Dinner with Dexter: There Once Was A Boy

It's been almost ten years when the short haired brother and sister showed up to join forces with their larger, more awkward two year older sibling. They took to us as we did to them. Pets, yes but friends and family also yes. Continually comforted by their presence, sometimes annoyed at the early morning meal calls, worried in their absence (usually brief) but always loving as allowed us to hold and care for them. Often they made us laugh with their pretend indifference to incidents of insult, or of not cat like clumsiness. Usually this was him, this Lighting bolt boy cat, timid cat, friendly cat . Last week Lightning, died suddenly, unexpectedly from a condition called Restrictive Cardiomyopathy. We received the bad news that he would at best have months or a year of life left. Although very saddened we were bracing ourselves for this, knowing that we could spend quality time with him as long as he was able.

Unfortunately the procedure done for his (I'm writing these down to remember) pleural effusion earlier in the day- to relieve the build up of fluid around his lungs instead caused liquid to fill into his lungs quickly (pulmonary edema) which was too painful for his body to stand. We had already spent two separate visits to Sage (highly rated), eight hours on this day and two visits days before at the Providence Vet Clinic. Initially the lethargy and lack of appetite (very odd for him) was attributed to a large abscess found on his behind. Knowing Lightning he probably got into some dispute with another outside cat (raccoon?) and when turning to run was scratched or bitten on his hind spot.

To her credit, the doctor at Providence Clinic did advise to keep an ear on Lightning's breathing if he didn't improve with great strides, for x-rays. After the weekend we decided to take him in. Not in anyway did we believe he would leave us within 48 hours.

Outside the heavy night time rain, waiting inside for Maria and Dexter to reroute their path to Dublin. Lightning was resting with extra oxygen and we had signed the papers to let him go if he needed to before his family could convene. Harder for our dear friend, and difficult for us. Tough in the day when he kept looking into my eyes wanting me to help ease his pain. We always could. We always could nourish and care for him, We would always find him. A blessing that we did find him two years ago when he wandered away for three days. Now there was nothing I could do to ease his pain. While waiting Oliver shed many tears. I could not hide mine.

I've had two pets that were entirely devoted to me; eager for my attention and affection. Never striking at me with any force or malice. Lighting was one. Going to bed he would be rolled up in the area where my chest or tummy would eventually be. In the darkness I would Spider Man my way along the side of the bed slowly wrapping myself around him into my sheets. Lightning might adjust, turn in a circle before plopping down on me to sleep. He loved his nose rubbed.

He was the one that welcomed Honey, sometimes sitting near her or laying in the sun a couple of feet to her side. He was the one who had appealing dopey tendencies; sometimes clumsy as his older human brother. His big nose, big feet, all 15 pounds of him. Lion like. It was he who would follow Maria around back and forth, back and forth while waiting for a snack. It didn't matter which direction she turned or how often she repeated her path. He would casually follow. He would stalk and tackle water from a hose. He always lost. Lightning would sit for loving strokes as long as we would provide. He purred like an idling car.

When he saw us he crawled to Maria, who was sitting and nestled into her arms. The four of us sat with him as Dr.April gave him two injections. Then he was gone.

Later that night- with his wrapped, boxed body, Dexter dug a hole between two trees where he often sat. Our midnight ceremony, lit by candles and chilled by the cold winter air was brief. His sister- how could we explain? She searches for him daily to wash him. When we were informed to keep them separated so his abscess could heal for a period of a week- Maria didn't. We let them visit each other when we were around. The first time she saw her brother, Thunder leaned into him and rubbed her head into his. Now she could sense him and she first sniffed, then stood on the box for minutes, before retreating back to the house. To this day she looks for him and seeks our comfort more.

Goodbye Lightning. We lost you much too early. I am sorry that I could not help you more. Your family will always miss you.