Jellicoe
In his almost fourteen years of life, he won the hearts of all who met him, not just family and friends but also the professionals who dealt with him. He adored people and rewarded their attention with rich purrs and headbutts. Though armed with needle-sharp teeth and claws he never bit or scratched, even when undergoing undignified treatment requiring him to be restrained. He simply purred.
When he wasn’t sitting on a human lap he was tucked up with dogs, grooming them.
Four and a half years ago he was diagnosed with diabetes. This condition can be difficult to manage in cats and Jellicoe’s case was particularly tricky, resulting in him having several stays in veterinary hospital. Every time he had a crisis we thought he was not going to survive and every time he proved us, and his vets, wrong. He was known to our vets as ‘One Of A Kind.’
This time it was not to be. His heart and kidneys had started to fail and treatment for one exacerbated the other and so we sadly let him go painlessly and peacefully to sleep.
It should feel strange without him, and we certainly miss his protestations that it must surely be time for a meal, but somehow it seems as though he’s still here with us. He was such a character and met and charmed two new people just the day before he died.
Now perhaps it’s time for Herschel to emerge from Jellicoe’s shadow and enjoy his moment in the spotlight, just as Jellicoe did when their brother Isambard died.
Herschel has always been responsive, but is it our imagination that he is chatting more than ever? He is becoming accustomed to a new routine, with just two meals a day rather than the four we had to provide for Jellicoe.
I feel your loss, I often see my Grsce in the corner of my eye, they never leave.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. He was a beautiful boy who had a nice long life with a family who loved him, and he loved them right back.
ReplyDeleteRIP Jellicoe
What a beautiful boy! He had the best home he could, with his personal dog, even! That's a nice tribute to a good friend.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to read this. Losing a pet is like losing one of the family. You never forget them. I still miss my dog Freddie and he's been gone 13 years.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful boy, I’m so sorry it was time to say goodbye, however it is wonderful that his presence is still felt x
ReplyDeleteAlison in Devon x
All 3 have beautiful coats and markings. I'm sorry you lost your little friend. Sounds like he was a wonderful pet.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry your lovely kitty is gone. You did a beautiful job taking such good care of him. Yep, they do stick around, when you least expect it, in a different way. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteI feel for you; it's so sad when to have to say goodbye to a beloved companion.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that you have lost a beloved pet. He seems to have been quite a character.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry. He seems to have been quite a guy, and beautiful too.
ReplyDeleteOh I'm so sorry. But what pretty cats the three are/were. It's quite unusual to have such a warm and loving cat I think.
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful brothers!
ReplyDeleteYou did the right thing for Jellicoe, letting him go peacefully and without pain.
Losing a pet is inevitable, but it still hurts. In my experience, when that happens it changes the household dynamic and both the people and other animals make adjustments for it.
ReplyDeleteThis is very sad news indeed, Janice. Not only was Jellicoe exceptionally beautiful, he was clearly a cat of great distinction and character. What a brave fellow he was as his health began to falter. I will continue to think of him and am grateful I knew him a bit through your stories.
ReplyDeleteSorry for your loss! ♥
ReplyDelete😿
ReplyDeleteOur sympathy as you and your family miss Jellicoe in all his usual places.
ReplyDeleteHugs!
I'm so sorry for your loss. Having to say goodbye is one of the hardest things, thinking of you at this sad time xx
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm so sorry about Jellicoe. I think it makes sense that Herschel would become more outgoing now that his more dominant brother is no longer there. Those are BEAUTIFUL cats!
ReplyDeleteRest in peace dear Jellicoe. I am so sorry to read of the loss of your beloved. He was a beautiful cat and a beautiful soul. Wishing you and Barry - as well as Herschel and the dogs - peace and comfort in the days to come. (PS...Today, October 27th, is a special day in Mexico where they believe the souls/spirits of beloved, departed, pets return to the homes they loved. "Ofrendas" (or offerings) such as a bowl of food, water - special treats, toys, etc. are set out to welcome them. A special "Día de los Muertos" for the pets....)
ReplyDeleteThat is very hard ... most of us here are pet owners and we can well relate to your difficult decision. I hope a small gold ghostie is with you, as a black and tan one is with me.
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