From a Friend

I wanted to share this poem that was sent to me by Ruis's human, Marlene. She sent it to me not long after I lost Ollie. The words gave me such comfort....

Olive

As most of you already know, Olive has gone to bridge. First and foremost I want to thank each and everyone of you who stopped by with kind words, warm thoughts, well wishes, and countless expressions of love and sympathy. Many of you left comments here, at Gracie's blog, and at the Cat Blogosphere. Even though I have yet to write, I want you to know that during Olive's health crisis and the weeks after I have read your messages. It meant so much to know so many people and pets were thinking of us even though we haven't been active in the blog world for quite some time.

On the 4th of July, my plans to spend the day at a cook out with a friend fell through. As a result, I had a relaxing quiet day at home with Ollie. While feeling sorry for myself over the fall-out with a close friend, I spent a lazy in morning in bed with sweet Ollie. She snuggled down next to me on a pile of soft blankets while I donned pajamas and channel surfed. We had a nice, quiet morning but when I finally dragged myself out of bed, I noticed Ollie didn't follow--very unusual as she always jumped out of bed when I got up.

Throughout the afternoon, I kept a close eye on her. I noticed she wasn't drinking, eating, or going to the litter box. She just seemed to want to stay in bed. I checked her nose and it was wet and cold (a good sign) and so I decided to just keep an eye on her. By evening, she hadn't perked up and when she snuggled down in the back of my closet I knew she was in trouble. I put her in her carrier and rushed her to the animal hospital.

I was told she was having problems with her kidneys and that she would need to stay in the hospital for several days. I was able to go back and check on her before I left for the night, kissing her gently on the top of her soft little head. I cannot begin to describe how difficult is was for me to leave my sweet little baby there all alone. As I walked to my car, tears running down my face, the sounds of fireworks exploding over the city of Indianapolis filled the quiet night.

Friday morning I was able to pick Olive up and get her to our vet. I cannot say enough about our vet. She is the most caring, compassionate, intelligent vet I have ever met--this was all apparent by the level of love and care she gave to Opus. There is no one I would trust more with my pets than this woman. I knew she would do everything she could do for Olive, including letting me know when it was time to give up the fight. Olive was given constant fluids via an IV, and I was told there nothing we could do but wait--she would either get better by morning or worse. It was the longest night of my life.

Ollie had had several serious bladder infections this past spring. The vet had warned me that they could be a precursor to chronic kidney problems; I thought this was what we were facing. I was wrong. During the night, Ollie's kidneys had failed to produce urine. As a result, all the fluids she had been given were backing up in her body. She had gained two pounds in water weight. I knew we had to say good bye to her before the fluids hit her heart and lungs.

My mom had driven down when Ollie first got sick and thankfully was me, as she was when I helped Opus to the bridge. Together we drove to the vet's to say good bye to our girl. Once there we hugged and kissed Ollie. I whispered to my cat softly, thanking her for the laughter she brought to me, for the happiness she gave. I thanked her for her constant companionship. For her loyal friendship. And lastly, I thanked her for her unconditional love. I was stroking her and talking to her, my nose to hers, when she left this world. I imagine Opus was waiting at the bridge with his brother Roscoe to welcome Ollie and show her around.

It was hard to believe that just two days before I feeling sorry myself over cancelled holiday plans, something that seems so frivolous now. What a blessing is was though. Because of those cancelled plans, I was able to spend Ollie's last day at home with her. All day. Just the two of us, snuggling in bed.

Ollie was a seven-year-old shelter cat when she came into my life and left this earth when she was eleven. Even though we only had four years together, we packed a lot into that small amount of time. Somehow in this large, crazy world we found each other. We traveled to Italy and back together. That sweet little calico cat helped me some the darkest days of my life. And for that, I will always be grateful. She will live on forever in my memory and deep within my heart.

 Rest in peace, sweet Ollie.

Cat Naps

Dear Friends,
I know we have been absent for a while now. In 2009, I returned to school and found most of time was being taken up by the classes I was attending. I think a part of me had also come to realize that my passion for blogging had faded. There were also some big changes that happened in our lives, changes I was not ready to write about.

Yesterday morning an earthquake hit not far from where we once lived. Some of our friends have already been asking if Ollie and I are okay. So, I thought now might be a good time to write a quick note on our blog to let everyone know that Ollie and I are doing just fine.

This past summer Opus, Olive, and I returned to the States. Our time in Italy had come to a sad and unexpected end. I flew back in June, first with Opus. He was able to fly in his soft cage under my feet. But the people I was sitting with didn't mind that I put his cage on my tray table (he wasn't allowed outside of the cage). He was able to see better from there and get a bit of air. In July, I returned to Italy for the last of my things and for Olive (you can only fly with one pet in-cabin at a time). Ollie was a bit more vocal about the journey home, but after an incredibly long (and messy) trip, we landed in Indiana. The cats both quickly adjusted to their new home, loving the central air conditioning we never had in Italy. Our home is filled with large windows that offer up enormous pools of sunlight, which both cats enjoyed immensely.

Opus lived with us in our new home for nearly five months. We look around now and can see memories of him in every corner. Olive has adjusted nicely. When Opus was here, she often stayed alone in another room, but since his departure Olive has turned into my girl. I can see now that she was just a passive cat who always let Opus have the lime light, but now that he is gone she is taking her turn to shine. I thought I might have to get another cat to keep her company, but she seems happy to not have the competition.

Though we no longer blog, we think often of all the friends we have met over the years because of Cat Naps in Italy. Thanks for stopping by now and again and checking in on us.You will never be forgotten and will always hold a special place in our hearts.

And who knows, maybe one day there will be Cat Naps in Indiana? Until then friends....

Opus & Roscoe~Together Forever

Two Angels dearly missed.

~ Opus~
22 September 1995 - 2 December 2010

Roscoe

22 September 1995 - 9 September 2008

Graphics by Zoolatry

Addio Opus

My heart is broken into a million pieces. Opus went to the bridge today. I held him in my arms- stroking his paws, kissing his head. It was very peaceful. Though I will forever miss him, I know that he is running wild with Roscoe, free of pain, free of worry, young again.

I love you, Opus. Ci vedremo di nuovo....

Taking Things Easy

Just taking things easy and posing for the flashie box.

Dona Nobis Pacem

Let there be peace!