Gabby's Tribute ♡

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@CD and BigMac -- I cannot thank you enough for this tribute. It is very, very special at so many levels.


If anyone who is new to managing their cat’s diabetes raises a quizzical eyebrow when someone here tells them that they will form a special bond with their sugar cat, it’s not something we made up to tell newbies. By necessity, we pay a great deal of attention to our FD kitty. That degree of attention becomes a way of life. They learn to rely on us and despite our use of sharp objects, what we do allows them to feel better and they return our actions with their trust and affection. When that routine, by necessity, changes, the loss of that bond is palpable and the grief is poignant if not overwhelming. At least that has been the case for me.

The house seems so empty. It’s not as though Gizmo isn’t making his presence felt – he is. He’s a BIG cat with a big personality. Gabby had a quiet presence (except when Gizmo was bothering her) and that presence is noticeably absent. Gizmo and I are working to find a pattern that is all ours and I am doing my best to give him the attention he deserves.

Gabby has left a huge void. FD was 6.5 years of our lives. It seems so strange to not have to wake up and before anything else, test, feed, and shoot. It seems even stranger to not open a spreadsheet or not post Gabby’s numbers while I’m drinking my morning coffee. Closing her SS was one of the hardest things I did after the vet left – it was always open on my computer. I have changed my alarm clock for the weekends. I am no longer governed by shot time. I don’t have to fly home from work because it’s time for Gabby’s shot or disrupt an evening with friends to stop by my place so I can grab a test to insure Gabby is safe. It will be hard to not think of the hours in terms of +time – it was my “second” language. And I would give that all back in a millisecond to have Gabby with me, happy and healthy.

Some things will not change. Gizmo will still get low carb food. All of the treats are low carb – he loves them regardless. I was curious about what would happen the first time I groomed him since whenever I brush him, he would sit beside Gabby and groom her. He now grooms me. As much as Giz would harass Gabby, he unequivocally adored her. On her last day, he sat beside her and groomed her. He knew just how fragile she was and that she couldn’t do this for herself. He is rarely far from me these days. He is a happy boy with a huge, rumbling purr and I’ve seen him slowly walking through our home looking for Gabby. We both miss her.

To those friends or family members who ask you, “Why bother? Why go to the expense and trouble of treating your cat’s diabetes? Why can’t you be at or have to leave a family function? It’s just a cat.” Don’t be angry or frustrated with them. Instead, do what your kitty would do. Knowingly smile to yourself and when they ask why you’re smiling, let them know that they are missing something immensely valuable in their lives. They are missing a bond that will teach them how to be a more caring, selfless, and devoted person. I don’t know that I fully appreciated how that bond silently became a fundamental part of my life but its loss is more deeply felt than I could have ever imagined. Perhaps, that is Gabby’s legacy to us all.

 
Poignant, and beautifully done. I shall miss you Gabby, your presence here was so such a part of LL. Fly free little one, say HI to Mannie for me.

Sienne, your words are so on target. It is how it was with Mannie and me. That bond was unconditional. As was the trust. I, like you, shall be eternally grateful for all that that bond taught me. There isn't a day that goes by where I don't think SS.... Mannie's was always open too. Hugs to you. I know how you felt when you closed her SS. It was like closing a chapter of your life, the finality of it all is overwhelming. The loss of that, and that bond is deeply felt. May there be comfort in remembering all that was.

Fly free little one. We will always remember you.
 
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Oh Sienne, I thought I was through weeping those kinds of tears for Checkers. Reading the pain you are now feeling, brings it all back, like a ton of bricks. I still find it hard, after two years, to be out at test time.
There's always that inner feeling of needing to get home.
Losing any pet is difficult, but losing a sugar kitty is so much harder, because of the bond you described.
Gabby will not be forgotten, she lives in the hearts of many on this board...if I may speak for others.
 
You so eloquently expressed how we truly form a special bond with our FD babies. Actually I couldn’t quite read it through the first time because I had to stop and find a tissue. All the feelings and thoughts I felt about BigMac and his FD experience are right here in your post. As difficult as treatment could be in our lives, it was also a thing of joy. I never would have believed how much it would affect both my kitty and me. And that effect will last forever. Yes, this is Gabby's legacy, as it was BigMac's for me.

Sienne, it was lovely to write this to new members... I wish everyone who hears the diabetes diagnosis from their vet could read your words on the first day. It would calm and encourage them in ways that are so valuable.
 
A beautiful kitty and a lovely video. I never have "met" Sienne and I never met Gabby, but they were an abiding presence here and I felt I knew Gabby. I certainly knew and understood Sienne's devotion.

That tribute is perfect. It was a generous gift to newcomers and it still must have hurt an awful lot to write it.Yes, the bond grows. Rosie has been with us since she was 10 weeks old and she is almost 19.5, but the degree of attention that the sugar dance requires is making us closer still.
 
I watched the video twice on Facebook - it is a wonderful tribute to a gorgeous tortie girl and her devoted/devastated family.

I agree that Hyde (and our diabetic Alex from years ag0) and I have become closer due to all the extra attention that a diabetic needs. It becomes such a part of our lives.

Thank you Sienne for helping us all along the FD path.
 
I was captivated by Gabby's pictures. I had only seen a few over the years but she was absolutely beautiful...her patterns and markings and her face...her obviously sweet personality. What a wonderful and beautifully done tribute, Carolyn.

And I also thank you, Sienne, for those poignant and eloquent words. I echo every sentiment. I would also trade our current freedom and nights of sleep just to have my Gracie back so I hope everyone heeds your words. Hold tight to your "sweet" baby....cherish every single moment.....don't take anything for granted. Love, love, love them.

Sienne......I'm here for you :bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
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What a wonderful tribute to Gabby. The photos and videos show how very beautiful she was. Sienne, your post was very touching, and brought back many memories for me about losing a beloved special needs cat and how that leaves such a large gap in the caregiver's life, as well as in the lives of the other kitties left behind. As always, wise words from you, Sienne. I wish you peace and may you find comfort in your memories.
 
Gabby certainly has a huge legacy, here in Lantus/LevLand and well beyond, every time I suggest that wet food is better than dry or post something online steering someone to FDMB. Yes, their departure leaves a huge hole and it takes a while to adjust to a new normal. And, yes, we beans are forever changed and will never forget our precious babies. Hugs to you, Sienne.

Thank you, CD, for a beautiful video.
Liz
 
Oh Sienne…. My heart is breaking for you as the tears flow…. your words are truly heartfelt.
I cannot help but think and thank Gabby for giving you so much knowledge thru the years and the countless number of kitties you have helped including my Drevon. Your selfless devotion to Gabby and others in need is beyond any words I can find. From the bottom of our hearts we thank you and Gabby and will always remember your beautiful girl. Many hugs to you and Gizmo.
 
What a beautiful video.
Gabby was such a beautiful kitty. I love her eyes... I can't find the perfect word to describe, but such wise eyes, like she can see through you. So beautiful.
You and Gabby taught me so much while I cared for Lucy.
In addition to tons of questions you answered for me, I often opened and looked at Gabby's SS when I was deciding whether I could leave for work or whether I should get another test before leaving.
Lucy was an early diver too, and I'd consult with Gabby's SS thinking "After a reasonable +2, can a cat dive at +3?".
And Gabby helped me keep Lucy safe by showing me that, Yes! You'd better stay another hour!
Gabby has a special place in my heart. She was and is loved so much by us on this board.
(((Sienne))) (((Gizmo))) Sending hugs and light.
 
You captured it beautifully - the blessing that comes with the "burden" of caring for a diabetic cat far outweighs that burden. They become an extension of us, always in our thoughts, and first in our lives. And I'd guess most of us who have lost our sugar cats would gladly take care of them for the rest of our lives if we could only have them back. Such is the depth of the bond and the love. And our final act of love is letting them go when it become necessary, because these little ones never live long enough.

Last night, just for kicks I went back and looked at my first few posts on FDMB. You were there, Sienne, helping and teaching me from my beginnings in February 2011. The gift you've given of teaching and guiding has been huge - so many of us learned from you how to care for our sweet kitters. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for that gift.
 
Sienne, it's heartbreaking to see old friends here for this reason, but look how loved Gabby and you are.
Like Julie, I have many times gone back to Checks' early posts, when we first started the sugar dance.
When he felt better, he was so funny.
You were always so kind to me when I did something foolish. You never made me feel inadequate.
I didn't tell you how much I appreciated all the help you gave me. Taking care of him, was the scariest thing I've ever done, and would do it a hundred times over, to have him back.
Thank you.
 
What a beautiful video! It of course, brought me to tears of pain for you. I have such a soft spot for torties, and Gabby was beautiful.

I'm so not good with words for these sad times, but I love what you said, Sienne. Please know how much my heart breaks for you, and how much I appreciated all of your help with my Chyna cat. Much hugs and prayers for you and Gizmo for comfort in your loss:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Wondeful video- I knew Gabby had beautiful markings but I am so glad for this video and the opportunity to really see her up close and personal.
...I was one of those skeptical newbies(more like terrified!!) not quite believing how poking Tiger's ears would build a special bond...until I saw it happen myself!
Your love and devotion to Gabby was always evident in your condos. Your experience and knowledge that you shared with us newbies was so very much appreciated. It is a big part of what makes this forum so extraordinary.
And I couldn't agree more, when I think of how I once thought lunches/dinners out with friends,relatives, etc and all that I missed out on, now I think to myself, who cares, I would give it all up in a heartbeat... if I could just have Tiger back with me again :-(

p.s. Gizmo is a beautiful kitty as well;I a glad he is adjusting, it isn't easy. What breed is he? His tail is amazing!

Thank you @Sienne and Gabby (GA) for showing us the way!
 
@CD and BigMac, this is such a beautiful video of Gabby. She was a kitty with great presence and great personality, and we all miss her so much.
@Sienne and Gabby (GA): thank you for your beautiful thoughts and words on how much our diabetic kitties mean to us. I am approaching my 6th anniversary on the Board (tomorrow!) and will never forget how much you helped me with Stu. Even though he had been diabetic for 4 years, I had no clue about how to care for him properly. We had many good months because you and others on the board cared (special mention here to CD, who was a tremendous help with Stu). Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I understand how strange and difficult it must be to find new routines when you are no longer engaged in the "dance". But I know that you and Gizmo are establishing a new, strong bond, and that he will be a big help to you now and a fine companion in the months and years ahead.

:bighug::bighug::bighug:s for you, Sienne, and scritches for the big guy with paws like catchers' mitts,

Ella & Rusty
 
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Sienne and Gabby (GA) said:
@CD and BigMac -- I cannot thank you enough for this tribute. It is very, very special at so many levels.


If anyone who is new to managing their cat’s diabetes raises a quizzical eyebrow when someone here tells them that they will form a special bond with their sugar cat, it’s not something we made up to tell newbies. By necessity, we pay a great deal of attention to our FD kitty. That degree of attention becomes a way of life. They learn to rely on us and despite our use of sharp objects, what we do allows them to feel better and they return our actions with their trust and affection. When that routine, by necessity, changes, the loss of that bond is palpable and the grief is poignant if not overwhelming. At least that has been the case for me.

The house seems so empty. It’s not as though Gizmo isn’t making his presence felt – he is. He’s a BIG cat with a big personality. Gabby had a quiet presence (except when Gizmo was bothering her) and that presence is noticeably absent. Gizmo and I are working to find a pattern that is all ours and I am doing my best to give him the attention he deserves.

Gabby has left a huge void. FD was 6.5 years of our lives. It seems so strange to not have to wake up and before anything else, test, feed, and shoot. It seems even stranger to not open a spreadsheet or not post Gabby’s numbers while I’m drinking my morning coffee. Closing her SS was one of the hardest things I did after the vet left – it was always open on my computer. I have changed my alarm clock for the weekends. I am no longer governed by shot time. I don’t have to fly home from work because it’s time for Gabby’s shot or disrupt an evening with friends to stop by my place so I can grab a test to insure Gabby is safe. It will be hard to not think of the hours in terms of +time – it was my “second” language. And I would give that all back in a millisecond to have Gabby with me, happy and healthy.

Some things will not change. Gizmo will still get low carb food. All of the treats are low carb – he loves them regardless. I was curious about what would happen the first time I groomed him since whenever I brush him, he would sit beside Gabby and groom her. He now grooms me. As much as Giz would harass Gabby, he unequivocally adored her. On her last day, he sat beside her and groomed her. He knew just how fragile she was and that she couldn’t do this for herself. He is rarely far from me these days. He is a happy boy with a huge, rumbling purr and I’ve seen him slowly walking through our home looking for Gabby. We both miss her.

To those friends or family members who ask you, “Why bother? Why go to the expense and trouble of treating your cat’s diabetes? Why can’t you be at or have to leave a family function? It’s just a cat.” Don’t be angry or frustrated with them. Instead, do what your kitty would do. Knowingly smile to yourself and when they ask why you’re smiling, let them know that they are missing something immensely valuable in their lives. They are missing a bond that will teach them how to be a more caring, selfless, and devoted person. I don’t know that I fully appreciated how that bond silently became a fundamental part of my life but its loss is more deeply felt than I could have ever imagined. Perhaps, that is Gabby’s legacy to us all.
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How lovely the story, but "the sadness" is overwhelming..and I can feel your hurt. Hopefully for most, they can have the fond memories and smile at the wonders and joy that only their sweet cat (or dog) could bring them. For some, along with each loss of their special ones, there goes a tiny piece of their own heart that also takes a tiny piece of life's happiness... never to return. But of course the "some" will be happy again but never the same... I had no idea that you had lost wonderful Gabby..I am so sorry!!!
 
Sienne

What a beautiful memory of Gabby. Your post so accurately describes the reality of FD journey. If I had to do it all over again I would. I am so grateful for all your guidance and support. I wish that found memories of Gabby fill your days with joy.

Elizabeth and Gus
 
Sienne, I have been absent for far too long - unfortunately personal issues pulled me away - I am sorry that I am so late in being here.

I have no doubt her legacy is a comfort to you (and yes, it is to me, and deeply so) and that she is always with you. I am working on my cat-like smile in her honour - sage wisdom from you, as always.
 
A wonderful and fitting tribute to a beloved baby! Well done! I think my favorite part was about 3:01 when the two of them were wrestling and grooming each other. Pure love! Peace.
 
Sienne and Gabby (GA) said:
@CD and BigMac

To those friends or family members who ask you, “Why bother? ...They are missing a bond that will teach them how to be a more caring, selfless, and devoted person. I don’t know that I fully appreciated how that bond silently became a fundamental part of my life but its loss is more deeply felt than I could have ever imagined. Perhaps, that is Gabby’s legacy to us all.
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Touche`. I learned so much from Grayson, and caring for him made me a better person. Our bond was truly unique from my other kitties, and very special. My means of staying connected, was that Grayson shared me with Spartacus. A DCIN shelter partner, he came to us in April of Grayson's last year. He helped me transition after G was gone - I didn't have to change my routine. He kept me involved, albeit less, with this group and the Acro FB group. Though I haven't updated Sparty's tabs on their SS, I have all his numbers. And though it's now nearly 2 yrs since he came, this morning was the very first time he came and snuggled with me in bed. He's usually on the bed, but by my feet or on the other pillow. But today he was so lovey, as if he finally got it - no longer just one of the gang - but a special boy. That's a huge step of trust for a kitty that was dumped at a kill shelter.

Gabby's legacy, Grayson's legacy, and those of the others who have GA carry on. They have given us so much more than we give them... and the numbers of kitties helped because of them makes them even MORE special.

Though the void remains, the space is filled with loving thoughts and memories. And beautiful videos. Peace.
 
Sienne and Gabby (GA) said:
@Grayson & Lu --
All so true. Gizmo has never been a lap cat. He will snuggle against my leg -- or between my legs -- in bed at night. He has learned how to make biscuits! Just like Gabby, he will climb onto my chest to knead. Of course, unlike Gabby, he weights 15lbs. He makes big biscuits!!
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He He He He He... When you said 15 pounds, I interpreted that to be ONLY 15 pounds! After having an acro that grew to 26#, 15 is a little guy!
 
@Sienne and Gabby (GA) Just read your entire condo on Gabby's tribute and it really touched my heart. What a beauty Gabby was. I love her color patterns. Your words were really touching as well. I know she crossed over the bridge long ago but I just wanted to send you a note and tell you how touching her tribute was and I hope that your heart is now at peace knowing that she is too.:bighug::bighug:
 
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