Mickey is gone.

16 years ago

This is such a shock for me, as I know it will be for many of you. Mickey and I have had so many wonderful KT supporters over these past eight weeks. I was so looking forward to sharing his complete recovery with you, and documenting his triumphant return to the barn.

Mickey was doing wonderfully well. He finished his antibiotics, and we stopped the soaks this week. I weighed him yesterday, and was happy to find he'd gained another pound, up to 11.5 pounds.

We had a nice routine going where I would take his collar off in the morning (or twice a day on days I didn't have to go to work) and then hold him and pet him for a while before feeding him. He loved this, and so did I. He had this great habit of rubbing his face against mine, hard. Purr, purr....

We did that this morning, and everything was fine. It was still fine later when I changed his litter and cleaned the floor. But at 2:00 p.m. I heard him cry out. I opened the door and found him panting and salivating, unable to walk. I called the vet immediately, and they said it sounded like he'd thrown a blood clot.

I took him right in. The vet said if a cat throws a clot, it's likely to lodge in the artery that supplies blood to the hind legs. This is what happened to Mickey. He was paralyzed, and in great pain, and there was nothing we could do except end his pain.

The vet, who treated Mickey all along for his injury, felt so bad for both Mickey and me. She and I talked afterward for a long time. I told her that although I'm sorry Mickey had to suffer with his leg injury, I'm not sorry we had these two months of intensive contact. Mickey and I bonded strongly while I was caring for him. Although that makes it harder for me now, I'm so glad to have had this connection with this wonderful cat.

I'm also so grateful that it happened while I was home. I had to leave for work at 1:00 p.m. two days this week, and at 2:00 yesterday. I was planning to leave today at 3:00. If this had happened to him even one hour later, I would have been out of the house until 10:00 p.m. and Mickey would have suffered all that time.

On the drive to the vet I hoped he could be saved, but I told him if I had to let him go Jill would be there to meet him, and she would take good care of him. I said I would join them someday, and when I did I would take him in my arms and feel his face rub on mine, hard. Meanwhile, I will remember that feeling always.

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Comments (75)

mcmann
16 years ago
Oh Susan, that just takes my breath away! How awful, how unexpected. I couldn't help crying as I read about today's events. Here I thought everything was going so well. In spite of the difficulty of bathing his leg you were able to give him such loving care these past few months. I can't imagine too many cats who would put up with that. It's obvious he loved and trusted you. And you are so right about Jill watching over him and welcoming him into her arms.
mary_c_gw
16 years ago
You did your best. Mickey knew he was loved and cared for in his last days. I'm so sorry.
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declansmom
16 years ago
"I said I would join them someday, and when I did I would take him in my arms and feel his face rub on mine, hard. Meanwhile, I will remember that feeling always."
He was a lucky cat to have you to care for him and love him.
Sending warm hugs and heartfelt sympathy to you.
bigbaby
16 years ago
OMG Susan, I'm so sad. This is really bringing tears to my eyes. I'm so sorry for your loss. Yes, Mickey, maybe we can all see him some day when it's our turn to cross over. (((((Susan)))))
caroline94535
16 years ago
(((((Mickey and Susan)))))
lynn_d
16 years ago
Oh Susan, I am crying tears for your loss but am so glad that Mickey had you with him. I am so sorry.
Mickey15
16 years ago
Oh Susan, what an unexpected shock. I am so, so sorry.
((((Susan))))
lindyluwho
16 years ago
Susan I am so very sorry for your loss.

Linda
cheryl_ok
16 years ago
I'm sorry Susan!
petaloid
16 years ago
My thoughts are with you (and with Mickey too, in kitty heaven). (((Susan & Angel Mickey)))
mrsmarv
16 years ago
Susan, I am sincerely sorry for the loss of Mickey. I am so glad you had the chance to spend the time with him and that you were with him at the end.
My heart goes out to you...I will keep you and Mickey in my thoughts.

(((Nora)))
sandiefl
16 years ago
Susan, I am so sorry for your loss. I had three cat friends. One lived to be 22,one 21,and the last one was 16. I know how they are not just cats but family.I am so glad that you were there for Mickey today. You are in my prayers.
jannie
16 years ago
Susan, I am so sorry this happened. I truly believe you will see Mickey again. I believe in Rainbow Bridge. Please try to consider getting a cat or kitten sometime in the future, not as a substitute, but a tribute to the love between you and Mickey.
sjerin
16 years ago
Wow, what a terrible surprise! I'm so sorry, Alisande. He was a special little kitty. And I read this just after a friend told me she lost her beloved dog way too young. It's the hardest part about having pets, certainly, and probably keeps me from pushing harder for getting a dog. Thanks for letting us know; you're a good writer and it was quite enjoyable reading about Mickey.
liz
16 years ago
Susan...OMGosh...there just isn't enough words in the English language to tell you how incredibly sorry I am...I know how you loved him so much and I too have followed his progress and was thrilled he was doing so well...I just can't believe he's gone...I know your Jill is watching over him with loving arms and someday you'll all be together again...You're in my thoughts...
lydia1959
16 years ago
(((((Susan)))))) So very sorry.
williamsburgjane
16 years ago
Susan, I am so sorry to hear Mickey has gone over the Rainbow Bridge. Just remember that he will be waiting for you there.
bigfoot_liz
16 years ago
wow i am sooo sooo sorry! i've been reading your updates and am as shocked as everyone else :-( i am really sorry (((susan))) you did everything possible for him, he was very lucky ~ liz
marilyn_c
16 years ago
Oh, Susan, I am so very sorry. You were wonderful to give him such devoted care, and I am glad you were there for him at the end. No kindness ever goes unnoticed. God will bless you for it.
janie_ga
16 years ago
(((hugs)))
Lindsey_CA
16 years ago
Oh, Susan, I'm crying so hard right now. I am so incredibly sorry to read this. When I saw the title of the thread, I thought I was going to read about how you'd finally been able to let Mickey loose in the barn and that he was hiding out...

Mickey knew how much you loved him, and he loved you very, very much. The "hard head rubs" prove it.

Words fail me now. I wish there were something that I could do or say to comfort you, as I know how much this hurts.

((((((((((Susan))))))))))
linda_in_iowa
16 years ago
I am so sorry.
coral_ok
16 years ago
This is heartbreaking news, and I know you're grieving terribly. I'm so sorry.
anne_ct
16 years ago
Oh Susan...this is heartbreaking news! I'm so sorry. I empathize more than you'll ever know.

My dearest friend and companion is my 13 year old Himalayan and I've given her strict instructions that she's to outlive me.

Anne
snap58_in_wi
16 years ago
I am so sorry to hear about your cat. I've been following your story & could tell how attached you got to him. He was a beautiful cat. He knew you loved him & gave it back to you in return. You will always have very special memories of him....hold them close. They will help you though this tough time.

Hugs,
Ginger
msmarion
16 years ago
I'm so sorry Susan. Take comfort that you made his last days comfortable. Special thoughts for you and Mickey.
veta
16 years ago
Susan, I cried for you and for Mickey. That wasn't supposed to happen. I'm sorry.
katclaws_mo
16 years ago
Tears are flowing as I write this. This is so heartbreaking. I am so, so sorry for your loss of sweet Mickey. I wish I had the right words.
mitchdesj
16 years ago
so sorry, he looks adorable; good luck with your recovery from this terrible shock.
yborgal
16 years ago
What a shocker! I'm so sorry.
Marilyn Sue
16 years ago
(((Hugs)))

Sue
ronm80
16 years ago
I am so sorry. Mickey was a beautiful cat.
lisa_fla
16 years ago
I am just shocked! So unexpected after all he has been thru. You certainly did everything you could for him. I'm so sorry, This is awful.
samkaren
16 years ago
Susan
I am so sorry for your loss of your beloved Mickey. I remember when that happened to my EKO. I kept praying the vet would have a miracle shot or pill to save him. I know what you are feeling. Just remember how much you both loved each other.

((((HUGS))))
SamKaren
your resident DJ
Linda Wayman
16 years ago
Susan, I'm so sorry. I've been reading about all you and Mickey have been thru the past few weeks. He sure was a beauty and from everythig you've said about him he was a sweetheart as well. My heart goes out to you. Rest in peace sweet Mickey.
suzieque
16 years ago
What a beautiful boy; reminds me of an especially beloved one of mine who has also passed. Mickey was a lucky boy to be loved by you, and you a lucky woman to be loved by him. Fly free, Mickey, and watch over your Mom.
czech_chick
16 years ago
Awwwww Susan, I am so very sorry.
grammahony
16 years ago
I'm sorry your Mickey is gone. I am glad you got to spend a lot of one on one time with him though.
Leslie
wildchild
16 years ago
I am so very sorry for your loss Susan.
hallngarden
16 years ago
Susan, know your heart is heavy missing that sweet face. Just know we care.
lindaohnowga
16 years ago
matti5
16 years ago
Susan I am so very sorry. Big hugs to you!
alisande
Original Author
16 years ago
What a wonderful outpouring of care and concern. Thank you all so much. You truly help.
pammyfay
16 years ago
So very sad, and I'm sure the shock will be with you for a while. You were a great caregiver, and I know that Mickey is up there at the Rainbow Bridge, where he is healed and healthy now.
jackie643
16 years ago
I'm so very sorry for your loss.
vicki_lv
16 years ago
Susan...I am so very sorry for your loss of Mickey. I could tell you were especially close to him. Hang in there...he is with Jill, I am positive of that and they are taking care of each other.

(((Susan)))
des_arc_ya_ya
16 years ago
Oh, Susan! I am so sorry! I totally understand your statement that you would remember that feeling for always. I still carry a wonderful memory of a sweet little Yorkie who would, so very softly, smell my eyelashes when I wore mascara. They sure instill themselves right inside your heart, don't they!?

RIP Mickey - you must have been very, very loved.
Jeane Gallo
16 years ago
I am so, so sorry. I'd followed your story of Mickey and all that you'd done for him to get him well. He was doing so well, it is such a shock for this to happen. But he definitely knew he was loved, and he returned it with love and gratitude. You are such a wonderful person to have done all you did for him. You will be blessed for having such a loving and generous heart.
zeetera
16 years ago
I am really sorry to hear this.
kim_okla
16 years ago
Susan I'm so sorry.

Mickey is gone.

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