Cat Memorials and Picture Gallery: Misty

Misty is a gorgeous Tortoise-colored Tabby. On January 8, 2007, I had to put Misty down after having her for 14 1/2 years. She was the most loveable, smart cat. All throughout her life she loved to pad with her front paws, purring extremely loudly when doing so. I have to tell you the story of how courageous and strong willed Misty was during her final days. I was out of town with my daughter, Emily, and my husband, Marty, was home cat sitting! Marty called me the second day that I was away saying that he was taking Misty to the Vet because she would not stop crying. (She had been diagnosed two months earlier with a thyroid problem for which she was on medication.) They spent several hours at the Vet's office examining her and running tests. She was very dehydrated and they injected her with some liquids, and sent her home with Marty. The next day I got a call from Marty. He put our Vet on the phone. When I heard the Vet's voice, I knew that it was not good. He said that it was time for Misty to be put down, that she was sick.

I asked if they could keep her comfortable and alive for the next three days until I was able to get home to say goodbye to her. He said he could keep her comfortable, but alive was up to Misty and Mother Nature. Marty was wonderful, taking her every day after work to get hydration. When I did arrive home on Sunday, January 7, 2007 I was shocked to see Misty. This was not the same cat that I had left only four days earlier. She was undoubtedly dying, but she was alive! She even seemed happy to see me. I gave her so much love and attention that day, and called the Vet on Monday to have her put down. I had never before had to do this, and I cried the entire way to the Vet's office. (I was by myself, too.) Dr. Bill came in and administered a heavy dose of a sedative. He said that this may be all that was needed for Misty to "go". I held Misty on my lap for the next 20 minutes. She was breathing deeply and heavily, but she was still alive! Dr. Bill couldn't believe it. He told me that Misty had a very strong will to live.

Every day, when I look at Misty's grave, I know that we had no choice but to let her go, but I also know that she is still in close proximity to those she loved! I truly believe that Princess also misses Misty, and maybe eventually we will save another cat from the Animal Rescue League of Pittsburgh, but for now, our memories of Misty are still in our hearts!