a cat in a hat.

Published on by Quandie

It has been a very difficult time for us this week as we had to say goodbye to our beloved cat, Lucy.

Lucy came into our lives nearly 18 years ago.  We weren’t planning on getting another cat, well, in fact we were planning on definitely not getting another cat.  But then we met Lucy on a visit to Mr. Q’s aunt & uncle’s house.  Apparently someone had dropped her off out in the country to fend for herself (why do people do that?).  Aunt Judy was feeding her, but they didn’t want to take her in.

Lucy was special though.  For one thing, she was very pretty.

Her fur was as soft as rabbit fur.

And that face!  She was so adorable!

But more than that, she was the friendliest thing.  Immediately upon seeing us, she came up to us and reached out to be picked up.  Once in Mr. Q’s arms, she nuzzled his ear and started to work her charms.

We tried to remain resolute.  We went home without her.  Because we didn’t want another cat.

But all night we were thinking about what a sweetheart she was, and maybe it would be OK to have just one more cat in our lives.

We went back for her the next day.  Who would have thought that she would then be in our lives for 18 years?

Lucy was special.  I know everyone probably says that about their pets, but she really was.

She loved to be held and was such a snuggler.

She was never happier than when she was riding around on Mr. Q’s shoulders.

When we went to bed at night she would impatiently wait for me to put my book down, and then she would insist that I make room for her on my pillow.  If I didn’t comply, she would literally try to get comfortable on my head. No matter how many times I tried to move her off my pillow, I would always wake up to a crick in my neck and Lucy comfortably ensconced on the pillow.

Handyman Ken always said she was more like a dog rather than a cat.  She would run up to greet him when he came out into the back yard, wanting to be picked up and petted.  He always took such good care of her when we were traveling.

I haven’t shared too much about Lucy here on the blog, just the occasional photo bomb.

She always had to check out just what it was that I was focusing on so intently.

And she had to thoroughly inspect any piece of furniture that I brought home to makeover.

And then there was the post where I was explaining that the chaise lounge on my porch was really just a glorified cat bed.

I’ve never been one of those ‘oh look at these 500 photos of my cat, isn’t she awesome?’ sort of people.  But I hope you’ll forgive me today for sharing the handful of photos that I do have of Lucy.  The fact that I didn’t take a million photos of her is in no way an indication of how much I loved her.  Both Mr. Q and I loved her tremendously.

Sadly, as we all know, cats don’t live forever.  In fact, having Lucy for 18 years was far more than we ever could have reasonably expected.

Her health had been inexorably declining over the last several years, but up until recently we felt that she still had a good quality of life even though she had clearly slowed down quite a bit.  She had more good days than bad days.  She was still demanding to go outside on a daily basis, although she had started to turn around and say ‘no f’n way’ when we opened the door and she realized the temp was below zero.  And she was still stealing my pillow.

But about a week ago she stopped coming into our room at night.  I could no longer entice her to eat, even though I tried every treat designed for finicky cats on the market.  It also became clear that she was suffering.  She would struggle to stand up, and to lie down.  Her fur had gotten incredibly matted over this past winter, and she was nothing more than skin and bones.  It was becoming obvious that we could no longer hope that she would just pass painlessly in her sleep.

So we made the impossible decision to have her euthanized.  Although I don’t necessarily want to talk about it, I do want to share that we used CodaPet.com to find Dr. Keri Wasmoen.  She was incredibly kind and so, so gentle with Lucy.  If any of you find yourself in a similar situation, I highly recommend her.

She also did her best to reassure us that we were doing the right thing, that providing a peaceful, pain-free end is the kindest thing you can do for a pet that is suffering.

But it’s also one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.

I’m not sure how long it’s going to be before I quit making sure that I left the basement door cracked so she can get to her litter box, or checking at the door to see if she’s ready to come in.

So please forgive me if I’m not my normal self for a while as I work my way through the grief of losing a much beloved pet.  She will be missed.

35 thoughts on “a cat in a hat.”

  1. My heart goes out to you for your loss. I have been there too, and know the loss you feel today. Spend time in your memories with her as you heal. Animals are angels sent from heaven and are our greatest joys. She was well loved and had the best life with you and Mr. Q.

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  6. I’m so very sorry to hear about Lucy. I had the chance to meet her several times and she was so very sweet. I am glad that you had so many wonderful years with her and she with you.

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  7. So sorry for your loss Quandie. Pets are such a beautiful part of our families and it’s hard to say goodbye. Lucy sure looked like a character and I know you’re missing her immensely. Prayers of comfort for you all.
    Sent from my iPhone

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  8. My Lucy (all black) sends her love to you. The only thing that ever comforted me was knowing that I gave my pet the best life I could have, and you certainly did that as well for your Lucy. She’s beautiful and sounds like she had quite the purr-sonality. My deepest condolences to you and Mr. Q. and to Ken too. I know he will miss her as well!

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  9. This is such a heartbreaking time, pets are such a loved part of the family. Making that decision is absolutely the worst, so sorry. It definitely leaves a hole in your heart.

    💔

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  10. I am so sorry and sad for you and Mr Q. Lucy was obviously adored by both of you and NOTHING is harder than losing a loved being. She was as blessed living with you as you were with her. Sending hugs to both of you ❤️‍🩹

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  12. Oh Linda and Mr. Q my heart is hurting for both of you. Lucy had a wonderful life of 18 years. I know she’ll be missed.. 💔

    Alice

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  14. Oh Linda and Mr Q I am so sorry for the loss of your fur baby. Lucy was a beautiful cat. 18 years is a long time. She was blessed to have you both. We had 2 cats. One was 18yo and the other was 22yo when they passed. I know how you are feeling. May God bring you comfort and piece during this time. ❤️🙏

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  15. My thoughts & prayers are with you both! It is one of the most difficult things to do ~ it’s been 17 months since we had to say goodbye to our Rosie {dog} & I still cry when I think of her! May you be comforted with memories of her gentle & friendly nature ❤ & know that she loved you {& chose you}!

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  16. Condolences to you both. Loving a pet is a special relationship and losing one is heart breaking. She looks like a special girl and you made her life even more so. Thanks for sharing.

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  17. I am so sorry for your loss. Lucy was a beautiful cat and clearly she was very loved. Saying goodbye is never easy. May your memories bring you comfort as you travel down this difficult road.

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  18. I’m so very sorry to read about the loss of your beautiful cat Lucy. We are a family of cat lovers and currently have four in residence. Having lost three over the past 25 years, I know how the deep the pain is. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Sherin xx

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  22. Been there and done that. One of the hardest things in life, definitely the hardest thing ever when one is a loving pet owner. But you know — between the moments of grieving — that you did the best thing for them to prevent any unnecessary suffering. 18 years in a nice long life. And yes, she was beautiful.

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  23. Oh Linda I’m so so sorry! What a wonderful tribute to a beautiful cat. I definitely know your pain, I will be thinking of you❤️❤️❤️

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  25. Unfortunately, I know only too well how you feel as we lost our 16+ year old “Beautiful” (there’s a story there!) 2 weeks ago today (but still feels as raw as yesterday). Even our dog and remaining cat, who were terrified of Beautiful, are grieving. My heart goes out to you. I have no doubts I will be reunited with all my pets in heaven when it’s my time to move Home!

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  28. Oh Linda, I’m so sorry to hear about Lucy. She was such a sweetie when I drop by to purchase yet another tool box. Our pets really are our family. It’s amazing you and Mr. Q had her love for 18 years. Thinking of you.

    Melissa M

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  29. It is incredibly difficult to say “good-bye” to a furry member of the family especially when it becomes necessary to have your pet euthanized. We faced that decision with our much loved Black Lab, Munson, a year and a half ago and I still look for him every morning and whenever I return home. We never stop missing our pets. The pain of losing them lessens overtime as it is replaced with so many memories. So sorry to hear about Lucy.

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  30. I’m so very sorry about the loss of your Lucy. In our immediate family we’ve lost several pets in the last few years (and two kitties in the past 6 months). It’s so very painful and such a difficult time to get through. My sympathies to you and Mr. Q.

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  32. oh my heart is broken for you 😢 I am sending so much love and peace your way. Lucy loved you more than you loved her! She will be forever grateful for a beautiful family 🩵🩵🩵

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  33. So very sorry for the loss of your beautiful Lucy. You and Mr. Q certainly enriched her life as did she enriching yours. I’m reaching through the internet to give you a big hug 💕

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  34. My heart goes out to you and Mr Q — pets are family and losing them leaves a big hole in your heart. I’m sure she knew how lucky she was to be a part of your family, and I’m sure she brought lots of joy to both of you.

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