Tribute to Tabby - Part 2

A few years ago, in October, we bought a second home outside of Woodland Park, in the Pike National Forest. We lived up there for about a year. Minnie, Tabby & Paulie lived there with us, along with Skooter, Olie and Genesis. We lived out in the forest and definitely had to make sure the cats didn't get out. We had a neighborhood fox and a not so friendly bear. There were postings that a mountain lion was in the area tool. We had to keep an eye on Skooter and the other dogs when they went out so they didn't end up a tasty little snack. I don't think the cats enjoyed living outside of Woodland Park in the forest. I think they knew they were just an hoursderve there.

The following summer David and I moved back to the house in the Springs. Tabby meowed the whole way down Ute Pass and across town (about an hour or so). They all were glad be home again. Tabby was doing great living here. Her weight was up to 13 pounds and she wore it well. LOL


Isn't she beautiful? She wasn't fat she was just fluffy. lol She thrived living here out East with us. Many nights we could hear her purring under the head of our bed. It was such a peaceful and content sound. I fell asleep to Tabby's purring many times.

Tabby was definitely a family pet. She loved both of us and would sit in our laps and purr until she fell asleep. Here she is with David.


It wasn't unusual to find Tabby in the sink, just laying there.

Or in the tub either.


She loved her brother, Paulie and her sister, Minnie. They weren't biologically siblings, but in their hearts they were. Minnie and Paulie grew up with Tabby in their lives. They didn't know life any other way.


I thought Tabby would live until her 20's. She was so happy and healthy. But I guess that wasn't meant to be. She started looking ill about 2 months ago. I thought she was just losing weight because she was getting older. Then she started peeing on the carpet. Then she lost a lot of weight. I had the vet come to see her and he did some blood work. He said he was pretty sure she had hyperthyroidism and would need to be on medication. A day or so later the lab work came back and confirmed that she did indeed have hyperthyroidism. Dr. G put her on some thyroid medicine and we waited a couple of weeks to see if it helped.

It didn't help.

I looked into her face one day and it was like she was pleading with me to stop the suffering she was going through. I know if was just me thinking that, but she certainly wasn't feeling good.

I made a decision on a weekend to have her put down. I loved her so much and just couldn't bear to watch her become so ill. She wouldn't take her medicine anymore and was throwing up more often. I called Dr. G on the morning of April 7th and left a message for him. I told him that the medicine wasn't having a noticeable effect and that Tabby seemed to be losing control of some of her bodily functions. It was time to let kitty go as Dr. G would say. Dr. G called me back within an hour or so and we discussed what the current situation was. He made an appointment to come out that day after I got home from work.

I spent a little time with Tabby telling her how much I love her and that it was time for her to stop suffering. I loved her enough to let her go. Dr. G came by at noon. I went into the cat's room and got Tabby. She didn't fight at all. I sat on the couch with Dr. G by my side. I held Tabby as he gave her the first injection, the one that would put her in lala land. It took effect quite quickly. She was purring the whole time. I just cradled her in my arms and loved her. I rubbed my hand along her head and neck. She seemed to really enjoy it. I'm getting teary eyed just thinking about this. I could feel her heart beating very fast, but she still purred. After a couple of minutes of me holding her and telling her how much I loved her, the medicine did it's job and she was zonked out. I had never enjoyed holding her as much as I did in those few minutes. Dr. G explained everything before doing it so I would know what was going on and what to expect. She continued to purr and I continued to pet her. Then Dr. G gave her an anesthtic that would stop her breathing and heart beat. She passed away within seconds. I could feel her heart stop beating. It was such a lonely moment. I hugged her and held her for a few minutes. I didn't want to give her up.

Then I was ready to say goodbye to Tabby for the final time. I handed her oh so gently into the arms of Dr. G. He was very sweet, kind and careful with her. He was going to have her cremated for us. I decided not to get her remains back. He held her in both hands, very gently. I was amazed at how small she had become. And very respectfully he walked her out to his mobile vet clinic. It was he last time I got to see her.

I cried a lot when she was gone. I even took the day off from work on Tuesday because I felt such overwhelming grief. I never realized just how much of a habit it was to see her. She was always peeking her head out that kitty door and giving me a tiny meow. I miss that and hearing her purring under the bed.

I take comfort in the fact that she is no longer suffering. It doesn't lessen my grief though. We had Tabby for almost 16 years. She gave us a wonderful life and we were blessed to have her in our family. I don't think I will ever stop missing her.

"Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown..."

I look forward to the day when I will meet all of my pets at the Rainbow Bridge.