After a rough week and several days in ICU at the ER vet trying to get her diabetes and some serious complications under control, we made the heartbreaking decision to let Georgie go this morning. Looking back at the 12 months since her diagnosis, she had been hospitalized for multiple days five times in ICU. The rest of the time was in recovery. Not much time spent just being a cat. Her quality of life was taking a hit with this illness.. Rather than put her through more medical procedures and further hospitalizations to hopefully stabilize her, we chose to let her join her Momcat Lily at the Rainbow Bridge.
All worn out this morning. |
We visited with her for a long time at the vet, giving her tummy rubs, kisses and telling her how so very much she was loved. She was happy to see us, purred and was alert but as the time went on we could tell she was fading. She was tired, frail and genuinely weak. When I told her Lily was waiting for her, Georgie looked right into my eyes and blinked hers slowly. She was ready to leave this worn out body behind. During the procedure, Georgie rested quietly while I held her and surrounded her in Reiki light and love. It was so sad but very peaceful.
Georgie and Rosa snuggled on the porch of our old house years ago. |
We took her her home with us wrapped in a pink fleece blanket and buried her on our land next to Lily. We placed three pansies with her - two purple for us and one yellow for her.
Only on left and Georgie hiding from the tree man. |
Just as her mom Lily was the embodiment of mothering, Georgie's gift to us was her patience, sweetness and trusting nature. She calmly let me do all the diabetic procedures to her without a fuss. Her vets loved her for always letting them do their job. She was like water, bending and flowing with life's daily movements, always unflappable, unperturbed.
On the porch this past summer |
Her eyes were a gorgeous shade of green. She was extraordinarily beautiful. Yet she had a tough side too and enjoyed being in the middle of a kitty pile of her litter mates, napping or eating and shoving each other around one bowl. She could be fierce if they started rough housing, whapping the offending brother or sister on the head. If she had too much of some procedure I was doing to her, she would nip me too saying "No more."
Most mornings she would get up on the bed after Don left and head butt Tabitha and Woody, snuggling between them placidly waiting for me to wake up and feed her. She would race me to the kitchen talking all the while and line up with the others for first dibs on her food. Eating was her passion and may have been her downfall. In old photos of her, she was quite plump.
Plump Georgie |
Our pet names for her were Georgie Porgie Pudding and Pie, Georgie Girl or baby girl. She was our quiet kitty who enjoyed sleeping in odd positions, all stretched out and upside down. Although when she was not feeling well, she preferred a hidy hole. Don put her in a cat bed and placed her on his lap when she got home from one of her ICU stays while he watched TV. She was content to be in the same room with us or getting loved up - not much for laps.
Georgie on Don's lap |
If you can't see this video of her asking for food after she got the feeding tube in go here.
I appreciate all of your donations for her medical expenses over this past year, and your emotional support through her illnesses.. I wouldn't have made it without your help.
Our hearts ache at this loss and the house is so empty without her enduring presence. I know I will be looking for her in the cat bed by the back window, or on the bed in the early morning light, her white fur glowing in the darkness. When you care for a seriously ill cat like her, your every moment is tied into their schedule and needs. I feel adrift without my routine with her. But I will adjust. I am just grateful we had nine wonderful years with her although much too few Goodbye baby girl. Give my love to Lily when you see her.
Lily, her mom on left, napping on a cool spring day. |
88 comments:
Cheri and Don, we are so sorry for your loss. Thank you for loving sweet Georgie so much, and so well. What a wonderful, charmed life she had with you, and how lucky she was to have found you, and you her.
We bet she and our Moosey are getting the "new arrivals" tour at the Bridge. Perhaps they will be best friends there. How nice would that be?
Sending purrs, prayers and love to you all.
Kevin, Tracey, Gracie and Zoe
The world is a little darker with a Wonderful Whitester gone...Georgie was SUCH a gorgeous girl and I for one know just how special she was to you. I am glad she has flown free and is whole again.
{{hugs}} Trish
I'm so sorry for your loss of Georgie. What a beauty she was. She was lucky to have had your love for her time here. Deb
Oh Cheri, we just.hate that.news. I can't imagine what you.are.going.through, but please know we are thinking of you. That sweet girl loved you too and your love for her was very special. We felt as though we knew her and we thank you for sharing her with all of us.
We are so very sorry. You did everything you could for her. Mom says the hardest and yet sometimes kindest thing is letting go. Sending gentle purrs
We're so very sorry. You and Georgie fought a tough fight with her illness together, and there's an extra-special bond between a human and cat who do that. Sending purrs and hugs from all of us.
We're so very sorry for your loss. Georgie was a beautiful girl. We send our purrs and hugs to help try to ease your pain friends.
We're typing this through our tears. We're so sorry. You did so much for your sweet Georgie....including letting her go. We know that wasn't easy. We send you lots of purrs and hugs. ~Wally, Ernie, Zoey and mom Sue
I am so sorry for your loss. It's never easy to lose our furry loves, even when it's the best thing for them. Hugs and purrs to all of you
I am so sorry for your loss. *hug*
I am so sorry for the loss of sweet Georgie. She was a beautiful, gentle soul. Sending you hugs.
I am sad for your loss of Georgie. She had a happy life with you, even though it wasn't long enough. It never is, is it? A warm hug, purrs and soft paw taps of comfort.
Oh,noes. we are so furry to hear this, Miss Cheri. We sends you comforting purrs! Mommer sends you luff and hugs, and reassurance that you did what was best, although it makes us all so sad. *sigh*
The Bridge got a second Angel today... We are so sorry Georgie had to leave you. Sending you some reining love to ease you through this. Fly free beautiful girl...you are deeply loved.
I'm so very sorry for your loss. Georgie was so lucky to have you. <3 <3 <3
My heart is just broken for you. You've suffered so much loss this year and Georgie fought so hard. Battling diabetes with Angel Tara was an experience that made our bond incredibly strong and I'm sure it was the same for you. She knew how much she was loved.
Oh Cheri, I am so very very sorry.. I was so hoping they would come up with something for you..
my heart breaks for you, and my eyes leak with yours..
I am out of town and was clearing out email and read this heading and my heart sank. I am so sorry to read this. Poor sweet Georgie. Your tribute was exquisite. What a special girl she was and a stunner too. Sending you love and our most heartfelt sympathy. Xoxo
We're so sorry. Purrs and hugs from us.
So heartbreaking. Sorry for your loss. Sending purrs and prayers.
You did everything you could to help her with her diabetes and illnesses. Many hugs and purrs and purrayers to you. She is happy and running wild and free with no illnesses across the bridge with her Mom, Lily.
From all of us at Forty Paws and Maw
We am so very sorry for your loss. ((HUGS))
My heart aches so much for you. So sorry you had to say goodbye to your beloved furriend. This was a beautiful tribute to Georgie.
Oh, Cheri, I am so very sorry to hear this news; you and Don have suffered too many losses and my heart hurts for you both...I understand caring for a seriously ill kitty and know how much you loved precious, gorgeous Georgie=no doubt, she knew it too...Keeping you guys and your fur family in my prayers, hoping you all find comfort in each other and in the eternal bonds of love you shared with darling Georgie/all your sweet babies that have passed...Wishing your hearts peace at this sad time...XOXO...J, Calle, Halle, Sukki, Mommy Cat, Daddy Cat
Love you, little Georgie Girl. The world is smaller without you as part of it ... but you have made your mark upon it. Rest peacefully forever. To Cheri and Don, hugs and sharing your sadness.
I'm so sorry that Georgie is gone. I don't think any human could have worked any harder for their kitty than you guys did Georgie. But you were also sensitive enough to her wellbeing to know when it was time to say good-bye. Lots of purrs to you.
This has been a sad couple of days! I am so sorry that Georgie had to go, she was valiant in her fight and resilience! We send you gentle hugs and purrs and comfort in your sadness. love, Caro and Austin ❤️❤️
We here are very sorry. Our Best Purrs Of Comfort to you... We know the feeling of loss.
Oh Cheri and Don...what a heartbreaking year it has been for your family and your fur family...we ache with you here at the cozy cottage and well know your pain...may you be comforted by precious memories at this sad time of loss.
Love Karla
Aww, Cheri....I'm so sorry. Not what I had hoped to read, but I know she's mercifully at peace now, free of the suffering. Please be kind to yourselves, because this year has been particularly challenging for you and Don, and know that so many are sending love and universal Light. Godspeed to Georgie -- yes, she and Moosey probably were getting the new arrival orientation together. Purrs from Nicki and Derry and hugs from me.
Sending great big hugs from me and all of the Gs. Ask Georgie to head bump my Whitey and Gandalf xoxo
Barb - and Grayson, Gracie, Cosmo, BooBoo, Sarah and Tucker
We're so sorry for the loss of your sweet Georgie. We send you comforting purrs and gentle headbonks. Purrs
Oh Cheri, we are so so sorry about Georgie. Just know you tried your very best to keep her going and she was a fighter herself. And know that she knew lots of love while she lived there with you and there isn't anything better. Maybe Georgie will meet Girl kitty up there. Big hugs to you and Don.
I am so very sorry for your loss...sending hugs to you today.
Oh Cherie & Don, we are so sorry that Georgie had to leave, thank you for giving her such a loved and cared for life with you. We know you always go the extra mile for your darlings and no cat could wish for a better life than under your care.
This is such a sweet tribute to darling Georgie, what a gentle sweetheart she was. The emptiness you feel now, will soon be filled with warm, safe memories of her. You never forget, but it does ease a little. Be kind to yourselves, you did all you could and she told you when it was time. You listened, that is the kindest thing.
We send you purrs & love to ease the pain, know that little Georgie will be keeping an eye on you from The Bridge. Run free Georgie, many mousies to catch, many sun puddles to bathe in...
Love, purrs & gentle hugs
Mungo
Jet
& Jane The Ape xx
Cheri and Don and all the wildcats, I am so sorry for your loss. I felt like a huge part of me lost something as well. I have connected to the wildcats for so long I feel your loss as well. Big hugs to all of you!
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Peace.
We are so sorry to hear your sad news that Georgie had left you and although she is free from her illnesses we know you will all miss her so very much. We are sending you many comforting purrs and gentle head butts hoping these will help you through the dark days.
Love, Sue
purrs Hannah and Lucy xx xx
We are so sorry for your loss. Just know you did everything to make sweet Georgie's last year comfortable. You did the right thing for her. She will always live on in a special place in your hearts. We will miss her. (((hugs)))
We are sending you our heartfelt condolences. We know how difficult it is to make the decision to let our babies go. It was Georgie's time and you allowed her to leave in dignity surrounded by your love. She was truly beautiful and had a wonderful life with you. May you take comfort in knowing you gave her a great, love-filled life. Rest in peace , Georgie.
Love and hugs,
the critters in the cottage and their Mama Sophie XO
Cheri and Don
Words do fail at moments like these. When you know you've done you're best and there is nothing more you surrender. What a magical story you have woven of Georgie's life with you, what a special girl she was and will always be tucked inside your heart forever. You will miss her greatly and the it will be doubly hard for a new normal to develop after all the special care and comfort you've been giving her these past months. My heart aches and aches for you and Don. I know the other cats will bring you comfort but there is a special green eyed beauty missing, and that is hard. My deepest purrs and prayers of comfort for both of you. Georgie blessed you with 9 years, far too short, but all she had to give. She is now with her beloved Lily and they will wait for you. I am so very sorry. ((hugs))
I am so very sorry. (((Hugs)))
What a precious girl Georgie was - such a gift to your life - she will purrever be in your heart and my thoughts and prayers and with you and Don during this very difficult time. RIP sweet girl... Purrs of love from Deb and the Zee/Zoey gang
Georgie was very fortunate to have a loving family who did everything possible for her. You nurtured her through her illness and then gave her the most loving gift of releasing her from her suffering. We're sending you soft, healing purrs and prayers.
The Florida Furkids
Sending purrs to you from all of us here. We know how hard it is to say goodbye.
Cory and family
I am so sorry you lost Georgie girl - I know this kind of ache. And she sounds like her presence was such a wonderful gift. And you just lost Ivy - too much pain all at once.
Your tribute to her here is so very well-written.
I hope you can find the peace that you truly deserve.
Debby
http://homelesscatcare.blogspot.com
Cheri and Don, you have my sympathies in her loss. Nothing I can say can console you, but now you can slowly give up the worry and vigilance and remember her well and whole as a part of your forever family.
Cheri, Don and Georgie's siblings...we are so sorry to read about Georgie. She was a beautiful white cat and a real fighter. You made the right decision..her quality of life was surely taking a hit...Run free sweet Georgie Girl with gentle breezes in your face.
Hugs madi and Mom
Dear Wildcat friends....
Daddy Kiril & I are very sad to hear this news and Sneakers the texian Tuxedo & Friday the Bearded Lady join me in sending lots of purrs and purrayers your way.
we know that Mr. Nikita has joined the welcoming committee, alongside Georgie's mom, at Rainbow Bridge.
We are so very sorry to hear about Georgie, going to the bridge. Purrs of sympathy and paws of comfort to all of you.
Comforting purrs to you on your loss. Georgie will live on in your hearts.
So sorry to hear that you have had another loss. You certainly did everything possible for Georgie. She was a very lucky cat to have had you. Hugs.
I can hardly stand it. Georgie, God bless you little precious girl. You were so loved and cherished and will be terribly missed by your family and the rest of us. God speed darling girl.
Purrs and hugs to you and your entire family. Your Georgie was and always will be a beautiful, sweet soul. You gave her a blessed life full of nothing but love, and she knew that. Georgie will be with you always.
My warmest condolences for having to let sweet Georgie free to journey to the Bridge.
I'm so sorry for your loss of Georgie. *hugs* and purrs, Robyn and the House of the Mostly Black Cats.
Ahhhh she was was such a gorgeous girl! I know how hard it is to miss looking at such beauty and all that they were and are in spirit. Thanks for the post to bring her close to our heart as well. She really did tell you with the long slow blink that it was ok. May peace and light surround her and you always. In the quiet stillness may you see her again in love.
Blessings,
Brenda and Angie
Cheri and Don,
Please know that we at Kittens n Things are joining in with the others in letting you know we are sorry for your loss. Georgie girl was a beautiful little girl. We're sad for you and for her. We also know that even though it's one of the hardest things we/you have to do (to let them go/say good-bye), know you helped to give her a wonderful life. Purrs from Phillip, Christopher, Brody, Hope and Karen the Mom.
We are so very sorry fur your loss. Georgie will always be remembered and an inspiration. Weez sendin' lots of hugs and purrayers your way
Luv ya'
Dezi and Lexi
lots of purrs and a big (((HUG))). we are so very sorry.
We are so sad to hear of Georgie's passing. We have been pulling for her and for all of you. She was such a beautiful cat, and we will miss reading about her.
Send you our deepest thoughts and sympathies.
Love
-Luna and Amanda (CatSynth)
I am so sorry. Georgie was a beautiful girl and will be sorely missed. You have written a lovely and moving tribute to her. No words will seem enough, but you and Don are both in my thoughts and prayers. With love Jackie
Oh gosh. We are so so sorry. :-( Aww angel Georgie! Purrs and hugs, please take care
x
We are so sorry to hear that your sweet Georgie had to go to the bridge.
Sending lots of gentle (((purrs))) and huggies <3 <3 <3
It is so sad to hear that sweet Georgie has gone to the Bridge.
We know it is so hard to say goodbye to a beloved kitty.
We are sending you comforting purrs and we hope you have many happy memories
of this dear kitty.
Purrs Georgia and Julie,
Treasure and JJ
and mom Nancy
We are so sorry for your loss.
Purs,
Billy The Time Cat
Amy Pond, The Cat Who waited
Fientje
Godspeed your journey to heaven Georgie, you are and always will be a beautiful girl. We wished to send you our St Francis prayer, but it would sound repetitious with the losses your mom and dad have experienced this year, four is far too many. We are truly sorry. If your mom would like the prayer with your name, we will be honored to send it. She wrote a very loving tribute for you and it was nice to see you in
your movie; we hope you enjoyed your supper ❤️~~~~~~
our sincerest sympathy to your mom, dad and family, may God grant them the peace they need in their hearts. hugs and love from boomer, daisy, tuna, dude, sauce and mom laura
We haven't been blogging much lately, but have been following Georgie's posts and knowing you were trying your hardest to keep her here with you... Your tribute to her, and knowing that saying goodbye was hard but you gave her that gift...may that comfort you know as you carry one without her by your side...but always in your heart. Hugs and healing purrs coming your way across the miles...
Please accept our condolences. You will be in our thoughts and prayers as you grieve the loss of your sweet Georgie. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo and Mom Janet
Feeling really sad about Georgie, but she left this world with love and tenderness. My heart goes out to you.
Thank you for sharing some wonderful memories with all of us. My deepest sympathy on your loss.
Hugs
Purrs and Prayers of support for all. Georgie Girl please watch over us as you fly on you new wings full of joy in the land of beauty and grace.
Love from us all
Timmy, Dad Pete and Family
We are so very sorry for your loss and send prayers and healing energy for your healing. Georgie is a beautiful angel watching over you now.
Our heart is breaking for you and the loss of your beautiful girl. I am so sorry she had to cross that briefed. If only our dear pets wiuld live forever. M sends you a big hug and I a, sending calming purrs.
Not only was Georgie a sweetheart, and so very loved, she was also a stunning beauty. We know a little piece of your heart is - and always will be - with her. And we send you much love at this painful time.
2015 has been almost unbearably hard - we pray the new year brings you much joy, and peace....
Hugs....
We're so sorry for your loss. Georgie will sure leave a big empty spot in your house, but we hope that you'll eventually be thankful for the big not-empty spot in your heart.
You're in our thoughts.
We're so sorry for your pain. She was a beautiful cat.
I'm so sorry. You took such good and devoted care of her. What a beautiful post about her. She was so obviously well loved. I'm sorry about all the heartbreak you've had to endure.
What a lovely tribute to your sweet girl. We miss them forever but the pain loses its sharp edge in time.
I'm so sorry for your loss and so thankful for the time you had with beautiful Georgie.
xxoo
Forever in our heart. She is beautiful and lucky to have you .
Me and mom are so sorry for your loss.
Rest in peace Sweet Georgie
xoxo
I was hoping Georgie was improving, but I guess it was not meant to be. What a beautiful creature she was, inside and out, and her presence must be very missed. I wish she could have stayed. Godspeed, Georgie.
Soft wooooos, godspeed kitteh,
Nukie
Beautiful tribute to a truly stunning cat. Your love for her shines through in every word you wrote. She was so lucky to be surrounded by that kind of love in her life.
Jean from Welcome to the Menagerie
We are so sorry to hear about Georgie. You did everything you could for her and she knows it. Sending comforting purrs.
I am so, so sorry for your loss of beautiful Georgie. She is exquisite! What amazing eyes! My prayers to you and your family…Thank you for sharing her with all of us!
We are so, so, so sorry for your loss. There is a new star in the heavens.
Sending soft purrs,
Charlemagne, Tamar and Mal
We're so sorry to read about the loss of your purrecious Georgie. What a lovely Kitty he was. Send Soft Pawkisses to comfort you <3 Fly free sweet Georgie <3 <3 <3
I'm so sorry to hear of Georgie's passing and apologize for being so late with my condolences. It's been a couple of weeks since I've been reading blogs so just learned of this now.
I hope you are able to find comfort in the sweet memories you have, of your beautiful girl, who loved and was loved so very much.
Post a Comment