good advice

If they stand behind you, 

Give them protection.

If they stand beside you,

Give them respect.

If they stand in front of you,

Give them no mercy.

Skol

the Swan

It's been a week since our kitty was put to rest.
I suddenly realized that the swan in the pond to the south of our home is gone, too.

I will back up a little bit.
All summer long there has been a lone swan sitting in the small pond to the south of the house.  He was visible every time I looked out the window.  Ever since the kitty has been gone, so has the swan.
I remember hearing the swan leave, but I didn't look up at him, nor do I remember exactly which day it was.  Was the swan a spirit that is guiding to the final resting place?  I don't know.  I am going to believe it is.

Every time I see a swan, I will know it was you, my dear sweet siamese kitty.  Rest in peace and thank you for giving me such happiness.  I hope you enjoyed your beautiful life.

the waiting is over

As I sit here waiting for my kitty's final appointment with the vet, I have such mixed feelings.  He's been quite the cat, he has had adventures and he is very much loved. His snaggle toothing our unsuspecting legs and his begging for treats will be very missed. This home will be very empty when he leaves us this morning.
This morning, he rallied, came upstairs, walked around out on the deck and had a drink of agate water. (even though he knew it was tap water I had added to the agate bucket).  After that, he went back downstairs and is sleeping quietly right now.

The trouble is, he is in discomfort.  If I delay this more, it is only being selfish.  He's trying so hard but everything is an effort and he has dropped lots and lots of weight.  He is unsteady on his feet, it's mostly his back legs and lower back.  Yet, he bravely makes his way up and down the basement stairs, although I can see it is a might effort.

He's been so much to us.  I am going to choose to face this as an act of compassion, which it surely is. I don't think we'll have another cat, for one thing, there is no way to replace this guy.  For another, there is an allergic family member who has put up with my housecats and their messes for over 25 years.  I don't know if I can be without a feline companion.

Rest peacefully, my old friend.  Much love and thanks, always.

Jim, cruising the deck in better days.

When Jim was on walkabout!

Jim's mugshot at the Humane Society, when his name was Victor.

Writing the book on Mischief.

These guys