Moose

 I have been dreading this post for some time now. But I feel I have to do this for two reasons. One, to remember him and two, hopefully for some closure. 

It has been over a week now that we had to say goodbye to Moose. It still breaks my heart that he is gone. I spend a lot of time outside because being in the house is very sad for me. Everything reminds me of him. His favorite blanket where he would sleep for hours all curled up inside of it.

Where he would sit, watching the birds or squirrels.

The way he would always greet us at the door when we came home. 

Moose has been showing his age now for some time. We have had him into the vet many times for a sneezing problem. He would have these sneezing fits and then lately when they happened his left eye would bleed. So in May he was diagnosed with a tumor behind his eye that affected his eye and sinuses. 6 months was his prognosis. They sent me home with a prescription to reduce the inflammation. That's all we could do for him. That was a sad day for sure.

For the next 3-4 weeks we watched him. Those of you who knew Moose, you knew he was a big cat. He was over 16 pounds. He had lost a lot of weight. He was down to just over 11 pounds now. I spoiled him at the end. Giving him all the treats he cared to eat. Soft food when he looked hungry. I think Stinky gained weight because whatever he didn't eat, she would. 

Finally it got to the point to where we couldn't bear to see him like this anymore. He would still have sneezing fits and you could see that he was in pain. We knew it was time.

This was the last photo I took of Moose. The day after, we took him to the vet one last time. I have never been so sad in my life. I held him in my arms until the end. Watching the life leave his body but knowing he was in a better place now. When it was done, the sight of his lifeless body laying on the table as we left still causes me to tear up.

The house now is a little lonelier and more sad. The other two cats I know are wondering where he went. Moose would spend a lot of time in the garage towards the end. When he was ready to come inside, Stinky would run to the door to greet him. She still runs to the door but he is never there now. And Journey, for 10 years she has been with Moose. They had a special bond.

Moose loved laps.

It didn't matter who you were, if you were sitting, he would climb up on your lap and quickly fall asleep. He was always with me during my 3 surgeries. Always providing comfort.

We got Moose from a shelter in Sanford FL. He picked me that day so long ago. I think I took him for granted, always thinking he would be around. Now he is gone. Here is the first picture we ever took of him.

He will be missed.