I made the decision to leave Tang in Ithaca when I moved to Idaho. His cancer had spread throughout his body, but his quality of life was still good. He was eating, catching chipmunks, and wrestling with my upstairs neighbors cat. When I mentioned that I was considering euthanizing him to my neighbor she offered to take him in. The stress of the trip to Idaho could prove to be too much for him, and seeing how he loved Tammi and her pets, I agreed. I felt that if he was still doing well when I flew home in November I could transport him back on the plane with me to Idaho. It was incredibly hard to say goodbye to him. While I knew I was making the right decision, I've never left a pet before, and it was a truly heartwrenching experience. Tang was the perfect cat in so many ways. He was great with my dogs, great with other cats, independent, but still loveable. He had been at the animal shelter for a year before I took him home, and I wish I had taken him in sooner so that we could have had more time together. In many ways I felt like Tang was so happy to be in a home that loved him, and he showed his gratitude by being exactly what I wanted out of a feline companion.
This evening Tang was put to sleep by two incredibly wonderful friends. Tammi called me yesterday to let me know he had taken a turn for the worse, he wasn't eating and barely getting around. I am so lucky to have friends that can help me out at a moment's notice and make sure that Tang didn't suffer a day in his life. His passing was peaceful, and while I wasn't there physically, my thoughts were with him and I felt peace knowing that he and Montana would be reunited.
I loved Tang so much, and I am so happy he was a part of my life. I hope that his time spent with me, Montana, Stella and Chip was as wonderful for him as it was for us.
***While this post is obviously dedicated to Tang's memory, it is also dedicated to Dr Brian Collins and Soshi Cook, two fabulous people whose love for animals makes them true humanitarians.***
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