Monday, April 15, 2019

I Will Forever Love You Doofy




   We sadly lost our Doofy (Rufus) earlier this evening.  He had been his normal crazy self all day, running all over the place and playing and chewing on things.  Just a routine day for him.  I had just settled into my recliner when I heard him knock the candle on the pellet stove where he was sleeping.  He got up oddly, went into what looked like a seizure and toppled off the pellet stove.  I yelled and Jeff came running.

   We tried to make him comfortable as he looked again like he stiffened up and I gently pet him and talked to him softly hoping that he would come out of it.  He was struggling and we could see it.  Suddenly he stopped...everything stopped...his breathing, his heart and he was gone.  I tried to massage his heart, I checked again and again for a heartbeat and breath, but none came.  I held him and prayed...I was in shock.  We knew he had some heart issues and we think he may have had a heart attack.  He passed quickly with both Jeff and I beside him.  It rocked me to the core and I just held my furry little buddy and sobbed.

   I did not want to let him go...he had so much energy in that long and lanky body.  He used our home as his own personal racetrack and had fabric tunnels, boxes and toys to play with.  He was forever getting into or onto something that he was not supposed to.  He was a little escape artist.  He was the goofiest and most entertaining cat we have ever had.  He was also my cuddle buddy and slept with me almost every night.  He would climb up my lap and onto my chest when I was in the recliner and look at me with his big soft eyes to get lovies every day. I am totally at a loss without him.

   Patches kitty saw us trying to save Doofy and came to cuddle with me when Jeff gently took him from him.  She knew that her brother was gone and could see me in such deep pain.  Later Midgey came out and cuddled with me.  Caesar came in from the yard and immediately starting looking for his partner in crime and was very confused at not being able to find him anywhere in the house.  I have never seen a dog and cat with such a tight bond.  It is going to be an adjustment for him too.

   Jeff buried Doofy next to the rest of our feline fur babies that have passed on within the last 25 years.  I am grateful that we were home and were able to be with him when this suddenly happened and also for my husband, who had the hard task of burying the cat who changed our lives in so many wonderful ways.  Jeff had to go to work within about 2 hours of all this and I know it was hard on him.  His main concern was for me and how devastated I was and still am.  Our kids were wonderful though and so supportive when we told them.  One of them even offered to come up and be here with me.  We are blessed with such a wonderful family.

   Grief comes in waves and I am riding those waves tonight and will be for awhile.  I have trouble sleeping as it is and Doofy helped calm me so that I was able to finally get some sleep in the early hours of the morning.  He brought me comfort as he cuddled in and made his little contented noises when he found just the right position to sleep in.  I felt safe with him there.  He was also my alarm clock in the morning and we had a little routine when he wanted me up.  He was obnoxious about it, but it became a game that we both knew would end with me getting up to let him and Caesar out.  I will miss that too.

   So Doofy, thank you for saving me when I was spiraling downward into depression and bringing so much joy into our lives.  Thank you for your antics, goofiness, playfulness and for bringing laughter and fun to me each day.  Even on my worst flare days, you made me smile and brought moments of joy.  You will always have a special place in my heart my Doofy Doo and I will forever love you.


   

12 comments:

  1. I'm very sorry to read that your sweet Doofy passed away.

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  2. I'm so sorry to read about Doofy. It was a blessing that you were there; surrounding him with love.

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  3. I'm so so sorry Debbie! Such pain and heartbreak to loose such a sweet companion. Our animals are just like family and we mourn so much when they leave us. How amazing that Jeff was there when it happened, it would have been so much harder for you had he not been. Such a loss will leave a big hole in your life, and you will be in my prayers! I understand pet loss so well, and it is just such a hard thing to go through. Praying for you friend!

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  4. My heart goes out to you Debbie. I've been reminded lately how much it hurts when we lose our fur-babies. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
    SJ

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  5. I am so sorry, Debbie it is very hard to lose a beloved pet. Here is a virtual hug for you. HUG

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  6. I'm so sorry for your loss, Debbie, that's so heartbreaking. I'm glad he didn't suffer, that's the only plus. My old girl Lily is 16 1/2 now and has been going downhill the past year....I just know our time is coming and I pray it will be quick for her. Prayers and hugs for you and your family, both furry and not. xoxo

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  7. I am so sorry for your loss. We lost 3 cats in a similar way to this. They all died at home with us. All but one were old -- 18 and 19. The third had been an outdoor cat before being adopted by us and she died when she was bout 10 -- not old but not that young either. They were our babies and it took a long time after they died to be whole again. Now we have twin brothers who we adopted about 3 years after the last one died and there was room in our hearts to love again. Just remember all the good times you had with Doofy.

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  8. I am so sorry. This is one of the hardest things to go through. Our fur babies love us so much and ask so little in return. I know what it's like when you have a chronic illness. Your world gets narrowed down and the people and animals in it become even more precious. They take care of us in their own way. My heart hurts for you. Just try and remember all the good, funny, beautiful ways he enriched your life. And know that you gave him the best possible life you could. And yes I believe other animals in the house mourn too. Take care.

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  9. Losing a pet is so hard. I am sorry for your loss. I am glad you and your husband were with him when he went.

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  10. I am so sorry. It is hard losing a pet. I think they know when we are feeling bad, and they try to comfort us. I love the picture of Doofy! Sending hugs to you.
    It has been a rough time for our family too. Our 13 year old female kitty had cancer, and we had to put her to sleep a couple weeks ago. A beautiful tuxedo stray kitty that we adopted was hit by a car last week, and our 13 year old male kitty was diagnosed with lymphoma, so it is only a matter of time for him. :(

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  11. I'm so sorry for your loss, Debbie. Rest in Peace, Doofy.

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