Monday, January 15, 2007

Smudge is gone...

To Grandma's.

We came home from our vacation and decided to leave Smudge with his Grandma for an extra week to see how he would do. We were desparately hoping that he would be able to gain some weight and get his CRF under control. Also, even though we love Dolce to pieces, she is a bundle of energy that is causing the other cats a fair bit of stress. The trip to grandma's was too see how Smudge would be without Dolce cannon balling him at every opportunity.

I am sad to say that Smudge is thriving at Grandma's. His new friend, Cloe, loves having him around, and he is slowly bringing her out of her shell. As for Grandma, Smudge loves her as much as she loves him. He has taken to sleeping on the bed with her just like he did at home.

We went to the V-E-T on the weekend to learn how to do the sub-q fluids at home. Smudge's Grandma came along since she might have to be the one to help my wife if I was not around to assist. Now Grandma had a diabetic cat named Socks that she gave insulin shots to everyday for more than ten years so she is used to dealing with a sick cat. My wife and I were not so good when confronted with the needle.

We went back to Grandma's place, and my wife and I got to see how Smudge is doing. Unfortunately, Smudge has decided that he has a new home. I watched somewhat jealously as he curled around and rubbed against Grandma's legs. As soon as I saw that I knew that the decision was no longer mine. Smudge told us that he was happy here at Grandma's and that he would be staying for as long as Grandma wanted him. He rolled onto his side and let Grandma rub his side and tummy. It was evident that Grandma wanted him to stay as well.

So my Smudge is gone. The house seems a little empty without him, but I know he is happy and much loved.

22 comments:

  1. Awww, I'm sorry. I know it's hard but the good part is that Smudge is still where you can see him and touch him and kiss him until he bites you. That's a little something, anyway, though the Woman says it would still hurt her if either of us went to live with the Grandma...

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  2. I read "Smudge is gone" and choked up in a panic for a split second, till I read the next line. I'm sorry you're missing him so much, which is completely understandable, but I'm glad things are working out so well for him at Grandma's. An added bonus is the good it's doing for Cloe. I sure do hope we'll continue to see pictures of gorgeous Smudge. We all love him.
    Karen

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  3. Our hearts flip flopped when we saw the first line too. It seems that Smudge, in his own way, was telling you he will be fine with grandma and not to worry about him.

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  4. I had a bit of a palpitation myself when I read the first line, as that was all that Google Reader gave me when it announced you'd posted. I'm so sad for you that you're missing him so, but so glad for him that he seems to be thriving better.

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  5. We too were shocked at the title, but we read very quickly and realized that he is just on an extended vacation to Grandmas house. Sorry that he is not there at home with you all, but at least he is doing better.

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  6. That is the greatest love we can show anyone cat or human. When yu do something in their best interests not your own. It is a brave decision, but one I know you won't regret it

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  7. Well, I am glad Smudge is somewhere that he is happy, and you can still see him.

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  8. Jeez! Don't do that to us! I thought the worst!! eep! Glad that Smudge is happy, tho. Sorry it's not w/ you...but at least he's getting plenty of lovin' and no pouncin'! :)

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  9. You scared us with the title! HISS! But we are glad Smudge is doing well. Sorry that he decided to stay with Grandma, but good for you to put his happiness first.

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  10. scary title! we are glad smudge, grandma and cloe are happy together. you have made the ultimate sacrifice. smudge knows how much you loved him and perhaps this is his way of repaying you by helping bring cloe out of her shell for grandma. when he finally crosses over the bridge, cloe will be there for grandma and for you.

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  11. When I read that title, I thought Smudge had passed to the bridge. Then, I read the post, and relaxed a little. Sad, because you don't have him in the house with you, knowing that you miss him very much. Glad, because him didn't pass and because you loved him so much, you let him stay where he seemed happy. And, where he is loved. I agree with what anonymous above said about love.

    Dee

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  12. oh my goodness, i nearly had a heart attack when I read "Smudge is gone" - I actually started to tear up. I am so sorry that he is not in your house, but am thrilled that he is doing so well at Grandma's house. It takes a huge heart to make a decision like that- and your love for Smudge is unselfish. I don't know if I could do that with one of my little Meezers. Is Smudge at least close so that you can visit all the time? Meezer Mom Mary

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  13. I'll second and third other comments. Seeing "Smudge is gone" practically made my heart stop. What a sad and happy story at the same time. It is wonderful that Gramma was nearby and able to give Smudge the care he needs. I can't imagine how hard it would be to leave one of mine elsewhere.

    Mom Lady

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  14. I also read the first line and started welling up. I'm glad that Smudge is doing better, even if it is at Grandma's.

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  15. We gave Brendan fuilds at home when he was ill and it is amazing how much it helps. We also took him to a natural method vet and he is now getting a chinese herb for his kidneys. She says he is in kidney failure but his numbers are perfect right now.
    She also warns against vaccinations, she says they are behind this epidemic of kidney problems in cats.
    Don't give up hope for Smudge, Grandma seems to be doing him a world of good.
    Dolce sounds like the kind of rascal Fergus was. Full of life and heck on everyone else!

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  16. I was terribly upset when I read the title but am glad to hear that he is only gone as far as Grandma's. It sounds like he is very happy and we are glad about that.

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  17. Just like efurrybuddy else, our mom started to cry when she first saw your title. Then she was relieved that Smudge is doin' so well at Grandma's. But we all do feel sorry that Smudge is not in your house, but glad that he's where you can get to see him lotz. There's lotza mixed emotions here, but the important thing is that beautiful Smudge is happy! Take care and we know you'll give him extra hugs & kisses when you visit!

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  18. Coming from a house full of young Brats, I can understand why Smudge wants to be at his grandma's house. The older we get, the harder it is for us to deal with. Grandma will take good care of Smudge and you can always visit, right?

    **sending along purrs and kisses**

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  19. I hope you can visit Smudge a lot! I think that he is lucky to have Grandma and I hope he does well there.

    Chaiyah, Mookie, and the Person

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  20. I'm not sure if my other post went through, so to summerize, I'm so glad Smudge is OK. The title made our hearts sink for a moment.
    Although I'm sure you'll miss him dearly, it is good he is close enough for lotsa visits. Don't worry, you'll always be first in his heart, he just needed a change of scenery!

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  21. What a heartbreaking decision you had to make concerning Smudgie. But, you did it with his best in mind. In a way Smudge now has the best of both worlds, and you still have him in your lives. It is on many levels a total win situation. Purrs to Smudge and Dad to who I know and understandably misses him so.

    What a special boy.
    Abby's Mom

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  22. I'm very late posting here - but although I'm sad for you, I'm glad Smudge is with his loving grandma.

    This decision must have been a very hard one to make.

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