Sonia had been treating Sassy for the thyroid condition since June of last year. Sassy’s health had improved and she had regained some of the weight she had lost. Then a couple months ago I noticed that she appeared to be losing weight again. We took her back to the vet for blood test to make sure her thyroid level was okay. The results came back everything appeared to be pretty good. We continued to monitor her and feed her separately from the other cats. She always seemed hungry but never ate very much at any one time. Then I noticed her stomach appeared to be a little bloated even though the rest of her was looking thin. We took her back to the vet because I was concerned that there may be some kind of blockage. The vet drew fluid from her abdomen and sent it for laboratory analysis last Friday. Over the weekend Sassy did not appear to be doing well. She was unsteady on her feet at times and had difficulty jumping up onto places where she would normally hang out. She was still as affectionate as always, rubbing her head against you anytime you were near and purring every time you touched her.

There is a look that an animal gets in their eyes that I can’t describe, but have seen before. The look basically tells you that they are in pain and tired of fighting. Sassy climbed in bed with me Sunday night and rested her paws and chin on my arm as she had many times before. She purred as I scratched her head, but I noticed that the sparkle that had always been in Sassy’s eyes was now gone. Instead there was just “the look”. Sonia noticed it also, but neither of us wanted to talk about it. I just fell asleep listening to her purr.

On Monday Dr. Vega called Sonia with the results of the test. Sassy had an incurable cancer that was causing the fluid in the abdomen and the bloating. Sonia and I would do anything to help her and spend whatever money necessary to treat her, but there was nothing that we could do except make sure she did not suffer needlessly. Tuesday afternoon Sonia called and told me that she had made an appointment at the vet for Sassy to be put to sleep. (Euthanized is such a cold and clinical sounding word)  I got home a few hours before Sonia and spent the time with Sassy who was resting on her favorite blanket we left on the couch. I offered her a little of her favorite treat (dolphin safe tuna) and she ate a little and then headed towards the cats water fountain. She walked a short distance and then she laid herself down on the floor. After a short time she repeated this again, so I picked her up and carried her to the water dish. Even though it was obvious the she was not feeling well she purred each time I touched her or picked her up. I then placed Sassy on the bed and I stretched out alongside her. Charley joined us, laying down next to Sassy and putting his head against her's.

Sonia arrived a short time later and the three of us headed to the vet for Sassy’s last appointment. At the vet they escorted us into a private room where we were alone with Sassy while waiting for the doctor. Normally, Sassy would be up and around exploring the office but this time was different. As we stood there and petted her she just lay down on the blanket we had brought with her and purred. Sassy had always been such a wonderful patient that every vet that had ever examined her had commented about it. Today was no different. Dr. Vega came in and we talked for a while and reminisced about our time with Sassy. As Sonia and I scratched Sassy’s head and neck, Dr. Vega administered the drugs intravenously. Sassy purred until the end when she let out one final breath and then relaxed.  Even though we both knew that this was the best thing for Sassy, I don’t have the words to describe my sadness at that point both for Sassy and for Sonia.  It has only been a little over a year since the passing of our beloved child Scooter, and the hole in my heart remains. A parent should never have to outlive one of their children, furry or otherwise!

As you can see in the pictures of the slide show above, Sassy and Charley spent a lot of time together. Sassy was like a mother to several of our children but shared a special relationship with Charley. Since Sassy's passing Charley has been more "needy" than usual and has spent most of his time laying next to Sonia or I anytime we sit down for a few minutes.