This was taken a few days ago. Vince sent it to me while I was traveling to Cape Town. Storbie on his new catbed. With the chillier weather we thought he might like to be upgraded from a kikoi folded on his favourite spot on the floor to something a bit more soft. He likes it.
Yesterday, however, Estorbo was taken to VERG and to Dr Slade (his de facto vet, from his hyperthyroidism days, and internal medicine specialist) because his breathing was too laboured. A quarter of a liter of fluid was drained from his lungs, and he was examined by a cardiologist. He is now home, with two additional heart medications in pill form (remember he is an Olympic pill-refuser).
I am very unhappy about him. I am in tears. I am angry. I am not there. I am in Cape Town. I know he is in the (next) best possible hands. I just wish it was all different. I feel so sorry for Vince. Some very painful decisions must be made. Nothing is certain, except that he will not get better.
Thank you to each of you, for your support, your sympathy, your understanding. It's impossible to explain to non-animal owners what they mean in one's life. This cat has been with me through the worst and best times of my life.
I will keep you updated. I wish I had something happier to say.
Update: Storbie at home worsened overnight. Vince was up all night with him. They return to VERG today.
I wish I had the words to ease your pain even a little, but I know there are none. I too wish it could be different, for you and all of us who deeply love our animals. Take what comfort you can knowing that for now he feels better and has a lovely new bed.
ReplyDeleteI understand...
ReplyDeleteEk huil 'n traan saam met jou vriendin... baie liefde.
ReplyDeleteWe, his adoring fan understand. Gulp. And we stand together in the virtual circle as you make the right decisions for the star of the show. Eeep.
ReplyDeleteTough Marie - animals often understand more than we realize and some are just so special for us. big hugs
ReplyDeleteI am so sad, and wish words could help. Please know I am thinking of all of you. ((Marie and Vince)) It will be a wide and deep virtual circle around you.
ReplyDeleteYou all are in my prayers. We've been enjoying and loving him from Georgia for a long time. Hugs to you all.
ReplyDeleteIt is so true. Your sweet little family has a loving fan club out here in the Internet world. It is odd how technology has brought us all together, but we are here, for sure, each of us sending our own version of love and light. May it surround all of you in some small degree of comfort. xoxoxoxoxox
ReplyDeleteThoughts are with you. We had a similar thing happen with Audrey in May and had to make that awful decision. It is very hard.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for you and your difficult situation. Estorbo is very lucky to have you and you will, as you always do, make the right choice for his well being. We are all with you.
ReplyDeleteI have been there also, I am so very sorry for your pain. Much love to Estorbo, have loved knowing him.
ReplyDeleteLots of love to you and to Vince and especially to Estorbo. I am so very sorry that you all are suffering in these ways.
ReplyDeleteMuch love to all of you. Be gentle with yourself.
ReplyDelete(Dear Marie) so very, very sorry to read this. We know only too well and too recently the pain you are feeling. Our warmest and most comforting purrs go out to you and Smoothman, and of course, to Estorbo-- he is snugly ensconced in our hearts forever.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this wonderful cat with us.I wish you peace with the decisions that have to be made.
ReplyDeleteEstorbo-Vaya con dios amiga, a safe journey home.
You brought Estorbo alive to me and conveyed his marvelous pussinality for so long. Thank you for sharing him, Marie, and take comfort is what good parents you and the Smoothman are.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to read this news, Marie. I know what it means to have a pet's comfort during hard times, and the joy and amusement one can bring to everyday life. Even when you are away, you are always with Storbie and he is always with you.
ReplyDeleteDamn, you know it is coming sometime, but that makes it no easier. Understand how you feel, being away -- or, maybe, the truth is that I know how I would feel and I hear it in your words. Bless Storbie. You have given us all the opportunity to "know" him and that is a privilege. What a special, wonderful character he is.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds a bit mystic, but when I lost my best-friend cat, the one who had gone through everything with me and was, in fact, a member of the family, I found that she remained with me - somehow, some way, not my imagination, just a comforting presence. I hope that when the time comes, that will happen for you.
All that said, I hope the time is not now. Estorbo has rallied before and enjoyed his life. Once more, please. And thank you for the update. I was wondering, but hoping that no news was good news.
Mary
Sorry, Marie; I rattled on forever and never said what I meant. Holding good thoughts for you and Vince and The Cat, whatever happens. Mary
DeleteI admire very much how you have loved and cared for Don Estorbo. I am grateful to you for sharing his kitty-cat love and adventures with us on the internet. My mom died of congestive heart failure. She never hurt she just got more and more tired. I'd like to think Storbie is not hurting either. I send out comfort hugs to you and the Smoothman
ReplyDeleteCan't put words together in a meaningful sentence, but it's in my heart and meant for all three of you. Love.
ReplyDeleteMarie, I know the pain of having to decide when it's the end, but not having to do it from the other side of the world. I'm so sorry. I'm crying for you, Vince, and Estorbo, and will be thinking of you all. Much love from Maryland
ReplyDeleteMarie, "knowing" Estorbo has been a healing process for me after losing my Midnight. Thank you for sharing him with us all. He will live in our hearts forever. HUGS to you and Vince at this most difficult time.
ReplyDeleteSending prayers and virtual hugs ti you and Vince. You have given us all such a blessing to share Estorbo...
ReplyDeleteMarie, thoughts for you, Vince and Estorbo from Kansas. So much sadness...but, oh my god what a great life he has had with his Wooman and his Smoothman! In spite of this hard time, he remains a lucky cat.
ReplyDeleteYou're all in our prayers in Jozi tonight. Sophie's upped the volume of purrs especially so that Storbie can feel them in NYC. Love xxxxxx
ReplyDeleteI am sending prayers for you, Vince and that cat...that cat.. a silly black cat with a bit of white that has charmed us all for many years.. Whom we all love dearly, made us worry and made us laugh. We are all with you during this very difficult and worrisome time. Estorbo knows that he has had the best family in the universe and that he is dearly loved. He will never really leave you. He will always be in your heart.
ReplyDelete"And we stand together in the virtual circle as you make the right decisions for the star of the show. " I too stand in that circle. You and Vince will continue to make the right decisions at the right time for Estorbo.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes.
Julia
I'm so sorry! I've lost two of my fur babies this year and it is heart-breaking. I wish the best for all of you and thank you for sharing Estorbo with us.
ReplyDeleteDaft weeping for a puss I've never even met but I am. I'm so pleased a friend directed me to him and have much enjoyed following his adventures - he's a beautiful boy.
ReplyDeleteAlthough it's difficult and a responsibility, it is an privileged position to be in to make a compassionate decision for an animal and when the time comes, Storbie will be grateful to you. I'm going to give my fiesty feline a hug now.
Love and hugs to you all. Hx
give him this last great gift of love.
ReplyDeleteafter there will be sorrow, but never regret.
my heart goes out to you, and beence, and storbie.
much empathy from your friends on the maneland,
Melanie
So very sorry. You are all in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteOh I am so sorry Marie xxx Thinking of you three. Amy Lee
ReplyDeleteDear Marie, Wanda (of your wonderful BBG class) and I are thinking of you and hoping against hope for a miraculous recovery. We've had to labor over Gypsy's health as well -- he is now diabetic, though doing well -- and I can only imagine it must be so much worse being so far away. Do take care of yourself... Michael Flory (and Wanda Knauss)
ReplyDeleteMarie, Vince and Estorbo, you are in my thoughts. And I'm remembering my dear Tibby who - like Estorbo is - was a much loved and feted family member. You've shared him with the world and he has so many fans rooting for him. Please give him a pet for me. Gianna xxx
ReplyDeleteOh, this is so sad! Animals become so dear to us and they carve out such a special place in our hearts and lives, each one in a different way. It is so difficult to see them suffer and harder still to let them go. Marie, you and Vince are in my thoughts tonight as you suffer with Estorbo. So sorry you're so far away and that Vince has to deal with this without you. Words fail!
ReplyDeleteOh so sorry! It's heart-breaking, but he has had a wonderful and much loved life. Imagine if you had not had him but someone else who didn't care for him as well as you have.
ReplyDeleteIt's not the same for everyone, but I found I had to get another cat right away when we lost one. We've had seven over the years. The needs of the new cat occupied my emotions and helped me over the worst. Storbie will be remembered for many years because of your blog.
I send you a mail because my english is not good enough. So sorry for Storbie, most lovely cat.
ReplyDeleteGoodbye Storbie. All the tears that are shed for you (including by this writer) will pave your way to cat heaven, where the grass is always green. You were never really just a cat. Nobody ever told you that you were.
ReplyDeleteEstorbo,
ReplyDeleteAs you know, I lived near you in Brooklyn. I remember how amazed I was when I saw a beautiful tall red head in a white sun dress appear on one of the roof tops. That was amazing enough, but then I saw her companion, a large black cat who was obviously the king of his domain. He clearly had life exactly the way he wanted it. Not like my own cat, Coco, who has to endure the indignity of wearing a leash and collar if she wants to be on the roof.
I'll always remember you as that proud and happy cat.
Nora
Nous sommes tres tristes d'entendre la triste nouvelle. C'est dur de perdre son ami/ame soeur/compagnon. Nos pensees sont avec vous, bien que nous sommes en Afrique du sud, et vous etes loin. Que la force soit avec vous.
ReplyDeleteAmities (desolee pour la manque l'accents, mais j'ai un clavier anglais.............)
Barbara