condolences.
I’m crying for your loss. Prayers for your comfort and that of your family.
I’m so sorry.
No disrespect to the current feline, but my best little cat buddy was a black kitty. And as you say, “not really a cat.”
Your Pitch and my Merlin were special little guys. If there’s a Heaven, we’ll see them again.
I am so sorry for your loss! What a lovely kitty she was.
Our cat, only 8, was seriously ill last year. Thank goodness, we were able to save her. But she was my son’s cat. She loved big, stinky boys. So I couldn’t understand why these big droplets of water were coming out of my eyes....
What a beautiful cat. Such wise, knowing eyes. He’s surely keeping an eye on you from his new home, and hoping you cheer up soon. The happy times are all he wants you to remember — he doesn’t want you living a dark place, you who always made him so happy. And he’ll heartily approve when you give another kitty the good fortune of moving into your life.
My condolences to you on the loss of a cat who became your friend.
Pitch sounds like a heck of a fine cat.
It's the pollen.
Bad pollen this morning.
My cat was like yours, big and loved everybody.
Sorry for your loss.
I didn’t read the whole thing because I’m at work and I would cry. I love black cats - that’s all I’ve ever had as an adult. I am sorry for your loss and totally understand.
Oh Bob, I am so sorry about your beloved Pitch. I so understand how you feel. I had to help my special Bubba go to the Rainbow Bridge right before Christmas. Bub was 19 years old and I had him since he was 6 weeks old. We got him from the animal shelter and for a little cat, he really filled the house. When he started to go downhill, it was pretty quick. I lost my father and my cat in the same week right before Christmas. I don’t think I will ever really enjoy Christmas again.
You have my sympathies.
There’s lots of good cats. Few great ones. I understand how you feel.
I looked at it and understand, oh, how I understand.
Sorry for your loss.
((((hugz)))))
I’m sorry for your loss. I know how you feel. We lost our 15 year old cat last year.
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