Our beloved Gingerbread is no longer with us. He passed away yesterday afternoon at the vet’s office. I am typing this with a heavy heart, I’m absolutely grief-stricken and can barely compose my thoughts.
We went to visit him Friday afternoon, he was hooked up to an IV and very lethargic. As soon as he heard our voices, he started meowing in a cry that we’ve never heard before. We actually thought it was the cat next to him at first, but it was him. Every time we said something to him, he would answer us back with desperation in his meow. The doctor wasn’t there, just the receptionist who came in to ask if that was him answering us when we talked. She thought it was the sweetest thing, and it was. He was far back in the cage and I couldn’t reach him too well with my short arms, but he moved just a bit closer so I could pet him. As soon as I started petting him, he began purring so loud and deeply that I could feel the vibrations on the cage. We said our goodbyes, told him we loved him and missed him and reassured him that he would be coming home soon.
Later in the evening the doctor called us and said that he was doing better this morning when she checked him, he’s keeping his food down, and that we could probably take him home on Monday or Tuesday. We mentioned to her that he seemed very lethargic when we saw him, which surprised her a bit. Dustin and I went to sleep around 9:00PM, then around 11:00PM my mother woke us up. She said the vet just called and said that she’s very concerned about Gingerbread and thought his potassium was too low and his electrolytes were unbalanced. So she gave him some potassium in his IV, but said that he was in critical condition and apologized for calling so late, but she wanted to let us know that he was having a bad night. I couldn’t sleep anymore, I was a nervous wreck all night.
The next morning, the doctor called and said that he was doing a little better, but he’s still in critical condition and she’s trying to stabilize him. She said she spent the whole night with him. Then, at 2:30 in the afternoon she called to say that he just died as she was feeding him. She said that he let out a loud cry, tilted his head back, and stopped breathing. She said that she tried to resuscitate him, but couldn’t. It was almost as though Gingerbread was saying goodbye to us when we saw him on Friday. I’ll never forget his loving purr just before we left. I hope he could sense how much we loved him. He would have turned 10 on July 3rd.
Rest in peace, my darling kitty cat.
{ 40 comments }
Twitter: imadedinner
June 13, 2010 at 8:52 PM
Jenn, I’m so sorry… losing a pet is one of the worst things… my thoughts are with you guys!
I’m so sorry, Jenn.
Thinking of you.
I’m so sorry to hear that
But at least you have all these great pictures/memories of him.
You guys are in my thoughts.
I’m so sorry about Gingerbread. I was really hoping that he would get well! My cat, Bandit, passed away on June 16, 2009. She had feline aids and was very sick the last two months of her life. She was my buddy for 15 years, and I miss her every day.
It was so nice that you dedicated your blog to Gingerbread today. You have beautiful pictures of him. I know that you loved him very much.
I am so sorry to hear about Gingerbread!
I’m so sorry Jenn. Gingerbread looks like he was a very sweet and loving cat. I know how pets can be an integral part of the family and earn a very special place in our hearts. At least he knew how much you loved him!
Twitter: MasPublicHealth
June 13, 2010 at 11:10 PM
So sorry to hear this, Jenn. It seems he definitely knew how loved he was by the way he reacted to your presence and touch. Beautiful pictures.
I’m so sorry to hear about Gingerbread! He had a great life with very loving parents!
I’m so, so sorry about Gingerbread.
I’m actually crying right now for your loss. My sincerest condolences. -hugs-
I’m so sorry you’ve lost your beautiful boy. I know its no consolation but you were clearly great, loving parents who gave him a wonderful life, loved him and looked after him when he needed you most.
I hope your memories of him will brig you some comfort.
My heart is aching right now reading about your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Gingerbread was such a loved kitty.
Twitter: livelaughgrow
June 14, 2010 at 9:29 AM
I am SO sorry, Jenn – you’re all in our thoughts.
Jenn, I am so sorry to hear about your precious kitty. Losing a pet is never easy. I will be thinking about you!
I’m so sorry about the loss of your friend. I don’t think there’s any question that he knew how much he was loved.
I’m so sorry, Jenn. I truly believe all our loved ones, including pets will be waiting for us on the other side. He was so lucky to have you as his mama, and I’m sure he knew that. You’re in my thoughts and prayers today. ::Hugs::.
oh jenn i am so teared up…..i am so sorry. he seemed like such an amazing kitty-the pics show how wonderful and caring he was. you are so lucky to have had such a great cat. i am so very sorry……it breaks my heart.
I’m so sorry to hear this news
*HUGS*
Jenn I’m so sorry for the loss of Gingerbread!
*great big HUGS* I have 8 furbabies and don’t know what I’d do without any of them. It’s tough when you lost a member of the family.
I’m glad that you have so many awesome memories with him though!
And all the pictures you have will help you hold onto those memories.
It will take some time, but the pain will lessen
*sneaks in another big hug*
OH NO!!! GIRL
:(:(
im truly so sorry! this is so upsetting!!
I’m so sorry, losing a pet is so heartbreaking and tough. They truly are members of the family. Beautiful pics, such an amazing cat.
I’m so sorry to hear about Gingerbread…sounds like he was a great kitty.
I’m sitting here with tears in my eyes. I am SO sorry for your loss. It is so difficult to lose a pet.
Oh Jenn, My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. It’s so hard to loose a pet. I believe that our pets know how much we love them and I think Gingerbread was trying to say goodbye to you last time you were together. Hugs to you.
Jenn and Dustin,
What a shock to see that sweet Gingerbread passed away. I’m so sad for you. You guys did everything you could for him. I’m sure he knows how much you loved him. My thoughts are with you
I’m so sorry Jenn and Dustin, I know how hard this is for you.
I am so very sorry to hear that!
I hope you feel better.
Very sorry to hear about your kitty. I just lost my home in a house fire and have one kitty
It is very heartbreaking RIP gingerbread!
still out missing
Oh my gosh Jenn I’m so sorry to hear that!
I am full-out crying for you
I have an orange kitty as well, and I cannot imagine what you’re going through. Gingerbread was a beautiful cat and he looks like such a sweet and loving little boy! I’m glad that he was able to say goodbye to you. Im so sorry for your loss.
Twitter: mslynnchen
June 15, 2010 at 6:34 PM
i’m so sorry to hear about your cat….hope you’re doing okay.
I am so sorry for your loss!
Gingerbread looked like the happiest and cutest cat of all time!! xoxo
Jenn, I am so sorry! My heart goes out to you both. Our world ended when we lost Maggie last year. If you need anything, please let me know…I can’t do much, but I am happy to chat. Gingerbread was loved and it shows. You have a great heart! I am thinking about you guys!
I’m so sorry Jen
May Gingerbread RIP <3
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS
So sorry for your loss Jenn, take care.
Just catching up on my blog reading – so sorry about the loss of Gingerbread! The only comfort is that he’s no longer in any pain.
Hugs!
Oh no, Jenn!!! I am so so so sorry! You must be heart-broken…throughout the last posts, I really could tell how much you cared for him. But you were a wonderful loving owner, Jenn…and Gingerbread was loved and well taken care of until the last minute.
((hugs))
I’m so sorry! Gingerbread’s suffering is over and will be in a better place from now on. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Oh Jenn, I’m so sorry. I am in tears right now after reading this. My heart goes out to you… Gingerbread was a lucky cat to have a wonderful life with you as a ‘mom’!
Twitter: lisasfoods
June 21, 2010 at 5:43 PM
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. It’s so hard to lose a pet.
Comments on this entry are closed.