Monday, July 27, 2015

Goodbye for Now Ivy....

 


Sunday was like any other day.  Ivy crawled up on the bed to wake us up, squawking away as usual.  She ate well and asked for seconds.  Later that morning I went to lay on the bed to read and she sprawled out on my tummy like she always does.  I had my hand on her body and felt her heart beating way too fast.  She seemed agitated and got down off the bed and then I heard her scream.  When I looked down on her, she was dragging her hind leg and trying to walk, screaming.


Within minutes I had her in a carrier and out the door to the vet.  One the ride over her breathing became labored, her mouth open, gasping.  At the emergency vets they put her in oxygen right away but she had thrown a clot - what I suspected.  I knew it was time to let her go.  I was able to spend a little time with her but she was in distress so I had them give her a sedative and then bring her to me for the final dose,  I cradled her in my arms, swaddled in a blue towel with only her head and front paws showing.  I told her how much I loved her, that Lily was waiting for her, and that everything will be OK.  She was struggling to breathe even with the sedative, so I told the vet to let her go.  It was peaceful and she went easily - she just stopped breathing.


Living outside

She lived a long life for a cat with Chronic Renal Failure and FIV.  I feel blessed to have known  Ivy for  all 17 years of her amazing life. (Read her life story here) She spent the first seven living in the feral colony behind our house.  Tiny then as now, she held her own with the others.  So many times I worried about her safety.  She had UTIs and refused to eat the food I put her meds in, never mind let me catch her.  All I could do was send her Reiki healing light from the back bedroom.  She survived all her illness outside and even lived through hurricanes, blizzards and bone chilling winter temperatures.

Newly indoors

She loved to hunt and would drop her prize at the feet of the head feral cat Big Guy.  She was one of the oldest cats in the group.  In 2005 she was the last of this feral colony living outside. I hesitated to bring her in.  She was so wild and untamed, that I felt she would not adjust to life indoors.  I left her out one last summer and then lured her into a dog crate and brought her inside.  She surprised us totally and became  the lap cat of all lap cats.


She had a huge personality for as small as she was at six pounds.  As she lost her hearing in later years she vocalized more - in her duck like quacking, gurgles and chirps.  In her raspy voice she told us when to wake up, when to feed her and if she couldn't find us, she would roam the house squawking until we found her.

Butter on her nose

She loved butter and would come beg for some when I had my breakfast.  She loved to lick it off my finger and usually got it all over her nose too.  Her favorite place to nap was on the TV receiver on the shelf  in the console where it was warm and cozy.  A restless sleeper she would often unplug the TV and we would wonder why we didn't get TV reception.  She was not a toy player but if we left a catnip banana on the floor she would roll on that until she was in ecstasy.

Napping under the TV

At night I read on the bed before I fall asleep.  That was Ivy's time with me.  She would crawl on my tunny and spread her tiny body out to nap.  If she felt a little frisky she would run across the bed and squawk - her signal to play.  I would throw rolled up socks up into the air over her and she would jump to catch them.  She loved to chase ribbons as I pulled them across the bed as well.  She was so quick - still the hunter.


If you can't see this go here.

She is buried next to the others on a shady hillside on our land, wrapped in a pink blanket with a sunflower from our garden and catnip sprinkled over her.  Our lives will be so much quieter now without her.  No one to wake us or to tell us to feed the cats.  She totally charmed us with her antics and voice, making us smile and laugh everyday.  She was our sunshine, our light and I am devastated that it has gone out forever. Sweet dreams dear Ivy.


83 comments:

CATachresis said...

Oh my! I am so sorry to hear this! Ivy obviously had a wonderful life with you and she made you her family! That is wonderful! Sending gentle purrs and hugs xoxox

Forty Paws said...

We are so sorry about Ivy. It is very difficult to lose one, but she lived a very long life, especially starting out as a feral, and then with FIV and renal failure. You gave her a great life. Hugs to you.

Luf, All of us at Forty Paws, and Maw

Laila and Angel Minchie said...

We are stunned and so incredibly sorry to hear this. Comforting purrs and hugs to all.

Fuzzy Tales said...

As soon as I read "screaming" I knew what had happened, Cheri, having gone through that with Chumley. I'm truly so sorry -- glad for Ivy's long life and all the love and care she received, but sorry for you that she's passed. I'm glad she didn't suffer long.

Purrs and purrayers from the boys and universal Light and Peace from me. Lots of hugs.

Kim, Nicki and Derry

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

oh Dear God no, I am just heartbroken by this news. Sweet Ivy, I am so deeply sorry and wish I could just reach out and (((hug))) you. I am so, so sorry xoxoxo

Marg said...

WE are so sorry about Ivy. But just know that she had lots of love while she lived with you. Sending lots of purrs.

Fur Everywhere said...

I am so very sorry for your loss. Ivy sounds like she was a real sweetheart. You blessed each other's lives. She was lucky to find you.

I believe you will see her again. Until then, she will look down upon you and smile.

Big hugs and many purrs,
Carmine, Milita, and Mom Sierra

The Florida Furkids said...

We're so sorry. (((hugs)))

The Florida Furkids

Melissa, Mudpie and Angel Truffles (Mochas, Mysteries and Meows) said...

I am heartbroken to hear of Ivy's passing. My heart just about stopped as I read this because it is *exactly* how I lost Truffles just 3 short weeks ago. I hope they've met up with each other and become the best of friends. {{{HUGS}}}

Layla Morgan Wilde ( Cat Wisdom 101) said...

Cheri, what a shock to have to lose Ivy in this sudden way. I send warm hugs and deep condolences for your loss. You gave her a life of love and comfort with the most blessed final years.

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

It is only a farewell for now, because one day you will all be together again. I believe this in my heart, they fly on ahead and wait for us. I am so very sorry Cheri, you've had too many heartaches, too many. What a beautiful beautiful tribute to Ivy and I was so struck by how lovely her eyes are in the photos you posted. So much magic there. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. (hugs)

Zoolatry said...

Farewell to a beautiful girl ~ purrs to you ~ Cheri and Don in this time of sadness.
Hugs and love,
Ann

Brian's Home Blog said...

We are so very sorry to hear about dear Ivy, so very sorry. We know that scream from our dear Ivan and our hearts go out to you. Such a precious one to share so many years with and to love forever. Hugs from all of us.

Mishkat said...

We're so sorry to hear about Ivy's passing! Sending you (((hugs))) and purrs. xoxo from Katie and the cats

Connie - Tails from the Foster Kittens said...

I am so so so sorry.. that has to be so very hard to go through.. purrs of healing and comfort

Jans Funny Farm said...

I'm so sorry you had to say good-bye so suddenly, Cheri. Each one we lose takes a chunk of our heart with them. A warm hug.

Jan

Mo and The Purries said...

Cheri, I am so sorry to read this. This is very similar to what happened to my Chloe - she was fine one minute, then she was in distress and gone. The saddle thrombosis clot is so awful, I'm so sorry you have had to go through this. Sending great big hugs to you. Purrs and love.

My Mind's Eye said...

Oh my goodness We are so sorry to hear Ivy has passed. What a story she had and you told it beautifully.
Run free brave beautify Ivy
Hugs
Madi and mom

Mark's Mews (Marley, Lori, Loki, and Binq) said...

What a wonderful life she had with you! We send you our Best Purrs Of Comfort...

Colehaus Cats said...

We are so sorry. Your tribute to sweet Ivy is beautiful and it is clear she knew she was very much loved. May she be talking and running through the nip fields with Lily and the others. Sending hugs and soft purrs...

Hannah and Lucy said...

We are so very sorry to hear that your sweet Ivy has died and know you will miss her so very much. We didn't know she loved to lick butter off your fingers when you had your breakfast but it made us smile when we saw nose with butter on. Take care.
Luv Hannah, Lucy and Mum Sue.

Andrea and the Celestial Kitties said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Our hearts are breaking for you. sending hugs and purrs

LP said...

What a character Ivy was! We can feel her amazing spirit all the way over here in Canada! Thank you for sharing the video of her with us. Her voice was truly unique as evidently was her personality! How wonderful that she permitted herself to experience the good and great , love- filled indoor life with you after Big Guy died. Saying good-bye to our loved ones is always so gut wrenchingly hard. We are glad Ivy didn't suffer needlessly. We hope with time you will remember her without the pain of loss but with all good memories and the wonder of having known her. We are sending you our heartfelt love and condolences.

Sophie and the critters in the cottage xo

Samantha & Mom said...

So sorry for your loss! Lots of prayers for you all!
Samantha & Mom

Summer at sparklecat.com said...

Ivy was such a powerful, strong kitty! Purrs to you for her sudden loss.

Marilynn said...

Ohhhh =(

Our hearts are so heavy, and we are so sorry about your loss of Ivy. Lots of purrrrrrssssss and prayers and {{{{hugs}}}} for all your family as you get used to life with Ivy at the Bridge.

Love, Marilynn, Grace, Audace, and Ruse

Gemini and Ichiro said...

We are so very sorry to hear about Ivy. We are purring gently for you. We know that Ivy had a very good life while she allowed you to be her humans.

Alastriona, The Cats and Dogs said...

Seems like Ivy lived life on her terms and enjoyed every minute of it. We are so very sorry for your loss. ((Hugs)) Purrs of comfort and paws of sympathy.

da tabbies o trout towne said...

Godspeed your journey to heaven Ivy, you are and always will be a beautiful girl. We hope your mom and dad realize if you could "talk" ...you would say, thanx mom & dad, for everything, and I love you both as well. We are truly sorry yet; we also know you now live your tenth life free of earthly pain and suffering, and you've met up with your sister and countless friends. May God grant your mom & dad peace in their hearts; with sincerest sympathies ♥♥♥♥♥

boomer, dai$y, tuna...and dude and sauce too ~~

Cat said...

I am in tears reading the Story of Ivy...what a sweet girl and what an incredible life..she lived many lives for a tiny girl and the best one was the last one. I am so happy that she was loved; that she knew love and gave love and that she lived the good spoiled life we all want to give our kitties. I can very well imagine the huge void that she has left in your lives...each of our fur kids take a part of us when they leave, but they know that they will give it back when we find them again later. Unitil we do, we console ourselves with the fact that they were loved and are now pain-free..but we are sad in their absence. Graced you were to have had sweet Ivy in your lives. My heart goes out to you...be strong. We all know that you did all you could and your final decision was made entirely with her in mind and she loves you forever for it. She wouldn't want you to be sad. But how can you not be? Hugs. Cat, Elioth, Chouchou, Ellwood & Ginger at WeezDaBadCats & DaMeenDawgs

Fr. Tom Fish said...

We're so sorry to hear that Ivy has gone off to the Bridge. She left you with love and memories of the times you had and how much a good cuddle meant to her.

Sending comforting hugs to you all. xx

Julie & the kitties

CatInTheFridge said...

Poor girl. We're so sorry for your loss. Looking at her face, she was clearly a wise and knowing kitty. Sending lots of purrs of comfort. - Alana and Crepes.

TimberLove said...

We stopped to paw respect, soft wooooooos,
Nuk & Family

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

I am so sorry for your loss. You gave Ivy a good and loved life, and now she goes to her next life with her family and friends who have gone before her.(((hugs)))

Eastside Cats said...

A beautifully written ode to a beautiful soul. I am in tears for the passing of Ivy. Your love and care for her is amazing; I am so very sorry for your loss.

ThePainterPack said...

I am very, very sorry for your loss. I didn't get to know her before this, but she seemed to be a wonderful spirit. I know you will miss her greatly. I am glad there are so many wonderful memories wrapped up into those 17 years.

The Painter Pack

The Island Cats said...

We are so very sorry to hear the news about Ivy. We know how hard this must be for you. We send you comforting purrs and headbutts.

Jacqueline said...

I am so very sorry your precious, beautiful Ivy had to go to the Bridge...There are no words for such a devastating loss, but I'm so glad she found such a loving family to call her own and know that she lived a long, wonderful, happy life with you guys...Wishing you comfort at this sad time, sending big hugs, dear friends...J, Calle, Halle, Sukki, Mommy Cat, Daddy Cat

Photo Cache said...

Run Ivy! You were loved.

Sorry for your loss.

Purrs,
Emma and Buster

JC said...

I am so sorry. I can't even imagine what that day was like.
As someone who has loved cats their whole life, I can tell from what you wrote about her, that she was one of those .. heart .. cats.
I've known a few and had the joy of knowing them.

Know that she knew you loved her.
She had a marvelous life with you.

You did the right thing.
Letting her go.
She knew you would help her and you did.

Take time .. the good memories will soon be what you remember.

At least you had her in your life.
Wasn't that grand to have known her.

As always, I'm here for you ...

xo,
JC

The Swiss Cats said...

We're so sorry for your sudden loss of sweet Ivy. We send you comforting purrs and gentle headbonks. Purrs

Deb Barnes said...

Oh my goodness... such a touching story. What a beautiful cat Ivy was and how wonderful she chose you to share her life with. RIP darling girl... you will be missed. Purrs from Deb and the Zee/Zoey Gang

Maggie from Stillness at Cherith said...

I read about your Ivy on another blog and just wanted to pop by and say how sorry I am....
She was a very blessed kitty and our thoughts are with you at this very difficult time.
((hugs)) and kitty purrs

Team Tabby said...

So sorry to hear lovely Ivy has passed on. It is never easy to say good-bye. Lots of purrs and headbumps from us to comfort you.

Mindy
Moe
Mike
Cookie


Katie Isabella said...

My true and deepest condolences. I loved Ivy. Your babies are each one precious.

Old Kitty said...

Such a beautiful tribute to your sweet angel Ivy! May her light continue to shine brightly forever over at the Bridge! Sending you all many purrs and hugs, we are so so sorry! :-(

Take care
x

Angel Simba said...

Farewell from here, to sweet Ivy, and purrs and pawhugs for the rest of the family. What a lovely tribute this post is to her life. Ivy, I will meet you one day at the Rainbow Bridge.

Helen said...

(((Hugs))) I am so sorry for your loss of sweet Ivy

Mickey's Musings said...

We are so sorry to hear about Ivy.
What a sweet little cat. We love her meows too.
We are happy she had a good life and finally let you spoiler her.
We understand that losing her will be hard, so we send you comforting purrs.
Purrs Georgia and Julie,
Treasure and JJ
and mom Nancy

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

My deepest sympathy on your loss of Ivy. She will always remain in your heart along with all the good memories.

Hugs
♥♥♥

As the World Purrs said...

So sorry for your loss!

Purrs,
Jenny, Gus, Pearl, and Jaq

Cats Herd You said...

We're so very sorry about your suddenly losing Ivy. Her tenth life, your memories of her, will last forever. Many purrs from all of us.

Just Mags said...

We are so sorry that sweet Ivy had to go. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers and sending warm, gentle, comforting hugs

Katnip Lounge said...

We are sending warm purrs and tight hugs your way...Ivy was such a character! We think when all is quiet, you might hear her still, thanking you for years of love and care.

catsynth said...

We are so sorry to hear about Ivy's passing. She turned out to be such a sweet cat, and it wonderful that you had the change to bring her into your home and give her so much love and attention. Sending our deepest sympathies.

-CatSynth (Amanda and Luna)

Annie Bear said...

I'm so sorry about Ivy. This is such sad news. This is a lovely tribute to her.

Dash Kitten Crew said...

I am sat here in tears at the suddenness of Ivy's passing. I am so sorry. What a wonderful girl and what a voice. I LOVE the little video.

Fly free spirit of Ivy, we will all meet again one day.

Marjorie, Harvey, Miranda ad Silver.

Saku said...

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss of sweet Ivy. It is small consolation to know that she had a long life due to your love and caring despite all of her difficulties. May you find solace in your memories.

meowmeowmans said...

What a lovely tribute to your sweet and beloved Ivy. We are so sorry that she had to go to the Bridge so suddenly, but are thankful she blessed your lives for 17 wonderful years. Sending purrs, prayers and love to you, dear friends.

Debra Taylor said...

I am sorry for your loss. No matter how old they are, it is always so painful when they need to go.

I love the photo of her looking over the computer - almost like the WW2 "Kilroy was here" image.

I know she is glad that you helped her to pass easily. And I'm sure she is around you for awhile.

Debby
http://homelesscatcare@blogspot.com

MISS PEACH ~(^.^)~ said...

Oh Cheri I am so sad for you and Don at this dreadful loss of yet another beautiful fur child...Ivy...what a champion kitty she was for you! Loved the voice in the video....may you both be comforted with sweet memories in the quieter days ahead...you made her life beautiful...thank you for loving her so much.
Karla and the cozy cottage kitties

Cory said...

Farewell sweet Ivy.

Purrs from all of us.

♥Mona + Prissy + Angel Weenie♥ said...

We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Ivy's story made our Mommy cry. Our brother Weenie loved cats so we are suite they've met up at the bridge already and are the best of friends.

God Bless........Mommy's girls

Cleopawtra said...

So sorry to hear of your loss of Ivy. I just started to read your blog a month or so ago. Just starting to get to know everyone. I know of the sudden loss of a wonderful kitty can be painful, but remember she was loved as you also were by her. Sending our prayers, purrs, and headbutts to all of you (human and critters).

Christy Paws said...

Thank you for sharing Ivy's story. We know you miss her terribly but she had a long, wonderful life with you. Sending you comforting purrs. Fly free, sweet Ivy.

Just Mags said...

When I was here earlier I didn't have time to read what you wrote about sweet Ivy. What a beautiful tribute to her, she was very special as I can tell by what you wrote. What a sweetie and I know you will miss her terribly. Thinking of you and sending more hugs. Maggie

Everycat said...

Ivy, you were such a sweetheart, a furry, quirky little soul who made your family's life and the earth a better place for all of the time you were here. We are sad that you have gone now, so we are sending your family love and rumbly purrs. Catch many mousies at The Bridge Ivy

Luff
Mungo, Jet & The Ape xx

Timmy Tomcat said...

We are sending prayers and purrs of support at this sad time. That you loved her and it was so clear she loved you too is more than many have and wonderful. Ivy watch over us until that day we all meet again and play in the fields of grass under the warm sun and nap together when we are done
Timmy, Dad and Family

John Bellen said...

What a hole Ivy will leave. Please accept my condolences on her passing. You did wonders with her, keeping her alive when she was outside, then bringing her in. For a cat who spent seven years outside in a feral colony, seventeen is a very good age. You obviously loved and cared for her very well. My Tungsten was only six pounds, too, and she was full of personality. Something disappears from us when they go, something irreplaceable. Godspeed, Ivy.

Kitty Cat Chronicles said...

We are so very sorry to hear about Ivy. Losing a beloved fur baby is never easy, and we send our purrs, prayers, and warm thoughts of comfort during this difficult time. With an FIV+ cat myself, it is encouraging to hear that Ivy was able to live such a long and happy life. You two were lucky to have each other. I hope that you can find comfort in the happy memories you shared with her. <3

SailorEdgar said...

That is exactly what happened to our beloved Margo! :-( Rest in peace, Ivy, you will be very much missed by many! I heard about this on Katie's blog.

SuziQCat said...

Sending purrs of comfort to you all today. It is never easy to say good bye to a dear friend. Ivy will not be forgotten.

Anonymous said...

My heart goes out to you. Know you gave Ivy the best and last gift you could give. Cherish the memories...

Ms. Phoebe said...

We are deeply sorry for your loss of Ivy, who was a remarkable and enduring soul. She, her sister, and all the cats from the original colony owe you so much for your compassion and love tor them gave them the best lives to allow their survival. Ivy is a true example of the worth feral and abandoned cats have, and that they do have a need, desire for love no matter their initial fear of humans. I know she loved and lived for her family, despite her rough start and FIV-- her age is testimant to that. Please take comfort in knowing she is healthy and with lots of company of loved ones already at the Bridge, where they will remain enjoying life until the time you see her and them again. Another angel has earned her wings and power to watch over those she loves, her spirit never to leave your heart.
Purrs of love & condolences,
Clove, Kaspars, and Mom

maggie@shelter-cats said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Ivy was a small cat but she had a big presence. It sounds like she had an amazing life and left you with a lot of good stories and memories.
Sending purrs and sympathy.

Carolina Cats said...

Cheri,

We're so very sorry to hear this news. What a beautiful story you told of Ivy's life. You were lucky to have each other. I'm sure that by the time you brought her in to the house, she knew that she could trust you and that you would always take care of her. You proved that by making the choices that were best for her, no matter how much pain they brought to you. Ivy is young, whole and watching over you with all of the other cats from Wildcat Woods.

Sending hugs & purrs from Buddy, Jazzy, Cuzzin Cavalli & Mom Nora

Kjelle Bus aka Charlie Rascal said...

Me and my mom-person are so sorry to hear about Ivy.
It´s never easy to say Good Bye :(
Sending lots of gentle (((purrs))) and huggies

Kitties Blue said...

Please accept our condolences on your loss. It sounds as if you gave Ivy a great life, both when she was an outside feral and after she came into the house. We know she will be in your heart always. We are so sorry she has left your side. We know you will meet again. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo

Quill and Greyson said...

So sorry for our delay in seeing your post. We're so sorry for your loss. Ivy was an amazing ladycat and we wish there was anything we could say to ease your heartache. Purrs and hugs to you all.

pilch92 said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful girl. Take comfort in knowing what a love filled life you gave her.

Squeedunk Cats and Z-Girl said...

It is heartbreaking to lose a beloved kitty.This little girl quite literally weathered so much as a member of a feral colony, and is wonderful proof that with love and care a kitty can transition inside. Sounds like she had her designs on being with you before you finally were able to capture her. I know you miss her presence already--that sweet little meow, her snuggle time. Sending you many hugs and purrs. May you feel her gratitude for making her life so comfortable as you deal with your overwhelming sadness...peace...Laura from Squeedunk Cats

SailorEdgar said...

Big hugs from us and purrs from the kitties to all of Ivy's family!

A Tonl said...

Oh, oh, oh...... We have got to stop these blood clots! It's so heartbreaking and such an awful, shocking and sudden way to lose a beloved baby.... Like Melissa, we lost Ryker that way. Oh we just hate hearing this and we're beyond sorry. I wish words and hugs sent from afar actually would ease the pain and loss.... Thinking of you....

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