February 20th, 2013
Our last photo together.
My eight year old doll-face flame point Himalayan cat Oliver was euthanized Wednesday morning.
In 2009, at just five years old, Oliver was diagnosed with kidney problems and in 2010, he took a turn for the worse despite his special diet. An ultrasound revealed he had polycystic kidney disease. I vowed to fight with him. I learned to give him sub-q fluids here at home. After a couple months of treatments and tests, I promised Oliver there would be no more needles. We would fight with diet and do whatever we could together to keep him as healthy and happy as possible.
Oliver was a warrior. He had good streaks and bad streaks. Some days he’d eat without argument but other days it would take up to 20 minutes to get him to eat just a few bites. When he stopped eating his prescription kibble, I picked up canned moist food. I whipped the mush with water to make it higher in moisture which eliminated the need to worry about how to fend off dehydration. When he got tired of the mushy meals, I mixed wet and dry. Then we went back to just dry kibble again. I began begging him and bribing him with promises of US currency and elaborate vacations. He soon would want petting rewards for eating. Meal time was our time together.
Oliver played and purred. He lived up to his princely title without a doubt. He oversaw his kingdom and fought his disease valiantly. His weight fluctuated since his diagnosis in 2009 (he was only 6 pounds at his heaviest) but he was slowly shrinking. I worked harder to get him eating. Every vet visit resulted in the same praise. He was doing well and we should keep up with what was working. Oliver was bright eyed and bushy tailed. He was my fluffy prince, my sunshine man, my boo, my baby, my heart.
Our vet visit in September revealed a slight weight gain. A weight gain was a huge boost to my peace of mind. But then I noticed changes. Gradually he ate less. He looked smaller to me. I was grateful he still acted normally. No real sign of anything serious. His visit in December showed a weight loss. Then he just looked like he was getting old. His grooming habits slowly changed and became less thorough. I did my best to keep him looking regal and handsome. He still purred and followed me around for petting and chin rubs.
I told several family members and friends that I thought this would be our last winter together. I had a feeling. I couldn’t put my finger on it. We had gone through peaks and valleys and plateaus but I knew. This time it was different. The weekend of February 16th, I knew I had to prepare myself to say goodbye.
I vowed never to keep a pet alive for my own selfish wishes and needs. Oliver was resting peacefully and purring for me Sunday but as the new week began he showed signs that the end was near. His blue eyes looked different. He didn’t come to me when I begged him. I made the call and we said goodbye Wednesday morning. My heart broke as I said my final goodbye and kissed him. My fluffy rescue boy who had never bitten, scratched or lashed out at any member of our household, had crossed the rainbow bridge. My brave prince made me so proud.
People have told me that he wouldn’t have thrived so long with a different owner. Few would have the patience to tolerate his finicky ways especially at meal times. That might be true. I admit I would get frustrated, I’m only human. But Oliver was my angel. I miss his goofy antics and higher-than-thou demeanor. I miss his ear tufts, his crazy wild whiskers, his perfectly-toasted-marshmallow point coloring and his bright blue eyes that captured my heart when I first met him in 2004.
Rest in peace my little man. Know how proud I am to have fought beside you in your war against kidney disease. You will live on in my heart always.
I dug out my Zebra NuSpiral ballpoint pen and used it for most of my planner writing. It’s a great feeling pen with a nice squishy grip. The refill is a fine black. It writes nicely without much pressure. I was gifted a second one with a turquoise grip but had trouble with a blue refill exploding. I had never encountered this problem and contacted Zebra. They were awesome and sent me a replacement turquoise grip pen and refill pack. Unexpectedly, they also sent a blue grip NuSpiral. I’m in NuSpiral heaven!
No stickers this week. It’s been a very difficult time. My eight year old doll-face flame point Himalayan cat Oliver was euthanized Wednesday morning. I’ll post about him separately very soon.
Be well.
It’s hard to believe the seventh week of the new year is complete. I’ve finally started using pens in my planner. The reign of the pencil has ended. I’ve grabbed my Domo multi-pen, BIC multi-pen and even tried my Papermate Biodegradable ballpoints. I like the finer point ballpoints lately. I also found my stash of tiny circle stickers. That’s a great thing BUT the non-foil stickers are no longer sticky. I have quite the mess to clean up. Anyone need confetti?
Be well.
Here it is – my week six. Not too exciting, not very glamorously recorded either. Things are in an odd orbiting haze these days. I apply to various jobs I think I’m qualified for and then wait and wait. I take a test to work for the city this week. I’m a bit nervous but I’m pretty sure I can do alright. But then what? Will I get an interview? It is best not to make plans and not to worry. I’m trying to live in the now and have been escaping into the pages of a good book when I need the distraction. Life is fickle so I’m trying to enjoy my time or at least be content. I really aggravated my ankle and tendinitis yesterday so today I am granting myself permission to rest and read.
Be well.
Roller skating giraffe stickers make some weeks better. This week was pretty good. I got a lot done around the house but aggravated my ankle tendinitis while shoveling snow Saturday morning. Back to resting and be very careful not to reach the “too much” mark during all physical activity. Live and learn — and then be reminded.
Be well.
The first three were drawn with a Uniball Gelstick 0.7. This was done with a Uniball Vision Needle Micro.
After the first three full pages, I turned to Matt and asked him what shape should be next. He replied “Triangles.”
I finished this up Friday and haven’t started another one yet. I figure I should rectify that now. I just need to figure out what shape is next.
Be well.
Miscellaneous Ramblings of a Thirty-Something DIYer 