My Sweet Simon--"Here lived a very fine cat, indeed"

Last night, in the glow of a tiny Christmas tree, in front of the hearth, with the help of my wonderful, sensitive vet and vet tech from Westfield Veterinary &Wellness Center, my sweet Simon gently slipped into his final slumber.

It was a merciful death,as he had been failing for several months, and around Thanksgiving, I knew we didn't have much more time. Merciful, but a death just the same. I am heartbroken. It is never an easy decision.  The timing had to be right. I had scheduled it once before, but when the day dawned, I knew it was not the day. Yesterday was the day. He told me,when he looked into my face, and gently patted my hair with his outstretched paw. He was tired, it was time to rest.

Simon came to me because he was a cruelty case, rescued by my friend with whom I did rescue in Mercer County.
He was a big cat,probably part Maine Coon,weighing in at a whopping 18 pounds when I brought
him home. Every week, Mary Ann would bring him to Petsmart (where he puffed himself up,and growled if people approached his cage)for an adoption day, and every week she would bring
him back to her home where the other foster cats picked on him. He was attached to her, slept on her pillow at night, and was there to advise her on make-up application every morning. But being confined to one room, and afraid of the other cats was no life for him. I had Sarabeth---a happy outgoing affectionate girl---so I decided to take him. If he wanted to live under my bed for the rest of his life, that
was ok with me. 

But after keeping the two cats separate for a week, I gradually introduced them, and Sarabeth accepted him as her kitten. She groomed him and comforted him, (for he was the living definition of a "'fraidy cat" ) and where one was, there was the other. 

He remained very timid---some people who know me well,didn't even know I
had two cats, because when someone "strange"came into the house, he
de-materialized. He was always timid with outsiders, but with me he was
so affectionate,he ALWAYS came when he was called, and he was the one
who meowed and stamped his foot when it was past time for me to go to
bed. He was also a big goofball. A true clown, he loved his catnip, and seemed to melt into a puddle of butterscotch, bending his huge body into ridiculous positions.

Lately, he had started gently patting my hair or my face,and gazing
into my eyes. I knew what he was telling me. But a took a little while
to understand. He was a very smart cat. He was very adept at making
himself understood. Once, after I had him for a couple of years and he
was lounging and kneading, and purring, I said " How could anyone get
rid of you?" He stopped kneading, looked directly into my heart and
said, "Because I was meant to be yours."

Last night, Sarabeth moved up to the pillow next to mine, and kept vigil in his spot all night long.  When I awoke, she covered my face with soft kitty kisses, following the path of my dried tears.  Gracie's reaction was unexpected. While the vet was here, and we were setting things up, she started howling (which she never does) and barking, becoming very agitated. I had her gated off, but had to move her to my bedroom,because she was upsetting Simon (and me)  Yesterday morning, I witnessed Gracie saying goodbye to Simon. He was in the middle of the kitchen floor, Gracie approached him very gently, and ever so tenderly licked the top of his head.  He lifted his face to her, and she licked him under his chin. I managed to snap a quick photo while this was happening ---it is a terrible shot, but it will become one of my most cherished memories.

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Awwww....such a handsome man. 

I hope time heals your heart. It is a devastating blow when we lose our pets. Simon is no longer here BUT... just as I thought with my dogs, how fortunate we were that they passed peacefully at home. Simon didn't pass in the vet's office during an overnight stay. Nor did he pass when perhaps you had to board him. He passed surrounded by the love, sounds and smells of his home. 

It will get better. I promise you. 

I'm so sorry you had to say goodbye to Simon, calliope.  It hurts, even when they tell us it is time to say goodbye. And I know the painful feeling of not having your companion with you. I once thought it would be easier if my pet chose its own time to go; it isn't. My last dog died in my arms, and it hurt just as much as when I'd made the call to the vet to have it done. I hope your beautiful memories of Simon bring you peace, and (eventually) happiness. I'll light a candle tonight for your boy at the Rainbow Bridge.

Oh, I'm so sorry. It's heartbreaking when we have to make these choices for our furry loved ones. Simon had a wonderful life with you, Calli, and I'm sure he appreciated all your care and love. 

I'm so sorry calli! I know how hard it is but everybody's pain is unique. Rest easy, Simon.

So sorry for your loss.  What you wrote is a beautiful testament to the power of love to heal and to comfort.  Sarabeth is clearly doing her best to take care of you.

Sorry for your loss.

Ah Calli, I am so sad for you. Such a sweet story about Simon,, he was very handsome indeed. I know exactly the hole that it leaves in one's heart.

We had to have our Mystie girl put to sleep last June, we were sad for months, and we still miss her, she was 18 years old and we rescued her as a 3 week old kitten wondering the neighborhood.

Just 4 weeks ago we adopted our new Tabby, who is 9 months old and was found abandoned in an apartment building in Newark.

Loosing a pet is never easy, so sorry for your loss.

Thank you for sharing that beautiful and heartbreaking story.  I'm so sorry for your loss!

Calli, I'm sad for you as well.  Your story was very moving and probably cathartic for you.  May you always remember Simon for what joy he brought to you and vice versa.  Please accept my heartfelt condolences.  My thoughts are with you...

: - (

I love your description of how you gently eased Simon into your life, and just as gently eased him out in his onward journey. He had a loving caretaker in you, calli, and in the end, all we can hang onto is that feeling in our hearts that comes from having known and loved another being.

Sorry for your loss. Being a pet person I get it.

Such a beautiful story & such a loving companion. My deepest condolences on the loss of such a special, special companion. 

So sorry for your loss.

What a wonderful life Simon led with you!  So sad to hear he is gone--he was much loved, and how fortunate you and he found each other.

Thank you all, for your kind, and loving words.  I wish I had the heart to respond to you,each individually, and I may yet, but the tears are very close to the surface right now. Today,was particularly raw---having more time to process than last night.  I keep hearing him calling for me---I know it is my ears playing tricks, but right after the vet left, I heard him call, and answered out of habit.  

Sarabeth has been living up to her nickname of "Velcro", but Gracie seems truly depressed. I took her for a long ride in the car,and for a walk in the woods, but she wasn't much interested.  When we came home, she ran straight to Simon's room,and she looked genuinely crestfallen when the room was empty. It broke my heart all over again.

What a wonderful tribute to Simon. One can feel your love and loss. I know this was a tough decision but it sounds as though you found a point at which you were both ready, a true gift.  I'm sorry for your loss, but warmed by the special life you gave him.

Sincere condolences at this very sad time.  Thank you for telling Simon's story.  He was a beautiful boy and so greatly loved.  Wishing you peace.

So sorry.  From his pictures he looks like a noble cat.

calliope said:

Thank you all, for your kind, and loving words.  I wish I had the heart to respond to you,each individually, and I may yet, but the tears are very close to the surface right now. Today,was particularly raw---having more time to process than last night.  I keep hearing him calling for me---I know it is my ears playing tricks, but right after the vet left, I heard him call, and answered out of habit.  

Sarabeth has been living up to her nickname of "Velcro", but Gracie seems truly depressed. I took her for a long ride in the car,and for a walk in the woods, but she wasn't much interested.  When we came home, she ran straight to Simon's room,and she looked genuinely crestfallen when the room was empty. It broke my heart all over again.

Reading that just broke my heart, too. It sounds like you, Sarabeth, and Gracie are going to have to help each other mend.

We lost our Hoodwink back in August, and I still sometimes "see" her when there is a dark object lurking in the corner of my eye, only to discover that it's a piece of clothing, or a bag, or some such. I find it helpful to talk and sing my silly songs to her, even if she isn't here to hear them.

Aw, sorry to hear this.  How rough it is.  Was a fine and handsome cat.

Have just returned home, to read this very sad news. The world is sadder without the physical presence of a purring body such as Simon's. May happier memories soon outweigh the pain of loss. 

How long did he live?  he sounds like a wonderful cat, beautiful.

Calli, I'm so sorry.  

I'm sad for you.  You write so beautifully about him.