Ziggy passed away last Thursday night. He would have been 7 years old in February 2023. Our hearts are broken. I read something that resonated with me recently, and it encapsulates so beautifully what losing a loved one feels like:
That feeling that you get right after losing a person/pet that you loved so dearly. It’s such a hopeless feeling. Like you’re reaching out and crying for someone who just minutes before was there. That’s the worst feeling ever
Ziggy came to me as a sickly little foster in May 2016. He had a really bad start in life, and was not expected to grow to more than 2.5kg/5.5lbs
He ended up a large (7.7kg/17lbs), healthy, muscular cat with a glossy coat and beautiful green eyes. He was not a cuddly cat, but would lie close to you, poking you with his paws for pets.
I weigh our cats once a month, and record it, so that I can see if their diet needs adjusting, or if they perhaps need a trip to the vet. Ziggy lost a lot of weight in a short time, and started favouring one side of his mouth. We suspected dental problems but there was no veterinary dentist available for a couple of weeks. We tried to keep him comfortable during the wait with painkillers, though he was still not eating very much. We were relieved when he finally went in to surgery. The dentist extracted two teeth, which were affected by TR(tooth resorption), previously called FORL. It’s a nasty, painful thing, not to mention hugely expensive – make sure when you insure your animals, you insure for TR as well. As an example, we were quoted $1 500 if more than two teeth were involved.
Zig came home and we hoped he would bounce back. Fluffy had four teeth with TR extracted, and he was eating as normal the same day. But Ziggy did not eat, and after a week of force-feeding him and rubbing appetite-increasing salve on his ears, he suffered multiple organ failure and was put down by our wonderful vet at home, in his favourite place. His teeth extractions had healed fine. His body just couldn’t take the shock of the surgery.
The greatest gift we can give our pets is freedom from suffering. For me, I wish Ziggy had not suffered for all those weeks. But I am glad that we could give him a peaceful end. Our wonderful vet always comes home to us so our pets can pass on surrounded by their favourite things, and their family. For that I am so very grateful.
I am so very sorry for your loss. One of my cats is getting older and isn’t in the best of health. I am dreading that decision. I’ve been through it before and I know that you made the right decision. That doesn’t make it hurt any less though. I share your grief. How is Harley handling it?
How is Mollie doing?
Mollie is doing fine. She is very independent, but stopped eating when Ziggy was sick. She is now back to normal again, which is a huge relief.
It never gets easier does it? I am so sorry you may be in the same position as I am in soon. It’s awful. Harley is young and playful, so not so well. We have, however, adopted a very playful kitten for him, and they are great pals (blog post coming soon!)
In January, I am planning to look into fostering kittens. I think my two cats would like it and I am good at socializing cats. I think my older female cat would especially like it. It often seems to me that she is looking for kittens that she may have had before we adopted her. I am hoping to find a kitten or two which are a good fit.
That is a wonderful idea!
I am so sorry for your loss, it is never easy when a beloved pet suffers trauma (the operation on his teeth was indeed trauma) and the fact that all the love you had for him could not save him speaks volumes and I’m just so glad that his suffering is ended now.
Although, I’m new to your Blog, I’m so sorry to hear about Ziggy. I have an elderly dog and bunny. I don’t even want to think about when it’s their time. My son’s friend had to bring their beautiful dog to the vet a few days ago to put him down. I’ll I could think about was of Sadie taking a ride with his family for the last time to be put down in an environment that was not home. I never knew of the option of being able to have it done at home, and as you said, surrounded by their family and favourite things.
Sending hugs from Canada 🇨🇦 💕
Thank you
Vale Ziggy, so sorry you had to make that decision Janet
Sending you love and hugs. I always loved seeing your photos of Ziggy. xxx
I am so very sorry for your loss… It was a hard decision to make but it was the right one. My thoughts are with you.
I am so very sorry for the sad 😢 loss of your beloved Ziggy … may he gently RIP over the rainbow 🌈 Bridge with Fluffy until you can all be together again … bless his sweet heart and soul … thank you for loving him so …
RIP Ziggy. I’ve lost both a favorite fog, George Burns aged 16 in August. And more recently my 96 year old Mom. I think I’m in shock. Both were ready to go and I am happy that neither are in pain. I hear my Mom in her wind chimes and I see Geirge in other happy terrier faces. Sharing your grief.
I am so very sorry for your loss.