Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Another morning...

Last night, I went to sleep pretty much convinced that Mica would pass in the night. He was disoriented, extremely wobbly and his breathing was raspy, like an overworked bellows. When I picked him up to carry him into the bedroom, he fought wildly against me, peeing down my side. (Which for once, I didn't mind, as he has only been using the bathroom once a day, despite the vet tech telling me that the daily IV would make him pee more often.) I got him settled down on an old bed of Petey's near his favorite spot on the floor and got myself cleaned up. Then I lay down facing him and we talked of hundreds of little furry toy mice that he used to love so much - tossing them in the air, leaping for them, and wriggling in excitement before pouncing on them. We talked about the acres of chairs and sofas, just waiting to be shredded by scratchy sharp nails. We talked about when I first picked him out of his litter at just three weeks old, a feisty little boy meowing furiously with a little tail that looked like a bristly triangle and enormous ears. I sang our little song to him, so only he could hear it. And I told him it would be okay if he needed to move on in the night. I fell asleep in tears.

Around 2:00 a.m., I woke up and was startled to see the silhouette of Mica's head against the dim light of the shades. Surely I must be dreaming, but then he sneezed and I realized that yes indeed, in the dark of the night, he had scaled my high bed (a feat that Petey requires a running start and a footstool to achieve) and was now draped against my outstretched arm. Where he remained for the rest of the night, sleeping peacefully in the crook of my arm albeit for the occasional burst of sneezes.

In the morning, he jumped down off the bed, landing awkwardly, still startled that his once powerful body doesn't respond like it used to, and made his way across the room toward the closet. I sensed he needed the litter box so leapt from the bed and carried him to the box. No sooner than I'd put his front paws in, he determined he must be fully in the box and let loose with a nice long pee. Fortunately, this time it was on easy to clean up tiles, rather than Petey's bed! He drank some water from a bowl -- but only as long as the faucet was running -- and ate a few teaspoons of food while I gave him his IV. He's been sleeping peacefully all day, despite the housekeeper vacuuming and cleaning around him in the bedroom. I woke him up a little while ago and he wolfed down a tablespoon or so of canned tuna, always a big treat. (Petey cleaned up the rest.)

The vet called with the results of his blood tests. He is not in kidney failure, which is a bit of a surprise. He is anemic and she thinks he may have something going on with his intestines but won't know without more tests and at this stage, we both agree that he doesn't need to go through that ordeal. I cried yet again and asked if it was time to bring him in and she said let's wait and see. He's having a good day today so we're going to take it a day at a time. If his days become more like his night early last night, then it will be time.

Day by day. So savor your favorite treat. Take time to enjoy some gentle strokes. And at the end of the day, stretch out on a comfy bed and dream of better times to come.

18 comments:

Asta said...

I came to see how Mica is
I'm happy he was able to sleep close to you and in the big bed, and can snooze comfowtably still.we undewstand auntie jane..we awe cwying too
smoochie kisses
ASTA and mommi

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Blogger...grrrrrrrr

Let's try to recreate this...

Savour each moment and document as you can...

He's helping all of us AND more importantly YOU...

Khyra spent time under her favourite pussywillow bush this morning sending Sibe Vibes to NYC from PA...

AND PETEY, please give your mom some H&K from us!

Two French Bulldogs said...

Oh my gosh what a story. Mom knows one day she will go through the same with us. It's so difficult knowing when the right time is. Mica will let you know
Benny & Lily

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

One day at a time, and yes, Mica will let you know when he is ready. Hugs.

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

"To see a world in a grain of sand,
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
And eternity in an hour."

Willim Blake was a wise man, says #1. There is indeed eternity to be had in an hour, an eternity of love with those who are precious to us.

Bocci said...

Thanks so much for the update (you are a beautiful writer, by the way:-)).
Hang in there...your friends are with you!

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

Day by day, minute by minute.

XOXO
Lilly, Piper, Carrleigh and Ruairi

Lacy said...

woofs, he loves u soo much too...kinda sounds like he's trying to make it easier on u..bless his heart..

b safe,
~rocky

The Black and Tans. said...

We have come by to give you all some virtual hugs. We are thinking of you.

Molly, Taffy and Monty

Scruffy, Lacie and Stanley's Place said...

Oh...we are sending you our love and hugs...Mica and all of you are in our prayers...

We know he was comforted sleepin' curled up with you...

And we know he was telling you his version of how you picked HIM as a young kitten.

Our thoughts are with you Auntie J. and Petey...

Kisses to Mica dear...

Scruffy, Lacie, Stanny and Mumsie

Clive said...

Take each day as it comes ...

We're all thinking of you.

Hugs
Murray, Clive and all the gang

Gus said...

Cherish the moments, savor the hours, embrace each new day...how wonderful if all of us could have that prescription for our last days.

kisses
gussie n teka

and sympathetic sniffs from muzzer

Lorenza said...

You are right. Day by day. And he will let you know how he is feeling.
Paws crossed here!
Take care
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

Piappies World said...

Hi Petey and Mom,

We have our paws crossed for Mica. Making the most of each moment and taking one day at a time means so much.

Love,
Piappies Fudgie, Princess, Frappie, Mocha, Sugar, Wai-Pai & Wai-Max

WFT Nobby said...

Oh what a huge amount of love is contained in that post. We keeping on thinking about you a lot.
All the best,
Gail and Bertie.

Duke said...

You are constantly in our thoughts, Miss Jane.

Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch

Princess Patches said...

We just stopped by to check on Mica. We are sooooo glad he isn't in kidney failure and that you get another day with him! Our paws are all crossed!

Aire-hugs,
Penny & Patches

Jans Funny Farm said...

It is so hard to read your recent posts on Mica. It reminds us of losing Crystal and Jenny and .... It is never easy and we understand the pain of wondering what is best for the pet. We know today is a very painful day for you so we send lots of purrs and tail wags for Mica and for you.