Our Cat Notebook
by kitty dad
An ending. A new beginning.
That is how we defined the time after Pebbles made her journey across the Rainbow Bridge in October 2005. Once again, we find ourselves at the same crossroad. The time came for our brave and handsome Dino to make his journey across the Rainbow Bridge. While it was a sad moment, it was a happy moment. Pebbles and Dino reunited. The boundary of separation, forever gone.
Our summer was passing along quietly and uneventfully. The days, lazy and warm. The evenings, refreshing and cool. Thoughts were turning toward a month of birthday celebrations. The first celebration would be the Musketeers, celebrating their third. The celebration afterward would be for Dino, celebrating his 19th.
Though advanced in years, Dino was very much a healthy kit. The signs of age were few. While he slept most of his day, Dino was his bright, usual self when he was active. Still insistent on having early breakfast around 1:00am, and taking the warm spot in bed at wake up time. Before settling down for the overnight, it would be playtime in bed.
Most unfortunate, things took a sudden downward turn. Dino's appetite began to decline. Though he had an appointment for his senior check-up, Dino was able to be seen by our vet ahead of schedule. Because of his age, we prepared ourselves for the possibility of those ailments that afflict older cats, and that our remaining time may be very short.
At the end of the first day of treatment, our outlook remained hopeful, but guarded. The blood panel results, due back the next morning, would offer an insight at what was ailing our Dino. The results provided the answers we needed. A sub-group within the larger results indicated a very serious condition was unfolding. And, recovery from that condition would be a very long shot. The two days of treatment Dino received gave him the opportunity to regain the footing needed for recovery. Unfortunately, Dino's condition didn't improve. A decision had to be made in which only one answer could be given. That was to allow Dino to journey across the Rainbow Bridge.
In his easy manner and with bright eyes, Dino conveyed he was ready. But, only after his early morning nap.
In the first six months after Pebbles' passing, Dino made many adjustments. First, it was Egypt's introduction into the household about two weeks later. Though Egypt and Dino generally got along, he usually kept his distance from his younger and more active housemate. A few months later, it was the introduction of Midnight, Maxie, and Tuxie into the household.
Much to Dino's credit, he made the adjustments in his usual easy manner. Regardless of the situation, Dino always knew he was the first cat, the best cat. Egypt cared for Dino, but in her own way. The Musketeers showed him much deference and respect, knowing it was his household.
The other changes in the household were very few. Just a slightly different look of the indoors. Like a couple furniture rearrangements and new flooring in the kitchen and dining room. But, those changes were quite minor to him. The schedule and daily routine remained the same. His favorite spots remained the same. He remained the "most favored."
The new beginning, for now, is on the more quiet side, led by our Egypt. The closest to Dino, she has made the adjustment quite well. The Musketeers have made their adjustments equally as well. The daily schedule and routine has remained the same.
With the passage of time, Dino's journey across the Rainbow Bridge will be soothed away. His easy going, friendly nature missed. The many things he did, fondly remembered with a smile. And, his presence in our family, forever pressed in our hearts. Dino, like Pebbles, will be greatly missed.
