MY FURRY SOULMATE | THE LIFE OF MR. PIGGY

This is the hardest blog I’ve ever written but I wanted to honor my sweet boy and the wonderful life he had.

February of 2000, I decided to adopt a cat. A local vet connected me with a lady who rescues them so on a cold winter day I ventured out to her home in the country. When I walked in, she had a particular cat in mind. She said he loved to be held like a baby and was fairly sure he used to be an inside cat. She said he usually comes running up during mealtime so she called for him outside and he didn’t come. More time passed and still no kitty so I started to look at other cats she had available. I was ready to pick out another cat when “Snow” comes running up. I could tell this foster mom really liked him and wanted me to have him. He looked pretty rough around the edges and his white fur was dirty but of course I adopted him. So, that is where our love story began…. 15 1/2 years ago.

When I got him home it didn’t take long to notice that he had a good appetite despite being very thin. He also made such funny noises when he slept and ate that resembled a little piglet so I started calling him Pig. I tried to come up with different names but Pig just stuck so I decided his given name would be Mr. Piggy. It took a few months to gain Pig’s trust. He was very feisty and persistent in the beginning but I was very patient and eventually his loving self started to shine. He loved to sleep on my head and that never changed over the years. He had his very own pillow above mine and each night he curled up and slept with me. Over the years I enjoyed watching him find new places to hang out to nap including the bathroom sink, laundry baskets, window hammock, recycling bin and any box or bag despite the size. He loved chasing lasers, playing soccer with his rafia balls, rolling in catnip, playing with his dolls, grooming, playing with my hair bands and most of all napping in my lap or in his bed on my desk as I worked. Through the years our bond grew stronger and stronger and he would run to the door when I got home and follow me around…he was my shadow. I have absolutely no regrets about his life…I truly appreciated him every single day and he received daily affirmations of how perfect he was.

Mr. Piggy knew my deepest secrets, fears and flaws. He celebrated with me and comforted me when I was lonely and vulnerable. He climbed into my lap when tears ran down my face. He knew me best and still loved me unconditionally. In some of my darkest times of life, he lifted me up and gave me a purpose to live. There are times over the years I would sit and cry just thinking about the day he would leave me. I told him it was his fault for being so perfect to ever let him go. I always wondered if it was ‘normal’ to love an animal this much but it was my reality. Mr. Piggy became my child (I have no human children) and it was my purpose to protect and love him until the end. He led a very peaceful and pampered life. Everyone who has ever met me knows I have a cat, how much I love my cat and probably had to endure many many iPhone pictures of him too. 🙂

My last day with Pig was the most emotional of my life. The night before he passed I knew it was his last. He was so weak he just slept on me. I soaked up every last minute… I studied him because I didn’t want to forget his perfectly pink nose and ears, his furry tom cheeks, his giant paws, his beautiful eyes and round head. I squeezed his adorable belly and smelled his fur to breath in the life he had left. He was reminded how perfect he was every day but I was afraid of forgetting all we shared for so many years. I wished so badly he would pass on his own but I knew he would never leave me so I chose euthanasia so he could rest in peace and not suffer. I held him in my arms until he fell asleep and it was the most horrible hurt I’ve ever felt. I kissed his sweet face for the last time. Saying goodbye to the most precious gift I’ve ever been given was brutal. I wish the pain ended there but that is where the grieving process only begins. Finding a new normal is a process…

I knew it would be hard to be home but all the reminders are like getting punched in the heart over and over again and send me into tears. The toys, the hammock, the scratching post, the food, toys, hair bands under furniture (he loved my hair bands), his treats, the ceramic food bowls I bought at an art show, his pictures around the house, pictures and video on my iPhone, and even finding his hair on my clothing or furniture would just remind me of what I had lost. It’s torture knowing I will never get to squish his belly or kiss his sweet face again. I find myself expecting him to still great me at the door, waiting for him to walk into the room and accidentally calling his name….I miss saying his name. The grieving process is no joke and it hurts.

I wouldn’t exchange a single tear I’ve shed for the love my furry soulmate gave me for 15 of his 20 years of his life. I am thankful that our paths crossed and that he chose me to love. We needed each other. Rest in peace my sweet boy, soulmate, vanilla pudding, angel face, Mr. handsome pants, vanilla bean, pork chop, pretty boy, pudding cake, perfect baby boy, lover boy and angel sent from Heaven.

“How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” – Winnie The Pooh

“Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.” – Winnie The Pooh

“So much of me is made of what I learned from you. You’ll be with with me like a handprint on my heart… because I knew you I have been changed for good ” – Lyrics from “For Good”

A SPECIAL THANKS

I am so humbled and grateful to my friends, family and co-workers who have supported, encouraged and lifted me up during this grieving process. Mr. Piggy was a great source of comfort and companionship in my life but I think he has sent many angels on earth on his behalf since he can’t be there for me.

I want to thank KC Cat Clinic for giving Mr. Piggy the best care for so many years. The staff is wonderful and Dr. Gloor was a constant source of knowledge and the most compassionate vet I could have ever asked for. She went above and beyond making house calls and coming in early for emergency visits. She truly cared about Mr. Piggy and his quality of life. She helped me make the hardest decision in my life but because of her I am at peace.

Here are some of my favorite iPhone and professional pictures of Pig! He was such a great cat model 🙂

-This was my last day and picture of Mr. Piggy and I. I held him in my arms as long as I could. This very raw and real moment shows the love we had for each other.

I had professional photos taken of two of us since we didn’t have any! I am so so so grateful to have these. I knew they were special before but priceless now. Thank you so much Janelle Vano for taking these!! Even if you don’t hire me (although I would love you to) please consider having professional pictures taken WITH your loved ones!! You never know when they will be taken from you.