Thursday, November 23, 2006

Good-bye Kasha

This post is typed with a heavy heart and through a veil of tears. Today, I helped Kasha make her move to the next life. Kasha was pushing 16 when she arrived here. 15 months later, pushing 17, it doesn't seem that she was here nearly long enough. Kasha was always fiesty, full of attitude and always seemed remarkably healthy for a cat of her age. None of the usual problems that elderly cats developed seemed to affect her. Her kidneys worked just fine, she ate like a kitten, played a bit, arthritis didn't hinder her ability to jump and find a good napping spot. All that changed on Monday night, when Kasha became lethargic, even for an old cat! Tuesday she was no better. She wasn't eating, not even baby food. She hardly moved and she let a dog sniff her without splitting his nose! So off to the vet we went.

Kasha was diagnosed with end stage liver disease. She had been fighting this battle for a long time, without ever telling anyone she was sick. Cats are phenomonal at hiding illness. Despite intensive treatment, Kasha did not get any better. She developed jaundice; became less responsive. Even force feeding her wasn't successful.

Today, after a talk with her vet, I decided to free her from her ailing body. I spent a long time holding her and told her how very much I love her. She wasn't here for long, but it didn't take her more than a moment to find her place in my heart.

Her crossing was gentle and quick. She was ready to go. I was the one who was not ready.

Godspeed my beautiful marshmellow girl. I will try to keep the dogs in line without you and remember to fill up your fountain so the other cats don't have to squwack at me to do it. I will miss you and love you forever. You were completely worth this broken heart.

6 comments:

Carol said...

I just knew when you were not answering tonight that Kasha had gone on. you made her final months good ones and now she has crossed the bridge, is free to be a kitten again. It is hard to say good bye but she is not in pain, just you my dear daughter and I feel for you tonight. Love you always, mom

Anonymous said...

Dear Tamara ~

You have my deepest Sympathy over the loss of Kasha. May she romp happily at The Bridge. Enjoy remembering the Happy Times you were able to share with her.
{{{Hugs}}}

/s/ Phred from Ohio

dogsled_stacie said...

Tamara - so sorry to hear about Kasha!! :(

Kudos to you for taking in a 16 year old cat! Not many people would do that, knowing that this time would come sooner than if they got a younger cat. You are a strong, caring person to have done that for her (but then we already knew that with your and Stuart's superhuman animal rescue and rehabilitation abilities!).

And I'm willing to bet the best 15 months of Kasha's life were at your house.

Take care.

Anonymous said...

Awww, sorry to hear that. She was cute!

Jack & Moo said...

Oh Tamara, I didn't see this until now, haven't seen your posts on PT so I thought I'd check your blog. I'm so sorry about Kasha. It's almost one year to the day that I had to do the same for my 17-yr. old kitty, too. You gave her a great retirement home, and she'll be waiting with HooDoo and the others at the RB. Good to see your fluffy butts again.

Cats~Goats~Quotes said...

I was so sorry to read this.
You gave Kasha love and peace.
Soar high beautiful girl.