Jamison Update – 1/9/17: The Last One

Although I knew this was a possibility and where we were likely headed, I still dread telling you, and accepting, that we had to let Jamison go at 9:45 this morning.

Despite all of the prayers, support and love a little cat could ever ask for, Jamison’s poor body was shutting down. His immune system was no longer responding, his liver failing.

He was suffering and he deserved comfort. He fought hard. He was courageous. My little panther…

He made it 2 weeks longer than anyone expected. Those 2 weeks were packed with love and he was treated like a king. Everything revolved around him. I would’ve done it forever if he hadn’t been suffering.

We brought him home with us to show Macy before bringing him to the crematorium. Her reaction was filled with so much emotion. It was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. A slight tail wag, a sniff, ears fell back, sniffed more, gave the gentlest kisses, and then protected his body. We could see her daring Noodle to try to come near Jamison so we eventually had to crate her so Noodle and Molly could see him. She fought going into the crate, not wanting to leave her best friend.

Noodle wanted nothing to do with him after he sniffed him – just as he did with Mya. Molly saw him through the gate of her crate and seemed upset/concerned.

We just got home from the crematorium not too long ago.

The hardest part for me has always been leaving your baby’s physical form behind, knowing that it’s the last time you will see it, feel it, smell it, kiss it.

This paw’s print will forever remain on my heart.

Before I end this, I just want to thank all of you for helping me get through the last 2 weeks. You helped me not only by reassuring me that I knew what was best for Jamison but just by letting me know you were here and that you cared about us. You played a major role in my ability to hold it together and be here to do what I had to do without shutting down.

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this, the last battle, can’t be won.

You will be sad I understand,
But don’t let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn’t want me to suffer so
When the time comes, please, let me go.

Take me to where to my needs they’ll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end.

And hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree,
It is a kindness you do to me.

Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don’t grieve that it must be you,
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We’ve been so close, we two, these years,
Don’t let your heart hold any tears.

~Author Unknown

Until we meet again, sweet boy…