Erich.... 2 December 1988 ~ 23 July 2007

It's been a while, and I do realize that. Life was complicated by the last days of the cat who was there through what seemed like everything in my life, Erich.

I'll copy the note I sent to Canine-L on July 23rd about it here:

The elder statesman of the Wheelerville Zoo, Erich, went to the Rainbow Bridge tonight at 6:20 pm Central Time.

I knew the day was coming soon. Not only because he was 18 years old, but he had developed a cough (couple times a day) and was getting thin. He could have had cancer, but who wanted to really push him on things and know for sure.

We had his well-check on Saturday, and the vet said it was most likely quite soon, since he was rather anemic. But we did have a wonderful weekend, where Erich enjoyed fried chicken and all his other favorites. He bird-watched, played with Smokey, and did all his usual things.

I came home from work today, and Erich was breathing somewhat labored, very heavy. He was still getting around, but I also did not want him suffering, and some very simple things were getting him winded. We had a talk together, and he let me know that it was time for him to go to the Rainbow Bridge.

So I called the vet, and we made a 6 pm appointment. Like the fighter he was, Erich faced it with his eyes wide open, even after the initial sedative.

Before we left for the vet, we had a while on the bed together, he lay on my chest, and rested, while I petted him.

It was peaceful - but he stayed as alert as he could through the sedative, kept his eyes on me while we waited together for it to take effect. As he lay on the table, I petted him and sang a few last rounds of "You are My Sunshine" to him. And after the final shot, I know he was playing again, happy and healthy at the Rainbow Bridge.

From Smokey, for her beloved kitty friend, who taught her everything she needed to know....

Ever the companion
Regal in all your ways
Inside love and devotion
Came a blessing
Heaven holds our treasure.

Sleep well, my beloved Erich. When I first got you, you promised me you would be with me at 40 and you did it, sunshine. You never broke your promises and Mommy will always love you.

~~~~


I miss him so.