Our Friend Pepper

Well, a week ago, we had to put Pepper to sleep. He was 15 1/2 and the vet thought he had cancer. He hadn't been himself for several months--begging more than usual for food. But in the last three days Pepper stopped eating and was roaming around crying, not sleeping much at all. Jim slept out on the couch, allowing me to sleep closed away in the bedroom. He can sleep through about anything, including Pepper's crying.

Anyhow, we had taken Pepper to the vet last December, but tests returned negative for the three most common problems with older cats--diabetes, thyroid problems and kidney failure. We tried putting more protein in his diet, which helped a little, but not a whole lot. In the last month, he's really not been himself, or should I say, an exaggerated form of himself. He cried a lot normally, but in the last month, it had been excessive. I wasn't completely expecting the vet to recommend putting Pepper down, but we were prepared.

So, our little friend received a sedative and I had some good time alone with him. He was so tired anyway, so he quickly laid down, and I pet him and he took in a deep breath, and let it out, sounding so relaxed. I was so glad for that, after the final few days. Then when I was ready the vet proceeded.

Pepper was a fine cat, for someone who likes cats, that is. He was a cat of cats, with his own little personality. He will be missed by all of us! Matthew, not knowing anything, and not prompted in any way, said the next morning, "Pepper good friend." He was our Pookie! Sweet "P"--P is for Pepper.

These pictures were taken on his last day, June 1. Click on the pictures to get a larger view.