Today is the day before my 36th birthday. It’s also the day that I sent my beloved Scooter to join my precious Harley at Rainbow Bridge.
In January, Scooter was diagnosed with Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) and Feline Hyperthyroidism. Both CRF and Hyperthyroidism are terminal (normally) age-related illnesses. Scooter would have been 15 years old this coming August.
Caring for Scooter during this stage of his life was probably one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do. Unlike Mouse, Scooter did not respond well to the hyperthyroid medication and we had a very difficult time stabilizing his CRF.
CRF is a horrible, wasting disease. When he wouldn’t eat even the most delectable things I offered, I watched my once 15 pound cat wither away to 5.3 pounds and I knew that I could not let him suffer any longer.
As I drove him to his final veterinary appointment this morning, I repeated these things to him:
You will not be sick anymore.
Soon you will see Harley again.
And I repeated these things to myself:
He won’t be sick anymore.
It’s right and it’s the humane thing to do.
And it was.
Rest in Peace My Love.
Scooter
August 1995-May 21, 2010
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food and water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they miss someone very special to them; who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. The bright eyes are intent; the eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to break away from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. YOU have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Author Unknown
