Before Saturday, I hadn’t been instrumental in euthanising a cat who wasn’t mine. In all other cases, I could interpret from their characters, as well as from their behaviour, how the cats were feeling, and whether it was time for them to leave. In only one instance - Parker’s - did the cat tell me that he didn’t want to go, even though I knew beyond doubt it was time.
I know that Mirko was finished with his life. In fact, I wish that I could have brought him to the hospital sooner than I did. That he may have died before the fatal dose was administered says it all about his condition.
Nonetheless, I wish I had known him better. Every cat has his own personality. I gathered the impression that Mirko was someone who would have liked to have his own human to live with, but no other cats. I think he would have enjoyed a warm bed by a fire, the anticipation of dinner-time, the firmness of his person to sleep against at night. I’ll never know, of course. Circumstances dictated a very different life for him.
Like many humans, many who are homeless, many who suffer mental illness, many who end up in prison, for Mirko, the difference between what is and what might have been was as thin as rice paper. An unwanted pregnant cat, a small pool of urine where it shouldn’t have been, too many broken ornaments, or generations of unloved animals: anything could have led Mirko down the cold and lonely path he had to walk. Yet that paper-thin difference dissolves in kindness and compassion, patience and empathy. A little more of that, somewhere, and Mirko may have been a very happy cat.
I want to thank Ingrid of Meezer’s Mews and Terrieristical Woofs for the beautiful badge she made for Mirko. Though he was not one of my beasts, Mirko deserves to be remembered, just as he deserved to be loved.
It's always so sad when we lose an animal, even if the animal isn't ours, as was the case with Mirko. The best we can do is try to make things as easy for the animal as possible and love them on their terms. You did that with Mirko. You loved him enough to care for him on his terms. The badge Ingrid made is absolutely beautiful, and very fitting for Mirko.
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ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful badge for a sweet boy who had to spend all those years out in the bad weather.
ReplyDeleteI am very grateful to Ingrid for that badge, Mirko is deserving of it. I have thought of him off and on since you told us about him and what happened. I am too reactive in my heart and thoughts about times when kitties I learn about are in terrible straits. And I was with sweet Mirko. I think what you have written here is a good thing for him to have one his Marker. He would have thanked you for it. I do.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful badge, and what a beautiful memorial. The Egyptians had it right, I believe : as long as there is someone to speak of the dead, they are still among us.
ReplyDeleteMirko loved you, and knew he was loved as much as he could be. I'm sorry he had such a life, also.
ReplyDeleteJohn, you've such a loving soul.
ReplyDeleteAngel Mirko had you are a friend at the most important time, and that counts greatly.
I think Mirko died knowing that you were trying to help him, and he's certainly in a better place now. He reminds me of a feral in my neighborhood some years ago, whom we named "Rudolpho." He was a handsome boy, with the bluest eyes I've ever seen. We were never able to trap him, but he eventually came to see our back yard as a place where he could get a good meal and rest up. He was also remarkably intelligent, as he was able to survive for--by my estimate--at least twenty years, in an area with coyotes, dogs, speeding cars, and all the other dangers of suburban life. He finally died of natural causes--simple old age, I think. He was clearly a very special cat, and I still regret that he was fated to live his entire life on the streets. Again, my thanks that you were able to give Mirko a peaceful end to his sufferings. Ferals are so in need of people to care what happens to them.
ReplyDeleteI think Rudolpho survived for an extraordinarily long time because he had your yard as a safe haven. The best of lives for an outsider-cat.
DeleteBless you for what help and compassion you provided Mirko. May he rest in peace. 💔
ReplyDeleteThat sweet little Angel Mirko, is smiling from heaven, because you cared💞Love the momento for that little Soul🪽Soft Pawkisses for you🐾🐱💞
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