Me: Guess what?
You: Chicken butt.
Me: No, really, guess what?
You: I give up. What?
Me: I haven’t seen my Mr. in almost two months.
You: Holy guacamole! Where’s he been?
Me: Rock n’ rollin’.
You: But I thought you were afraid of being alone at night?
Me: Oh yeah, I’m a panicker for sure. I just sorta took a great big breath when he left, and always made sure the TV was always on Disney or HGTV. (a.k.a. my two favorite channels that don’t ever show scary movie trailers.)
——————————————————————————————————-
He’s coming home today, and I cannot wait to finally e x h a l e………..
(And sleep with the all the lights off again.)
The house he’s coming home to is a little different than the one he left though.
On March 31st I had to say goodbye to our cat, Mr. Bean…
It was absolutely heartwrenching.
The two of us had spent a lot of time going back and forth to the vet during March. He stopped eating, and he was dropping weight like crazy. The first time around, they pulled one of his teeth (they said it was infected) and hooked him up to IV to get him rehydrated. The second time around, they hooked him up to another IV, did an ultrasound, and put him on three different medications. The prognosis wasn’t good, but he did show signs of improvement after a few days, so I took him home and watched YouTube videos about how to give cats pills. Three times a day, for the next week, I straddled his bath towel-wrapped body, nervously pryed his jaws apart and forced multi-colored pills inside his (growling) mouth. It was awful. For him, more than me, I’m sure. Eventually, I got him to eat a teeny tiny bit of soft cat food, but just when I thought he might be getting better, he took a major turn for the worse.
He was a shell of a cat the day I called his Dr. with what turned out to be the final update of his condition.
“You’ve done everything you could“, she replied, “It’s time to say goodbye.”
My knees went weak and I felt a huge lump form in my throat. I was afraid to talk because I didn’t want to open the floodgates, but I think she picked up on it because she did most of the talking after that. I listened to her explain the process, and our options, and just tried with all my might not to sob.
The next few days were pretty rough, especially since Kev was gone, but I know Bean was in a lot of pain and I absolutely hated seeing him like that.
He was an amazing and beautiful cat, and we’ll all miss him very much…
…especially the mama that rescued him at a grocery store…13 years ago.
PS- I published this post by Bean not that long ago, and I’ll always smile when I think about all the crazy places he used to sleep.
I am so sorry that you have lost your precious kitty Bean. It is never easy to say good bye and I have said good bye to family pets it seems way too many times. Hang on to the sweet memories of him and take comfort in the fact that you gave him a loving and comfortable home. My heart goes out to you.
Danielle
I understand having your husband away! It’s always so fun when he returns!
Oh, Beanie. You are one cute cat. Please play around with all of my friends Up There with you. Give ’em a cuddle for me, wouldja?
El – I’m so happy you’re back with your Main Squeeze. (And be watching the mail for a little something from me! It’s on its way…) 😉
So, so sorry sweetie:( I had to have our dog of 10 years put down a couple of years ago, and I could not believe how much I mourned her. So glad you hubby is coming home to give you big hugs..
Yea for the Mr. coming home …((((HUGS)))) re: Bean cat. Love your blog, BTW 🙂
Ugh. I’m totally teary-eyed right now. Losing a pet sucks somethin’ fierce.
I understand and feel your pain. We lost two cats last week and it was just horrible. He will live in your memories, the wonderful pictures you took of him and your heart.
Robin in Virginia
Poor girl, I really feel for you. Mr. Bean was a beautiful kitty and I bet he had a long wonderful life with you guys. Cats have a way of touching our hearts in ways nobody else can. I’m so sorry for your loss.
We had to put down our 4 year old Great Dane a couple of weeks ago. He was in pain all the time from bad hips. It was a gut-wrenching decision but it’s what we had to do for him and for us. We miss him dearly, but knowing he isn’t hurting anymore is comforting and now I can smile when I think about him and all the wonderful memories we made together <3
I am so sorry for your loss.
On a happier note- it is awesome to hear that your hubby is returning!
I’m so sorry about Mr. Bean. He sounds like a wonderful buddy and he’s fortunate that a kind hearted soul picked him up and took him home. Glad your husband is coming home soon so your not alone.
I’m sorry for your loss, it had to be incredibly hard to see your poor kitty sick. I am sure having Kevin home will make things a lot better!
Oh Layla, I’m so sorry. We just put our cat down this month as well. It was very painful to watch her get sick and have to make that decision. I love your retrospective for him! Hang in there.
Sorry to hear about Bean! He will be missed! I am glad Kevin will be home to soon to help you get over it.
Oh! You just made me cry … and I am barely awake 🙂 You are an inspiration. Enjoy your hubby time. You gave your kitty boy a lot of good years and love. It is never easy to say goodbye though. Hugs to you!
Aw I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your Mr. Bean. It’s never easy to loose a pet – specially when you are alone for it. Many hugs!
Oh Layla, I’m so sorry. Losing a pet is always so hard. My thoughts are with you.
I’m so very sorry to hear about your sweet Mr. Bean. Our furbabies are so hard to let go. They give sooo much of themselves in such a short period of time. We never have enough time with them. I’m happy for you both that Kevin is coming home. It will be nice to have your family back together again!
It’s so sad when one of our furry ones pass. I’m sure Mr. Bean was very happy to have you as his human. I’m so sorry for your loss.
So sorry to hear about your kitty. Hope everything gets better once your sweetie is home!
Oh Layla i am so sorry about Bean. I feel your pain and can relate. The same thing happened to our 14 year old Tigger. He was down to bones within 3 months and i was literally keeping him alive. He just wanted me to hold him all day. He could hardly walk or stand and would fall when trying to walk. We were keeping him alive for my college son to see him before we let go. He stood at the back door crying so loud wanting out that my heart broke so i let him go outside. He never left our backyard – little did I know that was the last time I would see him. He went off to die on his own terms. I know he is happy and running around with all the other animals and children in Heaven – i bet he is even playing with Bean. It makes me smile to think that but will always miss him! Enjoy spending time and being with your husband! Those moments are so precious — Many blessings to you!
That’s so sad, I love my pets, and I know how tough it is. But, I am glad you’re husband is almost home!
Sincerely,
Debbie
Layla, I am so sorry for you loss. Losing a beloved pet truly is heartbreaking. I love the gorgeous photos you posted of him, what a beautiful kitty.
I’m sorry, too, that you had to deal with this without having your hubby there. You must be beyond excited to see him – those two months must have seemed like forever! Glad to know you’ll be together again soon (and you can sleep with all the lights off again). 🙂
Glad to hear Kevin is on his way home but very very sorry to hear about Bean. So hard when we lose one. I dread the day that I lose one of my current fur babies. Can’t stand to think about it because I’ve been through it and I know how bad it is. Nice to know that you will be happy tonight when Kevin gets back home.
Layla,
I’m so sorry about your kitty. He must be in kitty heaven and it will nice to have Kevin home to give you hugs.
Karen
lost my lill buddy recently also. Lots of love coming from Canada xo
I am SO SORRY for your loss. We just had to say goodbye to our little dog Rikki a week ago Saturday. You can see him here if you want. 🙂 https://www.facebook.com/album.php?fbid=10150550835715287&id=577930286&aid=650740&l=204837b7fa
But I know firsthand how our furry babies become “children” especially during the adoption process. We are in the process of adopting domestically (we started July 2009), so it’s been a long road.
Anyway, allow yourself to grieve. It’s a very real loss and it’ll take a little time. And know that there are others out there who really do understand. {hugs}
I’m so sorry for the loss of your baby. We had to let our 14 year old dog (half pug/half shih-tzu) go this past June, and it was truly heart wrenching. It’s been almost a year and I still miss her every single day. It’s amazing how they become a part of your family. How’s your pup doing? Our other 2 dogs were so sad and miserable without her and it took them months (and us getting another female dog) to get back to their normal selves. Mourn your baby well. I know he deserves it. Hugs to you, Kevin and your pup.
I am really sorry for the loss of your dear old friend, Mr. Bean. Its hard to say goodbye to a pet that has been a loyal companion for so long. But to see them suffer is hard too. I hope the memories you made together will help get you through the tough adjustment time of missing him!
My heart hurts for you. That is the toughest part of owning a most beloved pet. xox
I am holding you close in my thoughts. Always know that you did the loving thing. Remember all the good times and smile.
I am so sorry for your loss in Mr. Bean, such a beautiful cat! Reading your post brought tears to my eyes. I can’t imagine how difficult that was for you to go through, especially without your hubby. So glad he is coming home today! Love your blog, website, etc, etc. You guys are an inspiration!!
I’m so sorry for your loss. He must have been a wonderful cat, and a good friend.
Oh my hear hurts for you. I love tabby cats. {{HUGS}}
Heart, my heart hurts for you.
I’m so sorry for you. Just reading the post had me in tears. I know how sad you must be and can only hope that the idea that your cat had such a wonderful life will help you. Hugs from France.
Big sigh, I’m really sorry about your sweet kitty. And now I’m weeping…goodbyes just plain stink. That must have been really tough to deal with on your own, too- I’m glad you won’t be alone for much longer! 🙂
Sorry for your lost. Animals become apart of your family so quickly and it’s said there time here is limited.
Layla, I am so sorry for your loss. Your Bean was a beautiful tiger with a sweet face.
I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart hurts for you. Glad your hubby is coming home. I know that feeling well. I’m also glad to know that i’m not the only one who has to sleep with the lights on as well as the Disney channel ONLY when he is away. Thoughts are with you.
So sorry for your loss. 🙁 Pets are a part of our family too. My heart goes out to you!
I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend. I’ve been there. I know how much it hurts. I know he’s waiting for you on the other side. Hugs.
That was a beautiful story ! RIP Bean !!!! Made be think of our cat September , we had to do the same 🙁
Your sweet Bean looked just like my dear Stella who had a undiagnosed ailment. I too went to the vet many times and in the end nothing helped her to stay with us. Stella was the most amazing cat. I would walk through the living room and she would literally chase me gently grabbing at my calves. She has been my best cat I ever had and hands down my favorite. Stella has been gone for a year now and I still cry.
I am so sorry for your loss.
That is heartwrenching! My cousin has a classic tabby that looks a lot like your beloved Mr. Bean. Sorry for your loss.
Don’t worry! He is in cat heaven with his twin, Doofy. And Doof is telling Mr. Bean “You know, YOUR owner was the smart one. Mine was the dork who would. not. let. go. I finally had to hurl myself in a pond when her back was turned. I did not like iv’s, i did not like pills, i did not like being fed through a tube in my throat, i did not like being shaved, I did not like needles…what was she THINKING? Humans!” and i bet Bean was saying “operative word, Doofy-thinking-” and then they scamper off to a sunbeam in which to sleep. I’m sorry-I know it hurts.
Layla, I’m extremely sorry to hear about Mr. Bean’s passing.
I’ve been there before with my beloved cat, Jake. Its tough but time lessens the loss.
So glad Kevin is coming home and you can sleep better now!
Take care ~Brooke
As a USN wife, I know how hard it is to hold your breath (the longest I did it was 8 months…gives you a headache when you do it too long!!) until your hubby is back, safe & sound, & you can finally relax when you sleep!
I’m so sorry to read about Mr. Bean (great name, btw…a fan of British humor perhaps? I’m a Brit, born & raised, but now a naturalized – & very proud – American). I have 2 feline babies & I can’t imagine how hard it’d be to watch their suffering & be doing everything for them only to have to put them to sleep!
I’m so sorry!!!! how sad!!!!
So glad to hear your Mr. is coming home!!! That’s the best feeling ever!
xo, Mallory @ ClassyClutter
I am SO sorry to hear about your cat. I had the same situation with my dog of 17 years a while back, and it is one of the hardest things. I now have a cat, who looks very similar to yours, and it will hurt very much when he passes too. Again, my condolences about your beloved animal.
Best,
Gloria
I’m so very sorry to hear about Mr. Bean – we just had to bury our kitty Baxter yesterday. He too had been suffering this past week and stopped eating, slowly becoming a cat we no longer knew. He waited until my daughter got home to take his final breaths. It’s been a rough week for us, but we know he’s no longer suffering. My husband and I rescued him from a local animal shelter back when we first started dating 11 years ago. He was a great cat. Hugs to you and Kevin!
Losing a pet is so heartbreaking. I’m sorry about Mr. Bean, but he apparently had a very wonderful life and was loved much.
Don’t know how I found your blog but I did.
Take care.
Barbara (aka Layla – its my nickname I used back in my rock band days)