As the title of this entry above indicates, it hasn’t been the best of weeks. For those of you who have already become used to seeing my new entries on Thursdays, you’ve probably already realized that something is up.

Last week, I enjoyed telling you about how the Clan O’Kitties had weaseled their way into my life, and into my heart. Unfortunately, one of the Clan is no longer with us. Miss Piggy passed away on Monday, January 23rd.

Miss Piggy had had some issues previously, which were not a surprise, for a kitty that was just shy of 17 years old. However, her health deteriorated rapidly over the weekend. She had several instances where her balance became an issue, and had several moments of what appeared to be disorientation. She also had some issues with her hind legs, but was still able to get around.

Just before I left for work on Sunday morning, she had managed to hop up on the toilet seat with ease, as she often had in the past. What was different was the fact that she laid down on the toilet seat cover. This was not the norm. Little did I know at the time that that would be the last time that I would see my bathroom buddy on her perch, as I got ready for the day.

When I came home from work Sunday evening, only three of the Clan came to greet me in the kitchen. Miss Piggy was not one of them. As I started my way through the house, I found her on her towels in the dining room. And I soon found why she hadn’t greeted me. It wasn’t for lack of trying, but she had lost all use of her hind legs. The spirit was willing, but the body wouldn’t cooperate.

As much as we all wish to deny the inevitable, the time had come. My greatest concern was making her comfortable for the evening, until I could call the vets in the morning. I laid with her on the floor for some time, and made her as comfortable as I could.

The tough part came when it was time to go to bed. I couldn’t take her to bed with me, because I was afraid that she might try to move around, and fall off the bed. Not exactly a great ending to such a long life. So I brought her and her towels into the bedroom. I then threw a couple of comforters and pillows on the floor, and that is where I slept for the night. If for some reason she did pass in the night, I didn’t want her to feel that she was leaving this world alone.

There were very few moments during the night that we didn’t have some kind of contact. As I woke up at various times, I would have several fingers draped across one of her front paws, or her paw would be interlaced between my fingers. Several times, I would wake up, to find both of her paws draped across the back of my hand, with her chin resting there as well. As much as those moments tore me up, it was nice to know that she was comfortable, and that she knew that she was loved during her last day of this world.

Daylight came, and brought with it a snowstorm. I laid her gently in the bow window, so that she could watch the falling snow outside, while I made the necessary phone calls. The groomers, cancelling the appointment that I had previously made for her for Tuesday, the vets, and work.

The trip to the vets was a quiet one, which was quite unusual for both of us. Most trips were made in the past, with her meowing her dislike for the car ride, and me trying to sooth a very upset kitty. As we passed the moments in the vet’s waiting room, I held her in my arms, and we both watched the snow falling outside. And then, it was time.

Miss Piggy went quickly, and in my arms. As it should be. For all of the happiness that she had brought me in the three years that she had blessed my life with, it was only right that I be there for her in her last moments.

The other kitties know that she is no longer with us, and have done their best to comfort me. At this point, I’m not sure who’s taking care of who. When I went to bed Monday night, I felt like a book wedged between two bookends. Nixie and Beser immediately wedged me between the two of them, and that is where they stayed for most of the night.

Even Shorty’s behavior was different the next morning. Most mornings, as soon as I opened the bathroom door after my shower, Miss Piggy headed for the toilet seat, and Shorty hopped into the bathtub. Every morning since Miss Piggy’s passing, Shorty wants to be petted for awhile, and then she’ll go hop in the tub. I’m in good hands. : )

In one of my previous entries, I talked about becoming aware of, and appreciating the small wonders in everyday life. Because of my recent loss, those small wonders have now become great memories to be treasured. Miss Piggy may no longer be of the physical world, but I have no doubt that we’ll cross paths again.