Seeking Solace

    For the past few weeks, Ms. Put, the Bayou Queen, has been feeling quite poorly.  Her malady started with a bite from some unknown critter and escalated quickly into a life-threatening ordeal.  The twenty-two year old cat's immune system just could not fight this entity that had invaded her body. After several frantic visits to the vet, messages to a kind vet friend in Boston and many doses of medicines, all that was left was prayer.  My sweet old cat was struggling to live and my heart was breaking.  But she is tough.  Although we had discussed the "what-ifs" and had made a decision if things were not soon improving, she fought. It was her spirit that made that decision be delayed.  I could not make the call to end her life.  I am glad I did not.  My tough old kitty started improving.  While she is still not out of the woods, things look vastly brighter.  

  For weeks, the old cat stayed (by her choice) in the entryway.  She slept most of the time and ate very little.  Then one morning, after receiving yet another dose of medicine, she wanted to go into the main part of the house.  Yep, of course you can!  She wandered about a bit then eased her way into the living room where Mr. PJ, the dog left in our charge, was sitting.  Ms. Put cautiously entered the room, cleaned herself then settled down just a few feet from the large dog.  Mr. PJ eyed the old cat and slowly edged toward her.  He gently laid down on the floor next to her and sniffed.  After a few moments, both the cat and the dog were at ease.  The ailing cat seemed to seek solace from the only critter friend she had left.  The two old friends laid side by side for hours. 

 Ms. Put still goes into the entryway each night but during the day, she wanders into the living room to be by PJ.  The comfort of being by him seems to be working wonders.  She appears to feel stronger and stronger each day. The wound still has not completely healed but she is making progress with the help of an old friend.  Sometimes that is what it takes.  Knowing that someone cares is a great medicine.  Hopefully, Ms. Put will continue to heal and will be around for a long time yet.  It is hard to imagine the place without her.