Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Peace and Serenity?

Is it possible for an animal to find peace and serenity?

Our old cat, Bailey is not doing well. For the last few months he has be especially affectionate, always wanting to be on your lap or close. The last month he has wanted to go outside, he has never been restricted from the outside. When he was a kitten and young cat he was outside a lot always hunting and many times bringing back mice and birds. Then I don't think he went outside for over 5 years.

He has gotten steadily thinner this summer and stopped his grooming probably a month ago. He stopped eating about 3 days ago and now all he wants to do is lay on the rocks around the goldfish pond. This is where many of his successful hunts took place. For some reason he seems at peace. Is peace and serenity only a human characteristic or can an old cat find that place too?

10 comments:

Syd said...

Bless old Bailey. I hope that he is peaceful and in his cat like way, remembering those days when he was swift and feisty. It is hard to see our animals get old and feeble. I wish that they could tell us what is going on.

Dad and Mom said...

RIP, Bailey. I took him to the vet this morning.

Anonymous said...

Oh Ron, I know the loss of a pet is a painful loss. I am glad your sweet kitty was at peace these past few days. What a beautiful photo to remember him by.

Bar L. said...

Ron, you did the right thing, it was his time. I believe he did experience peace! His recent behavior seems to indicate that he knew his time was coming up, he wanted more time and affection, less personal grooming, to be in the outdoors again....

My cat Midnight lived to be 22. Her life slowed down and one day I just "knew" it was her last day. I stayed home from work and lied on the floor next to her most of the day. I think I was annoying her! When I finally left her alone she walked down the hall into the bathroom, into the shower and died! It was some sort of life lesson but not sure exactly what :)

RIP Mr. Bailey Kitty. And my heart goes out to your family, its heartbreaking to lose a pet.

Tori said...

You did the right thing as hard as it is. When we had made the decision to put our very first family dog to sleep (he was a bit older when we adopted him) we had 5wonderful years with him. I noticed towards the very end he would go outside a lot and lay on the grass and look around. He wasn't much of an outdoor dog so it was very surprising. He always looked peaceful though.

RIP BAILEY.

Hattie Heaton said...

So sorry for your loss. I think animals are more in tune with theirselves than we will ever be. My husband is a vet and let me tell you that choosing to end suffering is a very selfless gift. You were a loving owner and he was telling you that it was time. I'm sure he is thankful you listened.

Dad and Mom said...

I know this will probably stir strong opinions but I'll say it anyway.

I hope when I get to that point of no return people that love me are allowed to have the same consideration for me as I do for my animals.

(there may be some that think exercising that option today would be good. LOL)

Annette said...

Awww I am sorry Ron. What a beautiful passing he had though...thanks to your kind and gentle love for him.

beachteacher said...

RIP Bailey. I'm sorry for your loss, for it certainly is. Our pets are such a part of our families. We just went through this with our dog and it was so hard. : (

Debby of Oxycontin and Opiate Addiction: A Mother's Story said...

I'm very sorry for your loss. As you know, I lost my feline 3 months ago. They give so much, and live so short a life compared to ours.
It sounds like kitty was getting ready to go.
Blessings.