Saturday, August 4, 2018

Go With Bast, Sweetpea 1999 - 2018


Sweetpea had been declining these past  few weeks in spite of increasing her sub c fluids to twice a day. Her symptoms indicated either liver issues or lymphoma.  Due to her age and frailty, we decided against testing and opted to let her go before she suffered more.  We had the vet come to the house yesterday afternoon and her passing was peaceful.  I held her in my lap with her head cradled in my hand as she crossed over.

Recently eating baby food.

This past week we pampered her with fresh salmon, grilled hamburg and other favorite foods which she ate with gusto.  She even played with her feather toy if only for a few minutes.  She asked to go out on the porch and enjoyed the fresh air. It was as if she was doing everything one last time. She spent a lot of time on our laps even tho she was not much for that normally.  We refrained from giving fluids and meds for the last two days - she was resisting them lately and we preferred to not upset her.


As a kitten

Sweetpea was a feisty girl  from the get go as tiny as she was.  I noticed her with the feral colony back in the winter of 2000 - a tiny fierce kitten with matted fur and skin issues. She was all black, long haired with a white locket of fur on her chest and long white ear tufts.  After a heavy snowfall Sweetpea and the others didn't show up at the feeding station for a few days and I was worried sick about her. I made plans to trap her as soon as she came back.

  

Sweetpea was the first of this feral group to be brought indoors. She was so wild that the vet who examined her had to sedate her to do it.  Still groggy from the sedative, we bathed her at home in the bathroom sink and treated her skin.  Sweetpea spent weeks in the bathroom while we worked hard to tame her.

Kitten Sweetpea in her bathroom

Once she accepted us and life inside, we introduced her to our two cat Chica and Yoko, ages 7 and 6 at that time, respectively.  Sweetpea was so in your face with a larger than life personality, she intimidated the two older cats. Eventually they all adjusted. 

Sweetpea on left, Chica and Yoko

Sweetpea was very independent, innovative and self sufficient.  Her tiny size was not an obstacle for her.  She had minimal jumping skills but she could hook her claws on to something and shimmy up to where she wanted to be. Climbing was her super talent and she used it often.  During her first Christmas inside with us, she found a quiet spot to nap in the upper branches of the Christmas tree.  I panicked thinking she got out but finally found her there sound asleep, hardly visible being black.


Her extra long fangs showed

She preferred to be up high and I would find her on the top of bookshelves, cabinets etc. She had a habit of falling asleep sitting up and would fall off her high perch to land safely right side up on the floor wondering how she got there. 

With Chica and Don in 2000

She chose when and where we could pet her.  She came to us when she wanted affection.  She preferred Don for some reason.  I think it was because he ate meat and I didn't.  Sweetpea would sit next to him as he ate with her paws on his leg or TV table waiting for a bite.

A few weeks ago

She was inquisitive and very playful. Everything was a game to her. I caught her once sitting on my dresser puling the clothes out of the partially opened drawer and dropping them on the floor!  She loved helping me make the beds, hiding under the sheets or chasing the billowing sheets as I spread them on the bed. Sweetpea played "attack" with the clothes on the drying rack while laying on the floor.  She did this with our jackets over the back of the kitchen chair.

Playing on a chair




Rearranging my dresser drawers



Playing with the laundry




In 2016 she was diagnosed with late stage renal disease and severe hyperthyroidism.  The vet did not think she had much time left as she could not tolerate the meds for hyperthyroid cats.  I found herbal blends to treat both and she did well on them with sub c fluids for two years. Last fall she began losing weight and muscle tone.  She stopped grooming and we had monthly appointments to let the vet trim her wonky claws and  shave her mats. I knew she was winding down but her indomitable spirit was still in her.  I called her my Energizer Bunny as she kept going and going.

Pensive moment recently




We spoke to an animal communicator this past week and Sweetpea was ready to go to Spirit.  She was tired and felt that all I was doing for her was not helping her be comfortable anymore. She asked to pass at home with us  and that was how we did it. Sweetpea was the last of my first feral colony.  I hope that they were all there to welcome her to the other side. She lives on in both of our hearts until we meet again.

Her grave

Sweetpea's gift to us was her ability to live in the moment and always find joy each day no matter how sick she was.  She loved life and would have liked to stay with us longer but it was not meant to be.  She is buried next to Darby above Mamacita in our pet cemetery.  Losing three within six weeks has taken a toll on me. Bear with me as I get back to you with thanks for your support and comments during this sad time.

Our cemetery




48 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you for giving Sweet Pea a wonderful home and loving her so much. I can't imagine how hard it to lose three furkids so close together. Sending you strength as you grieve, and hoping the happy memories of your beloved cats, sustain you.
Love from Jan, And PURRS from Milo and Alfie xxx

Eastside Cats said...

We mourn with you đŸ˜¿

The Island Cats said...

We are so sorry about Sweet Pea. Sending you lots of comforting purrs....

Marg said...

Oh Cheri, I am so sorry to hear about Sweet Pea. Such a sad time and especially since you have lost so many. She looks like she was great cat and glad that she knew you and Don's love and had such a great home.

Lisa Kolosey said...

Blessings to you all during this hard time at Wildcat Woods.
~MamaLisa and the kitties of Marshwood Cottage

pilch92 said...

I am so sorry for the loss of beautiful Sweet Pea. This was a touching tribute to her. XO

Vicat said...

We are so sorry for your loss, all of them.

Jans Funny Farm said...

Sweet Pea sounds like a fun girl. Lots of spirit and spunk. I have been losing one furry a year now and that has been hard. I can't imagine losing three in six weeks. You gave them all such a wonderful home. Hugs.

Maggie said...

I’m so sorry to be visiting to share sympathy again. Reading about Sweet Pea’s life with you clearly shows your love, and your respect for her wishes. What a wonderful home she had with you!
Rest In Peace, dear Sweet Pea.
xxoo

The Swiss Cats said...

We're so sorry about Sweetpea. Thank you for giving here a wonderful forever home. We send you comforting purrs and gentle headbonks. Purrs

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

We are so very sorry to hear that your sweet girl is gone, You gave her a wonderful life.

Purrs,
The Chans

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

I am so sorry for your loss of Sweet Pea. She had a wonderful life with you and I know you will miss her dearly. My thoughts are with you.

Forty Paws said...

All of us at Forty Paws are so sorry about Sweet Pea. You did a great job taking care of her for all these years, and particularly after her severe kidney disease and hyperthyroidism were diagnosed. Many hugs and purrs are being sent to you from all of us.

Brian's Home Blog said...

I sure am sad to hear about dear Sweetpea and yet another loss in your family. She was such a sweetie and your lovely tribute was filled with love. She may have enjoyed life but she seriously enjoyed it because of you and Don. Love and hugs from all of us.

Cats Herd You said...

We are so very sorry. She had an amazing life with you and the most attentive care a cat could ever want. Sending sympathy and purrs.

Three Chatty Cats said...

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Sweetpea had a beautiful life with you. Sending lots of love and hugs.

Anonymous said...

Sweet Pea had a wonderful and she went to her next adventure on her own terms. She could not have had any of that without you guys! You can tell by looking at her that she loved life and her people I send you love and strength and I am sorry for your loss.
Love Barb

Alastriona, The Cats and Dogs said...

We are so very sorry for your loss. Your lovely Tribute to Sweetpea brought tears to our eyes.

Bernadette said...

Sending love and light. <3

meowmeowmans said...

We are so sorry, Cheri and Don. Sweetpea had such an amazing and love-filled life with you there. Thank you for loving her so much. Sending you love, and purrs of comfort, as you mourn your special girl's passing. <3

Chirpy Cats said...

Very sorry to hear about Sweet Pea. Sounds like she had a wonderful life and now she’s at peace with her friends at the bridge. Sending comforting purrs. xx

Mr Puddy said...

Me & mom are deeply sorry. We can’t stop our leaking eyes. Sweetpea is so sweet and cheerful. And for us, you did the best as you could do for her. She had been look after so well and love. đŸ’— Sending warm purrs & hugs to you & your fameowly
xox

Puddy & mom

My Mind's Eye said...

My goodness 3 precious souls in such a short time....Mom and I send you hugs and kitty kisses
Run free and happy Sweetpea
Madi and mom

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

So deeply sorry for your loss of such a wonderful girl. We had tears while we're reading, she must have been a very special kitty. Soft Pawkisses to comfort all of you. Fly free beautiful Soul <3 <3 <3

Kea said...

Oh, Cheri... I'm not sure I even have words. I'm so deeply sorry Sweetpea has crossed, though of course it's a mercy she is free of her body. I AM glad you had the privilege of sharing your life with such an amazing soul, and likewise she with you and Don.

Our thoughts and purrs are with you, I will light a candle for Sweetpea and for you all. Peace and blessings.

catladymac said...

What a long, beautiful life she had - right up until the very end ! She let you know when she was too tired to go on, and you let her go peacefully. She will never leave you !

Deziz World said...

What a bootyful tribute to a gawjus little girl. We never unnerstand why God needs our luvs, but their memory lives on and thus so do they. We're sendin' lots of hugs and purrayers.

Luv ya'

Dezi, Raena and mommy A

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

My heart broke reading your words for such a loving tribute to Sweetpea. I know it's of no solace right now but you blessed her with a wonderful life. All I can say again is how sorry I am for your loss, as I know of no words that can help soothe the ache in your heart for the way too many losses, including this one of Sweetpea. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Summer said...

What a special girl Sweetpea was - such a strong personality in such a small package. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Colehaus Cats said...

Sweetest Sweet Pea, what a life you had! Thank you for sharing yourself with us and the world. Sending love to your family and to you, we're sending our very best purrs.

John Bellen said...

What a wonderful story, and a wonderful life. Sweetpea certainly found the perfect home. There was only one better place she could have gone, and has gone there now, not far away, and never out of thought. Godspeed, Sweetpea.

da tabbies o trout towne said...

Sweet Pea; Godspeed your journey to heaven beautiful girl. Your mom wrote an awesome tribute for you; and we understand the decision to let you go on to your 10th life; a difficult decision none the less. We are beyond sorry and send hugs and loves from all of us to you, and the family you leave behind here on earth.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

daisy, tuna, mackerull, dude, sauce and boomer

Reiki Animal Healing said...

Thank you for your compassion and love for these cats, you are an angel!

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

Your love for her just radiates from your beautiful tribute. I hope you can find peace knowing you gave her such a wonderful life. Run young and free again at the Bridge beautiful angel.

Donna Heller said...

Dear Cheri and Don: I'm so very sorry ro read this sad news. I'm so sorry that I'm just now seeing this. My heart just breaks for you. This tribute is so beautiful. I'm sure her siblings or the heart were there to help her cross. My heart is with you

wildcatwoods said...

Thank you Jan. This has been a tough few months. I know in time their memories will make me smile.

wildcatwoods said...

Thank you Lisa for stopping by.

wildcatwoods said...

Thank you for your kind words. It is never easy to let them go.

wildcatwoods said...

Thank so much Ellen.

Cats of wildcat woods

wildcatwoods said...

Thank you.

Cats of wildcat woods

wildcatwoods said...

Thanks Jan for your comforting words. It helps to know you understand.

Cats of wildcat woods

wildcatwoods said...

Thank.you for reading Sweetpea's tribute.

Cats of wildcat woods

wildcatwoods said...

We do appreciate your visits and kind words.
Cats of wildcat woods

wildcatwoods said...

Thank you Jackie. I know you understand.

Cats of wildcat woods

wildcatwoods said...

Thank you. It is harder to.lose those that needed extra care. I have so much time on my hands now with her gone.
Cats of wildcat woods

My Mind's Eye said...

Dear Cheri
Thank you for your kind words left on Madi's blog today....
Madi left us with so many good memories...thankfully chose us to be her guardians here on earth
Hugs Cecilia

Anonymous said...

After the pet cremation houston tx The loss of a special animal companion can leave devastating heartache and most people will suffer in silence out of fear of not being taken seriously just because the loss was not a human loss. There are many people today in situations where their pets mean everything to them just like any human being could. Many have been let down by those around them, therefore, turning to an animal for unconditional love and company and as a confidante. This is quite normal as animals have qualities our fellow humans do not seem to indicate.

Katie Isabella said...

Tears. I am so sorry but she was tired and she had a loving wonderful...most importantly loving home. That has always resonated in me each time I have been here.

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