| Blogs > spiritwoman45 > Life in the Canyon |
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Ox the Cat My sister has a very old cat (22 years old). As with very old people, most of his systems are not working well. She was told more than a year ago that he did not have long. We never thought he would make the trip from Co to CA but he did in good shape. He had a seizure last night. This was new so likely things are getting worse. My sister realized that as much as she thought she was prepared to lose him she really isn’t. With all that we have faced recently, including her own life and death health issue, this seem like a minor loss but as she talked it out it became apparent that the old cat is the only consistent thing in her life over these 22 years. He has been with her through it all. Going through her photos Ox is in most of them. Have you had that special animal companion in your life? Can you remember what they meant to you? Mine was my Rottweiler, Cassidy AKA Kissie. She was with me through 3 leaving home, one multiplying and returning , taking on the responsibilities of helping raise grandchildren, employment issues and my husband’s illness and passing. She went RVing and to the lake with us and shared all of our best times as well. Jumping back into the dating scene she saw me through lots of frogs and a couple of princes. She was the permanent fixture in in my rapidly changing world. I have another but it’s not the same. Penni is a playmate for the entire family and, in fact, stays with the people at my residence rather than full time with me. You can never replace the special ones. Spiritwoman ^i^ |
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9/4/2012 10:43 am |
I love animals too much to inflict myself on them as an owner. I'm just not up for the responsibility. (Altho a few cats have been abandoned by both my exes, and later some roommates when they left, and I did my best to care for those cats because it wasn't their fault.) But this reminds me of one very old cat my second wife had when we met, and tho I didn't assume many responsibilities for her, (The cat I mean, Mini was her name) she was by then very old, and had always been a loyal pet to my wife before we met, and later to me too. But later, my wife brought a new cat into our home, and became rather cool and neglectful to Mini. At the time, I didn't know why I noticed or cared. When Mini was 22 years old, she simply got too sick, and we had to put her down. Both my wife and I were with her at the time. Suddenly, it occurred to me why I had been concerned for Mini, because I was the only one crying. I realized then that for some owners, the way they treat their pets is an indicator of how they will treat the people in their lives. I was crying because I could c the future. That future came true a few years later. Your sister is one of the purest kinds of individuals, who understands loyalty and committment to those they love. My heart goes out to her for the troubles she's facing now, and for the loss of her dear pet. GBU and ur sister, Gavin GREETINGS EARTHLINGS! I COME IN PEACE! TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER. Klatu, baraba nicto.
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Mine was a dog named Laddie, me and Laddie were like brothers. I was still working at the time and when I was away, my neighbor Ken Alcock would look after him. Laddie was such a good dog that when I got home I always had a problem getting him back from Ken, but when he saw me he would go crazy and that old tail would wag like crazy and Ken knew he was going home with me. One day Laddie had an heart attack and the vet couldn't save him. I still miss my old friend and look at his picture often. Alfie..
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Spirit: When my kids were little we had a cat named Parrot. She was named Parrot because when my ex-husband found her abandoned she decided to ride home on his shoulder. She was much smaller than most cats. When she had kittens she had the first on my lap. My son and daughter watched her give birth to the other four. I had many pets growing up. My ex and I used to have Weimaraners. Most dogs I've had were always a larger breed. My late husband Mac and I had a Husky, Tasha. She passed of Valley Fever in 2006. We were very hesitant to get another dog. Once the grieving was over I thought it would be good to have another dog to keep Mac company while I was at work. I would make him take me by the shelter often to see what was available. Where we used to live limited the size of dog we could have to under 40 pounds. So when looking for a dog we focused on the smaller breeds. When we saw Sammy at the shelter (200  there was just something about him. Maybe it was puppy love at first sight. LOLIn 2009 we acquired Chico. His previous owner was a young man going back to college so and could not keep Chico. He was very careful to find a good home for him. When we talked to him he was so happy to allow us to adopt him. He is the most precious and silly little guy. Both dogs are Jack Russell mixes. My fur boys are my connection to my late husband. I would do anything for them. I thought about moving to a smaller place but I need the room for my dogs. This is their home too. I had someone tell me they would never allow a dog to rule their lives. I took the responsibility of being a pet owner and will do what it takes to care for them the way they deserve to be cared for. That was my promise to Mac. They definitely give me back much more than I give them. Bruja The wealth of a soul is measured by how much it can feel; its poverty by how little. W. R. Inge
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I didn't know that cats can live so many years...I'm sorry for your sister. I never had a pet. Trust in dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity.(Khalil Gibran)
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9/4/2012 7:12 pm |
I love animals too much to inflict myself on them as an owner. I'm just not up for the responsibility. (Altho a few cats have been abandoned by both my exes, and later some roommates when they left, and I did my best to care for those cats because it wasn't their fault.) But this reminds me of one very old cat my second wife had when we met, and tho I didn't assume many responsibilities for her, (The cat I mean, Mini was her name) she was by then very old, and had always been a loyal pet to my wife before we met, and later to me too. But later, my wife brought a new cat into our home, and became rather cool and neglectful to Mini. At the time, I didn't know why I noticed or cared. When Mini was 22 years old, she simply got too sick, and we had to put her down. Both my wife and I were with her at the time. Suddenly, it occurred to me why I had been concerned for Mini, because I was the only one crying. I realized then that for some owners, the way they treat their pets is an indicator of how they will treat the people in their lives. I was crying because I could c the future. That future came true a few years later. Your sister is one of the purest kinds of individuals, who understands loyalty and committment to those they love. My heart goes out to her for the troubles she's facing now, and for the loss of her dear pet. GBU and ur sister, Gavin My entire family are pet people, some dogs, some cats and some both. Spiritwoman ^i^
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9/4/2012 7:17 pm |
Mine was a dog named Laddie, me and Laddie were like brothers. I was still working at the time and when I was away, my neighbor Ken Alcock would look after him. Laddie was such a good dog that when I got home I always had a problem getting him back from Ken, but when he saw me he would go crazy and that old tail would wag like crazy and Ken knew he was going home with me. One day Laddie had an heart attack and the vet couldn't save him. I still miss my old friend and look at his picture often. Alfie.. Spiritwoman ^i^
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9/4/2012 7:18 pm |
I know what you mean about the bills. I can remember times when we paid the vet more than it took for a months of groceries. Spiritwoman ^i^
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9/4/2012 7:20 pm |
It does hurt when we loose them but I agree with you. it's worth the price for the time we share with them. Spiritwoman ^i^
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9/4/2012 7:21 pm |
I had to smile at your comment - There was a time when I had 18 cats and 5 dogs. Just couldn't pass up a needy one - and everyone in the neighborhood knew it. Spiritwoman ^i^
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9/4/2012 7:23 pm |
I grew up in a place like you did - animals ere free to roam and everyone knew who belonged to who. One of my grandmother's dog loved to ride in a car. She would wander as she pleased and very often someone gave her a ride home. Spiritwoman ^i^
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9/4/2012 7:25 pm |
Sounds like you are in the same situation as my sister. Hope you and Rocky have more tome together. Great that you can be a volunteer. I don't think I could manage that without ending up with more pets than the shelter. Spiritwoman ^i^
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9/4/2012 7:27 pm |
Spirit: When my kids were little we had a cat named Parrot. She was named Parrot because when my ex-husband found her abandoned she decided to ride home on his shoulder. She was much smaller than most cats. When she had kittens she had the first on my lap. My son and daughter watched her give birth to the other four. I had many pets growing up. My ex and I used to have Weimaraners. Most dogs I've had were always a larger breed. My late husband Mac and I had a Husky, Tasha. She passed of Valley Fever in 2006. We were very hesitant to get another dog. Once the grieving was over I thought it would be good to have another dog to keep Mac company while I was at work. I would make him take me by the shelter often to see what was available. Where we used to live limited the size of dog we could have to under 40 pounds. So when looking for a dog we focused on the smaller breeds. When we saw Sammy at the shelter (200 there was just something about him. Maybe it was puppy love at first sight. LOLIn 2009 we acquired Chico. His previous owner was a young man going back to college so and could not keep Chico. He was very careful to find a good home for him. When we talked to him he was so happy to allow us to adopt him. He is the most precious and silly little guy. Both dogs are Jack Russell mixes. My fur boys are my connection to my late husband. I would do anything for them. I thought about moving to a smaller place but I need the room for my dogs. This is their home too. I had someone tell me they would never allow a dog to rule their lives. I took the responsibility of being a pet owner and will do what it takes to care for them the way they deserve to be cared for. That was my promise to Mac. They definitely give me back much more than I give them. Bruja Spiritwoman ^i^
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9/4/2012 9:41 pm |
it is unusual for cats to live that long but I know of a few others who made it. I think my oldest one made it to about 15 years. My vet told me that aging varies a lot in cats. They consider 10 to be "seniors" but some live 10 more years. Others only make it another year or 2. Most of mind lived to be around 12 or so. Spiritwoman ^i^
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In my life, I am the only animal; my pets have always been very human, SpiritGirl !! I remember my first one was a dog that I called Elaichi (means Cardamom). That was a curious amalgam of St Bernard and local sheep dog. Elaichi and I were friends till I went to the University. After I joined Army, it was a black Lab followed by another. Now we have a family, Mama Toffee, her sons (Bojo who passed away some 8 months ago) and (the second son) MoMo. I had posted a picture of the Toffee family with a blog here some time back. Have a beautiful weekend.   & a KOC.PS : A little prayer for your Sister. "To fight the darkness do not draw your sword, light a candle" - Zarathustra
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9/7/2012 7:28 pm |
In my life, I am the only animal; my pets have always been very human, SpiritGirl !! I remember my first one was a dog that I called Elaichi (means Cardamom). That was a curious amalgam of St Bernard and local sheep dog. Elaichi and I were friends till I went to the University. After I joined Army, it was a black Lab followed by another. Now we have a family, Mama Toffee, her sons (Bojo who passed away some 8 months ago) and (the second son) MoMo. I had posted a picture of the Toffee family with a blog here some time back. Have a beautiful weekend. & a KOC.PS : A little prayer for your Sister. Spiritwoman ^i^
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