We lost Gus the other day. He lost a bunch of weight these past few weeks and even though we brought him inside to feed him he just could not pull through. Gus spent his last few days inside our home next to the wood burning stove all bundled up in some blankets. I hope that he was comfortable and knew that he was loved. I do think that he waited for us to say goodbye. When we got home Tuesday afternoon he meowed a few times and then ten minutes later he was gone. He got some last minute petting and love in and then went to join Shannon's dad in heaven.
It is rather ironic that Gus passed so soon after my father-in-law. It is a well known fact (and became a huge family joke) that Bob was not a fan of cats. My niece, Miley always made sure to buy Papaw a cat gift when it came to Christmas or his birthday. Two of the best cat gifts he received were a plush cat toy that meowed and a t-shirt that was covered in every kind of cat.
I like to think that Gus is sitting next to Papaw, purring and enjoying some peace now that he does not have Dublin harassing him. Dublin would make his way up to the front porch a few times a week to bark at Gus and then steal his food. Gus always held his own, but Dublin never lost interest.
Each time I walk past the front door I catch myself looking out for a glimpse of Gus or to check on whether he needs more food. I know that soon I will no longer do that, but he will forever be our "Front Porch Cat".
It is rather ironic that Gus passed so soon after my father-in-law. It is a well known fact (and became a huge family joke) that Bob was not a fan of cats. My niece, Miley always made sure to buy Papaw a cat gift when it came to Christmas or his birthday. Two of the best cat gifts he received were a plush cat toy that meowed and a t-shirt that was covered in every kind of cat.
I like to think that Gus is sitting next to Papaw, purring and enjoying some peace now that he does not have Dublin harassing him. Dublin would make his way up to the front porch a few times a week to bark at Gus and then steal his food. Gus always held his own, but Dublin never lost interest.
Each time I walk past the front door I catch myself looking out for a glimpse of Gus or to check on whether he needs more food. I know that soon I will no longer do that, but he will forever be our "Front Porch Cat".