Tibby Bean

Tibby Bean was diagnosed with kidney failure in October.  Dr. O told me when I left the appointment that he felt like Tibby didn’t have long.  He thought probably only weeks.  I came home, researched about some things I could add to the fluids program, and knew I’d need to shower her with love for however long we had left.  She moved from the cathouse to the kennel cat rooms.  I developed a special routine – just for Tibby – that seemed to please her very much.  She stayed in a cage each night so that I could leave her food (with the supplements mixed in) for her to eat at her leisure.  She would get fluids just before being put up each night.  We went to every other day after a while and she continued to do fine.  Each morning, on my first trip down to the kennel, I would go to Tibby’s cage, let her out, and bring her into the main part of the kennel.  I would put down a towel, put her special food and a water dish out, and she would have breakfast as I worked.  Then she always went to the same spot and settled down to watch me.  She talked to me off and on.  She watched as the three “dog run cats” were let out to roam around.  And then sometime around noon, I would open the door to the cat rooms and she would saunter in.  None of the cats in that area bothered her at all.  I would often find her, later in the day, sunning in a window.

A week ago on Sunday, I went down for the nighttime routine.  I noticed Tibby was breathing differently.  I held her for a long time and petted her and told her I loved her.  Monday morning when I started her day by letting her out of her cage, her food (from the night before) was untouched.  I fed her breakfast in the main part of the kennel (as always) and she only ate a couple of bites.  That afternoon, I sat with Tibbs for a long time.  We talked and I told her I was sorry she’d never been adopted.  But Tibby never seemed too unhappy here.  I reminded her about how she used to always bite me (hard!) but how I always knew it was not to be mean.  One of her eyes had always run – nothing the vets did or I did ever changed that.  She did have some periods of time when it would clear up.  But it always came back.  We learned to live with it.  When I put Tibby in her cage that Monday night, she didn’t go to her food.  So I took it and added some warm water and made more of a soup.  She lapped it right up.  I felt really good about that.  I decided I would just start making her meals the soupy kind.  I was already doing that every day for Angel.  Wouldn’t be a problem at all.

I got up last Tuesday morning and posted to my blog.  Then I headed down to start the day.  First on the list is always Tibby.  When I stepped into her room, she was lying on her side and I could not detect breathing.  I raced to her and saw that she was still alive.  But only barely.  Her breathing was slow and shallow, and she didn’t even lift her head.  I called Older Daughter and told her what I was seeing.  I wanted to know if she thought Tibby might quietly slip away here – at home.  She said I should watch for a bit and see if she seemed to be in any pain.  I picked her up so that I could hold her and pet her, but she cried out.  I quickly put her back in her bed and covered that sweet little body with a soft blanket.  Older said she would stop in on her way to work and we could talk about whether or not I should take her in or let her die at home.  But before Older arrived, Tibby started crying.  It was heartbreaking.  I called my clinic and headed that way.

When we were almost there (it’s a half hour drive), Tibby became extremely restless and started trying to move around.  She struggled and it became hard for her to breathe.  I pulled over.  And she slipped away.  I went the rest of the way to the clinic and Dr C came out to assure me that she was completely gone.  And then I started home.  Of course, Tibby is buried with all of our many, many furry family members.  Any Wisher who leaves this physical life while here will always be considered part of our animal family. 

Tibby Bean has been in my life longer than any of my own current cats.  Tibby and her three sisters and her mom were the very first inhabitants of my cathouse.  It was this little family who inspired us to build that first room.  Mom cat and siblings were all adopted.  Tibby lived her entire life here.  But she was loved.  I cannot give attention to every cat here like they would receive in their very own homes, but I can love them.  And I do . . .  deeply.

 

only a few days before she died

 

Tibbs – Farewell.

 

Comments

[Webbthistle]

So very sorry for the loss of Tibby Bean. Without question, she knew she was loved by you...and loved you back.

[Cynthia]

Dear Chrystal,
So very sorry to hear about Tibby, never easy to say goodbye. She was much loved and cared for & I have no doubt she knew that.
Cynthia xoxo

[Ginny @ the Fur Family]

Fare the well dear sweet Tibby -in the here after. No more pain - you were loved so much by Chrystal. I lost my dear Misty a few months ago the same way. I had her on fluids for over a year. She seemed alright when I went to bed and about 3 in the morning she was having a seizure and didn't know me. We took her to the emergency vets and she passed away a while later never knowing me again but I held her as she went over the bridge and told her how much I loved her and she is buried out in our back yard cemetery. They come into our lives with not a chance of a good life and we give them our all and love them so much and they move through and go out of our lives to the bridge and we never forget them nor do we stop loving them. Love is forever - love never dies. As long as we remember them they are still loved. Bless Tibby.

[Cassandra]

Oh, sweet Tibby. I am so sorry.

[Madeline]

So sorry Chrystal, it is so hard to lose them, but she knew she was loved and did not die alone and unloved like so many do. Thinking of you and Tibby Bean.

[Annabelle]

Chrystal I am so very sorry about the loss of your sweet Tibby Bean. Knowing she was well cared for and deeply loved are the important things. Her home was meant to be with you and her life mattered. I think how can one tiny furry cat make all the difference in our lives, but they do and we do in theirs as well. Thinking of you.

[Random Felines]

we are so very sorry. but no that NO MATTER where she lived, she was very loved and you did the best you could for her...and we know she knew that.

[The Poupounette Gang]

Do not say that Tibby Bean was not adopted. Se had a home and she had someone who loved her. YOU. You gave her security, care and love. That is more than many people get, Chrystal. Run Free, sweet Tibby Bean.

[Goldie Goodwin]

I am so sorry for your loss. Tibby Bean had a good life with a family that loved her. Just know you did everything possible for her.

[Joan]

I am so so sorry to read about Tibby Bear. What a great life she had with you Chrystal and what a lovely way for her to go rather than at the vet. Huge gap in your life too. I was interested to read that she was one of your originals so she's been in your life a long time. Warm fuzzies from a very very very hot and baking New Zealand.

[Karen Lucas]

Oh no, leaky eyes at work. I am so so sorry Chrystal. The most important thing is that she had you to love. And you had her.

[John Bellen]

Every time we love someone, we lose someone, eventually. But I've mentioned with the passing of others' foster cats that the cats don't know they aren't in their permanent homes. They have food and warmth, security, fun and love. Tibby Bean was with her family. She was home. Godspeed, Tibby Bean.

[Pam]

Oh Chrystal, I am (of course) in tears reading this. Tibby Bean was loved and she knew it - that's the important thing for you to remember. I know they take a piece of our heart when they leave. A big hug to you, my friend.

[Maria in FL]

Chrystal, I am so sorry for the loss of Tibby Bean. I know you feel badly that she never had a home of her own, but she had a wonderful home with you as a Wisher. Every kitty should have the warmth, comfort, food, medical care, and love that you provide each and every wisher. Safe travels to the Bridge, sweet Tibby Bean!

[Andrea and the Celestial Kitties]

Oh Chrystal, I am so so sorry. I know you did everything right for Tibby Bean, as you do for every kitty in your care. I know she knew she was loved. I'm glad she was with you when she went, I'm glad she had comfort in her last days. That's all you, thank you for caring as much as you do. Hugs on your loss.

Friends, if you will, please, in Tibby Bean's honor, share a kitty from the side bar. She didn't get adopted, but these ones can if we share! Ask everyone you know if they know of a good home!

And perhaps, in Tibby's name, send a wish list item or donation to help the rescue and sanctuary where she lived her whole life. Thank you

[GD]

I am incredibly sorry for your loss. Tibby was blessed to have you care for her and love her. Each one forever holds a piece of our hearts. We sometimes think our hearts can't take anymore...but alas.. we are always wrong. There is always room in our hearts for more! Keep up the good fight. YOU MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE!!!

[Cat's Cats]

Sweet Tibbs, she was loved and will be remembered.

[meowmeowmans]

We are so sorry, Chrystal. Home is where the heart is, and Tibby Bean loved you as much as you loved her. So even though she was not adopted, she was loved, and she was home. Hugs, purrs and prayers to you, dear friend.

[Lee County Clowder]

Sending comforting purrrsss and gentle headbutts.