My Lula
There doesn't seem to be a "just general" category on here. I almost never post anything that isn't at least marginally diabetes related. But I feel as if you are all a part of my support community and I've written on here before about my amazing 18 year old survivor cat, so...
I've nearly lost Lula many times (both literally and figuratively many times over her life. Then she was diagnosed with chronic renal failure in September 2009 so I knew it wouldn't be much longer. Because of that I've spent every day appreciating her being a part of my life and letting her know it. She, of course, is a cat and so has taken full advantage of that fact! And I think when you live alone there is an added level to the bond with your cat friend.
I thought she would start to get sicker and then I would know the right time to put her to sleep. But it didn't happen that way. She had a heart attack last night and just like that she was gone. I was in shock and beside myself. But then I realized how much better that was then slowly getting worse and suffering. She was her normal self all day yesterday going in and out, sitting in her spot in the sun outside; jumping up on the hammock with me, getting her treat "tunie fish" I gave her twice a week in addition to her kidney diet. She sat in my lap while I typed around her on my laptop. Then it happened and she was gone. The vet said she didn't even know. So much better. When i worked with AIDS patients in SF during the height of the epidemic in the 80s people started talking about someone having "a good death". Lula had a good death....though right now it doesn't feel that way. I keep looking up at the sliding glass back door to see if she is waiting to be let in. I couldn't sleep last night because I'm used to her sleeping on my pillow (she always left me a corner!) Death - whether of a beloved pet, a friend or family member almost never makes any sense.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Kelly WPA on -
I am really sorry about Lulu Zoe. It is very hard when we lose a beloved fur-baby. I know that LuLu was a special cat - cats don't tend to like to move so the fact that she stuck out your moving between countries says how much she loved you. I know she will always hold a special place in your heart.
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Permalink Reply by Zoe on -
Thanks, Kelly, I really appreciate it! Lula (it was short for Cholula a town I lived in briefly in Mexico when I was 23) actually lived in 13 different places in her 18 years...Yikes! But she adjusted to each, the only thing she couldn't handle is when we were separated for more than a day!
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Permalink Reply by Kelly WPA on
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I didn't realize you were in Mexico too. I can understand why she worried when you were separated.
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Permalink Reply by Zoe on
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Oh, that was in 1972, long before Lula's time! It's what set me on the road of retiring to Guatemala (which only lasted two years). But I did travel, and when we were in Guatemala I had to leave the country to renew my visa. When she got chronic kidney failure in 2009 I promised her I wouldn't go on any trips while she was still here with me and I haven't.
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Permalink Reply by Randy on -
Hi Zoe. I finally have my Winston pic, but I can;t see the info in the dialog box when I try to post it here. Maybe you can message me and I can just forward an e-mail. In the mean time I'll try to figure this out.
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Permalink Reply by Zoe on
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Thanks, Randy. I just sent you a message. I don't know how to post pictures in replies either and my Lula pic in my own post was just an attachment.
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Permalink Reply by David (dns) on -
Zoe,
Just saw this post today so pardon the delayed response. Our hearts go out to you; we had to put our best friend down about 14 years ago (renal disease, heart disease, and cancer) and there is not a day, ever, that I don't think about her. Her ashes are in a cedar box on the nightstand and we say still goodnight to her before we fall asleep.
We have 3 cats at the moment and love them all. But Paiwacket was special in a way that the others aren't; can't explain it, it's just true. As I said, our best friend. We will always miss her. You have our sympathy and also our understanding.
David
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Permalink Reply by Zoe on
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Thank you so much, David. You do, indeed understand; Lula was special to me as well. I had two cats die before her and her brother got lost when they were 4. And I loved and mourned each one. But Lula and I have had more of a connection. I think because I retired 5 years ago and am home much more, but also because we've been through a lot together. I'm glad you have 3 new cats to love and still hold Paiwacket so close in your heart.
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