(C) Daily Kos This story was originally published by Daily Kos and is unaltered. . . . . . . . . . . Checking in, and some news [1] ['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.'] Date: 2023-08-06 It’s been several months since I wrote a diary, and I wanted to update everyone as to what has been going on. First, the reason I decided take some time off (writing an e-book) is still going full steam ahead. Publication date on Kindle Unlimited is mid-October, and I will have more details in the next few weeks. So watch this space for updates! Second, and on a more serious note...the senior member of the Double Felinoid, Diamond Girl, is beginning her journey toward the Rainbow Bridge. It’s due to a malignant growth just by her left ear that cannot be repaired without causing her great pain, and given her age (approximately 19) would buy her only a few more months. I’m sure you can imagine how this is hitting me. I’ve had Diamond for nearly 18 years, and aside from a hernia in her spay scar eight years ago and recurring skin growths that have needed to be removed, she’s been astonishingly healthy. Her vet said that even now, her bloodwork is that of a cat half her age, and if this had not happened she might well be looking at another year or two. Right now she’s asleep on my bed, looking sweet and lovely and utterly adorable, and I can’t help but remember when I brought her home from the shelter in 2005. She’d been dumped with her kittens, all of whom were adopted quickly, and despite her sweet temperament and endearing ways she had to spend an additional four months in the shelter before I adopted her. She was pacing back and forth like the lion in a cheap zoo, and I will never forget the way the shelter volunteer’s face lit up when I asked to see her. “We all love her so much, but no one’s wanted her and we don’t know why!” the woman cried, and forty-five minutes later I was on my way home with a tiny, frightened, bewildered gray tabby. She was so shy she spent the first year living in my linen closet, but after she quickly established herself as the queen of the house, and the true mistress of the Last Homely Shack East of the Manhan. She’s definitely fading — she’s eating surprisingly well, but only if I bring it to her, and is staying in my room and the adjoining bath instead of patrolling the rest of the house. She dozes in the sun, or in my bedroom closet, and purrs when I scritch her chin and tell her what a good girl she is. Her friend Gil the Wonder Cat is subdued (he almost certainly knows what’s happening), and I’m trying to give her as much love and attention as I can. I may have another week with her, or a month, or a little longer, but at this point it’s impossible to tell. One thing I do know: when she tells it’s time, I will make sure she doesn’t suffer. It’s a promise I make to every cat I adopt: I will give them shelter, and food, and all the love and care I can. And when it’s time for the long sleep, I will hold them in my arms and tell them how much I love them through my tears, and what a Very Good Cat they’ve been, and when they pass it will be cradled in my arms, and my voice telling them what a Very Good Cat they’ve been. I’ll report back when my little Diamond has joined all the other Very Good Cats of DKos, romping and playing in a place it doesn’t hurt, all the mice are slow and fat, and there is perpetual sunshine and all the catnip a little tabby could want. She’s given me so much love and joy over the years — how could I wish any less for her? So hug your little companions close, and love them. Their time is so short, and they ask for so little, that it’s only fitting they deserve the best we can give. Peace, Ellid [END] --- [1] Url: https://dailykos.com/stories/2023/8/6/2185672/-Checking-in-and-some-news Published and (C) by Daily Kos Content appears here under this condition or license: Site content may be used for any purpose without permission unless otherwise specified. via Magical.Fish Gopher News Feeds: gopher://magical.fish/1/feeds/news/dailykos/