Dearest Furry Friendz of the Internetz...
Katiez Katz stay with different family members.

Saturday, November 01, 2008

Speshul Miracle Memorial Fur Spunky



Mawmee hunted n hunted fur a song dat waz like Spunky's message to hur. Weze found a song by Third Day on YouTube...See Spunky camed into Mawmees life when she was furry depressed n Spunky saved hur cuz she had hims to focus on. Dat was a furry miracle dat hims lived.

Ize miss Spunky n gotted scairt when he wents ovur da Bridge. Mawmee smelt funnee. I dont likes dat kittees goh bye n bye n dont comes bak. I thot I waz next or sumpin... Ize gotted scairt when Baby n Sandy went bye bye, too.


Ize okay now wif dat. I luvs Mawmee but Ize part feral n dont like tings changin n I dont likes bein picked up. Bootsie n Daisy deys cuddlin togever on da bed wher Spunky used ta sleep. Mousie is in her box. Ize goin sleepy in Mawmees lap soh she gonna finish dis here Memorial.

Luv, Katie Too.

Yes... Katie is my loner cat. She likes playing with Bootsie and sometimes with Daisy, but her only cuddle place is in my lap. She used to play with Spunky. They would chase each other through the house! It was a funny sight to see an eighteen year old cat acting like a little boy. Kept him excercising.

But his 19th year wasn't a very good one for him. He would fight me to take his Arthritis meds and he had developed a heart murmer. I hated stressing him out to give him what he needed. He may have lived longer or may have had a heart attack sooner, I don't know. I do know he would look at me with far away eyes, as if asking me to let him go "home." He stayed on the bed except to get water or to go "potty." I fed him on the bed. He would cuddle with me and lick my face.

About three weeks ago, Spunky started pulling his hair out. I took him to the vet. The blood tests showed high white blood cell count. Dr. Johnson thought it might be allergies, because his tests were all normal for his age. We gave him his arthrogen and he started to feel better and his hair grew back.

Then a week ago Friday, Spunky decided to stop eating. I gave him his arthrogen, hoping he would feel better later in the day. I was scheduled to volunteer at the Tall Grass Film Festival, but my mind was on Spunky. And it showed. I distracted everyone else, except the venue manager who seemed to know something was up and just took it in stride. I apologized and he laughed with me about this wasn't "rocket science!" Still the volunteer coordinator wasn't happy with me and didn't want me volunteering Saturday, but I could still see the films for free.

Saturday morning, I took Spunky to the vet and they gave him an anti-biotic and an appetite stimulant. Upon arriving back home, I sat the carrier on the bed. I went to turn on my computer and I heard Spunky moaning. I ran back to the bedroom and took him out of the carrier. He was breathing so hard and gasping for breath. I called the vets and told them that Spunky was dying in my arms. I wrapped him up in the fleece blanket and held his head up. When his breathing calmed, there was a purring growl in his throat. The stroke took alot out on his little body. He could still see out of one eye while I held him close, helping him breath. His heart still beat shallowly while I prayed.

The furry miracle in his passing is that when in my spirit, while I prayed - the very moment I handed him over to God, was the very moment that he passed on. Mike, my very best friend (and co-producer) came over and drove us to the clinic, while I held him, wrapped in a black fleece blanket.

Indian Hills Animal Clinic is a wonderful place. They gave us privacy while I held Spunky, waiting for Pet Traditions to arrive and take my Boo Bear to be cremated. I prayed the Kaddish over him, the Jewish mourners prayer, something Mike wasn't used to hearing. Mike's face was so contemplative and prayerful the whole time I sang.

When the lady from Pet Traditions came, I layed Spunky in the coffin, wrapped in his blanket. He looked so peaceful. I tearfully talked about his nose and how he inspired me to create a drawing of a lion guarding a rose. And I said, "Spunky gave me hope when he was born and now somehow he is giving me the same message in his death."

It was several hours before I could bring myself to walk back into my house. Yet when I did, I softly heard Spunky say my name, "Katrin!.... I sorry."

"It's okay, Spunky. I'll see you later, Boo Bear." A peacefulness came over me... and Spunky leaped over the bridge.

Our babies are God's furry messengers... Spunky's message of hope needs to be shared... Below is Third Day's Song... and Now it's Spunky's song, too.

L'Chaim (to Life!!)

Kat-Renée Kittel
Third Day – Tunnel



18 comments:

Jans Funny Farm said...

What an experience. I remember the panic of having pets die in my arms.

Spunky must have been a special kitty. He gave you hope in life and in death. There is a light at the end of this tunnel for you. I'm glad you know that.

The Meezers or Billy said...

I had my Trixie, Norton and Ralphie all die in my arms. The experience was amazing and loving - all three of them looked into my eyes as I bent to feel their last breaths on my cheek. I told each of them that it was ok to go and that I would be with them later on. I will carry the light of their souls until I meet them again at the Bridge. Meezer Mom Mary

Karen Jo said...

You wrote a lovely tribute to Spunky. He was an amazing cat, giving you hope in life and death. I have given you an award.

Anonymous said...

Spunky Boo Bear was an amazing cat. His message of hope will live on and his message of love will help you and the other kitties through this sad time.

Sending love and rumbly purrs to you all.

Unknown said...

Even tho the mom was wif TT went she helped her cross, she couldnt help but feel pain, even in the days after. The mom admires your strength that you have shown. Spunky is furry proud of yer mom, we know it!

Parker said...

Spunky was indeed a very special cat.
My purrs and prayers to you.

Everycat said...

Just popping in to see how you are doing and to leave you some more rumbly purrs.

Whicky Wuudler

Kaz's Cats said...

There was definitely a special bond between you and Spunky - that's some amazing memories for you to treasure in the future. For now, I don't have any words - just enjoy your time with the other furries in your family,

{{hugs}}

Kaz (Mum to Gypsy & Tasha)

Mickey's Musings said...

That was hard for me and Mom to read. I have been with Mom for 15 years. We develop very strong bonds and it is so hard to let go. I know you miss him so much,but try and remember all the good times and the joy you shared.
I hope you will again have a furry kitty that will be special to you.
((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))
Purrs Mickey

PB 'n J said...

It's so very very hard. We lost our first two kitties almost three years ago and it still hurts. These furry little creatures seem to be with us to help and protect us, but they are gone all too soon. I'm so sorry that you have to go through this, but happily you've got Katie, Bootsie and Daisy to help you through.

{{{{{Hugs to you}}}}}
Amanda (mom to PB&J)

momsbusy said...

your story brings back all of the feelings i have felt each time one of my babies has left to go over the bridge. i am thankful i have a box of kleenex here on my desk. third day's song is right on the mark. they are one of my favorite bands. their song will now hold an extra special meaning every time i hear it. i will be keeping you in my prayers.

Jans Funny Farm said...

We dropped by to leave some extra purrs and hugs since we know the sorrow is still with you.

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

What an amazing Spunky Boo Bear! He was there specially to be with you. We send our special purrs to you and we know how much you will miss your Boo Bear...

Hugs and Purrs
Abby

Artsy Catsy said...

What a beautiful tribute to Spunky. Our babies really are God's furry messengers, and their lives are eternal in our own hearts.

Artsy Catsy

Samantha & Mom said...

Purrrrs, purrrrs, purrrrs and hugs!!
That's a beautiful Trbute to Spunky and we love the song! We know the feeling of losing a loved kitty! But we know they watch out for us everyday and are just a thought away!
Your FL furiends,

Sweet Purrfections said...

What a beautiful tribute to Spunky. Mom's eyes are leaking water as she reads this.

The Lee County Clowder said...

A beautiful tribute to Spunky. He must have been a special friend.

ppuurrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Unknown said...

We's just checkin in wif yoo guys to see how yoo all are?? Headbutts and purrs ...