HARLEY JEANE, 1991 - 2006
R.I.P. HARLEY!
Today I had to make the decision that most pet lovers dread...Harley has been ill for some time but she didn't seem to be worsening. But in the last few weeks, she had lost so much weight. then Wednesday evening, I found a spot where she had peed on the tile and it was tinged with blood. Thursday, I realized it wasn't just a little blood in the urine, but actual bleeding.
Called the vet first thing this morning and made arrangements to have her euthanized. As much as I hated to do that, I know it was the right decision...for Harley and myself as well. She's been such a great pal all these years, but especially in recent years since Maverick and Lita have both gone to kitty heaven. Hated that she couldn't be buried with Maverick, Lita, Heidi and Bosworth, but I didn't think the people that bought my parents house would appreciate me knocking on their door asking to bury a cat in their backyard. (Gotta have a bit of humor).
I remember the day Harley came into my life...it was a cold, rainy February night and I found her wandering in the apartment complex. I must have had "sucker" written on my forehead, because before I knew what was happening, that cat was in the house, sleeping on MY pillow!! She purred so loud directly into my ear...and I told her she sounded like a dad gum Harley Davidson...and voila! She was named.
Unbeknownst to me, she was also in the expectant way. In May, my friend, C from Aberdeen, was visiting (first time we met, actually) and we had come back to my apartment after dinner. Harley (and the other cats too) were such a nuisance...wondering all over the living room, demanding attention. C was petting Harley and kindly informed me that she was preggers. I didn't believe him at first. But then, a short time later, there were 4 kittens under my bed! Harley was a terrific mom too.
Since Maverick died in 1997, I've said repeatedly that his spirit had moved into Harley. She started doing things that HE used to do, like sleeping on top of my head, sitting on my chest while I watched TV or read, and just being a pain, LOL.
I've decided to go catless for the time being. With the traveling I'll be doing in the next few months, it's selfish to bring a new kitten into the house and then be gone. Maybe in the Spring when things settle down a bit, I'll think about it.
More pictures of Harley and the other cats can be found here...which I hope to update in the next few days.
In the meantime, I'm off to Lufkin tomorrow to drop off my nephew. He's spending the first part of next week with my parents while his parents are off on a jaunt to Amsterdam. On Wedensday, I'll head up to Longview to join Aaron and the folks for Thanksgiving. We will return home on Saturday. And on Sunday, Aaron and I will be attending The Nutcracker ballet. It'll be the first time he's been and the first time in years for me. Then in just a few short weeks, it will be time to head to Providence, Rhode Island to see Billy Petersen perform in Dublin Carol. This year sure has flown by!
Today I had to make the decision that most pet lovers dread...Harley has been ill for some time but she didn't seem to be worsening. But in the last few weeks, she had lost so much weight. then Wednesday evening, I found a spot where she had peed on the tile and it was tinged with blood. Thursday, I realized it wasn't just a little blood in the urine, but actual bleeding.
Called the vet first thing this morning and made arrangements to have her euthanized. As much as I hated to do that, I know it was the right decision...for Harley and myself as well. She's been such a great pal all these years, but especially in recent years since Maverick and Lita have both gone to kitty heaven. Hated that she couldn't be buried with Maverick, Lita, Heidi and Bosworth, but I didn't think the people that bought my parents house would appreciate me knocking on their door asking to bury a cat in their backyard. (Gotta have a bit of humor).
I remember the day Harley came into my life...it was a cold, rainy February night and I found her wandering in the apartment complex. I must have had "sucker" written on my forehead, because before I knew what was happening, that cat was in the house, sleeping on MY pillow!! She purred so loud directly into my ear...and I told her she sounded like a dad gum Harley Davidson...and voila! She was named.
Unbeknownst to me, she was also in the expectant way. In May, my friend, C from Aberdeen, was visiting (first time we met, actually) and we had come back to my apartment after dinner. Harley (and the other cats too) were such a nuisance...wondering all over the living room, demanding attention. C was petting Harley and kindly informed me that she was preggers. I didn't believe him at first. But then, a short time later, there were 4 kittens under my bed! Harley was a terrific mom too.
Since Maverick died in 1997, I've said repeatedly that his spirit had moved into Harley. She started doing things that HE used to do, like sleeping on top of my head, sitting on my chest while I watched TV or read, and just being a pain, LOL.
I've decided to go catless for the time being. With the traveling I'll be doing in the next few months, it's selfish to bring a new kitten into the house and then be gone. Maybe in the Spring when things settle down a bit, I'll think about it.
More pictures of Harley and the other cats can be found here...which I hope to update in the next few days.
In the meantime, I'm off to Lufkin tomorrow to drop off my nephew. He's spending the first part of next week with my parents while his parents are off on a jaunt to Amsterdam. On Wedensday, I'll head up to Longview to join Aaron and the folks for Thanksgiving. We will return home on Saturday. And on Sunday, Aaron and I will be attending The Nutcracker ballet. It'll be the first time he's been and the first time in years for me. Then in just a few short weeks, it will be time to head to Providence, Rhode Island to see Billy Petersen perform in Dublin Carol. This year sure has flown by!