Friday, August 10, 2018

Paw Prints, Precious Memories, and a Broken Heart


It was with a shattered heart that I said a final good-bye to my sweet Binky this morning at 11:05 a.m. She became very ill within this past week. Tests showed she was in renal failure. Binky hated being handled by anyone, especially for medical treatment. She was prodded and poked and given subcutaneous fluids, but that was only a temporary fix. She'd pretty much stopped eating and drinking. After a frank conversation with her doctor this morning, I knew I had to let her go.

I had a sense of the inevitable and spent an hour just holding her and telling her how much she was loved and what she has meant to me these past nine+ years before we went to the vet clinic. I cried. She licked my face. I cried some more. I knew I might be facing this decision today. I could have put her through another treatment, brought her home, and watched her decompensate over the next few days or, possibly, just find her dead. She could have died alone while I was at work. Instead, she drifted into a peaceful sleep and then died with quiet dignity and surrounded by love, with her head in my hand.

I came home and broke down. She's everywhere in this apartment. I used to joke that this was her home and she just let me stay because I have thumbs and can open cans and doors. But the truth is, it wasn't the apartment but my heart that she owned. Owns.

So this part is for Binky:

I remember the day I found you at the shelter. You'd only been there a day and you looked so terrified and confused. I was looking for a younger cat, and a grey tabby. You were already six years old. But you looked into my eyes and stole my heart. That was Friday. I called back on Monday to say I wanted you, and I picked you up on Wednesday. The lady at the shelter said you'd be the perfect cat for me. She was right. I brought you home and set you free to explore the space. You disappeared. After an hour of searching, I found you in the overhead kitchen cabinets beside the wineglasses. I should have known then you'd be a handful. I admired your spunk and independence, though.

It took a long time for you to accept me, to relax with me, to trust me. But once you did--wow. We were buddies. I loved that you came to greet me when I came home. I loved the way you would demand I give you food, water, a clean litter box, and attention (when you wanted it.) You owned me, and I loved every minute of it. Who will boss me around now?

At times when I was sad or sick, you came and patted my face, so much concern in your little eyes.

I remember the games of tag we played when you were younger and more energetic. Some folks refused to believe that you'd come and get me to get up and play, then run and hide and wait for me to find you. What fun we had. The downstairs neighbors had to wonder about the thunder above.

I remember the very first time you got up onto the bed and slept through the night with me--even though you kept to 'your side.' And then I remember the night you burrowed under the blankets and curled your warm little backside into the back of my knees. I didn't move all night, afraid I'd disturb you. You slept just fine.

You must know that you were so deeply loved, and you will be equally deeply missed by me--your person. Dance with the angels until I see you again on the other side of the bridge.


When I first brought you home.

You loved to hide, especially in blankets.

And in freshly laundered comforters.

You liked your little bed, until....

...you discovered my bed was bigger and more comfy.

You loved sunshine wherever you could find it.

Even when it snuck up on you from behind...

Rest well, my angel.

That bed is going to be far too big now without you taking your half out of the middle.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🌈

Kim said...

This made me cry. I will miss her too

Unknown said...

Crying here too. I will miss her, and the stories of all her antics.

Laurie

Linda Pucci said...

Crying with you, Linda.

Herman and Dori said...

My heart breaks for your loss. I remember you wanted me to go to the Humane Society to pick out a cat. I knew I couldn't. I already had 9 cats and knew I'd come home with at least one more. So you went alone, and when you returned your eyes were shining at the idea of adopting an older black and white cat. You named her Olivia. I knew that name wouldn't last. And it didn't. Soon after you said you'd changed her name to Binky. She liked it, she answered to it. You had nine beautiful years with her. I know she loved you. You gave her all the patience and understanding she needed in order to live a happy life. I'm so sad those years passed too swiftly. But honestly, my friend, I had 22 years with Buddy and they still weren't enough. Tight hugs! Kim

Joann said...

Annnd, I'm crying again. This is a lovely tribute to Binky. Such a beautiful girl. Thanks for giving us a glimpse into her life in your posts. I'm glad you gave in to the pull of that scared cat, even if she was everything you were NOT looking for. Instead, you got to be the human she needed most of all.

Peggy Kautz said...

Oh, Linda, I got halfway through and have to wait for my tears to stop before going on. What a beautiful tribute, and the pictures are awesome. My heart breaks for you, as i know how much Binky meant to you, no less than a child would mean to a mother. I just wish there was something I could do to help. It will take time but you are strong and will get through it. Always remember, if there is anything I can do to help, reach out and I will be here. Thankfully, the years you had with her were wonderful, for her and you. She will always be remembered by many. Stay strong and don't be afraid to reach out for help if you need it.