Tuesday, January 27, 2009

In Memory of Chloie



My mother called yesterday with terrible news. Chloie had been sick for a few weeks. My mom consulted the local veterinarian who said to give her some antibiotics but when she only got worse mom finally took her in.

I was at Lowes looking for seed starting materials when she called. She was already crying when she broke the news. Chloie had cancer.

I have had Chloie since i was 11 years old. She has been my loving friend for 16 years. She has always joined me in the gardens chasing insects and hiding beneath the iris foliage. Always following me through the gardens. She at times would follow me during late night strolls through our small town. She would run ahead and then wait for me to catch up. Chloie was a fluffy long haired cat. Mostly grey with a white under belly, feat and nose. In her smokey, grey fur there were swirls of a light brown that intensified in the summer. A feisty kitten, the first time i picked her up she scratched my on my nose. I cryed and said i didn't want her. That of course wasn't true. She became my side kick. My bedroom was her hang out and favorite place to sleep. She even ripped a whole in my window screen so that she could come and go as she pleased on summer nights.

The Vet advised that putting her to sleep would be best. She had tumors in her stomach and one large one pushing on her throat. She was unable to eat very well for a few days before she went in due to this tumor pressing against her throat. I gave mom the o.k. to have her put to sleep. I have never lost a pet that has been such a huge part of my life. I didn't realize how painful it was going to be. I expected Chloie to live much longer. She has always been so healthy and active.

Monday afternoon Chloie was put to rest. I am going to miss my friend. I will plant Chloie a beautiful garden with irises and daylilies that she loved to play under so much.

14 comments:

tina said...

Oh, it is so sad to lose a favored friend. Sorry for your loss.

Tatyana@MySecretGarden said...

I am so sorry. I lost my cat when he was 3 years old. I am happy for you, because you spent so many happy years with Chloie, and I am very sad because the longer you have a pet - the bigger part of your life she becomes. One of my dogs is getting very close to the end. Maybe, that is why I feel so much for you.

Julia Erickson said...

I am so sad for you.

Yvonne said...

So sad to lose a beloved cat. My condolences. Yvonne

Unknown said...

Thank you for you kind comments. It is hard to lose a pet especially when they have been around for so long. My dog is also very old. We expect him to go with in the year. He has suprised us so far. He is a 16 yr old German Shephard. His hips are still good too. A little week but no dysplasia.

I kind of forgot that she wouldn't always be there.

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Been there, had it happen more times than I'd like to count. A friend once told me that if we let animals into our hearts, our hearts will be broken at times, but will also be better for the experience. That doesn't lessen the grief and pain any, of course. Planting a special garden for Chloie is the perfect way to remember her, and it will also help to ease your heart.

Catherine@AGardenerinProgress said...

Sorry to hear about your cat. Our pets become like family members, and it is hard to lose one.

Tatyana@MySecretGarden said...

I didn't know your German Shepherd is 16... I had no idea they could go so long! They say GS live 10-12 years. My old one is almost 13, he barely moves - severe artritis. It's tough to watch him slowing down. I think you take very good care of your pets. They are, or were happy with you.

Unknown said...

it is amazing! He has really suprised us. He cant hear anymore except for a few sounds and his sight is not very good. He still follows my mother around where ever she goes. He has always loved my mom. He is her shadow in every way, even emotions. When she is sad, so is he. Its really amazing to see an animal so intuned with some one.

Jane O' said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your cat. We had a Siamese who lived to be 16 years old also. It was hard on the whole family when she died. It's been many years and I still ache for her sometimes, but I have wonderful memories as I sure you will too.

Unknown said...

Many wonderful memories! Sorry about your kitty too.

Michelle said...

Hi flowrgirl1, I'm so sorry for your loss. That's the most difficult part of having animal friends, we tend to outlive them. I hope that you can give another fortunate kitty a good home someday, it sounds like you take great care of you animal friends.

Jan said...

I am so sorry for your loss, fg1. As Jodi said above, it hurts sometimes when we let animals in, because inevitably, we'll lose them:( But we are always better for sharing our lives and getting close to a pet. Your garden tribute is such a nice idea;)

Unknown said...

I would love a farm so that i can give all kinds of animals a new home! Someday...

Thanks for all your kind words.