A Very Sad Day

We had to put our 20 year old cat Mischief to sleep yesterday. Though we all knew it was coming, it does not make it any easier when the time arrives. Mischief had been living with the Blog Tech for the last year because one day Teddy suddenly decided that since Misch's poops were irresistible morsels, the whole cat might taste even better. We had put down her sister, Catsup around the same time and Misch was singularly defenseless against the mighty Chow Chow. So for safety reasons she moved in with the BT.

It was a really good decision because as he sat in his game room each night with his girlfriend, Misch would snuggle in his lap. She was very frail and arthritic and could no longer jump on sofas and chairs so he lovingly would lift her and comfort her for hours at a time.

Misch was a pip from day one. We got her when our first cat Catsup found her way outside and disappeared. We looked for 6 weeks for that kitty who was only a month old at the time. We finally gave up thinking that no little kitty could survive in the city that long. So we bought Misch. My kids were just 5 and 6 years old. The day after we got her I received a phone call from a woman several towns away that had found Catsup. We suddenly had two cats.

Misch had some close calls over the years. "Curiosity Killed The Cat" was written for her. One day I was cooking and heard an unusual noise and turned to see her swinging by her neck with the shade cord looped around it and the noise I heard was her little body bumping against the wall. Save #1 for Misch.

Then there was the time she mysteriously disappeared right after the kids left for school. I, along with some guys that were working on my house, spent the entire day searching every nook and cranny and neighbor's back yards looking for her. I was dreading picking my kids up from school and having to tell them Misch was gone. Just before I left to get them, I opened the snack cabinet to take out some after school treats and there was a very sleepy Misch laying on a bag of shredded wheat blinking at me and wondering why I was disturbing her sleep. I almost killed her right there and then. Save #2.

Misch could be a real sweetie pie too. When my daughter was a little girl, she would dress Misch in doll clothes and put blush on her cheeks and stick-on earrings on her ears. Misch could be quite glamorous at times.

Misch ate like a fullback up until the day before she died. That kitty could have lived on treats if we allowed it.

A couple of years ago she was diagnosed with renal failure. Cats can continue to live quite comfortably on as little as 10% of their kidneys functioning. At that time we chose not to medicate her. You couldn't get a pill down that kitty's throat with a shotgun and she was too old for that sort of punishment.

When the Blog Tech returned home from the baseball game yesterday, Misch was laying on the floor and could not move. He cuddled her in a blanket and went to the vet. The vet confirmed it was time and the Blog Tech held her as she peacefully crossed the rainbow bridge.

Why are these things so difficult? Death!!! The big scary monster just waiting to gobble us all up? I guess it is partly that, but I think these little furbabies are here to give us the unconditional love which we have so little of from so many humans.

Thanks you Misch for being such a special kitty and enriching our lives for so many years. You gave ever bit of spirit that you had in your little ten pound body and never held back one bit.

We will never forget you Mischkula!!!


PS.....as sad as this is I think it is better to go this way than death by Chow Chow. Teddy is doing happy dances in the bark yard.

Comments

Laura said…
Jaz, I'm so sorry you had to go through that process of letting your kitty go. I have had to make that decision twice now and am hopeful that I will never have to make it again. I think it is more painful for us humans having to chose then letting them go on their own.
my thoughts are with you and your family...
blessings
~*~
Tammie Lee said…
I am sorry for your loss, I can feel your sadness in your post. It sounds as though you all had a wonderful life together and a lot of wonderful memories. Wishing you all peace.
Sharon Lovejoy said…
Oh no, I just sent you a posting about Christer. I am so very sorry that you lost your Mischief. Words aren't enough, but please know that my heart is with you.

That is the hard part, us living long lives and our beloved ones living short ones. So so sorry.

With love,

S
What a wonderful tribute to a loving fur friend! So glad the blog tech was able to give her the cuddles she needed for her last year. Such a sweet story and yes I have tears but I know this wonderful kitty is chasing butterflies again!!
Anonymous said…
so very sorry.. it is so hard take care
Yalco (Chris) said…
What a sweetheart. Sounds like she lived more than her share of lives and was blessed to have you and your family to lover her so. I wish you all peace, and joy in you pleasant memories of life with Mischief.
Kimberley Paige said…
I am so sorry about Mischief. :( It sounds like she was very loved.
brokenteepee said…
Goat hugs from all of us.
Kimberley Paige said…
Rainbow Bridge

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
Cindi Myers said…
I told myself that I could read this without crying...not possible.
What a lovely tribute to your little Mischkula. Obviously she was greatly loved and I'm sure she felt fortunate to share her life and love with your family.I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies - Cindi
Thmini2 said…
I am so sorry. It sure isn't easy to lose our fur babies.
I'm so sorry for your loss :( Losing a pet is the greatest fear of my life. My heart goes out to you and your family ♥
TMCPhoto said…
You have my condolences as well. I read somewhere that animals have shorter lives than we do because they don't have to learn the gift of unconditional love, it is built into their spirits and because of that their lives are filled with a surplus of love. When they leave us they leave with some of that love and we are better for it.

Misch' last moments sound so peaceful, to have the comfort of the BT as she passed is fitting.
Creepy Glowbugg said…
Today marks year 4 that I no longer have the pleasure of being a roommate with my cat of 15 years. I actuallt posted a "In Memoriam" today in his honor. I feel your pain, more than I care to.
May your sorrows pass quickly, and your memories live forever.
Delphyne said…
Jaz, I send you my deepest condolences - it is difficult to lose a beloved pet, particularly after such a long relationship.
Kathy said…
I never know exactly what to say when someone suffers a loss. I had thought I was saying words of comfort but I've since been told that they are platitudes and that most people resent hearing them so I'll simply say, from the bottom of my heart, that I am sorry, that I know how you feel because I had to put down my companion of 17 years some time ago and that your tribute was loving and heart breaking. Thank you so much for sharing it.
Sara said…
So very sorry for the loss of your little friend. Hugs to all of you.xx
greekwitch said…
I am so sorry for your loss. Cats are my favorite animals. We also have two of them and a dog!
This cat had literally nine lives, the thing with the chord, Teddy's teeth, your "fury" and lived to be 20.
Divaeva said…
I am so sorry... peace and blessings to you and your family...
Dirgesinger said…
O dear:( I am so very sorry for Your loss! But I think Misch (she was a handsome girl) is very peaceful now and has all the friends, food and sleep and all the joy she wants in Kittie Heaven! And I also think she will continue to love You all from above.

More than two years ago we have lost a hedgie - one son of our grumpy old girl Kretek. We were so sad we thought it would never be lifted from our hearts - but I came to feel that Sammael is now in the best place for him - along with Misch now.
How sad! But it sounds like Mischief had a great life and was always surrounded by love, care and attention. What more can anyone (human or cat) want? Rest in peace, Mischief. Run and play with all the other kittens of Bast!
I am sincerely sorry for your loss! Your cat seemed like such a sweet kitty, and I know the sinking feeling of when you lose a pet all too well. About a year and a half ago, we unexpectedly had to put one of our cats down because of liver cancer that went undetected. She only suffered for one day, and that is when we decided that she would be much more comfortable and happy in heaven along with her best friend, my dog who had passed away a year earlier. That decision is one of the easiest and hardest decisions of any pet owner's life, knowing that their beloved pets will be better off in heaven, but at the same time we want them here with us. May your lovely cat's memory live on, and I wish you the best in your time of loss. <3
i'm crying...that was a lovely post for a very special kitty

she was just a sweetie...

oh, isn't it just the worst thing in this world....losing one of our sweet babies just rips your heart apart...

they just love you so much...no matter what...i am so very sorry for your loss....

i am thinking about you and your family...and sending love and sympathy

kary
It is tough to get to the end and let it go ~bangchik
Guillaume said…
I am so sorry. And I am really sad as I love cats so much!
Sharlene T. said…
This has been a sad time for both you and Christer... your tribute is lovely and your love for Mishkula shows through... what's more important is that you both enjoyed your pets' company until their lives naturally ended in old age... it's hard, I know, but you gave them love and a good home and they were devoted to you...
Melodie said…
So sorry,it is never easy,no matter what,to loose a beloved pet.
Robin Larkspur said…
Oh, I am so sad for you all. We had to send our MacKenzie-Cat over the Bridge about a month ago, in fact that was my first post on my blog. It is so hard to say goodbye to a dear friend who has been a member of the family. Blessings to you all.
Anonymous said…
Christer at Cottage by the Crane Lake lost his Erna yesterday and that came as quite a shock. I imagine they all are and now I hate reading you lost your kitty, even though she lived a long life. If it's any comfort some of us do believe in the Rainbow Bridge and you'll see her again I'm sure. Purrs to you and the BT.
debbie said…
I am so sorry. It sounds like she was happy right til the end,though.
Wizardess said…
Hugs. You are a good pet protector.
Tractor Mom said…
I hate to hear about your kitty:( I know she is jumping and leaping and waiting on Chow-Chow so she can terrorize him!

Come by when you need some cheering up...
Nikita Cat said…
I learned about you from the comment you left about the passing of a dog named Erna.

The thre of us...myself, Elvira, and Daddy Kiril, send our condolences.

I would like to share 2 Cat Themed Hymns of Comfort, that I've written the last couple of days.

One is similar to the Dog one I left for Erna's Human on his blog.

I hope theme help in a small way, to bring you comfort.

Just Another Stroll With Thee

and

How Kind You Are

Just click on my name, and you will find the first one, and alink to the 2nd.
Sharon Day said…
For a cat with such a name, that was a long long life and I'm sure a very happy and contented one. I'm glad you got to have a pet like that in your life. You have such a big heart and I'm sure the cat was very honored to share in that. Sorry to hear about the loss. It does leave a big void that no other pet really ever fills. Such a cute ball of fluff too! You are lucky to have that companion. Too cute.
J said…
Sorry for the late reply. What a lovely cat, such beautiful colouring.

Thinking off you, know how much this hurts as we lost ours recently too.

bb. jen
We never knew Mischief, but it is clear she was deeply loved, and loved her beans as well. Sending mournfull purrrss and gentle headbuttss.

ppuurrrrrrr

PS: This might help, at little.
Anonymous said…
so sorry for your loss! there is nothing like the love of a sweet pet.
i've never had a pet for 20 years, you must have a lot of terrific memories. the ones you told here put a smile on my face.
blessing to you and your family.
Unknown said…
This little fuzzball had more personality in her left paw than almost every cat I've ever met.
The BT told me stories about her lively youth, including how she was smart enough to use doorknobs and would sometimes knock things over just because she liked to hear stuff breaking. As to the former, there are some *people* I'm surprised are smart enough to use doorknobs, and for the latter, I'm not sure I've ever heard of any other animal developing such a uniquely idiosyncratic habit.
Add to that her odd preference for having her eyes petted more than any other spot on her body, rubbing them against the corners of stairs and tables if you weren't petting them for her, and even at 20, a set of lungs that would make Fay Wray blush. When this little lady had something to say, and that was often, you could hear her anywhere in the house. All animals are a little like people in some ways, but occasionally one is so one-of-a-kind that their humanness is startling.

She loved everyone, fully and without fail. Every person, familiar or stranger, entering the game room would be greeted with a bright and forceful meow and ten pounds of love ambling right up to their feet. Nothing thrilled her more than when it was time for cuddling up with us in front of the TV. Old age didn't dull her feisty independence, however, and eventually it would kick in and she would unceremoniously abandon our laps to go do her own thing for a little while. But, a social creature at heart, she'd always be back for more sooner rather than later.

We always said goodnight to her before we went to sleep. Last night, I said goodnight to the basement door one last time and couldn't keep myself from crying.

She was unique, tenacious, and above all, heartbreakingly sweet.

I love you, Mischy. I know that wherever you are now, there are lots of breakable objects and corners. <3

Lara (the Blog Tech's girlfriend)
I'm so sorry. By the end of your post, I was crying. It sounds as if Mischief was loved very much and had a very full life.
Anet said…
I'm so sorry Jaz, this is so hard. We just went through this in March of this year.
Bless Mischief's little heart!
She had such a long and wonderful life with you and your family... with you taking such good care of her.
She was a very blessed cat and I know she paid you back with all of her love that she gave!
(((Big hugs to you!)))
Teresa said…
I am so sorry for your loss.
So sad for your family, but 20 years! all that love.....
xx
Mr. Macabre said…
I'm so sorry, so very sorry. I have lost cats in the past and it hurts so much.
Soraya said…
Aww, I'm sorry Jaz that you had to do that. Misch sounds like a great cat :)
You can at least treasure the special years that you got to spend with Misch during her life :) Seems like it was a very long and special life. <3
Blessings,
Soraya
Celia said…
I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is always so very hard.....something I just went through this past summer.....losing both of my doggies with a week of each other. My heart still aches for them both.....but I know that they are waiting for me where ever they are....and I can't wait to see them and play with them again someday.
I´m sp sorry to hear about Your cat. It doesn´t matter that one knows that it can happen any day, it hits so hard when that moment comes.

Take care.
Christer.
I'm so sorry, Jaz. Love and hugs for you.
Jennifer Rose said…
20 years is a great life for a cat! I am sorry for your loss :( seems like she was a great kitty and very pretty
Rosemary said…
What a wonderful story and how lucky she was to have such a loving family. She was a beauty.
I am so sorry for your loss and send loving, peaceful vibes to you and yours.
TheBlakkDuchess said…
Love & hugs to you & everyone who loves this lovely cat! She looks like she was just wonderful. I'm so sorry she had to go a wandering other paths, but I know you & your wonderful blog tech & his gf gave her a most wonderful life. You all are in my thoughts.

xoxo
Ash said…
I am so sorry you lost your cat! No matter how old they get, it's never easy. We lost our 17 year old dachshund around Christmas, and we still miss her. My thoughts are with y'all.
Anonymous said…
My heart goes out to you. Losing a precious furbaby is hard.

This was a beautiful tribute to her.
MeganRose said…
I have always deeply believed that one of gods ( or creations) greatest and cruelest mistakes is that (wo)mans furry best friends live such shorter lives then humans. It is devestating and you are in my thoughts.

Btw what a beauty she was!!
Anonymous said…
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss.:(
Unknown said…
Jaz,
My heart hurts for you. I wish there were words to ease your loss, but I know that there are none. Please find solace in the fact that she knew she was well loved, and that's the most any of us can hope for.
KrisMrsBBradley said…
So very sorry for your loss. Our pets are family, and their loss is painful. She was a lucky to have you as her companion in life.
I Wonder Wye said…
I am so sorry for your loss. My 17 yr old Scat died in july - I wish he had lived to be 20 - what a ripe old age...blessings
Lin said…
So sorry to hear of your kitty's passing. Oh, how we miss our dear friends! I'm sending love and hugs in this sad time.
Rue said…
I'm so sorry to hear about Mischief. It sounds like she lived a very exciting life - and if I know you, she was VERY well taken care of!

The fact that she was 20 and still able to eat and be cuddled by Blog Tech, is a tribute to how you've all cared for her.

Now I need to go run and get a kleenex....
LisaDay said…
My condolences about Mischief. She sounded like a great cat.

LisaDay
Danni said…
What a wonderful tribute you write to this special kitty of yours. I loved reading these humorous snippets of her life. What an incredible life she led - oh, for everyone to be so loved!
I'm so sorry for your family's loss - I know your (and Blog Tech's) house feels much emptier now - but I'm so glad this sweet girl didn't suffer. Hugs to you from me in Oregon.
CathyH said…
I'm so sorry. 20 years, wow. I have 2 young cats, really my very first cats. Already have become so attached and they follow me every where around the house. Misch in doll clothes how sweet to put up with that!
Lisa Brawner said…
So sorry for the loss of your loved fur one... I lost 3 last fall and all were pieces of my heart .. How enriched our lives are by the love of our furbabies