Holly came into my life nearly twenty years ago at four months old. She was the next door neighbor’s cat. Every morning they would let her out and she would race to my house to sit at my feet while I worked from home. Eventually, the neighbors simply asked me to adopt her. My heart would sing with joy every time I saw her, smelled her, heard her purr, and watched her play. Since 1989 that same joy filled my heart every time I arrived home with the excitement of Holly greeting me.
As playful and silly as Holly could be her main focus in life seemed to be connecting with me. She was always present, with her sweet eye contact and welcoming way. We could carry on conversations for hours with each other through the language of love and pure understanding. Of course I knew how very fortunate I was to still have her after so many years. Her health was perfect for eighteen of those years until she became a victim of “the pet food poisoning.” With the help of subcutaneous fluids she still had a good quality of life.
One morning I noticed she seemed unusually fatigued. I observed her for a few days and then spontaneously began telling her how very lucky I was to have her in my life. I expressed to her that she had given me more than I could have ever hoped for. I told her that I wasn’t rushing her, but explained that when she felt ready to “return home” that she do so knowing that she is victorious and has given beyond the call of duty a thousand times over. I told her I just knew when she crossed “Rainbow Bridge” that she would be celebrated with honor for giving her guardian so much to be happy about during her long, beautiful life.
Ironically, two days later she began having trouble urinating. I was terribly sad to find out that she had very advanced bladder cancer. We spent seven more love filled, wonderful days together and then Dr. Forslund came to our home to offer Holly the peaceful passing she deserved. Her gentle, patient, and caring way made that day not only bearable, but sacred. Dr. Forslund made sure that I had all the time I needed with Holly before she eased her into a deep, restful sleep. Having her relaxed and asleep before the euthanasia was very important to me; Dr. Forslund was so supportive and honoring of this. After making sure I was ready, Dr. Forslund gently assisted Holly with an injection that set her spirit free.
The decision to euthanize Holly was one of the most difficult decisions of my entire life. I’m a vegetarian who sweeps ants into a dust pan and carries them outside. The thought of being in charge of another’s death was overwhelming to me, but it’s true that our animal companions let us know when they are “ready.” Calling on Dr. Forslund to assist my sweet girl home felt like divine intervention. It was as gentle, graceful, and as sweet as Holly was. I am eternally grateful.
Karen Fazio