I never thought in my life that I would feel any type of emotion when a pet died. Actually, I’ve never mourned for an animal in my life. When Patches was put to sleep today it felt different. It really hit me where it hurt. It felt like I lost a family member or something. It bothered me so much that I could not keep still. After sitting on the bed for about a hour after I got off work, I decided I had enough and packed my things to go to the gym. I worked out extremely hard today, leaving all the pain at the gym.
Patches was very special to me because he was introduced to my wife’s family around the same time I was. I remember this ugly little kitten with hardly any hair on its body running around under the couches. I asked my girlfriend (now my wife) why they allowed a hairless kitten in the house. Patches was extremely ugly. He looked like he was infested with all kinds of disease. He reminded me of a giant hairless rat. This was almost ten years ago. The reason he was given the name “Patches” was because he had mange when my mother n law first recieved him and when his hair started growing back, it grew in patches all over his body.
When Patches’s hair finally grew out, he turned out to be a beautiful orange and white tabby. Family members who visited our home could not believe it was the same kitten running around just weeks earlier with no hair. It reminded me of the ugly ducking that turned into a beautiful swan. That was Patches.
During Patches’s younger days, my brother n law’s and I used to play all kinds of pranks on him. He would check out the fridge when we opened it and we would close him inside it for a few seconds. It was so funny because when he came out, he would give us this dirty look like we were evil or something. Patches would also try and take up entire couches for himself. If I wanted to lay down on the couch he was on and he refused move, I used to toss him across to another couch and he would be so pissed off he wouldn’t even look at me. I can remember his expressions very clearly. His expressions were very unique, and dont think I’ve ever seen them on another cat before.
As he got older he became much more affectionate. He would actually push doors open to look for you to lay on your bed while you watched television or read a book. One of his favorite things to do was crawl right on top of whatever you were working on when he wanted attention. He would just plop himself on top of your paperwork or newpaper and wait for you to pet him. He was so spoiled. It came to a point where he would refuse to eat if you didn’t sit with him. In the morning you could hear him meow when he wanted to eat. Someone would have get up, sit near his bowl and pet him while he fed. Spoiled boy!
The last couple months were extremely hard on him. One of his legs started to swell up with liquid and became very large. It turned out to be cancerous. Patches was scheduled to have his leg amputated on October 3rd. He never made it. This past week he stopped eating completely. He labored when he tried to walk and he really didn’t leave the confines of my mom’s bedroom. We discovered later that the cancer had spread to his lungs. There was nothing more that could be done. My wife and my mom took him to the local vet to be euthanized. Im not big at attending these types of events so I didn’t go. My father met them at the vet and told me that Patches knew he was going to pass. As he lay there and the vet inserted the needle, he made a final cry and nibbled on my fathers hand as if to say goodbye. Its sad just thinking about it.
I dont know why I feel so much hurt for Mr. Patches, and I dont know why his passing continues to bother me so much. Although tears have yet to roll down my face, I feel this terrible burden inside my heart for my little friend……
Wait….. I do know why I feel this pain. He wasn’t a pet. He wasn’t an animal. He was family. Losing family always hurts. Our home just became a little lonelier without Patches running around in it. He will truly be missed.
I’m sorry for your loss. I too lost a cat earlier this year and ironically, she looked like Patches.
Take your time to grieve. As you said, the loss of family is never easy, regardless of who the member is. At least you’ll still have the memories that you shared with Patches while he was alive to guide you through recovery. If there is a cat heaven, I’m sure that Patches is up there.
I’m so sorry for your loss. It sounds like he was an important part of your family and I’m sure you will miss him. {{{hugs for you and your family}}}
Awww… Trench, I’m so sorry! I know what it’s like to lose a pet! We lost our cat early last year. So I know how it feels. It’s horrible. A horrible feeling. It is like losing a family member. I couldn’t go to work for like 3 days. I know my boss and co-workers found it silly and maybe even thought I was using it as an excuse to miss work. But I really wasn’t. It just hit me really hard. I’d never lost a pet like that. Specially have it die in your own living room, so it was heartwrenching to see.
He’s in a better place. You know what. With no pain now. And don’t worry, he’s still around you. In spirit.
Time will heal the wound. But always cherish those memories and pictures!
*hugs my friend*
Ana
Sorry for your loss. Patches is a very handsome cat. These “pets” are no longer animals but are part of our family, part of our lives.
As you know, I also recently lost one of my dogs Charlie and I know how you feel. Some people who lose these “pets” would say that they would never have another one or regret having one if they knew it would cause them so much pain when losing them. But for me, this is part of having and loving these “pets”. Even though I lost several of my dogs, I never regret having them. The memories and fun you had with them can never be replaced. As you said, it’s like losing family coz they are family.
We can get over the pain and depression over losing them, but the memories we have of them will always be there. We will never forget them. :)
Rest in peace, Patches.
I, too, became fond of Patches in the short time I knew him. He liked to lay on top of the pile of clothes I was folding whenever I did laundry. (see pic above!) When he and I would be home alone, while everyone else was at work, I would carry him to my room and we would just chill on the bed, watch tv and fall asleep. I would like to think that we bonded, since he started letting me pet him while he ate. (Either that or he was just hungry and no one else wanted to sit next to him and pet him! Hehe!)
Sorry to hear it. It’s easy to get attached to animals I guess. :(
I completely know how you feel. My dog Roxy recently turned 10 years old and I’ve had her since she was 6 weeks old. She was the runt of the litter but she had a great personality so I brought her home. I know some day she won’t be around and I dread that day. I really do. She is my child… my puppy.
Roxy is family and I don’t treat her like a dog and she doesn’t always act like one either. She will greet me at the door when I come home and when it’s time for bed, she will actually hug me which might seem strange to others but I’m sure you understand.
Roxy had a friend, which was my cat that was killed a few years ago by a moving car that was driving way to fast down my street. My cat, Isabell (Bell for short), was also like a family member and to this day I still feel a huge loss… even Roxy was sad for weeks not having her play friend. Yes, a cat and dog did get along.
I know your pain. It will go away in time but just remember through good times and bad times, you will always have your memories of Patches. Hold on to your memories.
Thanks everyone for your kind words. Patches is no longer in pain and thats whats most important.
Oh this is such a sweet post. R.I.P. Patches :)
P.S. I also have a cat named Patches!
P.P.S. Isn’t it annoyingly endearing when cats plop on whatever it is you’re working on? My roommate’s cat would use my head as his pillow.
Poor little angel. :(
I’m so sorry for your loss. Patches was lucky to have such a family care and love for him. A puppy just entered our lives recently and I love him so much already. I know I would grieve very much if we lost him.
this was a beautiful entry. im sorry for your loss.