Rest In Peace, Sweet Qandi

Qandi (pronounced "Candy") crossed Rainbow Bridge this morning around 9:15 a.m. Today also happens to be National Find A Rainbow Day.

I always knew that when she stopped eating, I'd know it was time. Well, last Wednesday she stopped eating. Her last meal was breakfast that morning. Since then she just took very small licks of her food. I knew, especially at 17 years old, and with all the ailments she had, she would not live very much longer. There were so many times over the past few years I felt her time was nearing and then to my surprise and delight, she bounced back. I'll never forget when she first went blind and I was in tears. She rubbed her head on my face as if to tell me, "It's okay, Mommy. I can do this." And she did. For more than two years.

But this time, I knew it was different. Over the past few days, I could feel her slipping away from me each time I held her. She had little energy and she was losing weight rapidly. Imagine that - a five pound cat losing weight.

When I woke up this morning and saw the condition she was in, there was no doubt in my mind it was time to say goodbye. I called Peaceful Passage and within one hour someone was here to euthanize her. If they didn't have an opening this morning for a home visit, she would have been euthanized at the Pet ER. Instead, she passed peacefully at home on the carpet by the balcony with the door open on a beautiful morning. I also had a YouTube video on with birds chirping. She couldn't see, but hearing the birds always comforted her.

I retired on disability in 2010, when she was just five years old. My heart is filled with gratitude for the 12 years I was able to spend so much time at home with her, and of course for the five years before that. While I'm incredibly heartbroken and hurting more than words can say, I'm comforted by the fact that she is at peace.

Rest well, sweet girl. Caring for you has been the honor of my life. Mommy will always love you.