Our sweet Aliza cat is coming to the end of her days, and the hope is for her to pass peacefully here at home. Our vet agrees. (Rest assured we won’t let her endure or suffer any pain, and will make the tough decision if we have to.)
Aliza’s story is pretty amazing, as she began her life 20+ years ago as part of a cat colony living at Boston’s Logan Airport. You can read about her – and how Aliza and I rescued each other – in this post I wrote last year: Loving a Feral Cat Named Aliza.
On New Year’s Day, Aliza’s energy for walking up and down the stairs was depleted by evening, so she actually let me carry her around, which was a first. She didn’t struggle or wiggle out of my arms. Instead, she burrowed into my arms even more.
The fact that I’m getting all these snuggles and purrs at the end is bittersweet. She’s comforting me as much as I comfort her.
Lulu (our 14 year-old Ragdoll cat) isn’t sure what’s happening. Or maybe she does know. As I type this, Aliza is next to me on the bed, resting on her flannel-covered pillow, while Lulu is underneath Aliza’s pink blanket just next to the pillow.
I was feeling badly a few days ago, remembering how Aliza stuck to Mr. Boober like glue during his final days. I told my husband I wished Aliza would have that same thing done for her during this time.
My husband’s response was that Aliza does have this same thing. Aliza chose me after Boober passed away, and now here I am sitting with her round the clock, bathing her, caring for her, and not leaving her side.
I hadn’t even thought of it that way.
I’ve cleared my blogging schedule for now, and will be back here soon.
Please say some prayers that Aliza’s remaining time is secure, warm, safe and pain-free.
~Laura
I’m so sorry you’re having to go through this Laura. We just lost our 21 year old baby a few months ago and it was horrible. They really do become part of your family and anyone who says pets don’t have a feelings and a personality are crazy. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Oh Shannon, I’m so sorry for your own recent loss. Thank you so much for your prayers.
I remember Aliza’s story, and of course she remembers the human who promised to care for her. It’s an honor to accompany another living being along the final steps of their pat. Sending love and light for both your journeys.
Thank you for the love and light, Bernadette. You are right: it felt like an honor to be with Aliza at the end. It was something I’ll never forget and I’m grateful for that time too.
My heart is hurting for you and your family, Laura. As sad as it is for me to think of your impending loss, I am also happy that Aliza came to know your love and that of Mr. Boober and Lulu. Imagine how different her fate would have been had she and her fellow Logan castaways never been rescued.
Aliza’s entrance into the world must have been brutal; please take comfort in knowing how much love, peace, and comfort will surround her as she leaves this world.
Sending you lots of prayers and hugs… xoxo
Thank you so much for your hugs and prayers Pat, as well as your words of encouragement. I often wonder what Aliza’s early life was like, and am so happy we got to give her a loving furrever home indoors! Spending those final days with her did provide me with comfort, as I know it did for her as well. 🙂