He was not an old cat by any means, probably around 6 years old. He stayed out last night with another cat, Toby. It was staying in the upper 40s to low 50s and they just didn't want to come in. This morning around 7:00 I woke up and let them both in. Absolutely nothing out of the ordinary. They both ate a nice breakfast with the rest of the cats. I sat on the couch with my bottled frapaccino like every other morning and Sunkist curled up in my lap for a while. I then got up and he went to lay on the couch in his favorite sleeping spot. I watched tv, went on the computer for a while, took a shower and dressed and went to put on my socks and sat down on the couch. I reached up to pet him and was surprised when he didn't respond. I kept petting him and talking to him thinking he was in a deep sleep. I then picked up his paw and was so shocked to see it was completely stiff, along with the rest of him. I want to warn you that I took a picture of him, in the position I found him. Here is the photo below. He just seemed so peaceful.....
My neighbor has come over and has taken Sunkist, as Sunny originally came over from her house and I had been taking care of him for the past 4-5 years. She will be bringing him to our vets to do an autopsy to see what could have happened.
The weekends have been so hard lately without Butterball and now this. Rest in peace Sunny. You lived up to your name. Always bright and happy. Wanted to be everyone's friend. I'm so sorry I couldn't give you the attention you so craved.
11 comments:
Wow. I don't know what to say, except I am so very sorry. I know the lost of Butterball was hard on you. Now this. I don't know what else to say. My thoughts are with you. Lisa
Oh, my. My heart goes out to you.
Possumlady--I am sure you did much for Sunkist--so no need to say sorry.
Your story about his last day shows how much you did.
But my heart goes out to you too--losing two kitties in such a short time.
This is almost too much to bear - you've suffered so much loss in such a short amount of time! Your picture of Sunkist is so peaceful, it looks as if he just went to sleep. All the creatures in your home are blessed to have you care for them, and I know Sunkist had a better life because of you. Hugs to you!!!!!
Thank you all for the words of support. This has been such a hard 3 weeks with the death of Butterball and the sudden death of Sunkist. I found myself pacing around the house all day yesterday just trying to make sense out of it all.
Word is already back from the vet and Sunny had a very enlarged heart. The vet said there would have been no symptoms prior to heart failure. Somehow I thought this would make me feel better but I got the news right before I left work and cried all the way home.
I think with the sudden death of anyone we love be it animal or person, we second guess and start feeling guilty over all the slights. Sunkist really was a special guy. So HUGE. He weighed 25 pounds if he weighed an ounce. But no fat, just a really big cat. I used to call him Lucky Lemur because of his big striped tail that would bend over his back like a lemur.
He really deserved a home with just one or two more cats where he could get all the attention he deserved. He would walk with me like a dog actually leaning up against my leg. And, at times, I would just push him away telling him to give me a little space. I tried to give him enough attention but with all my other charges and a full time job and a house and yard to take care of by myself it never seemed like enough.
So, again, I am sorry I wasn't able to give him the attention he deserved. I am thankful that I did have more time since Butterball passed and I know I spent extra time with Sunkist these last two weeks but I wish I would have had the time to spoil him like I did with Butterball.
Hello Again! It is a natural reaction to second ourself. We coulda, woulda, shoulda ourself. Why didn't I do this? Why didn't I do that. Again I say this is natural, but what we should really do is not blame ourselves. We should think of all the good times. The good cuddles. The happy meows. I think what Sunkist had was a happy home with lots of friends and love from you. Lisa
AS someone who knows the pain of losing cherished pets I just wanted to say I'm sorry for your recent losses.
http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html
Geez. This is hard to comprehend. I'm so sorry...
It's too much, Possumlady. I hope you are smiling a little bit by now.
I'm so sorry for your losses...losing two kitties in such a short time must be difficult. I hope time and good memories dull your aching heart. You gave him a good home which is so much more than many felines enjoy. Don't second guess yourself...just allow yourself to be sad....not guilty.
((hugs)) across the distance between us. You know I know your grief. I hope time is easing your pain with gentle memories of the lives who have blessed yours.
I came over from Laura's blog, to tell you am so sorry for your losses.
They leave such a large hole in our lives and hearts.
Sunkist had a good life with you, and I hope you are remembering the good times you had.
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