Tuffie was my cat. He was 16 years and four months old, and today I had to euthanize him. I know many people here write diaries about their pets and I knew someday I would need to do the same ... not so much for the wonderful and appreciated sympathy our on-line community never fails to express, but more to share the feelings we all have on such a day.
I named my kitty 'Tuffie' back in 1992 when I got him and his sister, Peaches, from the vet's adoption center. He came right out of the carrier ready to investigate his new home like a tough little guy and that was it. Peachie, gentle from the beginning, followed him ... she is still with us but I know she will be missing her sibling. They have been together all their lives and I always loved to watch them groom each other and snuggle during the winter when I keep the house a little cold.
Tuffie was the sweetest little cat. He liked everyone and would always try to be friends with any new cats, as I added two more over the years and fostered a couple of kittens. His voice was as expressive as a cat's could be ... "I know I'm not supposed to do this but I really want to!"
He loved to lie on my hip, on my arm, so that he could rest his head on my hand. He would lie on your chest and lick your nose once or twice. For years I would arrive home through the basement door and he would be there.
In the last year he started to lose weight, half of his body weight. He was having accidents, daily. He seemed confused as to why this was happening, and I knew that he was trying to be good. I avoided the decision but the day came, and it was today. He lay in the carrier with his head on my fingers and I reached through. I can only hope he was not afraid as they would not let me be with him right at the end. The lady said she held him close.
I loved the little man. Such days are the price we pay for having these wonderful creatures to love and love us.
See you eventually, Tuffie!