This morning we had to say goodbye to our Piccolo. And now he’s gone, too, so soon after Puzzola…
I’m still in shock. So is Stefano. We still can’t believe this happened…I mean, yesterday morning he was still walking around, bumping into things, BUT walking…and today he’s gone.
He stopped eating day before yesterday and, well, it just went downhill from there.
After trying everything I could think of, I finally took him to the vet yesterday afternoon, and she said we had two choices–try to do something OR put him to sleep right there and then.
I opted for the former, because I still had some hope that he could recover. He underwent some treatments (nothing too harsh, except for the force-feeding, which was as gentle as possible), and then I took him home.
Last night I slept with Piccolo on my chest and stomach. He was still a big cat, even though he’d lost some weight lately: 13 pounds (6 kilos). I wanted him to feel my warmth, since his body temperature was low, as I found out yesterday. He didn’t move but fell asleep immediately.
I woke up around 1:30 AM because he was getting a bit agitated and moving around on me.
I was afraid he might fall off the bed, so I took him into the bathroom where we’d put his fuzzy bed yesterday afternoon. I covered him and, after making sure he was okay, went back to bed. This morning he was in the same position I’d put him. He didn’t move or wake up.
We both said, “it’s time to let him go.”
To make a long story short, we called the vet hospital (they already knew, actually, since I’d called them last night when he was scrambling around, trying to walk but not being able to, very agitated…We almost took him in last night, but our vets weren’t on duty, and I didn’t want a stranger to do it…). 
After checking him out, the vet told us we’d made the right decision.
It’s likely that he’d had another stroke yesterday at some point…
He would never have recovered.
And so he’s gone…our sweet, loving boy, the one who brought balls to us while we were in bed, our retriever cat who stopped retrieving as he got older but would bring us balls anyway, for us to throw down the stairs. Then, when we’d refuse to get up and go get the balls ourselves and bring them to him, he’d look at us so reproachfully…
My boy, who slept on me (as you can see in the last photo…he was gazing into my eyes…). Whenever I was ill, he was always on the bed, nursing me back to health.
He also Skyped with my parents. Of all our cats, he was the only one to do that. He really looked at them and followed their movements. Such a smart kitty.
My big purrbox, who’d stopped purring in August. Oh how I missed his purr…I’d give anything to hear it again. Before August, all I needed to do was look at him, and he’d start purring.
My heart is broken. Stefano’s heart is broken.
We are simply devastated.
Two beloved cats in two months.
It’s too much.
It’s simply too much.
P.S. If you hover your mouse over these photos, it will give you some info and dates.
Your losses are heartbreaking. I am so sad for you both but know Piccolo had a good life with you, and the photos show how much he loved you. Thank you for sharing the pictures and stories.
I’m so sorry for your losses. They were loved and so happy in the life you shared with them.
Dear Margaret, my heart goes out to you. I am so sorry for your loss of this dear family member.
Ma che infinita tristezza , mi dispiace Margaret e Stefano
I am so sorry to hear of your tragic loss of Piccolo. Two in one month is shocking and devastating. I am sending just loving thoughts your way.
It’s too much with just one; and he sounds like such a special fellow. Hard to let them go but hoping your joint memories will sustain you as you grieve. Sending you some Reiki love.
So sorry. I know what you are going through. Losing them is so hard. We had to let our beloved dog of 14 years go this past Tuesday.
Je connais trop bien cette douleur de perdre un chat bien-aimé. Mon Sacha est parti le 13 février de cette année. La fin de vie de Piccolo ressemble tant à celle de mon Sacha, que les larmes me viennent à nouveau dans les yeux! Chaque chat est unique et laisse ses empreintes dans notre coeur!
I am so sorry for your loss. He sounded like a special cat and I feel for you.
So sorry for the loss of your darling Piccolo
So sorry for your loss, I can feel your pain Margaret am thinking of you both.
So so sorry for your losses. I know that it feels overwheming and all you can do is try and remind yourself that you gave them a wonderful life filled with love,happiness & contentment.
Please accept my condolences and as always so grateful for your gift of this blog.
Margaret,
So very sorry for the loss of your beloved Piccolo. His face was so sweet in the pictures you shared. So sorry for the rough time you are having losing both your babies so close together. Take care.
Dear Margaret & Stefano
So sorry to learn of the loss of Piccolo. Its so sad & this is such a hugh loss; two kitties in such a short period of time. My heart reaches across the sea to seek yours and offer you my love and healing, So sorry, Love Sally
I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s a heart breaking time for you. Send much love and condolences.
So sorry for your loss
So very sorry that you lost your two beloved furry babies. I was in tears reading your post, and can only imagine your deep sadness. What love you brought to each other….. Wishing you comfort and healing.
I’m sorry for the loss of your beloved kitties. I check your blog periodically since being diagnosed with Mgus. I lost my kitty last year and this year my father passed. I understand the depths of grief and you are experiencing it. I know you have your kitties a fine life.
The photo at the top of your blog makes me so happy. I just want to dive into that pile of kitties and cuddle all of them! I know all of your cats are loved and you have given them beautiful lives.