April 27, 2008

Our Finny went to sleep on April 27th of 2008 and it's taken me until now to be able to write this.  He was only 5 1/2 and so it came as a huge shock when he was diagnosed in February with chronic renal failure.  Tests indicated that he had the kidney function of a 12 year old cat.

Although we hoped the vets were right when they told us many CRF cats can live a good long while on a low protein diet & with subcutaneous fluids, Fin continued to lose weight.  We tried everything to help him, even giving him sub-q fluids at home ourselves but his poor little kidneys just couldn't keep up.  I felt so helpless and powerless as he weakened.  Our strong little guy who once leapt to great heights was grounded and when he began to refuse to eat, we knew our time with him was coming to an end.  That was one of the hardest days of my life.  A few people have said that Fin "was just a cat" but to us he was family.

Finghín was sweet, quiet and gentle-souled and I am beginning to think he was so special that we were only meant to enjoy his presence for a short time.  Five and a half years feels like not nearly enough time.  A reclusive cat, we were so lucky to be among the very few people that he allowed to get to know him.  Those few who did, found him remarkable and love him as we do.

He was with Tom and I when we first started dating, chaperoned us during late-night dinners and Friday night movies.  He made the move with us to each new home, finding his own special spots in every one - especially the high spots where none of the rest of us could go.  And he accepted and adapted to the new kitty and lively puppy we decided to bring into the house - and they miss him too.

I miss you so much Fin - at dinnertime when you watched us from across the table, at the water tap where you perched waiting for fresh water, and curled up behind us on the couch while we watched movies.  We continue on but our home is not the same without you - you are our irreplaceable Finny.  We hope you are somewhere happy, getting your fill of fresh running water and finding lots of good 'eats'.

All our love forever,
Roxanne and Tom, and Zelda and Checky