Lost my Little Angel
I got my Lola at a shelter my 2nd year of college. I was kind of sad and lonely after transferring to a new school in a new city. I strolled into a local shelter and saw a beautiful long haired tabby who was so scared that she had to get her own room. She was shy but clearly really wanted love. I was nervous to pull the trigger but I told myself if she was there the next time I went that I would get her. Sure enough, a week later she was still there and I brought her home with me. I guess the staff had the previous owner (who must have had her as a kitten and surrendered her when she was 2) fill out a bio/questionnaire that they give to adopters. On the form they wrote that she was “sneaky” and when asked what their favorite thing about her was they answered: “nothing”
Well, that sneaky girl was my best friend for the last 11 years. It was so wonderful to have her be there for so many moments from graduating college to moving across the country to getting married. She was an incredibly sassy and loyal girl. While aloof and sometimes mean to guests she was an absolute shadow with myself and my wife. Sleeping in bed with us most nights, usually right next to my pillow. Im going to miss her big fluffy tail whacking my face before bed and our morning routine of drinking coffee on the couch in the morning while she was pressed up against my right leg until the moment I had to get up.
4 days ago she threw up a couple times but acted pretty normal aside from that. The next day she wouldn’t eat at all and started walking slowly with her back low and when I picked her up she gave a terrible noise… clearly in pain. I rushed her to the emergency vet and sadly her kidneys were failing and there was nothing we could do. I definitely feel a little guilt. 2 months prior on our honeymoon the sitter had to take her to the vet because she stopped eating. The vet ran blood work on her and said she was dehydrated and we all thought it was stress from us being away. It made sense at the time but now I’m thinking that the signs of dehydration (like elevated potassium) was probably her kidneys weakening. The vet gave her an IV and a food stimulant and she acted completely normal for the next 2 months until her passing.
It’s been 3 straight days of crying but I’m starting to come to peace with it. I was just so lucky to have her and I’m so thankful I got 11 amazing years with such a special little angel. No one will ever replace her and I’ll be missing her for as long as I live.