Thank you all. Very sad time for us and especially my mom, who has cared for Bleu for the last 9 years. She is 87 years old herself and has watched a lot of animals pass on, humans too. She still has her little tiny toy poodle for comfort, which is good.
In this day and age of a card for everything, it's not unusual to get a sympathy card from your Vet. One came to my house the other day from my Vet who put Bleu down and it brought fresh tears to my eyes. Signed by all the personnel, it also included this poem. I couldn't read it right away and when I did, I made the decision to not give it to my mom. (the card was addressed to me and mom and sent to my address because it was my personal Vet) I just feel it will only open new wounds for her. She tends to forget a bit at her age and although I knew she realizes he is gone, this would just give her something to dwell over and I don't think it's in her best interest. But I thought I would share it here:
When the sun didn't shine, you could always make me smile and let me know you cared. Your silent sympathy while sitting on my lap was a great a comfort as almost any words a friend could speak.
I saw you show "almost" human traits. You were so loyal, yet so independent...so somber, yet so playful. You had the regal bearing of a king or queen, yet at unguarded moments, you scampered around more like a court jester. You could be deadly serious while stalking any fly or spider who was so foolish as to enter 'your' house or you could show unbounded delight and unashamed joy while attacking your catnip toys or a common shoestring dangled over your furry head.
You brought peace and laughter to any empty space. This house was merely a box containing furniture and cold metal appliances until somehow you transformed it into a home. What magic you possessed!! By your loving nature and gracefulness, you had great power to make a harsh world seem just a little bit better. How wonderful you were!
If I could have pampered you more I surely would have. People of this earth could learn much from you. You said not a word, but by your actions you could teach us. You seemed to have found the secret of contentment and tranquility. Men have searched for centuries and have found no peace, yet you were happy with what seemed so little and with such simple things....A dish of food...A soft place to nap....Warmth in the winter...A gentle hand, a scratch under your chin.
How did you become so wise and so good?
Is it fair that your lifespan was so short? My heart is so heavy and full of questions. Do you have a soul? Will I see you again someday? The answer just has to be a resounding "YES!" For would it really be Heaven if cats were not allowed?! I think not.......what a cold, empty place it would be!
Though I realize your nine lives are exhausted, I prefer to think of you as merely taking an extra long, peaceful nap. So sleep well, my friend. I will never forget you...Sleep well..............