Cheryl & Whiskers (GA)
Member Since 2010
I recieved this message from my friends Michelle and Peeps, a few weeks ago while Whiskers was still with us. I have been meaning to share it with all of you (I have Michelle and Peeps permission) since then, but things were so hectic and I didn't get the chance. I think it is very insightful. I tried not to let Whiskers know I was sad, and tried to love every inch of her because of it. I'm hoping it will help others (and not make you sad).
Your friends Cheryl & Miss Witty (GA)
"Peeps isn't really easily definable as a cat. It's been kind of a challenge and rewarding with all of her illnesses, so I don't know how your particular situation is going to play out.
Peeps has never really been a playful cat. She has bonded with me, in her own hands-off sort of way. She sleeps with me in the winter, and virtually ignores me during "open window" season. She's never even thought about hunting a mouse, let alone one of my critters, whether it be gerbil, hamster, or cockatiel, placed on her back.
She has also changed a lot since she was diagnosed with diabetes. She used to play, randomly, once in a blue moon, for about 30 seconds at a time. Since she has been on insulin and the steroid shots, I see her more playful in a few days than in the preceding 12 years (pre-diabetes). I also see her go through rough days that make me think that the time to help her die peacefully might be coming soon.
Not that I know Whiskers at all, or how home-life is with her being ill and your other special need pets, but I think if she isn't hiding (in unusual dark, deep places - all the time), she is feeling OK. Maybe not good, or even great, but ok.
Personally, I talk to Peeps, a lot. We've shared discussions about if she wants to die, if she wants to hang on, if I'm pissing her off with my constant poking and prodding, if she can understand that I'm not doing it to be intentionally mean, if she knows she's sick, that I'm sorry she's sick, and I also tell her how much I love her and how she's my pretty kitty. I talk to her when she's asleep, and I'll call out her name randomly during the day, and rarely she'll answer to it. I say hi to her, every single time I see her. I also tell her to be good when I'm about to leave (even though often she won't have moved but the direction she is pointed while I am gone), and lots of other things. I'll whine to her about school, or tell her the other cats in the house are evil, or talk to her about events. She listens. And I think a few times she's understood my tone, or my gist, or my human mind has made it appear so, and we're both better for such things.
Some people think that cats are about as stupid as a live being can get, but I beg to differ. I have seen some damned smart cats, both domestic and wild. Talk to Whiskers about her situation. Talk to her about it often. You know cats only meow at people, and don't do it to each other? Does she meow for you? Talk to her when she does. Talk to her and see if she will. Don't be sad about her illness. She'll pick it up from you. I kiss the area that Peeps' cancer is in. It's a part of her, and I love every damned inch of her. I can't bring myself to hate the cancer, because it is her. When she is gone, perhaps then it will be a time for hate and regrets and temper tantrums. Not while she's here. Not while she can see the monster her death with open up inside of me.
You are doing what is right by Whiskers, but it's sometimes hard to see clearly when the date of leaving is fairly definitive. You will continue to do right by her, I'm sure of it. And don't think anything you ask of me, or say to me is out of line. You and I, Whiskers and Peeps, live on a different planet now. Our rules have changed. We all see this new world differently than someone who isn't planted firmly on it. We have to live by the rules of this new world, and they are nothing like the world we came from. Don't give up hope. Whiskers is still very much alive and very much needs you."
_________________
My name is Michele, and I approve this message. Endorsed by Peeps.
Your friends Cheryl & Miss Witty (GA)
"Peeps isn't really easily definable as a cat. It's been kind of a challenge and rewarding with all of her illnesses, so I don't know how your particular situation is going to play out.
Peeps has never really been a playful cat. She has bonded with me, in her own hands-off sort of way. She sleeps with me in the winter, and virtually ignores me during "open window" season. She's never even thought about hunting a mouse, let alone one of my critters, whether it be gerbil, hamster, or cockatiel, placed on her back.
She has also changed a lot since she was diagnosed with diabetes. She used to play, randomly, once in a blue moon, for about 30 seconds at a time. Since she has been on insulin and the steroid shots, I see her more playful in a few days than in the preceding 12 years (pre-diabetes). I also see her go through rough days that make me think that the time to help her die peacefully might be coming soon.
Not that I know Whiskers at all, or how home-life is with her being ill and your other special need pets, but I think if she isn't hiding (in unusual dark, deep places - all the time), she is feeling OK. Maybe not good, or even great, but ok.
Personally, I talk to Peeps, a lot. We've shared discussions about if she wants to die, if she wants to hang on, if I'm pissing her off with my constant poking and prodding, if she can understand that I'm not doing it to be intentionally mean, if she knows she's sick, that I'm sorry she's sick, and I also tell her how much I love her and how she's my pretty kitty. I talk to her when she's asleep, and I'll call out her name randomly during the day, and rarely she'll answer to it. I say hi to her, every single time I see her. I also tell her to be good when I'm about to leave (even though often she won't have moved but the direction she is pointed while I am gone), and lots of other things. I'll whine to her about school, or tell her the other cats in the house are evil, or talk to her about events. She listens. And I think a few times she's understood my tone, or my gist, or my human mind has made it appear so, and we're both better for such things.
Some people think that cats are about as stupid as a live being can get, but I beg to differ. I have seen some damned smart cats, both domestic and wild. Talk to Whiskers about her situation. Talk to her about it often. You know cats only meow at people, and don't do it to each other? Does she meow for you? Talk to her when she does. Talk to her and see if she will. Don't be sad about her illness. She'll pick it up from you. I kiss the area that Peeps' cancer is in. It's a part of her, and I love every damned inch of her. I can't bring myself to hate the cancer, because it is her. When she is gone, perhaps then it will be a time for hate and regrets and temper tantrums. Not while she's here. Not while she can see the monster her death with open up inside of me.
You are doing what is right by Whiskers, but it's sometimes hard to see clearly when the date of leaving is fairly definitive. You will continue to do right by her, I'm sure of it. And don't think anything you ask of me, or say to me is out of line. You and I, Whiskers and Peeps, live on a different planet now. Our rules have changed. We all see this new world differently than someone who isn't planted firmly on it. We have to live by the rules of this new world, and they are nothing like the world we came from. Don't give up hope. Whiskers is still very much alive and very much needs you."
_________________
My name is Michele, and I approve this message. Endorsed by Peeps.
and we all come together to try to help each other. I love this online community here and sometimes wish I could reach through this screen and hug every single one of you. :YMHUG: