My dear Snowflake fell asleep forever yesterday

I know I haven't posted on here regularly in a while. After the first few months managing Snowflake's diabetes just became part of our every day routine and, thanks to everything I learned on these boards, I had the confidence to monitor and regular her unassisted...

However, yesterday morning, after a few days of lack of appetite (I had to force feed her and give her sub q fluids, which she just hated) and weakness/loss of balance, I awoke to find that my poor sweet Snowflake, who had fought a good battle for a year and a half, was at the very end of her rope. I think she must have had a stroke overnight, as her eyes were unevenly dilated, and her left hind leg wasn't functioning (she kind of hobbled on it, with it fully extended in front of her). She could only walk a few steps at a time before lying down, and I knew she deserved peace, and that anything I or a vet could do for her would only extend her suffering. After a few calls, I made an appointment for later that day for a vet to come and do in-home euthanasia. I cuddled with her that morning, and then had to leave for work for a bit. I left work early, and had about an hour with her before the vet came. During that hour she was just barely aware, though I did get a few small curls of the tail that told me she was comfortable. She squirmed a bit, asking to be put down, so I brought her over to a sunny spot on the carpet, and she rested in the sun for her final moments. When the vet came, we were able to do the procedure with Snowflake on my lap, and she went so peacefully... The vet even made a little paw imprint with her name in it, for me to have to remember her by, and I'll get her ashes in the mail in a few weeks.

Despite the fact that I know solidly that this was the right thing to do for her, and that I've almost lost her twice before, and known this was coming, I am completely and unbearably heartbroken. I'd had her for just over 15 years (she would've been 15 and a half in October), and got her when I was only 11. I truly grew up with her, and can barely imagine a life without her in it. She was the sweetest, most adoring cat I can imagine. She would follow me all around the house, and always wanted to be in whatever room I was in. Even when I was in the shower, she'd sit in between the shower curtain and the clear shower liner, just content to be near me. Her favorite place to be was stretched out horizontally on my chest, right up on my collarbone, practically smushed in my face. She loved to have her tummy rubbed and would purr and purr and purr. She loved to be held and to be carried around. She had the sweetest little mew of a meow that was never obnoxious, always adored. She spent the majority of her life as a pleasantly plump 8lb petite little cat with the loveliest white fur and golden eyes. At the end, she was less than 5 pounds and practically skeletal, but had the best heart the whole time, and followed me around really right up to the point where she physically couldn't.

She's survived by her littermate/sister, who, thankfully is completely healthy and I hope to have for at least another few years. As much as I love her sister, I can honestly say that this little cat, Snowflake, my best little buddy, was the love of my life. I know that I will adopt more cats in the future, but she has taken a little piece of my heart with her, and my heart will never again be completely whole.

https://sphotos-b-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/249280_842916421609_1507671164_n.jpg

Hug your fur babies tightly and appreciate them while you have them, no matter how much work it is to deal with this horrible disease.

 

Requien aeternum, Snowflake.

{{hugs}}

 

{{{ H U G S }}}

I'm so sorry for your loss.

 

I'm so sorry it was Snowflake's time to leave. ((hugs))

 

I am so very sorry, but what a lovely tribute to a lovely soul.

fly free sweet snowflake, you are much loved and will be sorely missed.

 

So sorry to hear of your dear Snowflake's passing. I think we all have a special place in our hearts for that "first kitty" that was truly ours. You gave her the final gift any of us have to give...a peaceful and loving departure from a body that had given up on her.

Fly free Snowflake...there are many others at the Bridge to greet and welcome you tonight wings_cat

 

So sorry for your loss rb_icon

 

Sounds like she lead a full like. Sending purrs and prayers.

 

I'm so sorry she had to leave you...... and yes - every time a furbaby leaves a little peace of our heart goes as well. Sending you many hugs

Fly free sweet Snowflake wings_cat

 

15 years..15 beautiful years. Thats a lot of time to lose such a soul mate. I'm so sorry for your loss. You done right by your girl though. You gave her relief from her failing body. It's the only thing to do.

My sincere condolences,
jeanne

For Snowflake:
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/mes ... d=19292273

 

A ring of candles, in memory of your beloved Snowflake.

 

I am so sorry for your loss. I just lost my 18 yr old cat on Friday so I am in a lot of pain, too. It's heartbreaking. I have lost many cats over the last few years the passage of time helps some but it sucks. i'm really sorry and you took wonderful care of her and gave her a great life. i think that's all they want. take care. please write me privately if you want because i'm in the middle of the same thing right now.

 

Thank you everyone for your kind words and prayers. The pain has eased just slightly today, though I am still facing terrible grief, as i expect I will for several more weeks. While I have not lost many people in my life so far, the pain fron losing Snowflake has far outweighed any pain I've felt from a person's passing. It was very healing to write my post and read your kind words, so thank you.

 

I am very very sorry for your loss. Sending many cyber hugs to you. Snowflake is flying free now, whole and healthy over the Rainbow Bridge. rb_icon

wings_cat

 

((((((((Hugs)))))))

My deepest sympathy for you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss!

wings_cat Snowflake wings_cat