August 16, 2024, 12:45 pm

To My Sweet Boy Jake,

On August 14, 2024, shorty after 4:15 PM, we said our final goodbye as the vet put an end to the pain, which I believe you've been having. You'd lost your ability to walk very well. Your kidney, liver, and calcium counts were elevated. You had been in kidney failure since 2018. You lost 3 pounds over the last month and a half. You only weighed 12.5 lbs compared to your normal adult weight of 17 to 18 pounds. The vet said we could do more blood work, an x-ray of your spine, and/or an ultrasound. Her thoughts were perhaps tumors on the spine, or bone damage from arthritis. Or possibly multi organ failure. None of those tests were like to help much as the outcome was likely to be the same, and Mommy didn't want to put you through that. Now, two days later, I feel bad for not doing the tests. But I think the tests would have been for me, to make me feel ok about having to say good-bye. My darling boy, I hope I did the right thing for YOU. If I did the wrong thing, I am so sorry. I think I did do the right thing for you, and wrong for me simply because I miss you and wish you were here.

You came into my life as a 2-month-old kitten, 18 years ago on July 30, 2006. From that point on, you've been the best cat a person could ever want. You followed me everywhere and waited at the door for me to come home. I think we rescued each other. I'm sorry I got mad at you sometimes when you did things you shouldn't have. That wasn't often though because you were such a good boy. We moved two times, once from Oshawa to a rental in Peterborough in 2018, and then to our condo in March 2019. You had no problem with the moves and adjusted to both so easily. I think that's because we were together.

I can tell you that this condo is now the emptiest place on earth without your presence. I gave your beds and cat tree to kittys at the humane society that are in cages waiting for adoption. Truthfully, I thought if I got rid of your stuff, I'd feel better and wouldn't be seeing it all the time and being reminded of your absence. Well, it didn't work. You are being cremated and I will get the urn in a couple weeks, as well as a clay paw print. I also ordered 3 pictures of you in 8x10 from Walmart. I've got your brush. So, I look forward to setting up a little memorial.

Thank you so much for the companionship, joy and love you brought into my life for 18 years. I loved you so much, and everybody that meant you liked you so much because of your gentle, sweet disposition.

I hope to see you on the "other side" (heaven) when the time comes.

Love,
Mommy