Goodbye to a friend

me and my shadow

It's always hard when a loved pet dies.  My little cat gave up the struggle on Wednesday morning. He had his eye op last week, and seemed to be doing ok at his post-op follow-up this Monday. But on Tuesday he went rapidly downhill and to add to his misery I realised that sometime during the evening he had lost the sight in his one good eye - the pupil was completely dilated. It was heartbreaking to see his fear and confusion as he tried to find his way around. I wanted him to feel safe so I stayed up all night, sitting in my armchair with him sleeping peacefully on my lap wrapped in his favourite mohair rug. First thing in the morning we were waiting at the vet's door when the clinic opened at 8am and bless her, she saw us right away and agreed with me that euthanasia was the only option.

Mags lived with me for less than four years. He turned up on my deck as a stray in March 2009. He visited every day, staying a little longer each time. By May, when winter was approaching, he had moved in permanently. He took his time checking me out! He was such a small and pretty cat I assumed he was female, which is how he came to be named Maggie, after a cat I had as a child. I discovered that he was a neutered male on his first trip to the vet, but by that time the name had stuck, though usually abbreviated to Mags. (Mr Maggie on formal occasions.) He was a friendly little dude, affectionate and loving, though always a little timid. He was very sociable and loved having visitors. (Unless they were dogs.) For such a small creature he leaves a big gap. I miss him.

Rest in peace, Maggie.