R.I.P. Gracie

CIMG2449, originally uploaded by torhutchins.

This is how we'd like to remember Gracie, our cat of over four years. She enjoyed the sunlit spots in our master bedroom for her frequent cat naps.

Over the last few days, we'd notice that Gracie was not just taking naps, but was listless, lethargic, with raspy breathing and was seeking out dark, cold places to lie. She wasn't hopping onto our laps or onto our bed during the night. When she was petted, she didn't raise her head very high, nor was she purring. I took her over to the vets on Saturday and waited in line for about two hours to see the doctor. Gracie just lay on the laminate examining table and didn't react much to the palpitating and prodding.

The vet wasn't hopeful, but suggested a blood test and Xrays which I authorized. About an hour later, the vet called with bad results. Gracie's white blood count was quite high and red count was very low. She had severe abnormalities with her liver and kidney functions as well. With her prognosis so poor and intensive care costing over $2000 just for the weekend (with no likelihood of a better outcome), we chose to put Gracie to sleep.

Carolyn came back to the vet's with me and we said our goodbye's to Gracie who looked at us with vacant eyes. It was hard to see her in such a state. It will take some time for us not to round a corner in our home with the expectation that she'll be lying in that little bit of sunshine over there.