Hello, friends. I wasn't quite sure how to start this post since Lola always says, with her exuberant spirit, "Hello, and Happy Purrsday!" Unfortunately, it is with a very heavy heart that I have to tell you that Lola's exuberant spirit has left her body and she has earned her angel wings.
If you are a regular reader of our blog, you know that Lola was on a health roller coaster. I basically stopped blogging about it because it was so up and down.
To make a long story as short as possible, she recently contracted a URI that she just couldn't shake. She was also nauseous, and not being able to smell her food didn't help either. She became inappetent and started losing weight. She was started on Mirataz, which did help briefly.
The nausea and inappetence continued, so I took her to the ER this past Sunday. In my conversation with the vet I told her that I was not in denial and that I knew she was very ill. The vet was confident that she was bright, alert, and had energy (which I agreed with), and our intervention should be focused on addressing the nausea, and inappetence, and getting her eating again. After a host of blood tests and x-rays, Lola got fluids, Cerenia, and was sent home with a stronger appetite stimulant.
I took these photos of her at the ER. Ever curious, always making friends. I could see the spark and light still lived in her eyes.
A woman came up to the door to talk to her a few times. Lola must have known this woman needed some healing. That's Lola.
I was able to capture the photos as live photos on my phone and made this little video of her little meow. She must have been saying, "OK, Mommy. Let's go home now and see Lexy." It's the last video of her little meow I'll ever get to take.
She started eating, which I posted on Instagram and Facebook. And eating with a good appetite! Everyone was very pleased, but no one was more ecstatic than me. Things were looking good.
And then they weren't. On Monday evening I noticed she looked uncomfortable and had some difficulty walking - but this was something I had seen before. I gave her some Gabapentin to make her comfortable. Unfortunately, it was not resolving, only getting a little worse.
Tuesday was her Gotcha Day. I couldn't get a blog post together, but I posted on Social Media. I swear Lola stayed around to celebrate 13 glorious years with Lexy, me, and her social media family because after those posts went up, she started to crash. And quickly. When she fell off of the heater that she loves so much a few times, and had to stop and rest when she made her way down our hallway, I knew it was time. I could see the spark in her eyes and the light in her soul slowly starting to fade. She told me it was enough, and I honored that.
I called a vet to come to the house. The original time was scheduled for 6:30pm. Lola was getting worse. I was worried about her comfort, as well as worrying that she wouldn't make it until the vet came. I got a message that there was a cancellation and did I want the vet to come at 5:00pm? "Yes, please" was my response.
Lola and I spent our last hours together on the bed. Sometimes she was underneath the covers as she so often loved to be, and towards the end of our time, she laid on top of me.
The brightness in her beautiful golden green eyes was gone. I got another message that the vet had hit traffic and her ETA was now 5:30/5:45. Towards the end Lola started getting bad, not even wanting me to hold her. She wandered around and sat on the floor here and there. I just laid down on the floor next to her. I frantically contacted the vet, who I was told was in traffic. At 5:37pm she called me from outside. She didn't know where to park so I told her to park in front of my garage (which is not allowed but I didn't care) and come up. My garage number is 22, which she was already in front of.
I didn't prolong the process because Lola was ready. I had already said everything I had to say, and we had every conversation we needed to. I brought her to Lexy earlier so she could say goodbye. Making her linger would have been selfish. (Lexy chose not to come into the bedroom, and I respected that.)
Her passing was peaceful, and I could tell she was at rest. As she passed, lying on our bed that she loved sharing with me so much, I felt this tremendous feeling of peace. I know that was her last gift to me.
By 6:21 I was texting people letting them know she was gone. That's how quick it was. It's okay because as I said, we did our goodbyes. We were at the point where she was finished with her life on this earthly plane and I couldn't watch her suffer one more second.
I am so going to miss this routine at mealtimes.
Although I hadn't seen this in a while because of her illness. I never posted it because the floor is dirty. Now I realize, who really cares? I now wish I had videos of their mealtime escapades. I may not have it on film, but it is carved in my memory forever.
I want to picture Lola at the bridge on a bottomless pile of squishy pillows,
and basking in never-ending sunbeams.
As pet parents mourning the loss of our beloved furry companions, there is often some guilt hidden beneath the grief. One thing that is not present for me is doubt. I listened to Lola every step of the way. I helped her fight as long as she told me she wanted me to, and when she said enough, I listened to that as well. There is no doubt about her medical interventions, or that it was her time.
Lola, my beloved, words cannot convey how much I love you and how much I miss you. Godspeed, and be happy and free. Please say hello to all of our family, both two-legged and four. I know your wings are absolutely glorious because you wouldn't accept it any other way. Thank you for staying so we could celebrate our anniversary together.
I put this post together quickly because I know people would want to know. I will have a proper remembrance post as soon as I can get my thoughts together. And we did not do a proper Gotcha Day post with our usual fundraiser. That will come as well.
How "Lola" was it that she came home forever on January 16, and left Lexy and me forever on January 16. It's very "Lola"! Her gotcha day will forever be celebrated by doing what we have loved most - raising money to help rescues.
Many, many thanks to Ann of Zoolatry for the graphic, and everyone else at the Cat Blogosphere as well. I never wanted to be the cat mom who received one of these, but I guess it's inevitable at some point.
And many thanks to our dear friend, Coryelle, who has helped us so much over the years, and my good friend Desiree who I've been friends with for over 20 years. They both gave me insight and sent Lola a bottomless amount of healing.
I want to extend my appreciation to my vet, Dr. Clough, of Feline Veterinary Medical Center. Dr. Clough was always available for us and patiently answered my many questions and requests for medication increases, and fit us in for emergency office visits. She respected how well I knew Lola and when I knew something wasn't right, even though test results showed nothing. Her support and caring are so appreciated, and I'm glad Lexy will continue to see her.
I also need to thank Dr. Wilson of Integrative Mobile Veterinary Care. Dr. Wilson came to the house to give Lola acupuncture and alternative care. She saw her anywhere from weekly to every three weeks, which means she saw her decline. She was a source of medical and emotional support for both of us. She was available at the very end when I had to cancel Lola's appointment and let her know it was Lola's time, even when I questioned it. Her care for Lola and support at that time was invaluable to me.
The lion's share of my thanks goes to Leslie Kaufman. In December 2010, Leslie went to Animal Care and Control with a friend who was adopting a cat who was in the sick ward. As she walked around, she came upon Lola sitting in her cage, face caked with dried mucus and food. As Lola did with everyone she met she touched Leslie's soul, and Leslie couldn't rest until she was allowed to pull her from the shelter. There was definitely divine intervention involved there because Leslie was told Lola could not leave until she finished her course of antibiotics. There was no way she was going to make it that long. Once Leslie got her, she immediately took Lola, who was in bad shape, to her vet. She posted Lola's photo on Facebook, and I accidentally came across it. I didn't know Leslie, and I didn't know of her cat sitting business. It was purely by chance. I inquired about Lola and went to visit her. It took her about 30 seconds to wrap me around her little white paw and for me to say I wanted to adopt her. I gave Leslie all of my info and prayed she would give this beautiful little being to a complete stranger. It would be another week before Lola was well enough to come home, but she finally did. Leslie, you saved her life and allowed me to give her a life. Without you, Lexy and I would not have had the honor of having her as our family member. Thank you, my friend.
And of course, thank you to all of our followers who loved her. I have received comments on Instagram, text messages, and messages on Facebook. I have tried to answer them all. If I haven't, please know they all bring me comfort. And it brings me comfort to know Lola touched so many lives and hearts.
Lola and Lexy are two of the original cats of a close knit cat community on Facebook. So many of our cat friends have gone before her. I will not say her passing is the end of an era because "Lola The Rescued Cat" will continue in her memory. When? I don't know. In what way? I'm not sure. But she was my original muse and the driving force behind most of what we did. Lexy continues to be my muse as well, just in a different way. Our work will continue as soon as I can find my voice again.
Until we meet again, my beautiful little Tabby. Mommy loves you so very much. I hope you know how very special you were and still are. Your energy and bright spirit will continue to live on in my heart, in Lexy's heart, and in the hearts of the many people you touched.
If you would like to honor Lola, please make a donation in her name to your local rescue. I know that would make her day at the rainbow bridge.
Dawn
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Dearest Dawn,
ReplyDeleteWoke up and also because our 14 year old Speckie girl is very sick... On Monday, Pieter went to vet Amanda with her and it was supposed to be an infection. Two shots would perk her up and make her eat again. Nope so far...
Yes, it breaks our hearts to see our little ones suffer and I wish they could really talk and tell us what they feel.
Lola had such a sweet expression and they feel and know so much.
A blessing for all of us that love them to be around kitties as they know how to give their loyal love.
Big hugs and Lola will have met our Dido boy who became an angel on November 28.
Mariette + Kitties
Each and every goodbye takes a little piece of pur heart with it. We loved following Lola's adventures and could see how very loved she was. You gave her not just a life, but a wonderful life, and she gave you so much in return. We are sending comforting purrs and a hug from our #1.
ReplyDeletePurrs,
The Chans
I am so sorry for your sad news. Lola had a wonderful life with you and you gave each other so much. She will be sadly missed by all her friends. Hugs sent for you.
ReplyDeleteOh no. What a sad thing to read first thing this morning, and just after Angel Lola's Gotcha Day. I send every comforting purr I have and dad's silently sending hugs (I can tell by the tear sliding down his cheek) your way.
ReplyDeleteI read an article recently, with a quote from Albert Einstein, he had said ... “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as if nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” You were Lola's miracle, Lola was your miracle. You rescued one another, sharing life and love over many years. That does not end, she will be with you, forever.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said Ann, this touched my heart.
DeleteI have only been acquainted with your Sweet Lola for a year so. I am so very sorry that you have had to give her up. She will be an angel with you forever your memories will never fade. Lynn and Precious
ReplyDeleteI'm so very sorry for Lola's passing. I've been following the roller coaster journey via Instagram and no one could have been a better cat mom. I'm wishing you peace as you make your journey through grief.
ReplyDeleteKim and her angels
So very sad.
ReplyDeleteFarewell, Angel Lola.
Hugs and purrs.
Lola, may you find that sunshine on every squishy pillow, each day, as you start your tenth life in heaven. While it
ReplyDeletecan not mend mom’s, or lexi’s broken heart by saying this,
please let them know that St Francis saw to it you had no
pain or suffering along your journey TO heaven. We are
truly sorry and send hugs and loves to you, mom, and lexi
💙💚💙💚. dude, boomer, tuna, sauce, dai$y, mackerull
and laura
I am so so sad. I have been readings about dear Lola through the years and i can understand your grieve as I have a 14 years old kitty.
ReplyDeleteLuigina from Italy
I don't mind telling you that the tears are really running down my face here. Such a precious girl and such a wonderful and loving life you gave her. She was a gift to all of us in the Blogosphere and she will live forever in our hearts. Love and hugs from all of us here.
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry for your deep loss.
ReplyDelete~Ivan from WMD
Dawn and Lexy...I am so very sorry about the loss of Lola...this is a beautiful tribute to a Lola's well lived life full of love.
ReplyDeleteLoved by all
Oh such pretty green eyes
Lexy's sister
Apurrfect Tabby Lady
Hugs Cecilia
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Lola. She was a very special girl and will never be forgotten by any of us in The Blogosphere. Please take comfort in knowing what an incredible love filled life you gave her. XO
ReplyDeleteOh no, such heartbreaking news...so sorry your sweet girl had to leave our planet😿 Fly free beautiful Soul✨ Soft Pawkisses to comfort you and Lexy🐾😽💞
ReplyDeleteI’m so sorry Dawn. You gave her the best life possible and were an inspiration to many.
ReplyDeleteFrom Emilia at Lifeandcats
we are so sorry your baby girl had to leave tho she will never leave your heart. what a beauty miss lola!!
ReplyDeleteBig healing hugs. ♥
ReplyDeleteSo Sorry for having to say goodbye to precious Lola. We're sending purrs of comfort to you and Lexy.
ReplyDeleteDeerest Miss Dan an Lexy wee are furry sad that Lola had to go off to Purr Land....Miss Dawn you were amazin an tooked THE best care of Lola. An shee new how loved she was bye you an Lexy. Shee had furabuluss yeerss with youss' an that can not bee erased. May all yore fotoss' an videoss an memoreess bee a comfert now an fur ever....
ReplyDelete~~~~head rubss~~~~BellaDharma~~~~ an gentell {{{hugss}}} BellaSita Mum
I bet Angel Speedy and Nellie Bellie, Sammy and all her pals over the Bridge were there to welcome her, and I bet they threw her the biggest party ever in welcome. Run free Miss Lola you will be missed. Sending big hugs to you Dawn and to Lexy xx Rachel and Little Miss Titch
ReplyDeleteTears. We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful and loving Lola. I know that it's so hard to lose a kitty. Hugs, purrs, and wishes for peace and comfort from us.
ReplyDeleteSuch hearbreaking news. We got gotten to know Lola through your posts and these pages, and will miss her. I am so sorry for your loss, and sending you my thoughts and condolences.
ReplyDelete-CatSynth (Amanda)
We never realized how much Lola looked like our Raz. We're sending you (((hugs))) and gentle purrs at this sad time.
ReplyDeleteWhile I know it's bittersweet, this was a beautiful post and so fitting for your precious Lola. She has found a home in the hearts and souls of so many and will greatly missed. She will also be greatly remembered - for all the smiles, inspiration, and insight provided over the years. Bless you precious one. Love and purrs from Deb and the Zee/Zoey gang.
ReplyDeleteThis brought me to tears, for sure. ~hugs~ I'm sorry not to have found you before and pray you find healing. You gave this sweet girl triumph over tragedy with your love and compassion. Now I want to read her story and will definitely make a donation in her name.
ReplyDeleteLola certainly was still lively when you made the little video..that she spoke to a woman who seemed to need comforting seems to be symbolic of Lola's influence all her life. As for making it to her Gotcha Day - even human doctors can testify that it is not unusual for a very ill patient to hold on to reach a certain anniversary, or to see someone coming from far away. She will be missed by so many people, even though many of us never met her in purrson.
ReplyDeleteI still have a little pocket mirror with Lola on it. I have never lost it even though so much has happened. I was thrilled to buy Lola's book and have it still, reading her story took my breath away and that first clogged up photo of her sweet face took my breath away.
ReplyDeleteYou lost an angel who made a difference and who inspired others. She made us smile and she educated us about cats who need help. She may have gone but she has changed so many lives for the better.
Bless you Lola, Fly Free and I know Dash Kitten will be part of the honour guard for your arrival at the Bridge.
Marjorie and Senior Boy Jack.
The roller coaster ride is over. ":'( I am so very very sorry for the loss of you beautiful la la la la Lola. Such a hard way to start the new year. I hope you and Lexi can hold on to each other and remember all the good times as soon as possible.
ReplyDeleteThis tribute is beautiful beyond words. You were both so, so lucky to have found each other. Lola will be remembered and treasured by so many of us. It's heartbreaking that you had to let her go, but the mark her little paws made on so many hearts will never be forgotten.
ReplyDeleteYou are undertaking the long journey through grief. While others may share that grief we all walk it alone. There are no right or wrong paths, no proper way to carry oneself, no set amount of time to complete it. Some steps will come easier than others. There will be rogue waves of grief that you won’t see coming, and knock you back days. But you will come through it. If you get lost let us know. We have been through it before and we might be able to help you find the way out.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute, Cat Mom Dawn. Read every word. Peaches actually came over to the computer and laid next to me while I read it. We always felt close to Lola. I bought her book as soon as it came out and she and Peaches/ Paprika were at the same facility in NYC with Death Row status...even in the same. year, 2010. So as you can imagine, the loss of dear beloved Lola hits home in a strange but profound and poignant way. We must hold our furry loved ones Oh so close to us because we never know how long they will bless us with their beautiful presence! in reverse, It goes without saying how lucky Lola was to have been found and rescued by you and given such a loving and full life! As its obvious she was. You held her close during her entire time with you...at the beginning, at the end and all through the middle. Lucky Lola to have found you, Dawn.. Mom Carol
ReplyDeleteI will lub mew furrever and always. RIP sweet Lola. Fly and be free. There are so many ob mewr kittyland friends across da bridge who will welcome mew.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss, Dawn. Lola was a sweet and beautiful girl. <3
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear that Lola has gone to the Rainbow Bridge. I know from losing beloved cats what that loss feels like. Purrs too from Sasha.
ReplyDeleteLynette
I am struggling a little with the details in comments. The anonymous comment is from Lynette and Sasha of Diamond's blog. What a sad announcement to hear today. Lola's fight has ended. There is such a mixture of knowing it was time and grief that it was time. The time seems to pass so quickly with a beloved pet before they become older. But the wonderful memories will remain.
ReplyDeleteA large part of my heart follows Lola. She is so loved. And you both accomplished so much together. I'm glad you had each other.
ReplyDeleteAwww guys we are so terribly sad to learn that Lola had departed fro the Rainbow Realm. Farewell Lola, may mew be frolicking in endless meadows of catnip chasing angelic flutterby's. We send oodles of hugs and purrs, and we will remember Lola at BBHQ furever! 💔💔💔
ReplyDeleteSweet Lola, we just know your angel wings are glorious and that, indeed, you have an endless pile of soft, squishy pillows to nap on. Run fast and free, dear one.
ReplyDeleteOh, Lola. I'm so glad you're at peace now. Dawn, I have tears in my eyes reading about sweet Lola and your final moments together. I'm sending big hugs to you and Lexy.
ReplyDeleteIt has been my immense privilege to have been your communicator and voice for your mom over the last 7 years. You inspired so many people and animals all over this world and even though you're physically not in body, your sprit will continue to inspire many many more. Thank you sweet Lola for what you brought into my life and my work. You're always in my heart. Soar & Rock on sweet Rule Breaker!
ReplyDeleteI didn't visit Lola's blog often but I knew of her. Who didn't know of Lola the Rescued Cat. What a wonderful life she led with her family, and what wonderful communication you had with her. When they need to leave us, it is sometimes very sudden; I know the situation well. Godspeed, Lola, and God bless her family.
ReplyDeleteWe are so very sorry for your loss, Dawn. Rest In Peace, sweet Lola.
ReplyDeletePurrs xx
Athena and Marie
Dear Dawn and Lexi, We are so terribly sorry for your loss. We have been through it too, and know the pain. But We believe you are wrong about one thing - Lola hasn't left you forever. She will always be with you in your hearts, and one day, when the time is right, you will be together and united once more. Meanwhile, fly free Lola, little angel, safe in the Loving Paw of the Great Cat in the Sky.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for this difficult loss. Lola was loved so much, not only by you but all of the blogosphere!
ReplyDeleteI made a memento for you,it will be on our blog on Sunday the 21st, and I also sent it to you in a message on your FB page.
Sending love and hugs to you to help give you comfort as you grieve.
🥰❤️🥰
We are so very sorry to hear of Lola's passing. Lola was one of a kind and she will be missed by all who knew her. Purrs of sympathy and paws of comfort from all of us at ATCAD
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry to read that Lola has passed. So many cats we have known are no longer with us. Our deepest sympathy in your grief.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry, Dawn. I'm sending you and Lexy all my love. Thank you so much for sharing beautiful Lola with all of us. She touched me, and so many others, so deeply. If there is anything at all that I can do to help, please let me know. You're in my thoughts. Please take care.
ReplyDelete