Every morning, for the past twelve years,
we have been greeted outside the barn by this fellow.
TomTom, our orange Tom cat faithfully served as barn manager...
over-seeing chores and making sure that meals were served on time.
TomTom didn't have the easiest life.
An upper respiratory condition and nasal polyps (for which he had surgery)
were an ongoing issue for him...
for which there was no cure.
You always knew when TomTom was around...
his noisy mouth-breathing preceding him.
Still, he managed to get along pretty well,
claiming a bed on the workbench under a heat lamp
right next to the food as his territory.
For the last several weeks, Tommy started losing weight,
and his breathing became labored.
Yesterday morning he refused to eat
(so uncharacteristic for him).
Yesterday afternoon we found him lying on his side in the hayloft of the barn,
and each breath was a struggle.
We texted Dr. Becky and within minutes she was there to
help ease his distress.
His passing was peaceful, with us stroking him
as he drifted away.
Our hearts are heavy...
we will miss this kitty who was a part of our every day.
But, we are thankful that he is not suffering
and that he left us peacefully.
This is the hard part about giving our heart to
our critters.
Eventually we must say goodbye to each and every one of them.
Helping them to pass peacefully without suffering is the
last loving thing that we get to do for them.
And if it's true that all of these souls will join us
when we, ourselves, pass,
then there is much comfort in knowing that we will be greeted
by quite a crowd!
This is the last photo taken of TomTom,
yesterday morning.
He and Griz were in charge of keeping our seats warm.
Comments
Julia
He had an amazing life with y'all.
Hugs.
Mary
Thank goodness you have so many other furbabies to help fill in the gap TomTom leaves for now! ❤🐱
I am so sad to read this post... Thankfully you were able to find him and keep him from suffering. I look for Griz to step up and take the open position!
Hugs from KY. Margy
Sending virtual hugs to you all.
And, Hugz to you and Jack... for always opening your home and hearts to all creatures fur and feathers....loving them until you have to let them cross over....
Hugz
>^..^<
gracie