1/24/14

RIP Gordita

Two years ago there was a death in the family and my parents found themselves with two little cats. Well, one little cat and one big fat cat, so we called them Chiquita and Gordita.  It was a pleasure to see my folks fall in love with them, especially Mom who had thought cats were like having a reptile or hamster or something. It was wonderful too to see these neglected cats learn to be pets, to communicate their wants and interact so gently, so unlike my boisterous dog.
My favorite was always Gordita. She wasn't just fat, she was also really dumb- like they have two litter boxes next to each other and she'd poop in one then go into the other one to bury the poop. She was also easily scared so she'd roll around on the rug for pets but continuously get up and step, like, two feet out of reach then start rolling around asking for pets some more. And she stank and would randomly have little clumps of poo stuck in her butt. Sometimes she'd meow and no sound would come out. Plus her sister would pick on her. Basically I loved her more cuz she needed more love. Since before she learned to ask for pets I'd always give her lots of love and would be so happy when I got a purr going. So when she saw me she'd instantly start rolling around on the carpet for pets, it was automatic and it always made us laugh.
As she got used to life in Chicago she learned she could get cuddles all night sleeping with Mom, and mom would wake up to Gordita touching her gently on her face over and over with her paw. She loved being in the patio and watching all the exciting goings-on, she could spend the whole day there. She caught a few birds too, and last summer we called her the serial killer.
Mom and Dad are in Uruguay for two weeks and Mr. Devices and I are taking care of the cats, but last Friday night, Gordita started vomiting. She wasn't eating drinking/peeing/pooping. Then on Monday I thought I saw her eating and on Tuesday I saw her pee, so I thought she was fine. On Wednesday she was yowling, sort of a yelled out Meow of despair. I thought maybe she was just upset about Mom and Dad being gone but that night she lost all co-ordination and was wobbling around. We found a pet ER, thank God for Google and Yelp, and I drove through a frigid night with her in a cloth bag against my belly, reeking of feces.
Long story short, the Doc couldn't believe she was still alive when they got her blood work back. We were with her in her last moments and poor Mr. Devices was inconsolable.
Since Mom and Dad were gone, hubs would take lots of pictures to text them and he got this great series of action shots of Gordita making biscuits. She always had that spaced out expression in her eyes.
I'm so grateful to think we gave her such a happy second half of her life, that we got to know her, that we took so many pictures and have so many sweet and funny memories. I'm grateful we went to the vet who let us know there was nothing we could do and not to blame ourselves. I'm grateful her sister is the more independent one who now doesn't have to worry about Gordita eating all her food. I loved seeing how they made my parents laugh and just sit there with big goofy smiles, even my Dad who's not very expressive. I have nothing but gratitude and happy feelings about my time with Gordita.

20 comments:

darlene said...

oh my dear! you did what you could. poor thing. xoxo

Unknown said...

I totally have a tear in my eye, which just spilled down my cheek as I'm typing this. I'm sad for Mr. Devices. I have always held the belief that men love cats more than women and please don't ask me about scientific experiments or documentation to prove this. It is just my gut telling me. I've claimed this for years to anyone who would listen. I am sorry for your mom. That cat paw gently on the cheek is pretty up there. Hey Gordita, say howdy to 'Felix' (a tabby mixed with siamese called "silver point') if ya run into him up there. Hugs to you Marina, Norma, x

Jiorji said...

oh no!!!! sorry to hear that you went through this! i hope your parents aren't too crushed over the new. pets are so easy to get attached to and it's so hard to let them go

my kitty Peanut also has poop stuck to her bum and she makes soundless meows too

RIP Gordita

PipnMolly said...

My sympathies. Your family gave Gordita a wonderful life. Chiquita must miss her too.

neshuma said...

Bless all of you for being there for her. She was clearly well-loved.

neshuma said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Lucie Tales said...

Gordita surely had a wonderful second life!

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear your sad news. These little fur babies bring such joy and love into our lives. I once spent 6 months coaxing one of my rescue cats down stairs, but all was all worth it for one furry nose rub.

Unknown said...

Oh Marina, I am so sorry. Gordita seems like such a sweet girl! Such green eyes, and I love the mid-air biscuits. What a darling. My thoughts are with you and your family. Losing a pet is so hard.

Skye said...

So sorry to hear about this loss, but very happy she had such a loving family and home, and obviously enjoyed the life you guys gave her.

I just lost my Pitbaby ( his full name was 'Bottomless Money Pit, but he was a huge baby, therefore... Pitbaby ;) )It was the same with him; he went off his food and water, then ate a little and drank a little, then suddenly went all wobbly and yowly. After a ginormous vet bill since it was on a holiday weekend ( see, lives up to his name, again ;))the vet said he was living on less than ten percent of his kidney function and he really shouldn't even be alive :( I think that just goes to show how much the furbabies love us that they fight that hard to outlast their odds, just to stay with us that much longer. So sad it happened when you're parents were away and couldn't be there to say goodbye, but at least he had you two.

Rebecca S. said...

I am so sorry about your kitty crisis..you gave her all the comfort that you could and she was happy right up until the end, by the looks of things, for your and Mr. Device's care. She could not have been in better hands...

Patty said...

She was one lucky animal to find
good people not once but twice in her life. And to face death with
friends. So sad, take good care.

RaggedRobyn said...

Oh! I'm sorry for you and your families loss. Sounds like you had a special bond with Gordita. What beautiful green eyes she has. x

Unknown said...

So sad when a pet dies - I hope your mum and dad are ok, it's so hard to be away when a loved one dies xx

La Fileuse said...

Marina, I'm sorry for your loss. You were by her side until the end; she was lucky. Be brave. I send you warm feelings !

dawn said...

So very sorry about miss Gordita.....so looked like a sweet little soul. My cats are two of my best friends....unconditional love. Hugs to you,your parents and sweet husband. Stay warm and safe...and know you gave the kittie a wonderful life.

Cmmargaret said...

So sorry to hear of your loss. It is sad to lose a beloved pet. Sounds like she had a wonderful second home!

Still Waters Studio said...

Our animals grab our hearts and take little pieces of them when they leave, but their memories warm us when we think of them.

Miss R said...

Animals know and Gordita knew how absolutely loved she was. When she made no sound meows, I bet she was singing a song just for Mr. Devices.
And now, every time a cat sings a meowless meow, she's back on earth, sending him a message of luff.

Tell her to say hi to Chaos when she's makin' muffins in the universe beyond.

martinisfor2 said...

I am so sorry! I feel your pain in having to make that decision. It's really tough. I have been there a few times. Gordita stole your heart and will always be in it! God Bless you!