I’ve debated for a few days now how to begin writing this post. How should I start? Is there a right or wrong way to do it? At last, I decided just to go for it and see what happens. Let the words flow straight from the heart. Is there a way to properly encompass the past 15 years in a blog post? I don’t think so. For pet lovers and animal lovers everywhere, there are never enough words to express how deeply a love goes for the furry friends who make our lives so full of joy. This leads me to January 6, 2012, a mere three days ago. On this day my family said goodbye to our beloved cat of 15 years, Socks. After a solid three months of battling mouth cancer, and almost a year of battling hyperthyroidism, we decided it was time to send her off and give her back her peace and comfort she so enjoyed prior to becoming ill. Within the past two weeks, she was eating only baby food and a special food that our vet had prescribed to us to help her gain weight and would be easy for her to swallow. By Thursday night, January 5, she was unable to walk up and down the stairs due to a sudden growth under her tail. Since a cat’s tail is one of their points of balance, she was unable to properly walk and was sitting down to go down the stairs. Socks was having trouble eating, and it was no longer fair to her to put her under any more tests or on any more medication. My Mom made the final decision and she and I brought Socks to the vet to see Dr. Dunn and to say our final goodbyes to her. They gave her a preliminary shot to relax her and she fell asleep in my arms. When she looked up at me, she looked like a kitten again. Her nose was bright pink, and her beautiful green eyes shimmered with peace that I hadn’t seen in some time. When it was time for her final shot, the one that would take her away from us forever, but bring her comfort, we stayed with her the whole time. Dr. Dunn shaved a small piece of her white fur off of her leg to give her the shot and placed it beside her on the table. I took it home with me as a reminder of her beautiful white “socks” that everyone came to know her by.
When we returned home, the house was quiet. It was truly unlike any type of quiet I’ve ever experienced in my life. My Mom cleaned, as she does when she grieves, and I hoarded–with control. When we adopted Socks she was so small she could fit in our hands at only 8 weeks old. She slept in a cardboard box with a little pillow and a blanket. I saved that and placed some of my favorite things of hers in it. Her bowls and some of her favorite toys that I wasn’t able to part with. When I was placing her fur in a small frame, my Mom and I realized that we didn’t get any grey fur. While cleaning, a big poof of grey fur came tumbling out of our kitchen cabinet and I placed both colors in my frame next to a photo of her as a kitten.
The first night was so hard and I spent most of it crying with Keith and my Mom and Dad. I forced myself to get out of the house for dinner with Keith and the next day I spent my afternoon and morning channeling my creative energy to creative something positive for myself. As you may know, Keith and I have a scrapbook together that I add to. I made a page dedicated to both of our first pets, Socks, and his dog Royal who passed away in 2009. I also wrote a letter to Socks from me in her photo book I received with a limited edition set of cat stamps for Easter. Maybe one day I’ll let someone else read my letter, but for now, it’s just for her and I.
Today, I was surprised by one of my very best friends, Kathleen who has said goodbye to her fair share of pets in her life. She stopped by with a beautiful gift basket for my family and I with a lovely note, a story by David Sedaris about losing pets, a framed copy of Rainbow Bridge with a picture of Socks on it, 2 packs of smokes for my Mom and I, and a Starbucks gift card. She took me out for the day and we talked, laughed, and cried a bit, but it was much needed.
Next week we will get her ashes and I am comforted knowing that she will be back in the house with us. Socks, to my family and I, was more than just a cat. She was a true member of the Gallo family. She taught me responsibility at a young age, she provided me with companionship, and made me laugh and smile on a daily basis. I loved brushing her, reading with her, and spending time with her. I talked to her every day, and she always reciprocated the love we showed to her. She loved American Cheese, home made meatballs, and my Mom’s sauce. She tolerated Keith for the first 6 years of our relationship and loved him unconditionally for the past two and a half. She kept me company when I had Mono, and kept my Mom’s foot safe when she broke it years ago. She also guarded my Dad when he had knee surgery in 2009. Socks was one of my best friends and I have countless memories that I could speak about for hours upon hours that I have shared with her. I am so happy to have been able to call her MY cat, MY sister, and I know that she was happy to call us HER family, too. My heart is broken knowing that she is not here anymore, but I find comfort in the fact that she is playing with Royal (Keith), DJ (Dawn), Champ (Mom), Gracie (Kathleen), Shadow (Kelly), Sonny (Dan), Odie (Aunt Rose), Sam (Grandma), Max (Butch), and Bud (Todd) and all of the other animals who have come and gone throughout our lives. Those are just the ones I was blessed to have known so far. Funny how she’ll be spending her time with DOGS, but in her old age she had become very tolerant of others aside from her immediate family, (HA).
The last photo taken of Socks on January 1, 2012. Thank you Keith for this adorable photo!
Socks, I will always love you. You will always hold a special place in my heart and I will never forget you. Please know that we all love you and will miss you every day. You truly were the best cat ever.
Cats are by far the most amazing creature to have ever walked this earth. There is a reason the ancient Egyptians worshiped them. I really wish they lived as long as we do. As much joy as they bring us, it’s so hard to think about them leaving us, which we know they one day will. Chloe probably only has a few years left, and I don’t even want to think about her getting sick and having to be put asleep. I do know that’s what I want to do when she gets sick though, so she doesn’t suffer. I have no idea if I will want to be in the room with her or not when it happens. I would probably lose it. Cameron is only about to be 2, and I can’t even imagine losing him in the future. I’ve never had a closer bond with anyone as I do with him.
[Reply]
I’m so sorry about Socks.
My cat has hyperthyroidism too, and the thought of having to have her put down breaks my heart.
[Reply]
It made me tear up a bit reading about how you found the grey fur and held onto it. That’s really sweet.
I’m so sorry Socks went through such pain before her life ended but you did the right thing. It was for the best. I’m positive she had a good life and was loved so dearly by you and your family. It’s always hard letting go of anyone who has been a part of most of your life and it’s okay to grieve. Your memories, both mental and physical, of her are beautiful and sweet.
Much love to you all. *hugs* <3
[Reply]
That was beautiful, and I’m definitely crying after reading that. I’ve had to say goodbye to pets before, and it’s never easy. I’m glad that you have such an amazing support system and know that Socks is never far from you. It’s hard to take responsibility for the future of a pet, but she’s not in any pain anymore, and you were there with her right until the end. Any of us would hope for the same kind of end.
Take care. <3
[Reply]
Oh my gosh I am nearing tears. I’m so sorry for your loss. I know it is so hard to lose a member of the family like that. Yes, pets are members of the family. *huge hugs* <3
[Reply]
I’m sorry about your loss. Condolences. I’m sure the cat had wonderful memories with your family :3
My rabbits died a few weeks ago too. They were a couple. One died before New year’s Eve and the other died after New Year’s eve. It was indeed a very sad times for us too. But we just looked at it at a bright side thinking that we treated him well and he would have surely loved us the way we did :3
xoxo, Grysh (http://gryshco.com)
[Reply]
Christine, this post was beautiful and very touching. I wish I had words, but I fail miserably at expressing myself concerning such a sensitive subject. Socks was a beautiful cat and an even more beautiful sister. She is up in heaven (I truly believe animals go to heaven) and she is eating your mom’s sauce, American cheese, and meatballs
She is finally at peace and she went with absolute love from such a wonderful family. Our pets are not just animals, they are family and to me, that is very special, because it requires zero words spoken.
I think the frame with her fur, and the collage for the scrapbook was such a great idea and I know it helped you appreciate Socks’ life, instead of bottling up the pain. I also think the letter was a wonderful idea. And no one needs to see it, because it’s to her and to her only.
You’ve become such an awesome friend over the years, so I want you to know we all care for you and we are here for you.
Stay strong, girlie
[Reply]
<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
[Reply]
sorry to hear about socks. may she rest in peace. indeed, 15 years is a long time and it must be very hard
stay strong and forever leave her alive in your memories and heart! 
[Reply]
I’m so sorry you guys lost your beloved cat
It looks and sounds like she was a wonderful companion, and to have her be part of your family for so many years… You must be completely heartbroken. First thing I did after reading this was give my own two cats and dog a great big hug <3
Take care <3
[Reply]
So sorry about Socks, she sounded like an amazing sister. I’m glad I got to read about her. Sending tons of hugs your way!
[Reply]
Beautiful entry!! We all miss Socks dearly and the love felt between your family and her will continue to warm your hearts forever.
Love you lots!
[Reply]
I’m sorry to hear about your cat’s passing. I know what that silence sounds and feels like. Winston’s cat Bob died in 2011 and the house just doesn’t seem the same without him there.
[Reply]
I’m so sorry about your kitty
My Princess died two years ago, but I still miss her like crazy. I’m lucky that I didn’t live with her at the time because going home to a Princessless house was horrible. It’s such a shame our pets can’t live longer, but I feel lucky that we get to be with them the short time they have. *hugs*
[Reply]
Chatons mignons,Un merci spécial aux blogueurs de partager..
[Reply]
Probablemente me lo perdería. Cameron es sólo es el 2, y yo ni siquiera puedo imaginar perder él en el futuro. Nunca he tenido un vínculo más estrecho con alguien como yo con él.
[Reply]
Te has convertido en un amigo increíble en los últimos años, así que quiero que sabemos todo el cuidado para usted y nosotros estamos aquí para you.You debe estar completamente destrozado. Lo primero que hice después de leer esto fue dar a mis propios dos gatos y un perro gran abrazo..
[Reply]