R.I.P.
Libby
(1997 - 2011)
We all know that life as we knew it can change in the blink of an eye. We experienced that over the past few days. Our oldest cat, Libby seemed to change overnight. She stopped eating and started sleeping most of the day. We were shocked to learn her weight had dropped to just 7lbs, 11 oz (her long fur and fact she didn't like to be picked up made this easy to go unnoticed). We took her to the vet Thursday evening and learned that she was in kidney failure and it appeared she had a couple of small masses around her kidneys as well. She was also riddled with arthritis along her spine. We asked if she was in pain, and the vet said that cats rarely show pain, but she most likely was suffering. We brought her home for the evening, offered her whipped cream which she loved (and lapped up), but made an appointment for the following day to say goodbye to a dear friend.
Libby, was the first cat my husband and I had together. She came into our life in the summer of 1997 when my husband stopped at a gas station and saw a sign "free kittens". He brought her home for me, but although I fell in love with her, her heart belonged to my husband. She adored him and he her. She didn't like to be held, wasn't a lap cat but loved to be pet and to rub up against you.
Libby lived in (2) states, (4) homes and was the best hunter ever. She graced our porches and decks with, mice, moles, birds of all kinds, chipmunks, baby rabbits and even garden snakes. After several of her housemates disappeared: Markie, Minerva, Frasier and Niles, on our last move, we decided that all of our cats would be indoor only. One year, we went to Aruba for 14 days, and when we came home our pet sitter said that she never came home after the first day we were gone. We were sure, we lost her forever, and then my husband called her name and she miraculously appeared on our deck --obviously she was waiting for him to return to come indoors. Although Libby tolerated the other cats, she would have been much happier being an only cat among us humans.
At 3:45pm yesterday, we gave her finals pets and kisses and watched her pass peacefully over the Rainbow Bridge. It was a hard thing to do, but the right thing for her. Despite our sadness, we feel blessed Libby graced our life for 14 years. We miss you Libby.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Pets are such an important part of the family so we miss them dearly.
ReplyDeleteI am sooo sorry for your loss... I know what you are going thru... I had to make the decision to put my Cairn down years ago... It took me years to have the courage to have another pet... I'm glad I did ... I've got a great dilute tortie w/me now...
ReplyDeleteOh, Diane, I am so sorry. It is so hard to say goodbye to such a good friend. Hugs to both you and your husband. We'll all remember Libby, such a beautiful cat.
ReplyDeleteDiane, So sad that your first shared cat has passed on. It's funny all the joy that pets bring, isn't it? They seem like something you cannot think about for awhile, but when they're gone, there's that hole that they filled. I'm sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteOh dear Diane, she's so lovely. I have tears from your beautiful post in her honor, and, of course, her portrait. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm so sorry for your loss! And what a beautiful tribute to her.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry, Diane....
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is unbelievably difficult
ReplyDeleteReally really lovely and sad tribute to a precious pet.
ReplyDeleteHugs for you, Diane. It is so hard to lose a pet who becomes a part of the family.
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry to hear about Libby. It is so hard to lose a pet. Big hugs to all of you and purrs to Libby. Take care.
ReplyDeleteDiane, I'm so sorry about Libby. I hope that you and your husband take comfort in the love that you shared with your beautiful family member.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. Fly free Libby, and {{hugs}} for your Mom and Dad.
ReplyDeleteTrish
Oh Diane, I know just what you are going through. I lost my beloved cat Romeo a couple of years ago, and it felt like my heart was breaking. You gave Libby a wonderful and beautiful life, and for that you should be proud. I wish peace for you and your family. You will all be in my thoughts.
ReplyDelete*Monster hugs* It's so hard to lose a pet. They become such a huge part of the family.
ReplyDeleteI am so very, very sorry to hear about your sweet Libby. Eventually the hurt heals and the heart will smile at the beautiful memories and love. Run free sweet Libby, you will always live in the hearts of those who will forever love you.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about your kitty, losing a pet is so difficult and I do not look forward to the day our poodle's time is up.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about Libby. We lost a pet 3 years ago and I still remember him. Book Dilettante
ReplyDelete((((HUGS)))
ReplyDeleteWhat sad news Diane. Pets are such important parts of the family. This post was a lovely tribute.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry, Diane. Losing a pet is never easy, even when we know it is the right thing. Libby had a wonderful life and was a beauty! You will miss her dearly but she will live on in your memories. This post is a wonderful tribute to your devoted Libby.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry. She was a beautiful cat. I know how hard it is to lose a furry companion. *big hugs*
ReplyDeleteSo sad. She was definitely a cat with lots of love.
ReplyDeleteLibby was a beautiful cat, Diane. I am so sorry for your loss, but I know she was loved and happy in your home.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely cat. I am so sorry for your loss. My sweet cat Baby was put down in May.
ReplyDeleteThat is so sad! I'm sorry you had to say goodbye to her.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry Diane. This post brought tears to my eyes and I really feel your loss. Losing a pet is like losing a member of your close family. My thoughts are with you and your husband right now. Just remember that she had a good life and she was loved. xxx
ReplyDeleteDiane, I'm so sorry to hear about Libby. This was a beautiful post about her life. I know she will be deeply missed.
ReplyDeleteI'm really sorry, Diane.
ReplyDeleteAww, sweetie. {big hug] How sad for you, but cherish those happier memories. You may always miss her, but it will get easier.
ReplyDeleteP.S. You did the really right thing. Such a terribly hard decision...
What a treasured friend Libby was to you and your husband - thank you for sharing her story with us. It sounds like she will always hold a special place in your hearts ~ I'm sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. Pets own a big part of our hearts. She was a beautiful cat.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are with your family during this difficult time. Saying goodbye to a beloved family member is never easy. Libby was a beautiful girl.
ReplyDeleteI can't say much more than what has already been expressed, except that I feel your sorrow. So sorry.
ReplyDeleteOhhh, I'm so sorry for your loss, Diane. May you find peace in your special memories of Libby.
ReplyDeleteI am brokenhearted for your loss. We have a shih tzu dog who is 15 and going through the sleeping all the time.
ReplyDeleteHe seems to struggle when he drinks water and has trouble breathing. I am probably taking him to the vet this coming Monday and I am so afraid of what they will say.
*Hugs* to you.
I'm so sorry for your loss. We had to make the same journey when our cat suffered kidney failure at the age of 14 too. It's hard, but we remember the good times. (And now I have to go and save stuff from the kitten who's keeping us occupied these days.)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post about Libby. I feel for the passing of your dear friend.
ReplyDeleteOh that's so moving. It's very sad when it's time for our furry friends. A similar cat happened with my cat 5 years ago.
ReplyDeleteOh Diane I'm so sorry about Libby. It was so thoughtful and selfless of you and your husband to let her go to sleep for good. She was a beautiful cat and had a long, wonderful life with you. Your post brought tears to my eyes.
ReplyDeleteYou are in my thoughts and prayers.
My deepest sympathy for your loss.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to read this, sorry for your loss of a dear pet. I had to take my cat Bob to the vet last year for the same thing. I cried all the way home.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry that you and your husband had to say goodbye to Libby. Thank you for sharing her with us today.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about your cat!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about Libby. It sounds like she had a wonderful life, filled with adventures and love.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. Libby sounds like a special cat who was well loved and loved you (and your husband!) back. It is sad when this time comes but she's in a better place with no pain. You gave her a good life. Hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry to hear about Libby-I know she was a great cat-Our 19 year old Siamese Mr C (Charlie or Charles or King Charles) is sitting next to me as I type this and I fear so much his loss.
ReplyDeleteDiane, I am so sorry your Libby passed. Hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteDiane,
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry to hear of your loss. I know how you feel about Libby - my Killian is 14 years old and I worry so about him and his health.
Please know that I am sending healing thoughts your way...
Oh Diane, I'm so sorry about Libby. It's so hard when you lose a pet. I'm glad you had so many wonderful years with her.
ReplyDeleteI am so sad to hear of the loss of your Libby. Losing our beloved furry friends is always devastating. Thinking of you and your husband at this time.
ReplyDeleteDear Friends,
ReplyDeleteThanks to all of you for your expressions of sympathy over the passing of our cat Libby. Your beautiful words and expression of understanding have meant more than to me than you'll ever realize. Thank you
I'm so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tribute to Libby. Diane, I know what a hard decision it was to make, but it was the right one. It falls to us as pet lovers to save them from suffering but I know how much you'll miss her.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you and your family. It's amazing how much the animals in our lives become such a huge part of our lives.
ReplyDeleteOh Diane,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about Libby! A friend sent me that poem Rainbow Bridge and I'm tearing up thinking of it right now but I tell you it sure helped me through the loss of Bruce. Libby sounds much like my dads cat Roxie. My dad claimed that he hated cats and then I had to give Roxie away. My parents took her grudgingly ( mostly my dad) and then the next thing I know dad is showing us the new tricks that Roxie could do and she wouldn't come to anyone other than my father. His heart broke when she passed away at age 15....so I have a small inkling of what you and your husband are going through. Losing a fur family member is traumatic and painful. I'm thinking of you both!
I am so sorry Diane. Your post made me cry. It's coming up on a year without Buddy and I know exactly how you feel. One of the hardest things to do is say goodbye to a pet. Hugs to you my friend.
ReplyDelete((HUGS)) Such sad news. I loved reading about her anticts - she sounds like she was a special cat. What a beautiful tribute to her.
ReplyDelete((((((hugs)))))) I didn't know
ReplyDelete:(
I am so sorry. What a beautiful tribute to such a stunning girl. My heart broke when I read this.
I know how hard it is but as you said for Libby it was the right thing. Please extend my deepest sympathy to your husband as well.
My heart is just breaking. Thank you for sharing your memories of Libby with us. She is playing with my Bobo at the Bridge.
xoxoxo
I'm so sorry for your loss, Diane. {Hugs}
ReplyDeleteMy heart hurts for you. We have a 14 year old lab that we know her time is limited with us now. They are our family and faithful companions. Here's to Libby and a live well lived!
ReplyDeleteA lovely tribute for a very special and beautiful cat. I'm so sorry for your loss, Diane. Big hugs!
ReplyDeleteMy heart is with you. Saying good bye to a pet is so sad and heartbreaking. May Libby be in peace.
ReplyDeleteOh Diane...I'm so sorry to hear about Libby. We put Maggie down last December because of kidney failure and it's so hard to lose a best friend, especially when it's so seemlingly sudden. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteHow heartbreaking! I'm so sorry to hear about Libby, Diane. {{{hugs}}}
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your memories of Libby. Unfortunately, cats don't show signs of kidney disease until it is very advanced. Peace to you and your husband during this time.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry that you lost someone who has been with you for so long. Pets are such a blessing in our lives.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my own 16-year-old calico kitty to a lung mass last year. She had a long, good life though, as it sounds like your beautiful Libby did.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about your loss. It's always so painful to loose a pet.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss, Diane. She was beautiful. Hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteOur cat of 17 years died of the same thing...kidney failure. Their spirits continue on, but their bodies get tired. I'm so sorry for your loss. What an amazing life she's had though. How is your husband holding up?
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss. Hope you and your husband are doing okay. I can imagine how you must miss Libby.
ReplyDeleteDiane -- it's so sad, so sad. Many many hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteI have been with my cat Jack for over 11 years now and have had one bout with sickness with him. So many times I wonder, you know how long he will be healthy. I can't imagine the sadness of... (I can't think of it)....
And so, my heart goes out to you.
Libby sounds like such a lovely gentlegirl of a cat.
So sorry. ((HUGS))
ReplyDeleteOh Diane I am so sorry. Libby is a beautiful cat and your tribute to her brought tears to my eyes. Big hugs to you and your husband. I know exactly how you feel as I've gone through the same thing.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear about Libby. You must miss her terribly.
ReplyDeleteCurrently, my eldest cat has chronic kidney failure (ironically both of my previous cats had this too). He is doing pretty good at the moment with fluids and meds, but I know that someday in the not too distant future I be forced to say good bye to him too. It doesn't get any easier.
((Hugs Diane))
So sorry for your loss. She and my cat, Scout have a lot in common. Two years ago our vet said she may only have a few months. She's still here but down to 7.5 pounds. She still loves to snuggle and play, but I know we will be facing the same as you soon.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry! I've loved and lost pets and they become such wonderful parts of your family. I'm so sorry you've lost such a wonderful cat.
ReplyDeleteDiane, I can't believe I missed this! I have been so MIA lately due to being extremely busy and now I see what I miss. =O( You know I feel strongly about pets, especially kitties and I am so saddened by your loss. I realize that she was sick and that she's at peace and in a better place, but it still doesn't take away the pain of losing a beloved pet. Every time I read and respond to the news of a loss like this, I just cry because I can honestly say that I have been there. I wish Libby happiness across the Rainbow Bridge and I have you and yours in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry Diane. My thoughts are with you and your hubby....
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for you and your husband - and for Libby!
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely post and it honestly made me cry. All my love to you and your love ones - where ever they may be.
Irene