Darby

Wasn't it just yesterday you were a kitten I brought home?
So tiny and playful - full of love I had not known

Wasn't it just yesterday that you became a Grand?
The judges thought you were lovely, but I was your biggest fan.

Wasn't it just yesterday you purred and slept by me?
Very loving and gentle, as only you could be.

Wasn't it just yesterday you greeted me at the door?
For 12 years your beautiful face, I truly did adore.

Wasn't it just yesterday I took you to the vet?
You were not feeling well, but you did not give up yet.

Wasn't it just yesterday we said goodbye, my friend?
I heard you purr one last time, and held you 'til the end.

Wasn't it just yesterday I felt alone and sad?
My heart so very heavy, I miss the bond we had.

Today I'm left with fond memories of my special friend.
I take comfort in knowing that one day we'll be together, forever, again.

I love you Darby, yesterday, today and forever.

If one could have a soulmate in a cat's body, then I do feel that I had one in my Darby. Never have I had a cat that was always there, always loving and always giving. He never hissed at me, bit me or scratched me. He was the most gentle, affectionate cat I have ever known.

When Darby was 12 years old, I noticed that he seemed to be losing some weight. It was very subtle and it didn't seem to be a serious problem. I chalked it up to his age, but my gut told me to take him in for a check up, and I did. To make a long story short, Darby was diagnosed with Idiopathic Chylothorax, which is an accumulation of thoracic fluid in the chest cavity. It is ususually caused by tumors or heart disease, but in Darby's case, he had neither. We never did figure out what caused it. He spent the last two weeks of his life at my vets. I visited him every night, sometimes more than once. The last night, I knew it was time to let him go. He would not eat, and he just gave me that look that told me. It was the hardest thing I ever did.

Darby, I love you and I miss you. You made my life better by being here and there will always be an empty place in my heart now that you are gone.

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Many in our society do not understand the bond that exists between people and their beloved pets. They feel it is inappropriate to grieve for an animal. They discourage it and are callous to those obviously dealing with a terrible loss. I am truly grateful to have wonderful friends who helped me through my grieving process.

To anyone who happens upon this site because they have lost their best friend, don't let anyone tell you to "get over it." There is nothing wrong with grieving for your pet. In time you will be able to accept the loss and although you will always miss your animal companion, your memories will allow them to live forever in your heart.

I found many Pet Loss sites on the web that were very helpful when dealing with the emotions and grief over losing Darby. I have listed some of these links on my links page.