Saying goodbye to Alpha Cat
19.5 years was a heck of a run
After nearly two decades together, we are now out of the antique cat business. Callie (better known as Alpha Cat) is no longer in any pain.
18 months ago both she and her sister, Lillie, were diagnosed with kidney disease, one of the most common signs of aging in cats. Overall, they both managed to live full, happy, and comfortable lives for a long while until Lillie passed at Christmas time.
Callie did not do well after her sister died. She began exhibiting anxious behaviors until we brought the co-kittens into her life. She had never been on her own before. Although she was too old to truly play, the kittens definitely calmed her over the last few months. Perhaps it was simply the fact that she had two immature balls of energy at which she could direct her rage.
She has been declining, but was living a very happy retirement until Tuesday night, August 25, when she experienced what looked like a seizure or stroke. On Wednesday afternoon, August 24, Lily and I took Callie for her final visit to the veterinarian. There was neurological damage and no hope for recovery or any quality of life. We held her and pet her while the vet did what had to be done.
As we said our goodbyes, an era of my life came to an end. Callie saw me through seminary, our wedding, the death of four grandparents and my dad, as well five different churches and three years in homeless ministry. When I got home I cuddled the co-kittens extra tight and gave thanks for the time I had with Callie, and for all the vet staff who cared for her along the way.
