Tuesday 27 January 2009

Sweet Dreams Rosie

This is one of the last pictures I took of our cat Rosie, doing what she liked to do best, laze around, roll around in the sun. We took her to the vets last night, she hadn't been well and I think we both knew what was going to happen. But somehow you know, all the preparation in the world doesn't help when a vet looks at you, strokes the cat and says, 'I think we've come to the end of the road for her'. We both cried, but knew what had to be done. And so she was put to sleep, just a little ouchy Miaow when the needle went in her paw and then peace and relief. I am sure we will feel relief for her too, but at the moment, as is often the case, we are thinking of ourselves... how we will miss her.

She was my husband's companion over breakfast... she would always run to greet us, tail in the air, when we had been out... she was there when we worked in the garden... she sat in the kitchen when I cooked, prepared meals, ironed... I talked to her all the time and now I'm wandering around, feeling totally lost and heartsore, talking to myself.

I may have got cross with her often, for digging up plants, seedlings, seeds, bulbs... for chasing and catching small birds then leaving their pitiful carcasses for me to find... but goodness, how I wish she were here now.

She was almost fifteen, and we had had her for all bar six weeks of her life, and a quarter of our own lives. I remember bringing her home, a hissy, spitting little wild bundle, small enough to fit in my hand, and I have photos of her on my shoulder, parrot-like... by which time, needless to say, she had realised that one of us was a pushover, the other not quite so easy, but that this was a lovely house to be in, with a great big adventure playground of a garden, where she would later find all sorts of small creatures to annoy, lots of hidden spots where she could lie in the sun and snooze for hours undisturbed.

I hope she enjoyed being with us, as much as we loved having her. Sweet dreams Rosie

12 comments:

Quilting Cat said...

Oh so sad, PFG. I can really identify with you having lost a dearly loved puss a few months ago, and the one remaining is fading fast. You will think you have heard her and be putting out her dish without thinking. Will you get another, not a kitty maybe, but perhaps an old lady wanting a home, a house seems to loose its soul when no animal lives therein. Thinking of you.

pinkfairygran said...

Thank you QC... at the moment the urge to rush out and find an old biddy cat to give a home to is quite strong, but it would be a knee jerk reaction, and the wrong thing to do. We will leave it, and probably not get one again. This is the fourth time in this house we have gone through this and each time it gets harder to get over. I am tired out, slept little, just want comfort in the form of food, so bang goes the diet... again.

Norma Murray said...

So sorry to hear about your cat. I have a cat too, a mixed blessing in many respects but I wouldn't be without him.

Mid Life Hopes said...

I know that your and your husband's heart is broken, and I am so sorry.
XOXO :(

arosebyanyothername said...

We've been there so know how you feel. We gave up cats when we moved to a house with a smaller garden as we decided we would rather have the birds and there didn't seem room for both.
Nice that she was called Rosie . . .

Cait O'Connor said...

Iknow just how you feel PFG, it is so painful, only time will heal. At least you gave her a wonderful life.
Big hug,
Caitx

patsy said...

That's a good phrase PFG, "peace and relief", may I use that?
It's the hardest part of owning pets, isn't it but glad for Rosie's sake that you found the strength to do the right thing.
When I was a single girl, my best friend in all the world was my dog, also called Rosie, let go at 14 years old, so I do deeply sympathise. Kindest regards to you all suffering the loss of your dear cat.xx

sumarell said...

So sorry PFG. Thinking of you both. It is never easy coping with the loss of a beloved pet.

CAMILLA said...

Dear PFG,

So terribly sad, so sorry to hear about your darling Cat Rosie. You gave her the best life any Cat would want, and I am sure she loved you back too, take comfort in knowing this.

So hard to lose a pet, know how you must be feeling, big hugs to you, and thinking of you.

Love Camilla.xx

HappyMouffetard said...

Cats leave pawprints on your heart. So sorry to hear about Rosie.

Lesley said...

So sad.
XX

Calico Kate said...

Slowly catching up with blog reading and leaving messages.
As you know PFG I was really sad to learn of Rosies departure. I love 'HappyMouffetards' comment I am sure she left her paddy pawprints on your heart and throughout your life. rejoice in the fact she had a long and happy life with you.
CKxx