Some posts are tougher than others to write. This is one of them. Last Saturday I lost my 16 1/2 year-old kitty, Claire, to kidney failure complicated by hyperthyroidism.
Claire and her littermate Katie have been a part of my life for longer than any other pet I've ever had. She was a sweet and loving little kitty. She never gave me a minute's trouble, unless you count the lockjaw she always got when you tried to give her a pill!
Unfortunately Claire had numerous medical issues during her lifetime, but I'm very happy she made it to 16. I have known people who won't take older pets to the vet, but the way I look at it pets need more medical care as they age, not less -- just like people. When you take on the responsibility of a pet you also take on the responsibility of their medical care. I have veterinary insurance for my younger cats, but of course they would not insure Katie and Claire due to their age and Claire's previous medical history. The extensive vet bills for Claire wound up coming out of my pocket, but I could not bear to have her put to sleep for financial reasons.
I would encourage anyone who cares about their pets' health to get veterinary insurance. I carry insurance from the ASPCA, which I think is better than the company whose pamphlet you see quite often at veterinary hospitals.
I have loved all my pets, but it seems to me that during the course of your lifetime there are some that are just a pinch more special to you. Katie and Claire are like that for me. I hope everyone has the opportunity at least once in their lifetime to have a pet as sweet and lovable as Claire. I will miss her always.
