Usually when Animal Control gets a
request from an owner to pick up an animal, it is because the owner no
longer wants the pet and/or its litter of offspring. REBA'S case was
very different. Her owner was in a wheelchair with a progressive
disease that no longer allowed her to care for Reba. She had no
alternative but to call Animal Control and it was a VERY tearful morning
for all involved. I got a call from Animal Control asking if I still
had room for a geriatric cat until The Magoo Room filled with blind cats.
"Yes, Ma'am! I'll be right there." Reba only spent about 2
hours out of her first home before she landed at our home. Sweet
Reba now occupies a guest room, bathroom, and hallway, as she does not
appreciate the company of other cats. We suspect that is because she
is in constant pain in her spine, and is being defensive, rather than
aggressive. She has been to the NC State University veterinary
teaching hospital to take part in a food study for chronic diarrhea, and
is currently on a pain medication for her back. Reba's idea of
heaven is to have someone sit on the floor with her. She cannot
manage a jump to any height and having company on her level is her fondest
wish. Reba loves chin scratches and crawling into a lap, just like
she did with her first mom!
|
|
|
|
| What a striking girl Reba is! | Reba bellying up to the "bar" for a little dinner. |
The
last year of Reba's life, she lost over five pounds, and became more and
more frail, with an uneven gait and little appetite. I knew she was
failing, but was also a kitty that would not tolerate pills or sub-cu
fluids well. I made a conscious decision that it was better for her to
decline slowly, than to treat her in ways that would be torture for her
and lower the quality of her life. Reba still enjoyed sitting on my lap
for morning tea, and again in the evening at television time, but on the
morning of August 18, 2009 she made her way to the kitchen without being
able to use one of her back legs. Renal failure had taken its toll. I
knew it was time. Joe & I took her to Dr. Wyatt for her final moments.
Reba purred and purred, and headbutted my hand as I petted her. Our
voices were the last she heard. My face was the last she saw. Reba
passed peacefully from our lives, but not from our memories. She was a
grand old gal of 17. We were so fortunate to have her for her last four
years.
