In September 2008, Jade took a dramatic turn for the worse. Sure that this was the end, there was a rallying around of friends and neighbours. It was a lovely spring day and I took her outside, gave her a sponge bath and we lay outside just 'being' - Jasper was amazing. He lay by his 'sister' the whole time, always maintaining physical contact of some kind, be it a paw, or the wrap of his tail.
We were out in the warm dry sun for most of the day. Eventually I had to bring the girl inside.
I asked her to give me the signal. I was prepared to make the vet call, but I also knew she would let me know.
The signal never came. In fact, she did that classic thing of reviving!
How, you may be asking, would I know the signal? Through Jasper of course. Jade herself, as you have learned, was quite communicative.
Jasper, though, had become such a shadow of her that it was also clear that when time came, he would simply not be there. It's the way of cats.
I was doing full geriatric care for Jade. Her appetite had even revived somewhat and her favourite liver pilaf kept her going. Then came the week I was now ready for. The first day, she refused food. Then eliminations became minimal. Whilst she had lost weight prior, now it just dropped off her. By day two she didn't want to move at all. Day three I was going to make the call when an emergency call came in to me (recall I was in Homoeopathic practice at the time) and that had to be dealt with. As close as they may be, human need does come before animals. Day four I was on duty at the aged care facility and when I arrived home that night, Jasper was nowhere to be found.
The signal. Only I confess I was so exhausted from the week, that for once I was not totally receptive. I made Jade as comfy as I could then lay down beside her.
In the morning, at 8am exactly, she lifted her head and did the asking herself. I told her she could go on her own, all she had to do was know the rainbow bridge was worth the crossing.
And she did. In my arms, with her nose on mine.
It was amazing. I am sure there are some who would not have made that last four-day journey. I cannot say that I would do the same again. But for Jade it was absolutely the correct thing. I took her through the Hindu death ritual and Emm donated a beautiful 'sari' for the cremation.
Her ashes are still with me.
That wasn't the intention. I had planned to let her spread across her beloved Hawkesbury river. But by the time I was ready to do that, she was packed up in boxes as mum went gallivanting to India on a major spiritual quest.
Now she is on her way to Scotland. A land she never knew, but I am sure she would have adored every bit as much.
So she will help me settle in here. Then we will find her final run-free space together.
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| copyright Yamini Ali MacLean |
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| copyright Yamini Ali MacLean |
I asked her to give me the signal. I was prepared to make the vet call, but I also knew she would let me know.
The signal never came. In fact, she did that classic thing of reviving!
How, you may be asking, would I know the signal? Through Jasper of course. Jade herself, as you have learned, was quite communicative.
 |
| copyright Yamini Ali MacLean |
I was doing full geriatric care for Jade. Her appetite had even revived somewhat and her favourite liver pilaf kept her going. Then came the week I was now ready for. The first day, she refused food. Then eliminations became minimal. Whilst she had lost weight prior, now it just dropped off her. By day two she didn't want to move at all. Day three I was going to make the call when an emergency call came in to me (recall I was in Homoeopathic practice at the time) and that had to be dealt with. As close as they may be, human need does come before animals. Day four I was on duty at the aged care facility and when I arrived home that night, Jasper was nowhere to be found.
The signal. Only I confess I was so exhausted from the week, that for once I was not totally receptive. I made Jade as comfy as I could then lay down beside her.
In the morning, at 8am exactly, she lifted her head and did the asking herself. I told her she could go on her own, all she had to do was know the rainbow bridge was worth the crossing.
And she did. In my arms, with her nose on mine.
It was amazing. I am sure there are some who would not have made that last four-day journey. I cannot say that I would do the same again. But for Jade it was absolutely the correct thing. I took her through the Hindu death ritual and Emm donated a beautiful 'sari' for the cremation.
Her ashes are still with me.
That wasn't the intention. I had planned to let her spread across her beloved Hawkesbury river. But by the time I was ready to do that, she was packed up in boxes as mum went gallivanting to India on a major spiritual quest.
Now she is on her way to Scotland. A land she never knew, but I am sure she would have adored every bit as much.
So she will help me settle in here. Then we will find her final run-free space together.
Perfectly done by all, and perhaps she might have settled for the river, but am sure she is pleased to have followed along this way.
ReplyDeleteSuch a sad time.
ReplyDeleteMerle.........
She knew how much you loved her til the last minute of her life. I've held both Max and Twix until they were gone. I wouldn't have it any other way. As heartbreaking as it is, I hope to do the same with Taffy one day far far into the future. I know how you must long for Jade as I long for Twix every day. They never leave us :0)
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, Yam, I'm absolutely crying. What a beautiful story.
ReplyDeleteK
That's a beautiful story. And what a lovely way for her to go. With you there.
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteThank you ladies all - I know you know...