On Friday afternoon last week our cat Jazz had yet another crisis and I made the sad, but mercy filled decision to have him euthanased. He was 15.5 years old and had been suffering increasingly from arthritis and associated health problems.
Lucy, the vet at our friendly and very caring vet clinic had tried everything to assist him maintain a reasonable quality of life as an indoor, pampered cat but sadly since Easter her efforts and our diligent care was becoming increasingly less effective.
I have returned to the many, many photos we have and they offer a wonderful record of this sociable, outgoing, vigorous, adventurous, friendly, funny cat who survived many escapades, gave us worrying times but who adored us and was a constant source of fun, laughter and love.
Jazz outlived his brother PG by just over two years. We got the kittens in 1999 and they grew to be adults who very happily co-existed.
The following photos tell something of why Jazz is so sorely missed now.
And the last much quieter Jazz.
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My heart goes out to you!
I know how hard this decision was.
We had to make the same merciful decision when our cat Sam was 15 years old.
We are also thankful that we took a lot of photos. .
Looking through them now……so many great memories to remember!
Thanks Mary. They do find a very special place in our hearts. Photos have been great to remind us of all the years of fun, health and happiness.
So sorry. It’s never an easy decision. He looks well-loved …
Thank you for your kind wishes…..
Sending you much love and sympathy. Jazz will leave pawprints on your heart.
Thank you Ruth. He certainly has left pawprints on my heart.
Oh, Lyn, I’m so sorry to hear this. I can understand just how hard that must have been and how much you miss him. I feel as if I loved him, too! But you gave him such a wonderful loving home. Sending you the very kindest wishes.
Thanks for your kind wishes Jo. When the time came we all knew it was the right decision. He had borne his restrictions very well but the complications from the arthritis proved too much.
I think he and Purdey had much in common in many ways- boundless energy, personality, a strong mind especially around night-time escapades, boxes to hide in and probably more!
You’re right, Lyn. He lived life to the full and enjoyed it, which is a lesson for us all!
I think you are right about that philosophy! Jazz certainly taught us a lot:-)
Oh, Lynley, how very sad, but a lovely tribute to a very special member of your family. I feel this time is drawing near for the little cat here. 😦
Jazz was a very special member of the family. He offered so much comfort and stress relief.
I am so sorry to hear that about your wee cat…
I think of you often and send warmth your way.
Thank you Lynley. The warmth is much appreciated. I have a post in my head related to warmth and the hand warmers but not much energy to write it. 🙂 In due course, in due course…..
Do you have a special place for Jazz in the garden?
Step, by step and when the time is right.
We have had Jazz’s body cremated and his ashes are in a lovely timber box. The vet rang today to say his ashes are ready to collect when we are ready to go in…..not yet.
Oh that is good to know. These things take their own time.
My sympathies to you Lynley. What a beautiful and playful cat. He has been in your life for a long time and you will miss him.
Thank you Juliet. We are certainly missing him and the love he gave us.
A lovely tribute to a much-loved cat.
Jazz certainly bought colour and fun into our lives. He is missed…
Such sweet photos. They will remind you of your wonderful cat for a long time to come. It is very sad when it’s time for them to go. Time will heal a broken heart, until then, I send my warmest sympathies.
Thank you. Jazz had a big personality but was a smoochy boy and loved a good play with yarn!!! :-)) He and has brother PG would set booby-traps with balls of old yarn….great fun.