Monday, April 18, 2011

Milton The Cat, 2004?-2011

We adopted Milton (aka Buddy) March 2006 from Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary after fostering him for a few months. Milton (named after a Celestial Seasonings Tea magnet with a picture of a majestic Lion with the quote, "But what is strength without a double share of wisdom," by John Milton) was our baby for a few years. He enjoyed free reign of the house, we cared for him after a mysterious incident which led to a wound on his leg, and then a second incident requiring the dreaded cone, and we even got his teeth cleaned. Then we had Gwen and he slowly got pushed out of the house, and moved to the backdrop of our lives. He kept us company in the backyard while gardening, brought us little gifts of dead mice (and once a hummingbird) trying to earn back our favor, and he enjoyed the attention of our friends and neighbors (especially the children who come and go from the family day care next door). He was a great cat, and will be greatly missed. This evening he had either a stroke or heart attack while we were all outside after chasing a raccoon out of the garage and watching it saunter across the lawn. Milton hissed at the raccoon, then had what looked like a seizure, then took a few labored breaths, and was gone...just like that. His sudden loss is especially upsetting. We told Gwen he had a big boo-boo and Daddy took him to the doctor, but the doctor might not be able to make him feel better (Spencer took him to the nearest Emergency Animal Clinic to be cremated). Tomorrow I will tell her that he died and is gone, and then we will talk about what a great cat he was. Gwen is too young to fully understand, which is why we decided to be honest. One of Milton's legacies will be Gwen's first lesson in the circle of life. Rest in peace Milty.

4 comments:

Kristine W said...

I was so sorry to read about the passing of Milton. He truly was loved and a member of the family. He was a lucky cat to be a part of such a great family.

Much love to you all...

Unknown said...

I'm so sad. I loved being greeted at the front path before getting to the door. I'll miss him.

Angelique Mattin Russell said...

Awwwww, Milton was such a good cat. Poor guy.

Arin Crumley said...

Sad that he's gone. Loved that cat!