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The Kitchen Table
chi83

My sweet Monkey has passed

11 years ago

I want to thank everyone for all of their prayers and well wishes these last few months through Monkey's journey. I have really appreciated all of the support through this difficult time.

Monkey fought so hard, but cancer can be relentless and in the end, his poor body just couldn't take it. He went downhill extremely quickly in the last 48 hours to the point where he couldn't eat or walk without falling over. It was a very easy decision that we had reached the end of his journey.

My kindhearted vet stopped by our house this evening to put him to sleep. He was laying on a favorite blanket in our backyard, which was his favorite place, and his passing was very gentle and peaceful. We are having him cremated and will keep the urn in our garden, which seems fitting given how much he loved the outdoors these last few months when we put him on a harness and walked him.

I am doing well, considering. There's a definite peace that I feel knowing he's finally out of pain. In hindsight I don't think I would have treated him knowing we would only get 3 months, but I had no way of knowing at the time. I hoped he would get a few more years. But I am glad we gave it our all to try to give him a better quality of life. I hope he knows how hard we tried.

I want to share a bit about Monkey's story. I adopted him in 2005, the same day my childhood kitty died. I went to the shelter in Florida and he immediately crawled into my lap. We had an instant connection, and I knew he would be my kitty.

Monkey is by far one of the friendliest, sweetest cats I've ever met. He's never met a stranger as anyone who encountered him became his new best friend, whether it was a family member or the cable man. Over the years, several people who claimed to dislike cats were won over by his charm. I always thought he would be a wonderful therapy cat if there were such things!

Monkey was such a loving cat. He would purr if you even looked at him. He loved boxes, kitty treats, toys, and mischief. He was always in a good mood, and craved affection. If he saw a hand that wasn't petting him, he would headbutt it until it started petting him. We used to have to hide our hands under the blankets or he would be relentless!

He was also well-traveled. He's lived in 3 different states, in 9 different homes. He's traveled across and stayed in hotels in 20 states. He always adapted well as home was anywhere we were together.

He was my heart, and he took a piece of it with him. I don't think I'll ever have another kitty like Monkey. He was so friendly, warm, loving and charming and I will miss him so much.

I hope he's still out there somewhere. It brings me comfort to think of him being with my mom, who passed in 2008, and my other kitty, Mouse, who passed last year. My husband had a dream last night, and there was a kitty in our house that he didn't recognize. Upon inspection, it had the body of Monkey and the face of Mouse, and I like to think it was Mouse telling us he's here to take care of Monkey. I'm curious to see if we get any "visits" in the next few days.

Anyway, thank you again. I wish this were a happier update but it's the price we pay for all the love and companionship. We've honored Monkey's life by adopting another kitty who needed a home. His passing means another life was saved, and there's comfort in that. He had so much love in him that I think he would appreciate that.

Here's one of my favorite pictures of my baby:





Featured Answer
  • 11 years ago

    Thank you everyone. I wanted to share another funny Monkey story:

    This happened when Monkey was a few years old. We were living with my mom, helping care for her while she had cancer. Monkey LOVED food, especially human food, and he had a funny habit where he would lay on his belly near you, and sloooooowly reach his paw out towards your food, thinking you wouldn't notice. Sometimes he was successful and would hit your food with his paw, which, to his mind, meant he claimed it and he should get to eat it. But in actuality, it just resulted in annoyed humans!

    One day I was in the living room and I hear my mom saying "Monkey, no" and then a few seconds later, "Monkey, I said no" and another "I see you, stop it" and then silence and then she burst out laughing. I went in to see what happened, and my mom was lounging on her bed, eating a burger that was sitting on a foil wrapping. Monkey was laying on her feet.

    She told me that Monkey had been laying there and slowly reaching out to try to touch the burger, and she had kept saying no. Finally, he got fed up, slowly reached his paw under the foil, grabbed the foil with his claws and tried dragging the entire burger down towards him. :)


    Comments (41)

    • 11 years ago

      Chi, I loved reading about Monkey. The one thing that stood out for me was "I'll never have another kitty like Monkey. To me that said you haven't ruled out having another kitty. That's a good thing. While there will never be another Monkey, some day,down the road, another sweet kitty will fill your heart in a different way. (((((chi83))))) Thanks for sharing.

    • 11 years ago

      Thank you! We actually did adopt one a couple of weeks ago. I didn't intend to until Monkey had passed but she needed a home. I think we will always have cats and they are all so special in their own ways.

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    • 11 years ago

      Thank you for sharing his story. He was an awesome cat! and beautiful, too!

    • 11 years ago

      What a beautiful boy! So sorry for your loss. I know what you mean by "he was your heart." I've had numerous cats over the years, each of whom I loved dearly, but there was one, Toby, who "had" my heart too. Your Monkey sounds like he was very much loved and spoiled. Your tribute to him is very lovely.

    • 11 years ago

      What a lovely 'remembrance' of your special companion. It touched my heart, saying the very words I have had for my "heart" companion. I'm sorry for your loss, and happy that you have such loving memories of Monkey. Thank you for sharing his story.

    • 11 years ago

      My condolences on the passing of Monkey. he sounded like such a special wonderful kitty.

    • 11 years ago

      It's never easy to lose a pet and Monkey was your special companion. You wrote so lovingly about him and I know he'll always have a place in your heart. How wonderful that you opened your heart (and home) to another kitty.

    • 11 years ago

      What a wonderful life he led! So much love! And I am delighted you have opened your heart (and home) to yet another kitty.

    • 11 years ago

      Beautiful tribute and adorable photo. Sorry for your loss.

    • 11 years ago

      Thank you so much for sharing your love and your story of Monkey. He truly was a special cat, and had a great life!

      RIP dear Monkey

    • 11 years ago

      Sorry to hear about Monkey's passing. Losing a pet is so hard.

    • 11 years ago

      What a handsome guy. Such a sweet face. It's just awful losing them. I'm very sorry for your loss.

    • 11 years ago

      I am so sorry to hear of your great loss. I know you gave him a good life and loved him so much.
      Sue


    • 11 years ago

      Chi, I am so sorry to read this. You did everything for Monkey, and more. He was lucky to have had you in his life, as you were to have him in yours. He is still with you - there will be signs. They are always with you. (((Chi)))

    • 11 years ago

      So sorry for your loss. He sounds like quite a character and in that picture he looks so cute. Next to the lost of someone you love, the lost of a loved pet is one of the worse things in life. Take care and enjoy your memories of him.

    • 11 years ago

      I'm sorry you've lost your funny fellow. Thanks for sharing some of his life with you over the years. I'm not a cat fancier in general, but have 'known' some who, like Monkey, had so much personality that you couldn't help enjoying them. Money was pretty smart to get his paws on you. LOL

    • 11 years ago

      I'm sorry to hear of Monkey's passing. It's never easy, no matter the circumstance. You were both blessed to have each other for as long as you did. I know your memories will remain strong for a long time. Goodbye little buddy.


      Give some extra loving to the new kitty...while she's only been in your home for a short period of time, she will mourn Monkey's passing. You will both benefit, as you well know.


      (((chi83)))

    • 11 years ago

      Monkey sounds like he was a remarkable cat, you were lucky to have enjoyed him so much. Always hard to lose a furbaby. hugs to you.

    • 11 years ago

      My heart hurts for you. I know that loss pain well. Monkey was a beautiful kitty. You have such wonderful memories to hold on to forever. You might want to go to www.petloss.com and add monkey to the memorial list, it's a great site. I have my past babies listed.

      Congratulations on saving the new kitty you adopted. I miss all of my kitties and some day I am sure another one will find it's way back into my heart and home.

    • 11 years ago

      Thank you for sharing the wonderful stories about your beloved Monkey. He will always hold that special place in your heart but like all animal lovers there is always more room in our hearts for more animals, so thank you for getting another kitty who needs your love too.

    • 11 years ago

      So sorry to hear that Monkey is gone. What lovely memories you will have of this special kitty. That is such a cute photo of Monkey that you posted, with his little tongue sticking out! (((Chi83)))


    • 11 years ago

      I can see why you were o close to this lovely kitty! I like cats but am wary, as our family was friends with a neighbor cat who would sometimes reach out a claw to warn us away. If I had a cat like yours, I'd always want a lovin' kitty. I'm so sorry for your sorrow, Chi, but glad you've adopted a new little one.


    • 11 years ago

      I saw your post shortly after you had posted it, but I was on my iPad and "typing" on it is a pain when I don't have my Apple keyboard with me. I still don't know what to say that (a) expresses how I am feeling and (b) hasn't been said already.

      I am so saddened by this, but Monkey is at peace now. You loved him so much, and he was totally aware of your love. Your description of Monkey being on the blanket in your back yard brings tears to my eyes. That was such a special thing to do for him, and I know he appreciated it.

      I'm glad that you adopted another kitty before Monkey passed. She will never replace Monkey, but she will claim her own special place in your heart.

      I love the photo of Monkey that you posted, above! And the story about Monkey and your mom's burger cracked me up. I can totally picture the entire scene in my mind. :-)

      Monkey and Mouse are playing together again, and are watching over you and your hubby.

    • 11 years ago

      I'm so sorry about Monkey, it's so hard to let a pet go but they do have this way of telling you that it's time, don't they. Thanks for telling us about him.


    • 11 years ago

      I'm so sorry for your loss, cats are so sweet, I know how hard it is to lose one.

    • 11 years ago

      Chi, I am so very sorry to hear that Monkey has passed. I know the past few months have been difficult, but you did everything you could for him. Thank you for sharing your stories about Monkey. Hugs to you!

    • 11 years ago

      I am so sorry for your loss.


    • 11 years ago

      My heart goes out to you on this loss. Like a heart dog, Monkey was your heart cat and he will always be with you. And you will find another heart cat, just taking a different part of your heart. Monkey would want you have another love.

      Many years ago we lost our Jake, a beautiful tuxedo that just showed up one day. In the year after his passing, this neighborhood seemed to be full of tuxs...none his though as he had no parts left. So don't be surprised if you see Monkey on the street or a porch.

      Many hugs to you.

      Peppi


    • 11 years ago

      Thank you so much, everyone. I am doing surprisingly okay, at least compared to how I was last year when Mouse died. I think that was because we had no idea Mouse was even sick until the day he died, and coming home without him after visiting the vet was a huge shock.

      With Monkey, I've had a few months to work through the stages of grief already, so I'm left with a little numbness but mostly peace that he's no longer suffering.

      Thank you again for all the kind thoughts.


    • 11 years ago

      What a beautiful cat.. love those green eyes! I'm so sorry for your loss... I know from experience how heart wrenching it is.


    • 11 years ago

      Wonderful tribute to your sweet Monkey!


    • PRO
      11 years ago

      I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. It is obvious you are a wonderful kitty-mom.

    • 11 years ago

      like my beloved and first cat, clyde...he and his sister bonnie were my companions thru a divorce, remarriage, and birth of my 4 kids...he was nearly 22, when I knew he needed to finally sleep...my darling dd took him to the vet for me...then there was the posse....3 kitties of a stray mom...they were my main stay thru graduations, 2 bouts of cancer, and marriages and the beginning of the grands...one was lost to ? but the other 2 made it to 15, before they had problems and needed to join clyde. now i'm catless, sigh and still crave the companionship...all I have these days is dh, lol...and while we've had 45 years, he still doesn't purr, or is unconditional....

      you're so very lucky to have found another kitty to love and be loved...monkey approves...

    • 11 years ago

      So very sorry for your loss!! We lost two kitties last year and one of them looked just like Monkey, minus the white paws.


    • 11 years ago

      Such a beautiful cat and a special one, too. I've had cats in my life that I still talk and laugh about 30 years later.

      I'm so very sorry for your loss; I was rooting for Monkey.

    • 11 years ago

      You were such a good mom to Monkey, he was lucky to have you. And I know you were lucky to have him. So sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.


    • 11 years ago


    • 11 years ago

      I'm so sorry that you've lost your beloved Monkey. I'm glad you have given another furbaby a loving home - she won't replace Monkey or fill that hole in your heart, but she'll make her own place in it.


    • 11 years ago

      ((((chi))))

    • 11 years ago

      I am really sorry chi. Special thoughts of your Monkey today.

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