Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Farewell Only (2006 - 2019)



Only crossed the Rainbow Bridge peacefully a few days ago at home nestled on my lap while the vet gave him his final injection.

Only Christmas 2018


We noticed last summer that Only had lost some weight and muscle mass. No other symptoms were evident. The vet checked him out and his blood work was fine. No tumors were felt and the scan did not show anything amiss.  A GI panel showed his B12 and folate low - an indication of either IBD or lymphoma.  We began a protocol of B12 shots, prednisolone and CBD oil with herbal and nutritional immune boosters. Being a rescue, we could not afford chemo for him, so we did not want to subject him to exploratory surgery.  We treated it as if it was lymphoma, the worst case scenario and hoped for the best.

Only a couple of weeks ago


 None of his treatments worked for long term. He began to lose more weight. Hiss appetite dropped severely and he developed diarrhea in his last few weeks.  We suspected cancer and knew the end was approaching. Only enjoyed his last days, going out on the porch, napping on Don's lap,  and cuddling with his siblings.







Only had a larger than life personality.  He was our Eddie Haskill (from the old TV show Leave it to Beaver) - always causing trouble with the other cats but acting all innocent when we came into the picture. 

Only sitting on Lily


When Don got the cat food ready, Only would get on the shelf above the counter and persistently tap Don's hat as if  he was saying "Hurry up".  If Only wanted to sit someplace other cats had already acquired, nothing fazed him.  He would just plunk himself down and put up with bites, swats and abuse until the other cat or cats left.  Only always got what he wanted.

Only on the right
Only in front with his litter mates and Lily

Even his name was unique.  As kittens, born under our back porch in Lily's third and final litter, Only and two litter mates were all white with smudges of black on their heads like paint got smeared  
on them. Two Spot had two smudges of black, Smidge has just a trace of black and Only had only one smudge - thus the name Only.  Little did we know that these bits of black fur would fade away as they got older!

Only in front, Two Spot behind


Only and Two Spot

Only bonded with Two Spot as kittens.  They were inseparable, even sleeping together.  All ears and long thin bodies. Two peas in a pod. When we caught them to bring them inside as young cats, we trapped them together before we caught the other cats and Lily.

Only with Two Spot


Only had large bedroom eyes - sleepy and intensely green.  I called him my Lounge Lizard.  I could see him making girls swoon, playing some musical instrument in a bar if he was a human.








Only loved to cuddle with us or his siblings but was very shy with others or if there was any unfamiliar noise.  He hid at the first sign of something new - burrowed under blankets, opened the old cabinet and hid in it.  Once at the vet Only tried to hide in the basket of dog toys before the vet came into the room.

Only with the whitesters


Under a blanket

In the toy box
A few weeks ago

We were his family and with us he was so easy going.  He would patiently let me pose him for holiday photos.  He even came when I called his name.  He even came for his nicknames - Only Baloney, Own Balone.




Only's gift to us was his ability to be totally himself all the time. He answered to no one but himself. He even had a goofy walk uniquely his, wiggling his hips from side to side.  Only was extraordinarily, uncommonly, singularly himself.

Snuggling with Tabitha on his last day.


On his last day, he was very unsteady on his feet but still stopped to play with his ball, and used the cat scratcher on the floor. I spoke to our animal communicator and she said Only wanted to be with the cats outside in the shelter one last time.  We had moved only inside with us a few months ago to better care for him. Don swaddled him in a fleece blanket and carried him out to see Snowball, Two Spot and the others.  Only seemed to settle down a bit once he had been with them.  


Napping on Don

We took turns talking to him, loving him up and telling him how much we will miss him. He napped on the sofa next to Don or myself.  Once the vet came, things went so peacefully and quietly.  Only was gone in a second.  We buried him with his favorite toy, wrapped in a soft fleece throw in a grave above Darby on our land with a red rose on his grave. We will get a stone with his name and dates in a few months.



We will never forget our little man and his enormous personality. We love you and miss you so much!
Until we meet again dear Only.






If you cannot see this go here.




 




52 comments:

The Creative Cat said...

What a wonderful and unique cat, living in two worlds, as a former feral and a house kitty. And what a spectacular group of white cats. He has much company here and where he goes. My sympathies to you humans and all his feline family.

Donna Heller said...

What a beautiful tribute and crossing over... run and play now, Only with the most beautiful green eyes 💚😔🌈

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

We are so sorry to read of the loss of your beloved Only. He had such a wonderful life with you, but no life is ever long enough. Sending you lots of comforting purrs and good thoughts.

Everyone at The Poupounette.

Rene said...

Sending love and condolences for your loss.

JC said...

I am so sorry. You wrote a lovely memorial. What a cat he was and what a life he had with you. XO, JC Elliott

Just Mags said...

I am so sorry to hear that sweet Only had to leave. What great pictures you have of him and your tribute is wonderful. I know you have many great memories that you will always hold dear. Sending you and Don warm, gentle hugs. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Shaggy and Scout said...

Wonderful pictures and memories! What a blessing he was in your lives!
Hugs to you both.
Lynne Greenwood, Scouts mom

Anonymous said...

So sorry for the loss of beloved Only. Fly free sweet boy.
Jan, Milo and Alfie xxx

Eastside Cats said...

RIP Angel Only.
I am so sorry for your loss.

Laila and Angel Minchie said...

We are so very sorry to hear this. What a handsome mancat he was and so lucky to have you take such great care of him. Hugs and comforting purrs.

Pam and Teddy said...

Only sounds like a very special boy. He knew ONLY love from you and gave it back apparently as long as he was there. I know the emptiness you are feeling and hope the warm memories will keep your sadness from becoming overwhelming. So sad for your loss.......

Hugs, Pam and Teddy

Seville at Nerissa's Life said...

What a beautiful tribute you have written for a truly incredible fur-baby. I'm so very sorry Only has had to leave this Earth. I'm bettin' Only will meet up with my brother Nissy, and together they'll be romping through the great Heavenly nip fields, chasing butterflies. I still miss Nissy, even after all these years, but knowing he's now pain free helps me a lot. Love & purrs always, Seville.

Catscue Cat Mom said...

Precious memories - thanks for sharing them with us all. Purrs and prayers to you and your family.

JaneA Kelley said...

I'm so very sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute to an amazing cat. Blessings to you and the rest of your feline family as you go through this process of adjusting to life without him. We never forget them; we just learn to live without them.

edie said...

I'm sorry for your loss. Sending comforting thoughts.

The Island Cats said...

I am so sorry to hear about Only. Having just lost my sweet Wally, I know your pain. We know we want them to all live forever...but that is not to be. (((hugs))) ~Sue

The Florida Furkids said...

((((hugs))) Only was a gorgeous ManCat. We're sending you soft, healing purrs and prayers at this sad time.

The Florida Furkids and Mom Sharon

Brian's Home Blog said...

Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear about dear Only. Such a special guy and a lovely tribute. I'm so glad he had you as his family Love and hugs from all of us dear friends.

Lily said...

We’re so sorry. Sending you hugs and purrs.

Forty Paws said...

All of us at Forty Paws are so very sorry that it was Only's time to cross over. Many hugs and purrs and purrayers are being sent to you during this difficult time.

Just Ducky said...

So sorry, sending comforting purrs to you.

Alastriona, The Cats and Dogs said...

We are so very sorry for your loss. Purrs of comfort and paws of sympathy from all of us here at ATCAD

My Mind's Eye said...

I am so very sorry to read that your Only has moved on to the RB.
May Only's days be filled with sun and gentle breezes
Hugs Cecilia

Summer said...

Only was a very special guy. Purrs to you for your loss. <3

GLOGIRLY said...

I'm so very sorry...Only was such a special boy. Your tribute is beautiful
Purrs and hugs to you.

da tabbies o trout towne said...

Only: Godspeed your journey to heaven; we are truly sorry. Mom wrote an awesome tribute to you and we enjoyed learning more about your life. We know your family greeted you at heavens gate and we know mom and dad's hearts hurt, we send you, mom, dad and the family you leave behind hugs and loves

dai$y, tuna, mackerull, dude, sauce and boomer♥♥♥♥♥

catladymac said...

We are sorry to learn that Only has crossed the Bridge. You will never forget him, and he will still be with you and his mates. Purrs.

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

I am sorry for your loss of only. He was handsome with the most beautiful eyes.
This is a lovely tribute to him.

Marg said...

Oh Chery, so sorry about losing Only. It is so hard to lose our fur friends.

www.shelter-cats.com said...

I’m very sorry for your loss. His spirit shines through your beautiful tribute.
With sympathy,
Maggie

Three Chatty Cats said...

I'm so sorry. What a beautiful tribute to handsome Only. Sending lots of love.

Deziz World said...

We're sorry fur your loss. We're sendin' big hugs and purrayers.

Luv ya'

Dezi and Raena

Mickey's Musings said...

What a lovely tribute to a beautiful kitty.
WE are so sorry Only has crossed his Bridge.
We purr that knowing you gave him a wonderful life helps you deal with this loss.
WE send comforting purrs to all.
Purrs Georgia,Julie and JJ
and mum Nancy

Big Piney Woods Cats said...

We here at the Big Piney Woods are mourning the loss of Only. What a wonderful tribute and the photos are wonderful.........RIP sweet Only and find Patches, Mittens, Mistrie, Misti, and Sunny. They will be waiting for you.

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

I'm so, so sorry for your loss. This beautiful tribute shows how much Only was loved.

pilch92 said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your handsome boy. This was a beautiful tribute to him. XO

Kea said...

I'm very sorry to read this sad news, Cheri. Only was an amazing Being; you've written a wonderful tribute/memorial to him. I'm keeping you and Don in my thoughts as you grieve, and Nicki and Derry send soft purrs. Wishing you peace.

Kim and the boys

Lola The Rescued Cat said...

Such a beautiful memorial post for Only. He was loved so much, and we're sure he knew it. Thanks for all you did for you. We're sending you love and prayers, and never forget that his pawprints will be on your heart forever.

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

So many wonderful memories. Always keep them safely in your heart. I'm so sorry for your loss of a wonderful kitty.

Hugs

Mark's Mews (Marley, Lori, Loki, and Binq) said...

Only was a special cat. Our Best Purrs Of Comfort to you all...

Poppy Q said...

What a wonderful post. We are sorry for your loss.

Gidget Blue Sky said...

what a sweetheart boy

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

So sorry of the loss of your beloved Only. What a special Kitty he was. Soft Pawkisses to comfort you💗Fly free beautiful Soul💗💗💗

Cats of wildcat woods said...

Thank you for your kind comment on our tribute post for Only.

wildcatwoods said...

Thank you Jan.

wildcatwoods said...

Thank you so much for stopping by.
Cats of Wildcat Woods

The Swiss Cats said...

We're so sorry for the loss of your sweet Only. He was a handsome mancat and had a wonderful life with you. We send you comforting purrs and gentle headbonks. Purrs

Tommy and Teaghan said...

I loved reading your tribute to Only. What a joy he was. He must be sooooo happy he had you as his human. I'm sure he had the best furever home and life with you all. Hugs and love to you while missing this most precious boy. May you meet again someday and even in your dreams now. Purrrrrrrs,
Brenda, Tommy and Teaghan


Katie Isabella said...

How beautiful you wrote of a dear soul. What a handsome boy and the Whitesters are too with those beautiful white furred bodies and pink pads. Only was purely loved. Anyone can see that. You were his loved and loving family, and Only was secure in that knowledge. Thank you for loving and caring for him and all the other dear ones through the years. I have shed many tears for your babies.

wildcatwoods said...

Thank you so much for your kind words for our Only.

Cats of wildcat woods

Timmy Tomcat said...

We send purrs and prayers of support at this sad time. Only had a wonderful life with you full of love and fun. Please watch over us Only until that day we meet again.
Timmy, Dad Pete and Family

Srebrnik said...

Dear Only, what a beautiful cat you were .... and you were obviously much loved. Sad, sad, sad it is to say goodbye ... I wake up sometimes in the middle of the night thinking of my guys who are gone ....

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