I hope you'll indulge me here. This is a cathartic blog. I had to put down Maynard this morning. He's one of my cats. I've been through this before and it doesn't get easier. Maynard came to live with me maybe 10 years ago. Couldn't figure out how old he was but he had a few miles and a few scars on him. Just a stray showing up at the door looking for a free meal. Which he got.
Maynard wouldn't stay. He'd show up, hang around for a few weeks and then disappear for months at a time. 'Course I worried about, especially in the winter. One year I hadn't seen him since the middle of September. I'd think about him now and again wondering if hewas alright. He came back on Christmas Eve and never left.
He was a black and white tom cat with a black marking on his chin. It looked like a goatee so I named him Maynard after Maynard G. Krebs the beatnik character Bob Denver played on the old Dobie Gillis show. I give all my cats nicknames. Maynard was my main man. He was Main Man Maynard.
You've heard the phrase "cool cat". Maynard set the standard. He didn't walk, he kind of ambled. He never got into fights with the alpha males and they never bothered him. He had a been there, done that, don't mess with me air about him and I think the bully boys understood. He was never overly affectiionate although now and then he'd jump on the couch, put his paws on my leg, stare at me and purr.
Maynard loved to rub heads. I called it knock-a-noggin'. Never have figured out why cats do that but I enjoy it as much as they do. On the preceding blog I mentioned a Youtube video that Sandy Hart turned me onto. It's called "Just a Dog?' No dog is just a dog and no cat is just a cat. Each one of mine has a different personalty. They react to noises differently. They meow differently. They eat differently. They show affection differently. Each one of them has their own little story. If you take your time and you're patient you can figure a bit of it out.
I think Maynard must have been a barn cat. Every night I put out treats for the cats. They'd all get their fill and there are always a few left over. That's when Maynard went to work turning into a purloining pussy going from cat to cat stealing the left over treats.
Maynard was suffering from cancer. His kidneys were failing and his liver was shutting down. He had stopped eating. I knew I had delayed this long enough and was pretty sure today was going to be the day. When I got up this morning, as sick as he was, he was out side sitting on the patio. A bit later he was at the pond. Then he walked into the bushes. I've seen some of my other cats who were close to death do the same thing. I call it their walk about. This morning Maynard did his walk about.
On the drive to the vet I put Maynard on the front seat. No carrying cage this time. I know it sounds silly but I had a long talk with him. Telling him how proud I was of him, how glad I was he came to live me. And how much I loved him.
He was a friend. He was a family member. And God bless him, Maynard was more than just a cat.
Oh Rick, I am so sorry to hear about Maynard. You are so right about each one being so different & unique - like snowflakes. And making that final decision out of love never does get easier: I've been through it too many times to count before & I know there will be at least 4 additional times in the future. Jake is my 'main meow' & we've been through so much together that I'm already dreading that day even though, at 12.5yrs of age he's disgustingly healthy... and full of attitude. But he's just as full of love & I swear we can read each others' souls just by gazing at each others' eyes.
Hugs & head-butts (or noggin knocks) to you & RIP Maynard.
Thanks for sharing and taking the time Sandy.
Rick,
Just being sappy..... brought tears to my eyes. Our Felicty cat is 15+ and still in relatively good shape. Just a good old girl who has brought us pleasure for years. Hopefully she will do a "walk about" after having to take Scruffy to the vet's prior to her arrival. Will miss her when the time comes, like you miss Maynard.
Thanks Army. It amazes me sometimes how attatched we can get and how much of an impact they have on us.
A great post Rick. I feel your sadness and as you well know time heals all.
I know I said I wouldn't post on this one, Rick, but I had to read it again to help deal with my own situation.
Thank you again for writing this and I hope tomorrow is a better day than today.
David, it's never easy. I've been through it too many times. I find that sometimes, even with the number of guys I have, one of the best thing to do is to get another pet. You're not replacing the one you've lost, you never can, but in that pet's honour you're giving another animal a good home. That's a good thing. Thanks again David. I Truly hope it gets better for you.
Phil, thanks a lot. I know time does heal but it's funny, their memories never fade. I've lost a few of these guys over the years. I knew it would happen but some times I look at a cat bed or the bushes where they'd like to hang out and I can still picture them. It can be sad but it also makes me smile.
Rick.
That must have been tough to write. It was emotional to read, but I am glad I did.
We had to put down a special dog last Christmas season and it was the hardest thing I have ever had to do.
You are in my prayers.
Richard
Thanks Richard. Sorry to hear about your loss. I was doing okay on the piece until the last few lines when I started to choke up. I held the little guy for as long as I could. I hated being there but I'm glad I was.
My best friend was put to sleep last night! I feel for you and wish you all the best! More then that I appreciate your words and miss hearing you on the radio!
James, so sorry to hear about your loss. I believe I know how you feel. Thanks writing.
As another animal lover, I understand your loss Rick. What I can't comment on is how losing Maynard touches you. Our animals all have their individual characters and we develop unique and individual relationships with each of them. I remember being in your situation a few years back and being told by someone that I still had two, to whom I replied that I didn't have the one I had to let go that morning. So, I get that - you don't have Maynard any more and he left you changed for the good. Sounds like you were a great dad to him, and when he really needed you to look after him, you stepped up.
Les, Thanks for the comments about Maynard. He was a special little guy with a personality all his own. I do miss him.
What a touching story...as a fellow cat lover, it brought tears to my eyes. God bless you for displaying such compassion to your fur babies.