Monday, August 15, 2011

In memory of Abe

It's been a difficult summer pets-wise.  And today I had to take Abe for his final visit at the vet.

His health has been declining, as I wrote last September.  After Oskar died, I knew it wouldn't be too long before Abe followed him.  I just hoped it would be a little longer.  Whatever his illness was, he was not getting much nutrition from what he ate, was hungry constantly and losing strength.  His back legs weakened significantly over the weekend.  Today when he had trouble standing up and then staggered across the floor, I knew it was time.

Abe's personality, like his place on the Busy Solitude power map, fell in the middle.  He was always friendly, but not what you would call outgoing.  A bit more on the timid side, he always ran when Ulani would try to play with him outside.  Luke, on the other hand, stands his ground and then rubs up against Ulani's legs as a show of victory.  When Bodhi was still around, Abe and Bodhi hung together, letting Luke be the front man.

Where Abe really outshone his brothers was as a hunter.  In mouse season, Abe brought a daily prize.  He spent long hours in the kitchen, staring at the stove, waiting for the unlucky critter to wander just far enough that Abe could pounce on it and have his way.

Those skills will surely be missed this autumn.  But the loss of Abe's easy-going presence is already felt throughout the house.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

So sorry for you loss, Johanna. Not a great summer. Sending you peace.

Rose H (UK) said...

Dear Johanna, I'm so sorry that you have lost dear Abe. I just cannot imagine how you must feel loosing another part of your furry family.
Sending {{hugs}}
Rose H
xx

Melissa H. said...

Oh Jo, I'm so sorry. He was a sweet cat. I'm glad you had him for as long as you did.

Tomi said...

What a wonderful life you gave Abe. Those boys were sure lucky the day you picked them out.

Anonymous said...

Jo,
So sorry that Abe had to leave. Our pets never stay with us as long as
we would like.
Love, mom

greelyrita said...

It really has been a difficult year for you this way and you'll always remember these dear friends. I know I think of mine often. But next year is bound to be more cheerful with new happy memories to balance the apple cart. Love from here to sooth the hurt a little bit.

The JR said...

Johanna, I'm so sorry. It's hard losing our dear fur friends and babies.

Wendy Baird said...

I'm sorry about Abe. Pets just don't stay with us nearly long enough. I hope barn cat sticks around.