Max Memorial Post

Well its a sad day in my world. Today I had to take Max to the vet and put him down. I knew he would tell me when it was time -- and just like all the other animals, he did. He gave me a few scares along the way but this morning -- or really last night, it was all very clear. Max has been having seizures since July 4th. I'm trying not to take this as some kind of omen as that's when I really starting talking to Nancy about coming down here. Or maybe it is an omen, one chapter ending and another beginning. who knows. Good thing I'm not a huge believer of those things.

Anyway Max starting having seizures back in July. Completely flipped out the cat sitter. I had never seen one and didn't understand how scared she must have been. When I came home, I took Max to the vet but he didn't do it again and we didn't know what the problem was. Fast forward to October as I was packing to leave for Miami I finally saw a seizure with my own eyes. Very scary stuff and it leaves you feeling very helpless. Luckily he seemed sort of unfazed by having them. He would be completely wiped out for a few minutes then go and get some food. Every time. Go and have a munch afterwards. He seemed to like his new apartment and lying in the sun. I would joke that Max had finally retired to Florida.

Fast forward through a lot of detail much of it just not necessary for proper discussion, Max was having more seizures -- sometimes two or even three a day. Sometimes days would go by without my seeing any at all. Max and I had a little rebirth in our relationship with this move. Truth be told I never thought he'd make the trip. I was prepared for that to happen before I left. Then I just needed him to get here. Then once we were here it was a like we found each other again. Max started following me around everywhere. Not just in the annoying under your feet kind of way but also just wanting to be where I was. He even came into the bathroom while I showered. Slept on the floor by the bed, etc. And all of a sudden a real cuddler. We would sit together in the evening on our new couch. Sometimes he liked to check out the balcony but mostly he was happy to sit inside in a patch of sun. I have a bunch of those fleece throw blankets and he had his spots around the house. His favorites.

Last night was a bad night was almost non-stop seizures. I knew it was bad but had no clue what to do other than to sit with him. Max has always been a vocal cat - seriously talking to me on many many occasions. He never meowed. He howled, sang, yodeled and multiple combinations. Last night the poor boy mad sounds I could never have imagined. He took his Jurassic sounds to a new level. I can only hope he didn't wake the neighbors. I finally went to sleep and fully expected to find that he had passed away in the night. Sadly that hadn't happened to off we went to the vet today. I started a little balcony garden today. It will be my Max garden.

So raise a glass, tip your hat or just spend a moment

So raise a glass, tip your hat or just take a moment and think about my kitty. He was an old boy who lived a good long life. I figure he had to be 20 years old. I am comforted by the thought that he's off somewhere playing with Maggie the amazing and fierce chihuahua, Rosie the sweetest little baby fathead there ever was and his old friend Zooey who used to look out for him and pave the way through their adventures. Have fun you guys. Look out for each other. And keep an eye out on me too.