Spike had a few bad days, since he became ill several weeks ago. But, the next morning, he was always pacing by my bedroom door, eager for attention and the high-calorie treat -- condensed milk -- prescribed by his vet.
But not this morning. This morning, he was lying on his side, unable to move except to lift his head and look at me. I took care of the other animals, then wrapped Spike in a towel and sat holding him.
He was as stubborn about dying as he was living. A few spasms, a few purrs and meowrs, and three hours later, he died in my arms. It seemed to me that he left me before his body gave up, but perhaps not.
I suspect he will never leave me entirely; his personality is too big to just vanish to nothing. It will always hover about here in some way -- reminding me to ask for what I want, to pursue it, to insist on giving and receiving attention and affection.
His eulogy, a bit premature, is here.
He could always outlast me.
Some Rights Reserved
We are so sorry to hear Spike is gone.
Our thoughts are with you!
sending hugs and gentle headbumpies
Kashim, Othello and Salome
Posted by: Kashim & Othello | 16 August 2008 at 04:42 PM
So sorry to hear about Spike.
Sending purrs and purrayers.
Love,
KC
Posted by: KC | 16 August 2008 at 05:11 PM
Our purrrs are with you! We are so sorry to hear about Spike! Lots of purrrrs and hugs!
Your FL furiends,
Posted by: Samantha & Mr. Tigger | 16 August 2008 at 05:18 PM
We're sorry to hear about Spike. You have our deepest sympathies.
Wally, Ernie & Zoey
Posted by: The Island Cats | 16 August 2008 at 05:30 PM
Our condolences for your loss.
Sending purrs and prayers.
Posted by: purrchance to dream | 16 August 2008 at 05:43 PM
We are so sorry for the loss of your Spike. He will always have a special place in your heart.
(((HUGS)))
Laila and Minchie
Posted by: Laila and Minchie | 16 August 2008 at 05:43 PM
We're so sorry, this have been maybe the saddest week evur :(
Posted by: Brownie | 16 August 2008 at 05:44 PM
I'm so sorry to hear about Spike. We lost our dear Felix this week, too. We send you warm thoughts and hugs.
Bless you,
Mommy Jenny
Posted by: Mommy Jenny | 16 August 2008 at 05:51 PM
All of Spike's friends on the Ark will miss him!
Our thoughts are with you
Posted by: Steve | 16 August 2008 at 05:56 PM
We're so sorry for your loss. all we can offer is a hug...((((hug))))
Posted by: Zippy, Sadie & Speedy | 16 August 2008 at 06:02 PM
We is so sorry! Yur rite, Spike will always be wif you. Der's no doubt in my mind, he knew how much you luved him. Purrs and hugs,
Victor & Tabbymom Jen
Posted by: Victor Tabbycat | 16 August 2008 at 06:29 PM
What a handsome guy Spike was! We are sorry for your loss. We read his eulogy, so we know he was very special to you and you will miss him very much.
:-(
Posted by: Jan's Funny Farm | 16 August 2008 at 06:38 PM
Sharon I'm so sorry to hear about this. you are in my thoughts
Posted by: Cathy | 16 August 2008 at 06:50 PM
We are so sorry for your loss. We are sending you soft purrs and prayers.
Rest in peace Spike.
-The McKitten-Cats
Posted by: Jasper McKitten-Cat | 16 August 2008 at 07:00 PM
(((((( HUGS )))))) We are sorry to hear that Spike had to go and be at the bridge. TT will be there to greet him and Fatty will surely share some of her food that she has with her.
Posted by: Molly and Shadow | 16 August 2008 at 07:11 PM
I did not know Spike,but I, and my sisfurs, are very sorry to hear that he is gone.
(((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))
Purrs Mickey,Georgia & Tillie
Posted by: Mickey | 16 August 2008 at 07:25 PM
We are so very sorry to learn about Spike. He will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge. Until you meet again, he will be happy and playing in the meadows.
Spike, rest well. Until we meet at The Bridge
Posted by: The Meezers | 16 August 2008 at 07:35 PM
We're sorry to hear about Spike.
Headbonks and purrs to you.
Sniffie and the Florida Furkids
Posted by: Sniffie and the Florida Furkids | 16 August 2008 at 07:41 PM
My sympathies, Sharon.
Posted by: Dave | 16 August 2008 at 07:53 PM
We didn't get to know, Spike, but what a lovely looking cat he was. We are so sorry for your loss. (((hugs)))of comfort from us
Mindy & Moe
Posted by: Mindy & Moe | 16 August 2008 at 08:17 PM
We just learned about Spike on the CB. We are so very, very sory for your loss...
Posted by: Moki | 16 August 2008 at 09:05 PM
We's so sorry Spike had to go to the Bridge today. We's sorry for yore loss. We are sending yoo lots of purrs.
Purrrrrrrrrrrrrs,
the Hotties
Posted by: HotMBC | 16 August 2008 at 09:43 PM
We are so sad to hear the news about Spike. You wrote a wonderful tribute to him. We will be thinking of you and praying for you.
MamaCat & the FurryPurries
Ozzy, Alice, Bootsie, Freckles, Lola, Dandelo & baby Honey
Posted by: mamacat & the furrypurries | 16 August 2008 at 10:11 PM
I'm so sorry. {{{Hugs}}}
Posted by: Patia | 17 August 2008 at 12:30 AM
We are so sorry about Spike. We didn't meet him before but we can tell he was one of the kitty greats. We send comforting purrs and wish you sweet memories of your special boy, Spike.
'Kaika, Tabbygail, Tanith, Midnight, Blackie and Miss Kitty
Posted by: Ikaika & the Girl Cats | 17 August 2008 at 01:13 AM