This morning I said good-bye to my dear little gray tabby, Diamond Girl. It was expected — she had a couple of malignancies on her face and neck, one of which had become infected — but it still hurts. She was my dear and faithful companion for 18 years, from the day I first saw her in the shelter to the moment she passed in my arms, and I will miss her more than words can express.
I could tell a thousand stories about her, from the way she used to swat Malfoy-the-cat to keep him in line to how she used to jump up on the dining room table and head-butt me in the back so I’d pay attention to her. She was imperious, affectionate, very beautiful, and possibly the sweetest cat I’ve ever seen. Initially very shy, she blossomed into the Queen of the House, to the point where I used to tell friends that although I paid the mortgage, taxes, and utilities on the Last Homely Shack East of the Manhan, it was Diamond’s house, no ifs, ands, or buts.
I didn’t know her exact age — the shelter could only estimate — but I celebrated her last birthday in June of this year. She came home with me in September of 2005, a week after my dear old brown tiger cat Arrow passed, and as recently as this summer she seemed indestructible. Even a few weeks ago she was still eating, drinking, and acting relatively normal...and then she stopped grooming, her appetite began to fail, and it was clear the infection was becoming septic despite the antibiotic infections she’d received.
My vet was wonderful — the practice has a quiet room with treats, soft music, and information about grieving an animal companion, and let me and my BFF Beata stay with her till the end. I held her, sang to her, and cried until my eyes hurt, then held her as she passed so the last scent, the last words, the last touch she’d know would be mine.
My little beauty is at peace now, safe from all trouble and pain. I am so grateful for the gift of her life, and the love she gave me every moment of her time as my friend.
Good-bye, my darling dear. You were the Best Cat Ever.