Today, as I was wrapping up at work and about to head home, I got a phone call from Mom who informed me that they had to put Lucy to sleep today. Lucy as you may recall is either B&L's aunt or sister (whichever way you look at it) and lived with my parents in GA. It was relatively out of the blue, as Lucy is the youngest of all five of the Reeves family cats in GA, and only showed signs of slugishness/off-ness within the past few days.
I don't know all the details, but it involved something about fluid and heart troubles and a 25 % chance.
Not only was Lucy the sweetest cat our family has ever owned, but she and Jackson were soulmates. I'm saddened when thinking about how much Jackson will miss her as he starts to realize that she's never coming back. Sure he has 3 other cats to keep him company, but it's really not the same. (Especially since they are not his biggest fans since he and Lucy teamed up to terrorize them, sometimes)
I think what's catching me off guard the most is how unanticipated it was. Every time I visit home, I spend an extra few minutes petting and loving on Samantha and Tabitha (our 17 year old cats) as I prepare myself that it may be my last time saying goodbye to them. The thought of one of the other 3 cats dying before them has never ever entered my mind.
Don't really know what else to say, but it's never easy losing a pet. Especially one that was so sweet, snuggily and excited to see you. I wish Buster and Lyla could've gotten a chance to meet her. Lucy... you will be missed.
(ps, sorry mom, stop crying. this was therapeutic for me.)