To my darling Mischa
You bounced into our life as a little kitten who lived over the road with neighbours, a lovely tabby and white ball of fun. You made friends so easily with our cats and everyone loved you.
One day, we noticed your nipples were "up" and your stomach fur rippling. You had the serene look of impending motherhood in your young eyes (you were only 11 months old at the time). Then, 12 hours later (at midnight), you honoured us by choosing Mum's bedroom for your maternity ward (rejecting the carefully prepared kitten box your proper mum had made especially for you!)
You looked after your 3 kits so well, anyone would have thought you had been a mother before. You trusted us absolutely around your family, and it was a privilege to help you with them. You then decided to move in to be with us, repaying us a thousand times over with your love and loyalty.
When mum died, you became (with Kitten) a real friend, always ready with a head butt and nuzzle, and for the past year since Kitten died, you have been wonderful, always there for me. Then, a few days ago, you started drinking a lot more and eating less. I took you to the Vets and a blood test showed possible kidney failure. I had to give you one more chance, so I left you at the Vet on a drip (which should have helped). Sadly, the second test showed your kidneys were getting worse. At 18 and a half years old, I knew there was only one more act of kindness I could do for you.
I miss you so much, Mischa, I hope you have found Biscuit, Whisky, Sam, Kitten and my parents at Rainbow Bridge.
With acknowledgements to the previous author, I have written my own version of "If it should be that I grow weak" from the owners point of view (and added a verse of my own at the end)
Mischa - When at last you grew weak
Discomfort kept you from your sleep
I had to do what must be done
For kidney disease cannot be won
You knew I was sad - I understand
I didn't let grief stay my hand
On this day more than all the rest
I hope my love for you passed the test
We've had so many happy years,
what is to come should hold no fears
I don't want you to suffer so
your time has come - I must let you go
I took you to where your need did tend
Yes - I stayed with you until the end
I held you close and spoke to you
while off to Rainbow Bridge you flew
I do grieve it must be me
I hope that one day you will see
I had to do this bitter task
The alternative was too much to ask
Dear Mischa - run free at Rainbow Bridge
Where theres always cat milk in the fridge
Greet again our furry friends
And share the love that never ends.
Your ever loving mum, Helen
"Dogs come when called. Cats take a message and get back to you."
"Of course, every cat is really the most beautiful woman in the room."
Edward Verrall Luca (essayist)