Monday, November 22, 2004

Zach (who was at one time Biz's companion) crossed over the "rainbow bridge" to kitty "heaven" yesterday afternoon (Sunday, 11/21/04). Zach had some kind of blood cancer, but we're not sure what it was, and was only diagnosed last Thursday (11/18/04).

We did not have to make the difficult decision to put him to sleep because he died on his own timing. For that, I'm very thankful. Once he exhibited signs that he was really, really sick, he was gone in 5 days. That was a blessing, too, for he did not suffer long.

Zach is buried right beside Biz in the backyard.

Rest in peace, Zach.



Saturday, November 20, 2004

I'm in sorrow again as my other cat, Zach, has been diagnosed with either lymphoma or multiple myeloma. It doesn't matter which, because he is fading very quickly.

Zach is a black domestic long-hair, about 11.5 years old. I noticed this summer that he was losing a little weight and I took him to the Vet in July where they did complete blood work (a normal check for all senior cats), and a urinalysis and everything was normal except for an elevated sugar level, which is normal for stressed-out cats at the Vet.

But recently, within the last few weeks, Zach didn't seem himself and is obviously losing much weight (from 15.5 pounds in July to about 11 this week) and this past Wed morning, Zach was basically unresponsive to food or petting - he obviously felt very bad. So we took him Thurs morning to the Vet where he diagnosed the cancer.

What I'm struggling with now is my own hypocracy: many folks have emailed me in the two years since Biz died and I've (hopefully) encouraged them with words like "I'm convinced cats don't fear death; it's a natural part of their lives," and "You'll know when the time comes that you must put your beloved to sleep." But now, those words ring hollow with me, because I'm staring in the face the loss of another beloved cat and the difficult decision of when to put him out of his misery.

Lord Jesus, be with me and give me courage, wisdom and strength. Thank You for the great years I've had with Zach (my big pookie). Please relieve Zach of any pain he is experiencing. Give me supernatural wisdom about how to care for him in these last days. Let me turn Zach into Your loving hands, for You created him. In Your Name I pray, Amen.