Monday, July 2, 2018

Slan Darby Until We Meet Again (2000 - 2018)



Darby threw a clot on Sunday afternoon July 1st.  She had been diagnosed with hyperthyroid in December 2017 but in May she was having trouble breathing.  The vet put her on Lasiz to drain the fluid around her heart.  She was feeling better but last week we took her in again as she was coughing and wheezing.  The fluids were gone in her chest so the x-ray gave us more information - she had an enlarged heart - cardiomyopahty.  Her blood pressure was normal, as was her thyroid. Along with the Lasix and Enalapril, the vet prescribed a very low dose of aspirin to prevent clots.  She had a good few days but then Sunday morning I noticed she was very restless even tho her breathing was normal. She wanted to be off the bed so I put her on the floor. She was walking in circles, falling over. She had had a stroke/a clot in the brain.

Darby terrorized poor Yoko in her early years.

We took her in to the emergency vet. They were very busy as usual. While we were waiting to be seen, Darby had a saddle thrombosis.  Both Don and I were holding her when the vet gave her the final injection.  I had hoped to spare her this pain and confusion but it was not meant to be.

Just after her spaying




Darby was a little spitfire of a cat from the beginning. A neighbor alerted us during the winter of 2000 that a small grey and white cat was living under our rental house in the crawlspace.  We began putting food out for her and were able to trap her on St Patrick's Day.  Because she would chase off all other cats outside, I thought she was a boy and named her Darby.  Once she was spayed I realized my gender mistake but the name stuck.

Celebrating her Gotcha Day

Darby took a long time to tame, spending weeks in our bathroom while we worked with an animal behaviorist to calm her fears.  She would swat our hands if they came to close.  We eventually got to pet her through a towel and then just with out hands.  She still was quick to swat if she did not like what we were doing to her.  She did bond with me over playing and petting.  She preferred people to our cats. She tolerated the other cats more so in the past few years.


Darby loved playing with a ribbon, catching it with her paw as it flew over her.  She napped in the funniest places - perched high on several pillows in the spare room like the Princess and the Pea story.  Often she slept face down in our clean laundry, snoring, whistling and chirping as she dosed. 


A favorite game she liked was when the sun came in the western side of the house in the bedroom I would make shadow puppets on the wall for her to chase. She would go and sit on the bed, waiting for the puppet show to start even on cloudy days! She also delighted in the laser toy, chasing hte red dot until she was pooped.

Catching the red dot


Playing shadow puppets with me

These last few weeks, Darby enjoyed sitting in the bedroom window watching the birds and goats outside. The window had always been a favorite place to sit.  In autumn, she would try to catch the leaves as they fell in front of the window from the maple tree outside.





The other cats were afraid of her - she would run at them growling and swat them. if Darby wanted the couch , no one dared to sit there so she would have it to herself.  Her favorite place was the office chair  at my computer desk.  We had to share the chair with her or let her sit next to the computer if we wanted to work there.


My Princess and her Pea

We were treated to a free session with an animal psychic for the blog in 2014.  This is what she said about Darby then - She described Darby as a happy cat who gives much love back to us: she is very affectionate. Nancy did not see anything negative with Darby.  She stated that Darby had deep feelings and was very intuitive.  Darby can pick up on things without being told - she reads our energy.  In this way she felt that Darby is a healer, a cat that stays with us when we are not feeling well.  Nancy explained that Darby needed companionship, to be constantly reassured.  She learned to be quick and very sharp living on her own outside before we took her in.  She can take care of herself in spite of her small size. 




By Lou Belcher

Darby was beautiful with tuxie markings and eyes that were either green or gold depending on the light.  Artists and blogger Lou Belcher did a drawing of her a few years back.  I will treasure it always.

Sitting in her window recently.

I thought we had more time after last week's vet visit and so did the vet.  My time was spent caring for her, making sure she got all her meds each morning and evening.  Sweetpea is the last of the older cats.  The house seems so empty now. 



Darby is buried with her blue paid ribbon next to Mamacita and Mr. Kitty on our land. I will always remember my feisty little grey tuxie for all of my years.  Until we meet again sweet girl..


PS - I apologize for not visiting all who commented on Mamacita's post here and on Facebook.  I will get to all of you eventually but my heart needs to heal from all this loss.  Thank you for stopping by and for caring.




45 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a loving tribute. Oh, how your babies are so well cared for! You're awesome! Love, Piperandrosieandcompany

Rene said...

Oh how heartbreaking! I'm so sorry for all are going through. Sending love.

Mishkat said...

Wonderful tribute! We are sending much love and many purrs.

The Florida Furkids said...

We're so sorry to hear this. Beautiful post for a beautiful kitty.

The Florida Furkids and Mom Sharon

Colehaus Cats said...

We are sorry to hear sweetest Darby was needed at the Bridge sooner than anyone had expected. This is a beautiful tribute. Thank you for sharing her with us and the world. Sending hugs and purrs.

The Island Cats said...

We are so sorry to hear about Darby. So much sadness for you...we wish we could take all of it away. Sending you comforting purrs and hugs.

Jans Funny Farm said...

How hard this has to be to lose Darby just 11 days after Mamacita! One is hard enough. Hope you can find peace and healing from the pain. Very sorry for your loss. Warm hugs!

Forty Paws said...

We are so very sorry that it was time for Darby to cross over. It is difficult to lose our fur babies even when they have lived a good, long life. Hugs to you from all of us at Forty Paws.

Marg said...

Oh Cheri, we are so sorry about Darby. Just know that she was such a lucky cat to have had you and Don in her life and to know so much love. Sending good thoughts.

Fr. Tom Fish said...

This is so sad about Darby. I can't even begin to express how sorry I am. Sending healing purrs to comfort your heart and your family after all this loss. <3
Mom Julie, of course Tom (Chopie) and Bridget xxxooo

Ollieputputsuki said...

I'm so very sorry. Words cannot express the terrible loss you must be feeling. Please accept this as my most sincere condolences. May you find comfort in knowing you saved Darby and she lived a life full of love and comfort. Please take your time in letting your heart heal after the loss of both precious furbabies. RIP Darby & Mamacita. Enjoy the rainbow bridge sweet peas ��������

Melissa, Mudpie and Angel Truffles (Mochas, Mysteries and Meows) said...

I'm so, so sorry. You've suffered way too much loss :(

JC said...

What can I say .. I am so sorry for your loss. She lived a fabulous life with you. She sounded so much like a few of my cats. Rough starts that took so much love to get them to be happy. I've had so many cats that I know how terrible this is to lose them and to have had two go in such a short amount of time. That happened to me also. Thus, know that I am always here for you .. anytime. XO, JC and The Purr Gang

Squeedunk Cats and Z-Girl said...

Dear little Darby, asking for her treats. Another beautiful tribute to a sweet kitty who was so lucky to land with you. I’m so very sorry for this loss, so close to others. You must be in shock. We are all praying for Darby and hope that she found her furiends at the bridge. She sure was a spunky girl, and we know the house must feel so empty now. Please know that we are with you as much as we can be, furiends at the heart. It will never be the same, yet the memories will surround you and act like a warm blanket. Much love from Laura and all the Squeedunk kitties

Bernadette said...

What a compromise of love, and a wonderful life you had together. It's such a shock, though, and so hard to lose two elders so close together. Sending love and healing purrs to your household, all of you.

Brian's Home Blog said...

I sure am sorry about dear sweet Darby, such heartache, y’all sure have been through it. We know that there isn’t the right words so we will just send you hugs and all our love. Run free sweetie.

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

oh my, my heart is just breaking for you. I don't have the words that convey the depth of my sorrow. Losing one is hard enough, but two....so close together. My Angel Bobo had the same heart issues as Darby and had been on Lasix the last 2 years of his life. I am sooo deeply sorry. Sending love and (((hugs)))

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

This is a beautiful tribute to Darby. I am so sorry for your loss, and so soon after Mamcita makes it so much harder to bear. My love and thoughts are with you both.

Old Kitty said...

Awwww, darling Darby. We are so so sorry to read about angel Darby. Thank you for sharing her story here - what an amazing kitty! Sending you all lots of purrs and hugs, Take care
x

Holly said...

So very sorry! I can’t imagine the pain of losing two dear ones so close together. How devastating. You wrote a lovely tribute to your darling girl.

Laila and Angel Minchie said...

We are so very sorry. A piece of your heart (just like ours did with the loss of our Minchie a few weeks ago) crossed over with Darby. What a wonderful life you gave her. And such a beautiful tribute. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

CATachresis said...

I am so sorry for the loss of Darby! You gave her so much and she gave it back in spades. Sending gentle hugs and purrs! ❤️❤️❤️

pilch92 said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful girl and all the losses you have endured recently. Beautiful tribute to Darby and the video is so adorable. You gave her a wonderful 18 love filled years. XO

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

We wonder 'how much can a heart take?' and it seems like it will surely shatter under all the sadness. Letting them go is by far the hardest thing we do. It's hard for me to take my own advice, but we love them and give them such a wonderful life and I am sure there is much to be grateful for in that and there is some comfort there. I am so very sorry Cheri. I will keep you in my prayers.

Deziz World said...

What a bootyful girl and such a luvvin' tribute. Darby will be missed but furever luvved. We're sendin' big hugs and lots of purrayers.

Luv ya'

Dezi and Raena

Eastside Cats said...

Farewell, Angel Darby. You brought light and love to your humans, and apparently you ruled the cat roost. Rest in peace now, little one.

Kea said...

Oh, Cheri, two losses in such a short time seems unduly cruel. I'm so terribly sorry for Darby's untimely passing and am sending universal Light and Blessings to you and Don. Soft purrs from the boys, and Godspeed to Darby. ♥️

Maggie said...

My heart aches for you.
I'm so sorry for your losses, and hope that you have peace of mind knowing that no kitties could have had more loving care.

Alastriona, The Cats and Dogs said...

Our hearts ache for you, another loss so soon after losing Mamacitia, please don't worry about visiting we understand you need time to heal from all the loss.

What a beautiful drawing Lou Belcher did of Darby. Darby sounded so playful and loving in your tribute, we know you are going to miss her lots.

Healing purrs and paws of comfort from all of us.

da tabbies o trout towne said...

Godspeed your journey to the heavens Darby; a beautiful girl you are and always will be, with an equally beautiful post written for you by mom. It is extremely hard losing a family member, and we send extra hugs and loves to mom and dad; they grieve yet for mamacita and mister kitty ♥♥♥♥♥
We are truly sorry ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

dai$y, tuna, dude, sauce and boomer

catladymac said...

Sorry to read about the loss of beautiful Darby - especially so soon after Mamacita ! (Maybe they will become closer OTB ?)
Fly free, beautiful girl !

Mickey's Musings said...

Hugs and comforting purrs on the loss of your sweet Darby.
She was a beautiful cat and we know she brought you much joy and now,happy memories.

Purrs Georgia,Julie and JJ
ans mum Nancy

Karen H. said...

So sorry for your loss! From what you wrote she was quite the character, one that will stay with you always. Rest well, pretty girl, rest well!

Shoko Neilson said...


Darby could not have found a better person than you to live with. She gave all of herself to you even if it took awhile to loosen her fears.

You have experienced enough love and enough pain to see you for a long time. Rest easy my friend. Your love helped her so much.

Jean

Summer said...

I'm so sorry you lost Darby, especially so soon after Mamacita. Darby was a very special girl, and I can tell you had a very special relationship with her. Lots of purrs to you.

M Dawson said...

Darby was a special cat and, as the pictures show, a lovely girl who will be missed.

Losing the two special cats so close together must be so hard, and we send our best love to you.

Marjorie and the Cats

Erin the Cat Princess said...

We both send you all our heartfelt condolences, such loss can never truly be fully expressed, but you have given such a wonderful tribute to Darby that will lighten her path and which brings her so close to us that we can share her with you one last time, well, till we all meet again. But till then sweet memories are our staff.
Gentle purrs
Erin & Mrs H

Peachy, Stippie, Angel Binky and Granny said...

So sorry about the loss of your sweet Darby :'( Soft Pawkisses to comfort you <3 Fly Free beautiful Soul 💗💗💗

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry about Darby. Your post is a wonderful tribute to her.

John Bellen said...

More loss. But that's what we get for loving our friends so much. No love comes without loss eventually, and I am very sorry yours came so soon. Darby was loved, and loved. Godspeed, Darby.

Webbthistle said...

So very sorry for the loss of this beautiful girl, and so soon after you had to say goodbye to Mamacita. Darby was a strong spirit who chose to love you in response to all the love and care you gave her. Certainly she felt your love at the end as well. Your tribute to her is lovely.

Katie and The Katz said...

Fly free dear Darby - so thankful you saved her and gave her so much love. Special tribute for a special girl.

May God bless you with his love as you remember all the good times and bads times you shared with Darby.

Psalm 36:6 - Oh Lord you save both humans and animals, how great is your unfailing love.

-Katie and the Katz

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