Monday, September 10, 2007

Whisper-R.I.P.



From my OTW:

We took him to the vet this morning, as soon as they opened. About two hours later Dr Tara called us. It was an extremely aggressive form of cancer, and it was right under his tongue.

Over the last week, he was clearly having more and more trouble with the kibble, and stopped even trying a few days ago, though nothing could stop him from at least making an attempt at his beloved Temptations. We started feeding him canned food whenever he came around the food bowls. At first that was good, and he happily snorfed whatever he could get, trawling Jack and Persephone's bowls for extras if I wasn't watching. But over the last few days, he seemed to be having more and more trouble with even the canned food, rarely finishing what I gave him, lapping a good deal of it into a thin layer on the bottom of the bowl. Last night, around 10:30, about the time I was supposed to pick up the food so he wouldn't eat, in case it was a tooth problem and he needed surgery, I left him the last teaspoon of canned food from earlier, scraped together to make it easier for him. He didn't even bother trying, just sat forlornly at his bowl.

A little while later he spent half an hour 'fishing' in the water fountain, something I'd never seen him do before. He'd lick off his paws, but when he put his nose to the water, he wouldn't lap any up, even though he'd still been drinking fine in the morning. A few hours later, when I went to bed, he crawled in under the blankets with me, like he had for the last few months, but for the first time in a week, he would not settle in. Finally he curled up beside me and dozed off. I think I knew it was really bad then, since the one thing besides eating this cat was good at was sleeping, and that was mostly what he'd been doing all week.

There was nothing the Dr Tara could have done for him. The cancer is type she's seen lots of in older cats. It's very aggressive and it's location ensured that within a few days it would have been impossible for Whisper to eat or drink at all.

Around 12pm our time we got back to the clinic. He was mostly asleep on valium, given to him to calm him while they did their examination. We gave him lots of smooches and pettins and let Dr Tara put him to sleep before he woke to any more pain.

Rest in peace, Grumpy Old Man-cat. I hope there was lots of Temptations and tuna juice waiting for you when you got to the Bridge.



Also, I would like to note, today is Jack's birthday. He's 11 years old. Not a very happy birthday, I'm afraid, but I'll try to make it up to him later. He's always been patient with me about that sort of thing.

57 comments:

LZ said...

Oh we are so so sorry about Whisper. Our eyes are leaking a lot in our house. Rest at the Bridge sweet Grumpy Butt, you are no longer in pain and you had a soft farewell.

((hugs))

Latte, Kaze, & Chase

Fat Eric said...

Oh, we are so sorry to hear about Whisper. At least he is out of pain now and you know you did all you could for him. Thinking of you and Whisper's Awesome Man at this sad time. Please give Jack and Persephone some big hugs from us.

Fat Eric and Kate

Anonymous said...

Dear Jack, Persephone, and family,

My family is purring and purraying for you. We are very sorry for your loss.

When you feel up to it, we would love to help Jack celebrate his 11 years.

Hugs,
Batman

KC and the Giggleman Kitties said...

KC said...
O, Whisper, i's so sad u's had to go to tha Bridge, but you are free of pain an happy now and we's all meet again somedays.
My Dear Jack and Persephone, i's so sorry for yours loss. Purrs and headbumpies fur both of u's.
Purrs, KC
pee ess: we'll celly-brate Jack's 11th birthday later and maybe have a 'membrance for Whisper.

Smeagol and Strider, Mystery (Sunnin' at the Bridge) and Gizmo too! said...

We're so furry sorry and sad to hear 'bout Whisper. We're sendin' purrs, purrayers and headbutts to all of you.

We'll help Jack celebrate his purrthday, too, when you're up to it.

Samantha & Mom said...

Jack and family:
We are so sorry about Whisper (aka Grumpybutt)! Our purrrs and purrayers are with you all during this time!
Your FL furiends,

Mickey's Musings said...

Mom has leaky eyes over Whisper.We are glad he is no longer in pain.We also offer headbutts & purrs for the hole that he leaves behind,to everycat & everyperson in your home.
Jack,Happy Birthday ,man.I'm still 3 years up on ya!

Lets celebrate later,purrs! Mickey

Tara said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Whisper. We are purrin for you all, and you are in our thoughts.

I echo the idea of doing a birthday celebration for Jack when you are ready.

Tara, Kavan and Mom

Anonymous said...

We're so sorry to hear this sad news. We're sending lotsa love & purrrs and extra love to Jack for his birthday.

Pumpkin said...

Awww shoot, anuther kitty went to the Bridge? I'z so sorry to heer abowt Whisper. Sownds like he liffed life on HIZ terms cuz of hiz nikname "Grumpy Butt." At leest he iz now pain free at the Bridge. Sending lotz of purrs frum Hah-why-eee.

Alexi said...

We are so sorry to hear of Whisper's passing...we are glad he is not in pain and we're sure you did what you could for him. Please, Jack, we hope you will be able to celebrate your purrfday when you are up to it. Our best to Persephone, too. ((hugs)) Alexi

Zippy, Sadie, Speedy and M'Gee said...

We'z so sorry to hear dat Whisper hadda go to da bridge. We hope you were welcomed with open paws, Grumpy Butt and dat yoor playing wif all our frends who came before. We'z purring and purraying fur da fambly. We'll help Jack celebrate his purrthday when he's reddy...{{{hufs}}}

Anonymous said...

blessings on you, dear whisper grumpybutt, as you frolic young and happy again in the kitty summerfields.

an' blessings on you, too, dear jack, as you turn another year-leaf ofur. not an auspicious day this year, but time is still turning. may you celebrate many year-days yet in joy and plenty.

'sephone dear, be a good kitty, and make extra-special nice to all the beans an' jack for a while. they need it.

otw, be well! you were a fine otw for whisper, and could have done no more for him. he knew your love.

Daisy said...

I am very sad to learn the news about Whisper. Rest in peace, Grumpybutt. I know you are no longer in pain and you are playing at the Bridge now. My sincerest condolences to your family.

Kimo and Sabi said...

Now Whisper can be Mr. Happy Butt in kitty heaven. We are sorry to hear the sad news on Jack's purrthday...we will not fergit to celebrate at some point. Lots of purrs and headbutts fer now.

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry about Whisper. I really hope that Jack can have a happy birthday.

Parker said...

Oh dear, we are so very sorry. Please accept our heartfelt sympathies.
Purrs, prayers and kittyhugs.

Bogdan, the editor said...

purrs purrs purrs

The Meezers or Billy said...

oh our mommy's eyes is leaking. we are so very sorry about Whisper. we're sending you lots of purrs and snuggles. He will be waiting for you at the Bridge.

rest well Grumpybutt. We will see you at The Bridge.

Donny and Marie and Casey said...

So sorry for your loss, we hardly got to meet him but we were very sad. Mommy cried, it made her sad. We are purrrrrrrrrrrrrring very much for you and your mommy and your family.

~Donny, Marie and Casey

Team Tabby said...

We, too, are sorry to hear about Whisper, but relieved to learn he is no longer in pain. We hope to help celebrate Jack's birthday when the time is right - 11 yrs is something to celebrate!

Moe & Mindy

Hot(M)BC said...

Oh we's so so sorry Whisper had to go to tha Bridge. Our eyes are leeking lots. We's so glad he's not in pain no more, but we's sad for yall. Lotsa purrs n kitty hugs.

Happy Purrthday Jack, yore OTW will make it up to ya for sure.

Purrrrrrrrrs,
Sanjee, Boni Maroni, Mini, Gree and Pepi

The Taylor CatSSSSS said...

We are so sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you!

The Cat Realm said...

Now the maid is crying again...
Poor Whisper - and so young... I know she and Anastasia will have lots of fun beyond the bridge - but it doesn't really help us back her - we miss you!
My thoughts are with you and your family!
Your friend Karl

Forty Paws said...

Oh this is so sad. We're all shedding tears for Grumpybutt now. Perhaps he's a Happybutt at the Bridge.

You are in our thoughts and purrayers.

Luf, Us

jenianddean said...

We are so sorry to hear about Whisper. You did all you do for him, and now he is without pain and in a better place. As much as our hearts break when one of the little ones goes over the bridge, we know that they were loved while they were here and are waiting for us on the bridge.

purrs and headbutts
-The McKitten-Cats

PS. Here are some extra purrs in honor of Jack's birthday ::purr, purr,purr, purr, purr, purr, purr, purr, purr::
(and their mom and dad)

Lux said...

This makes us sad, though it sounds like it was the best thing. Rest in peace.

And, Jack, I'm thinking of you on your special day, also.

Hugs,
Lux

sammawow said...

We were very sorry to hear about Whisper this evening, but glad there will be no more pain. We're sending lots of purrs to all of your family.

We also look forward to helping Jack celebrate his 11th birthday.

Purrrrrrs, China Cat & Willow

Anonymous said...

We didn't know Whisper very well, but we are so sad to hear about his passing on to the Bridge.
Our thoughts and prayers and teaars are with all of you.

MamaCat & the FurryPurries
Ozzy, Alice, Bootsie & Freckles

Anonymous said...

Dear Jack, Persephone & furrmily...

We are so sad about Whisper aka Grumpybutt, and send lots of love and comfort to you all during this sad time. It's never easy losing somepurr you love, but he'll be swimming in mountains of treats till you see him again.

Love and purrs,
Snowy & meowmy Carli
xxxx

Astrid (…and the kitties too) said...

we are so sorry for your loss,we didn't know Grumpybut but we know he was dearly loved!
I doesn't ease the grieve nor the sadness but at least he now is without pain. We are sure he is happy now eating his beloved Temptations and other Treats.

hugs and purrrs to ya'll - Kashim & Othello

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

We're all furry sorry for your great loss of Grumpybutt....our thoughts and purrs are with you...

Do Not Mourn My Passing

Do not mourn my passing for if you could only see
by slipping all my earthly bonds, I'm young again and free.

By day I run the Heavenly fields, my body healthy and strong
At night I sleep at Angels' Feet, lulled by Celestial Song.

So do not mourn my passing, just close your eyes - you'll see
I'm once again that frisky kitten, just as you remember me.

Mr. Hendrix said...

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss of Whisper. You did all you could for him and the fact he snuggled next to you to sleep showed he knew how much you loved him, and he loved you. Your in our thoughts during this sad time.
Extra chin scritches and pets to Jack on his birthday and to Persephone who lost her friend.
((hugs)) to you all. Hendrix & Amy

Emma's Kat said...

So sorry for your loss. Rest in peace Grumpy Butt. You will be missed I'm sure.

Tiki, Kirby, and StanLee said...

We are very sorry about Whisper. Sending you all purrs and hugs.

The Fluffy Tribe said...

we are very sorry to hear about Grumpy-Butt, but at least he will not be in pain from the cancer anymore. We are thinkings of you and sending you comfort purrs and foofs ~The Fluffy Tribe

Victor Tabbycat said...

We are so, so sorry! Poor kitty. I'm still mad at the vet people fur not lettin you bring him in sooner. Whisper knew how much you loved him and he'll be watching ofur alla you from the Rainbow Bridge. Purrs!

An Jack, when yur ready fur yur purrthday song, I's ready to sing it.

Shaggy and Scout said...

We are so sorry! And he was so young! We are glad he was relaxed and was with you at the end, but that doesn't make it any better. Our hearts go out to you during this tough time and give Jack & Persephone hugs & kisses from us.

The Crew said...

So sorry to hear the sad news. We lost one of our cats to cancer at only 6 years old. The tumors were in her throat & chest and there was nothing that could be done.

Crew's Mom


Happy Purrthday Jack. I know you won't mind waiting a few days for your celebration!

George

Dragonheart, Merlin, Devi, and Chloe said...

I am so sorry to hear that Whisper went to the Bridge. You have my deepest condolences on your loss.

Jack, I will help celebrate your birthday when you are ready.

Cats~Goats~Quotes said...

We are so sorry to read that Whisper has gone to The Bridge.
Our little Georgia had the same thing, and Mom didn't know why she couldn't eat.
She is very sad for you, but knows you did the right thing for your Grumpy Butt.
We think Georgia met him and they are chasing butterflies, waiting for us.

~ The Cats

ASTOR CATS said...

We are sorry to hear about Whisper. Our purrs and prayers to you.

Midnite & Stray Kitty

Ivan from WMD said...

Oh, no. We are so very sorry and sad about Whisper. :-( But he'll have lots of company to play with on the other side.

Myst and Blackie said...

We are so sorry about Whisper. Our purrs & thoughts are with you all.

Happy Purrthday Jack - sorry it has seemed to be a sad one.

Unknown said...

We are so sorry to hear about WHisper going to the Bridge. We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Dazey
Jesse
Conner Cloud

Anonymous said...

I just found out the sad news about Whisper. We're sending comforting vibes your way and hope the good memories of your grumpy one will also give you some comfort.

Happy birthday, Jack...

Shilgiah the Cat said...

I'm sure there were mountains of temptations and rivers of tuna juice just waiting for Whisper!

((hugs and headbutts))

Jack, maybe if you and your people don't feel like celebrating your birthday you could still have some tuna juice and temptations anyway.

The Furry Kids said...

We're so sorry about Whisper. Many hugs and purrs to all of you.

The Furry Kids & their Mom

Tommy and Teaghan said...

Oh no. This is soooo sad. We are so sorry for your loss of Whisper, aka Grumpy Butt. We hope he's having a great time over the bridge playing on forever.
Maybe we can celebrate Jack's birthday when you're ready. Many purrs and hugs.
Angie & Beau Beau

Jake and Bathsheba said...

We're so sorry to hear the sad news about Whisper. That was certainly a very aggressive cancer. He had to know that he was well loved.

With much sympathy,
~J&B

Anonymous said...

God bless you

chin wan

Tyler said...

My whole family is so sorry that you had to give up Whisper to the Bridge. I feel badly that he was in so much pain during the end. You sound like a very loving family. He was/is lucky to belong to you.

Anonymous said...

We are very sorry to hear. We have only been home for a short time and so had not gotten over here. Purrs.

Mr. Hendrix said...

Just checking in to see how you all are. Sending you comforting thoughts and purrs during your sad time. Take care.

The Devil Dog said...

Oh, we are so sorry to hear about Whisper. Mom gets very sad about times like this, since she had to say goodbye to her two pugs before us not to long ago. I know you will miss him terribly, but he is no longer in pain and is in a happy, sunny, safe place. We will tell Muffie & Bridget to find him, make him welcome, and show him the sights.
Roxy & Lucky

Rascal said...

I am so sorry to learn this very sad news. We've not been online much lately (at least the Cats haven't) so we're a bit behind in all the news. Purrs to you and yours.

Henny and Marlene said...

Ow Dear Jack. 7 Days after Whisper went to the bridge I read it. I am so sorry. And although our biggest and loudest purring friend went to bridge himself last Thursday, we, the rest of us purr and purray for you!