When I stand before God at the end of my life,
I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say,
"I used everything You gave me."
~Erma Bombeck

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March 16, 2009

Saying goodbye is never easy...

As a veterinarian, I have noted with interest that during a single human lifetime a number of pet lifetimes may pass, and as we recall each pet that shared our time, it seems that they never stayed with us quite long enough. ~T. J. Dunn, Jr. DVM
This sweet, regal looking lady is Gizmo. I know, the name doesn't fit her. Look at those little legs crossed. So demure!
This pic was taken just after Giz spent 2 days at the vet getting treated for the beginnings of renal failure back in late December, explaining why her little leg was shaved (for the iv). I called her "boots" for days after because it looked like she had a little boot on.
I found Giz almost 15 years ago at the Humane Society in Phoenix, Arizona. She was a little ball of black and white fur and immediately brought such joy to my life. She purred like a motor boat and would get on my nightstand and drink out of a cup much bigger that she was with her paws wrapped around it.
Giz was a lover of chasing wadded up paper balls around the house. She was with me through many ups and downs, broken hearts, eight moves (including one across 2 states), a marriage and welcoming two new (human) baby girls into the family. She loved to jump from the top of the armoire onto the bed scaring the @#$% out of my hubby, who only became a cat lover after he met the likes of me and my little fur babies and I warned him that in no circumstance would I give them up for a man.
I never thought a cat could be so emotionally in tune to humans, but Giz was. If she sensed I wasn't happy, she was there. If I cried, she would come and rub on my legs, and purr telling me in her own way that she was there for me. Just the other night, K was awake at 1 am with an ear infection and guess who came to visit us on her bed? Even though she wasn't feeling well herself, she jumped up and slept on K's bed the rest of the night. I guess I never realized till now how steadfast and unconditional her love was.
After almost 3 months, Giz's health declined to the point that we have decided that it was time to say goodbye. I have had to explain to my girls 3 and 6 that Giz went to sleep and won't be waking up. She welcomed them after having me to herself for almost 9 years. They will surely miss her. I miss her. This is by far one of the hardest things I have ever done. My sweet kitty is gone.
I love you Giz. Thank you for being such a wonderful friend and confidante over the years. Our house will never be the same with out you!

5 comments:

  1. I know your pain. What a beatiful tribute to Giz. This helped me when my Lacey Passed away:

    Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
    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, 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 each 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. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run 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.

    Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

    Author unknown

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  2. Hugs. I love the picture and the sweet tribute. Jen

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  3. I'm so sorry Lanie... There is a WONDERFUL book by Judith Viorst (author of Alexander and the No Good, Terrible, Horrible, Very Bad Day) called The Tenth Good Thing about Barney... about the loss of a cat. It is a lovely read and you all might enjoy it.

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  4. Visiting from SITS. I am so sorry for the loss of your precious Giz. She was a gorgeous cat and obviously a special one. My heart goes out to you and your family.

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  5. Hi hun I am so sorry to hear you lost your fur baby , I have two dogs and a cat and I just don't know what I'd do if I lost any of them pets become like part of the family , she is a beautiful cat :(
    btw I love your creations I am just getting in the wooden nursery decor wall art I just did my first set a few days ago :)

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