Never Long Enough

If you are a pet owner, you know the heart-wrenching feeling when the time comes to say goodbye.  It’s hard to accept that it’s time because you don’t want to be the one to have to make the end-of-life choice, but it becomes the best decision for your sweet fur baby when they no longer have a quality of life.

Today was the day for Lil Buddy.   For several months, he was being fed every three hours just like a newborn baby and was taking medicine to stimulate his appetite.  When he stopped liking a particular food, we bought a different brand.  We tried smelly things like sardines and tuna, hoping that would increase his desire to eat.  But he finally said “Enough is enough. I appreciate your efforts, but I am no longer hungry”.   

Lil Buddy had the kindest nature.  His only goal was to have friends and be a friend.  He made the best of what this world imposed upon him, and the world imposed a lot.  He was hit by a car and lost a leg.  We think this accident caused pressure to build up in one of his eyes and eventually, the left eye had to be removed.  He had FIV, maybe from his birth mother or a scrap with another infected cat, and this kept his immune system working overtime to maintain wellness.  His early outdoor life of bad food and being homeless caused tooth decay and we had to have all his teeth removed.  Despite all of this he never lost his ability to find happiness in every day. 

Lil Buddy was proof that you can continue to see goodness despite your circumstances.  Each day was a new start for him, and he always started it with love in his heart.  He was the light in a dark room and the sunshine on a dreary day that warmed your soul.

So, today, the universe surrounded Lil Buddy with rays of sunshine and absorbed his last sweet breath. He has made a peaceful departure to Rainbow Bridge. Lil Buddy, we were not ready for you to leave us, but I hope you know that for the past ten years, we have done everything possible to make your life the best and most comfortable it could be.

We will always love you, Lil Buddy, just as you loved us.  You are forever in our hearts.