Farewell, Miles....

Miles passed away this morning, after a rapid and steady decline. He showed no signs at all of discomfort, although he disliked receiving fluids, so this last twelve hours I stopped and just spent time with him. It does seem suspicious that he died so quickly at a time when there is a food recall that causes kidney damage, but Miles doesn't eat wet food (loves his Science Diet dry)and he has had indications of kidney problems via his blood tests. He had a wonderful time living with Mark's aunt, and I wish he had gotten to John and Cary's house for a few weeks before he passed over. But he had lots of visitors this past week, and we sat together for quite a bit, just he and I. And there is nothing Miles likes so much as a lap.

I have to say, I actually have never had a cat pass away on his own. Any ill or elderly cats in my life have been so ill or uncomfortable toward the end, I have chosen to have them put down rather than suffer. But Miles showed no signs of suffering at all. I would still have likely have chosen to put him to sleep, but obviously he was ready to go on his own. He was lying in his bed that he was given for Christmas, just as I had left him after our morning time together.

Thanks, Miles. We were graced by your presence, and Colleen loved you dearly while you lived with her. May your pal Gunsmoke have many happy years in his home.