Mark's Goodbye to Gremlin....

I'm not at a point yet where I can say anything, but since many people have asked for "Grem updates" I thought I would post Mark's note to some friends from this previous Thursday....

I just wanted to let a few friends know that our truly beloved cat, Gremlin died late this morning at Tufts. He had developed heart arythmia early (4AM) Tuesday and we rushed him to Tufts where there is a great cardiac unit. The doctors there tried everything, but the meds that reduced the arythmia made his heart not work well and the reverse was also true. We still thought we would be bringing him home at least for a few weeks as of this morning, but Sheila got a call from the doctor mid-morning that his condition had taken a rapid turn from the worse and he was now almost non-responsive. We rushed down there and there was little doubt that it was 'time" for him to be euthanized. We spent some time with him, but he was in extreme discomfort and distress, still we said our tearful goodbyes, held him and patted him,and stayed with him as he passed on.

You may know that we have had Gremlin for only several years. He was abandoned at our local vet is sub freezing temps in a cardboard box. We took one look at him and knew we had to bring him home: it was obvious he was an amazingly handsome and affectonate cat from our first picking him up at the vets. Almost two years ago, he became very sick, almost died and went into the cardiac unit at Tufts. It was found that he had a leaking aorta and a leaking valve, both terminal and inoperable conditions (for a cat), but that could be "managed" short term with human heart meds. Meaning he could go home, but would not live long. He recovered, came home and quickly became the head of the house. No cat was loved more and showed more affection in return. He was totally active, and despite his heart condiitons , zoomed around the house playing and romping like a kitten literally to the last moment. He certainly epitomized a love of life. He had to have two meds administered every day and we quickly made a decision that we would take no vacations, or even overnights, until he had passed. It just seemed the right thing to do. It was originally thought he might last only a few months, but he kept on ticking for almost two years. He was Sheila's constant companion, always with her at her PC, or with her on the bed, or looking out the window when we went on bird trips. They had a bond that was amazing to behold, I have never seen the like. She named her blog after him.He was a real presence in the household, always in our life, truly part of the family.Even though we knew this day had to come, it doesn't make it any less sad and tearful. There's a huge emptiness in the house that will not be soon filled. But his living so long despite his severe condiitons is also a testament to what good care and affection can do for a cat. There was not a moment when he didn't know he was loved. Attached is a classic picture of the boy..........Mark