We put Betty to sleep yesterday. She was apparently suffering from a terminal illness, but her condition worsened significantly over the last two days. The vet made it clear that getting a proper diagnosis might actually push her over the edge, so after some soul searching, we made the decision to relieve her suffering. Because I was at the vet’s office alone, we decided that I would bring her home for a few hours, then return with the whole family. We took our turns holding her, and eventually she sought the comfort of the closet (where she had spent the last few days). Secretly, I hoped she might just pass away there, but alas, it wasn’t to be, and we said our tearful goodbyes.

She and Wolfgang have been with us since right after our marriage, so her passing is not without a great feeling of loss. She did, though, live a full life, nearly fourteen years. In many ways, she was the essence of cat-ness: sweet, beautiful, graceful, aloof (particularly with the kids and visitors), but fiercely affectionate toward Jen and me. I will miss her routines: jumping on the bed after I’ve climbed in the night for her dose of petting. Sleeping between my knees, often under the covers. Curling up on my lap when I worked from home. The tippety-tap of her back claws on the hard floors.

Now we are a house of five, with the lone Wolf (who, it should be noted, actually appreciates the kids). Betty will never be far from our memories.

Posted on 16 June 2011