RIP: Jack

While in the Masa Mara area, my Mom phoned with the word no animal lover wants to hear: Cancer. It turns out the symptoms my cat, Jack, has been experiencing were signs of a rapidly progressing cancer focused in the small intestine. The vet felt a tumor, tried some steroids to reduce the size, and strongly recommended the cat be put to sleep due to the advanced status. Reportedly, Jack had given up on fighting administration of the medication, and was no longer eating as he used to (he would often eat as if he was starved!). Both are serious signs that the cat is suffering so I had to make the painful decision to put my cat to sleep. I have owned Jack for ten years and he was a beloved member of our family. I’m so sad that I wasn’t able to be there for the final years of its life although my Mom made sure he was not alone when he passed on to kitty heaven. The last time we were home, I said a special good bye to him because I was worried he may be too sick for me to see him again and I hate that it came true. I also worry how Bacardi, my other cat, is doing now that he has lost his best friend. I brought Bacardi home to give Jack a friend during the day while I was out of the house at college. I’ve missed them both dearly and now I won’t get to hold him again. It has made me so depressed.