Chirp!:

    Thursday, August 05, 2010

    Bobby Xx

    We had to call the Vet today - we picked up the boy early from school and the Vet paid a house visit. Their bedside manner was nothing short of amazing.

    Taking these pics seems kind of ogreish, but the boy asked me to get my camera. The younger was napping, Dad was counselling, and I felt a bit strange actually, taking photographs. I don't have any other images of my children crying, in grief..


    bobblog2


    The younger awoke when the Vets arrived, and we all crowded in the bedroom. AB took the baby and I hugged the elder. I asked if he wanted to watch or go, and he elected to watch. The Vets were SO KIND and caring and explained every step.

    It wasn't very nice when they had to put the line in. Bob had 'old man' veins and they had to try twice, he growl/ye-owled a little then and it was a bit upsetting. I have no idea what the bill will be, but i'm so glad they sent 2 people. The assistant held Bob firmly and sweetly and mumured sweet nothings to him. We did the same and petted his head.

    Pretty quickly, he succumbed.



    Afterwards, he looked so peaceful. It made me realise how much pain he must have been in. He was curled like a cat should be, like Bob always was, but not like he has been these last few days.

    And tonight he sleeps cold in the ground.

    I hate that, I really hate that.

    It was only when I uploaded these photos tonight I realised the bedcushion ship's dial was set to STOP. I hadn't noticed. It made me cry all over again.

    At least he's back out in his favourite sunspot in the garden again.

    But it's still pretty awful.

    :(

    29 comments:

    Jenny Butler said...

    My love for you and your boys. Thoughts and prayers for you all at this sad time. x

    muser said...

    God, Lea. It's heartbreaking and I'm in tears after seeing those pics. <3

    Unknown said...

    Rest peacefully Bob, you will be missed but remembered with alot of love. X

    Ms Brown Mouse said...

    The vet always sends 2, and it's not that much really, not for what they did with such care.
    I weep, but it sounds like you picked the right time.xx

    Stomper Girl said...

    Poor sweet Bob. At peace now anyway. Love to you all, such a sad, sad day. xx

    Janet said...

    Ohhh, so sad. Take care. xoxJ

    M said...

    so sad. beautiful photos.

    Karen said...

    Oh no - I just saw the post before this, then this one. I am so sorry about Bob.
    Our cat of nearly 14 years died last year, I still miss her. But there is a part of me now that feels a moment of happiness when I step on a soft toy and apologise thinking it was my lovely cat, I feel happy because in a busy day it makes me think of her, and that's nice.
    It will take a long time to stop noticing him in a corner or 'hearing' him at the door before the happy moments will come.
    Take care.

    Kirsty said...

    Oh I'm so sorry. This is a horrible thing to have happen - I know that I'll be devestated the day that we have to say goodbye to our Bella.

    Lots of love to you and your gorgeous family xx

    Melody said...

    That image of MC says it all Lea. xx

    SadieandLance said...

    Your photos made me cry. Hope you guys can remember the happy Bob soon.

    Fe said...

    Oh Bob! Oh Lea! Poor all of you. I'm sitting here with tears rolling down my cheeks.

    love and hugs to all of you. xoxo

    Frogdancer said...

    It was a good idea to have a house call.

    (Apparently there's a rose called Bobby. My friend Sandy who lives near you also had an elderly cat called Bobby and I think that's what marks where he lies.)

    Love to you all.

    Mary said...

    xxxx

    one for each of you...

    Hayley said...

    So sorry Lea and family. Our animals become such a part of the family and the grief at having to say goodbye is so overwhelming. You made the decision you did because you loved him and he was so lucky to have you as *his* family, as well all know that cats own their families, not the other way around. Love to you all xx

    librarygirl said...

    Your photos are extraordinary: telling this sad beautiful story about the end of your kitty's life.
    I love the way the kids were there, rather than just Bob disappearing...
    I think you did the right thing and did it so well.
    Condolences to your family.

    Blue Moon Girl said...

    Oh that just breaks my heart. A few years ago we had to say goodbye to my parents' cat who was the last pet alive from my childhood. It was so hard.

    As so many others have said, I love the way you dealt with it with the kids and that they were able to be there.

    That last photo of tossing the kitty food into the hole makes me cry just thinking about it.

    It doesn't make it any easier, but it sounds to me like you made the absolute right decision for Bob. He would thank you. I know it.

    Sending love to you in this really hard time. xo

    Rhubarb Whine said...

    Sorry to hear it. It's so sad yet so right. x

    Claireabell said...

    Oh that is heartbreaking, I am so sorry. Your boys will love having precious photos of Bob as they get older.

    Suse said...

    I didn't know vets did housecalls. That's so lovely.

    RIP BobCat, and condolences to you.

    x

    LBA said...

    Thanks everyone, there's a chunk missing from our hearts, but we're ok and poor Bobby needed a rest from a life well-lived.

    Suse, Ms Brown Mouse told me about the housecalls - I would never have thought of it either, but it was so much nicer than the catcarrier, trip in the car, sterile surgery table etc.. i'd recommend it to anyone in a similar situation - so much more peaceful.

    Thanks again, everyone, I appreciate your kindness.

    Xx

    Scolly said...

    RIP Bobby xxx

    Aunty Evil said...

    I can't add anything to what has already been said, other than to say I am so sorry for you all. I have been there, I know how much it hurts.

    Fairlie - www.feetonforeignlands.com said...

    So sad.

    So sorry.

    A peaceful end for a much-loved friend.

    Lin said...

    Oh bugger now I'm crying. I am not looking forward to this day. This is really sad - but man, 18 years! He did really well and you must have many fond memories :)

    Christie said...

    very sad, but glad you got to say goodbye

    sounds like the vets were amazing

    Belinda said...

    Oh Lea :( That is heartbreaking :( :(

    Corrie said...

    oh that is very sad. I still remember my first pet dying at 13 and that was hard enough but to be little guys must be hard. your photos are so touching and sweet

    Corrie:)

    Meggie said...

    I am just dreading when any of ours need to 'go'.

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