June 13, 2017

Powder - 4/1/1998 - 6/9/2017 - Dearly Loved, Deeply Missed


The Last Farewell -

Come with me my gentle love
and let me hold you near.
I'll soothe you with my softest words
and never mind the tears.
I'll whisper words of love to you
so you will always know...
how much my heart is breaking now
as I gently let you go.
We've traveled years and miles, we two,
you've been my constant friend.
And now the kindest gift I give
brings us to this end.
Your legs grew weak,
your eyes grew tired;
I watched time take its toll.
In my heart you're still the kitten
I held so long ago.
I cannot watch you suffer now,
my love is much too deep.
So close your eyes my little love,
I'll hold you as you sleep.
I'll stroke your soft, soft, silken fur
and gently ease the pain.
And pray to all the gods I know
that we will meet again.
I knew this day would come my love
I knew it from the start.
I did not know the price would be
a large piece of my heart.
I'll grieve for you because I must
I'll shed hot, heavy tears.
But the sorrow of this day won't dim
the love we shared for years.

~Constance Jenkins

Mere moments after arriving at their forever home 5/17/1998  - (Powder on right)

This awesome little creature was a constant part of our lives for 19 years.
How Powder got her forever home  -
Snoozing with her first dog-buddy, Jordan Circa 1998



Always enjoyed a good nap!

Loved Daddy's Skritches!
Knew the sound of the treat jar!
Mommy's Heart

Peek-A-Boo on our O-Hi-O deck
Always ready for a close-up
My lovely, calico baby...

As some of you may know from my Facebook page, Powder had a UTI that had been treated, but seemed to reoccur last week. Last Wednesday we went in to see our great feline veterinarian at Northland Cat Clinic . Labs were drawn, blood pressure was taken - Powder checked out great. The Vet even said that her kidney function was that of a cat 10 years younger than she was.  She had gained weight. She acted happy and frisky - even accepted the advances of our Vet and purred and arched her back when she was shown affection (very un-Powder-like!) Things were fine on Thursday morning - breakfast eaten and happy to relax and watch the world go by. Thursday night she seemed lethargic and she didn't want to eat (!). We coaxed a few bites, but all she wanted to do was snuggle around my neck. She shivered a bit, but I attributed that to the air conditioning and the fact that she had just received a lions cut - I just held her tight and she stopped shivering and began to purr in her normal fashion. We all fell asleep for the night. Things were much worse on Friday morning - no appetite, very weak and a bit disorientated. I called the Vet and we went right in.
Upon examination, her body temperature was very low. But even worse, her heart rate was decreasing by the minute. Powder was in heart failure. Our Vet explained that given her age, there were not many options and that her prognosis was "very guarded". After a few moments, her heart rate was checked again. Even lower than the last time. Our Vet then said, "I think she is making the decision for you". So for one last time, I held my little girl. We put her back on her travel bed and gently helped her to the Bridge. I had the privilege of  stroking her fur and looking into her eyes. Powder left us quickly and peacefully.
We know the grieving process far too well. We know that eventually it gets easier to think of her without the grief and the tears. But like all of the ones who came before - the absence of her being here  - well, it still hurts and stings like hell. We've loved every one of our fur kids - we know from the beginning that this is what you sign up for - and every time - with Jordan, Payton, Parker, Diamond and Puff - the pain swells and almost sweeps you under. But you get better. You have other little mouths to feed and fur to stroke and they need you and count on you. So, as each day passes, you get a little better. You start to smile when you think of them and cry a little less...

Until we meet again little girl. ❤
Semper in corde meo


31 comments:

Random Felines said...

we are very sorry....even knowing she was well met over the Bridge

Laila and Angel Minchie said...

Such a beautiful tribute to your beautiful girl. Hugs to all. We too will miss her.

Sweet Purrfections said...

What a beautiful tribute to Powder. I know you will miss her as you have the others, but each one has a special place in your heart. My thoughts are with you.

Summer at sparklecat.com said...

Many, many purrs to you. My human always loved Powder, and her sister Puff because they reminded her so much of her soul cat, a fluffy calico named Harlot. She is very sad for you today.

Chesney Cats said...

We are so furry sorry that Powder crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Mama had to help Festus cross on Feb. 9th, so we know your pain. Please know that you are in our hearts & purrayers.

Mickey's Musings said...

We are also sorry to hear that our longtime friend has passed.
She was a cool cat and so very pretty. We love the close up!
Young or old, it is never easy to say goodbye to a beloved kitty.
We send lots of comforting purrs and hugs.
Purrs Georgia,Julie and JJ
and mum Nancy

Brian's Home Blog said...

We were so sad when we saw the news about dear Powder. That beautiful girl was such a sweetie. Love and hugs from all of us.

pilch92 said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful girl. XO

Big Piney Woods Cats said...

What a lovely poem for a lovely girl. Better to have loved and lost then never to have loved at all..........so sorry..........I too have holes in my heart.
Toni

The Island Cats said...

We are so very sorry. It never gets easy. Sending you comforting purrs.....

Cara n Crew said...

such a beautiful little one. I'm so sorry for your loss

Cara and pip, smidgen, minnie, hollie, sharpie, ditto, tl

Angel, Kirby and Max said...

THis is a moving tribute to Powder

Jacqueline said...

A lovely tribute to your precious, gorgeous girl...We've shared your pain before and are so sorry for another huge loss in your lives...Wishing you both comfort and peace at this time of deep sorrow...Sending love and hugs and purrs from all of us at Jacqueline's Cat House=J, Calle, Halle, Sukki, Mommy Cat

Gemini and Ichiro said...

A very special tribute to your little girl--We will miss you Powder, but we know (too well) it is never really goodbye, just until we meet again.

KitKat (Joan Ryan) said...

What a lovely tribute to your precious Powder. She was a special girl. Love and hugs from all of us Helen.
With deepest condolences,
Angel Normie, Angel Mika, Sasha & Grady Lewis

Forty Paws said...

What a lovely tribute to Powder. She had a lovely life with you and all of your furry children. She is now running free with Parker and Diamond and all of the furry children that she has known via the blogs over the years. They have all welcomed her and given her nose smooches and paw taps. Many hugs and purrs and purrayers are being sent to you from all of us at Forty Paws.

3 kats and a kwiltr said...

Charles and I send our thoughts and purrs to you on your loss. The decision may have been partially taken from you but we all live knowing that this choice or decision will one day come.
Your tribute is lovely.

Louche Tabby said...

I have just found out about this and I am so sorry to hear. Purrs to you at this difficult time. I am sure she will be at peace now with her friends.

Quill and Greyson said...

We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. We loved Powder and we will miss her so.

Poppy Q said...

So sorry to hear about your loss of beautiful Powder. Thank you for giving her a wonderful life full of love.

Julie and poppyq
Xxx

Unknown said...

Hugssss.

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

I am so sorry for your loss of beautiful Powder. Your tribute to her is lovely and brought my tears back again. She is running in the Rainbow fields with so many friends, and all are young and healthy again.

ZOOLATRY said...

Beautiful, forever. Loved forever.

Gidget Blue Sky said...

oh cod, we are so sorree to hears this. but gosh she had a sweet long life. it is so sads that they have to leave us. Honey still bisits, she was flying around above the sofa last nite agin. sending hugs and purrs,
lovies, Mommie, Gidget and the Honey Sunshine

meowmeowmans said...

We are so sorry that Powder was needed at the Bridge. She was loved by all, and will live forever in our hearts. Hugs, purrs and love to you as you miss your special girl.

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