Saturn: A Pet Loss Story

The following pet loss story was shared with DoveLewis Pet Loss Support Director Enid Traisman from Hanna O. Please feel free to submit your own pet loss story here.

I lost my baby two days ago and vividly remember the details of that day particularly in the hours leading to that drive to the vet’s office when I already knew he will be euthanized. Wrapping him up in his favorite blanky, I walked him around the yard for the last time to show him all his favorite places. We also walked around the house to say bye to the house. He was already so out of it. His paws were icy cold and there was a dead glare in his eyes. His fur was matted and his body no longer moved.

He lost so much weight his five pound frame fit into a farmers market basket. This was the cat who had the big heart and a big 20 pound body to match. For 18 years, he was my little one who kept me company and saw me through thick and thin. He loved sun bathing, watching me cook, and being in the dining company of dinner guests. He loved white and fuzzy things, vanilla ice cream, medium-rare bison burger, boiled chicken with cartilage. My dear Saturn, I love you so much and always will. You are still with me and when I am dancing, I do it for you. Thank you for that final weak meow and those weak purrs on your last day. It was your way of telling me you loved me and it’s time to go. I understand although I hurt deeply.

Since fall, he’s had some G.I. issues. Daily vomiting, on and off diarrhea. That turned into voracious hunger and thirst. Blood results showed pancreatitis and anemia. After a dose of anti-diarrhea medicine, he slowly started to decline until the food he ate no longer nourished him and in spite of all the water he drank, he was dehydrated. So much so that he slept with his head on the water bowl.

Saturn, thank you so much for those 18 years together and for all the unconditional love you gave me. Your strength during the hard times (dragging yourself to the litter box when you couldn’t walk) amazes me.