Oreo, our ancient cat, has passed away
- June 04, 2008
- 5 comments
A day I thought would be here several years ago has finally arrived. Our ancient cat, Oreo, had to be put down today. She was 22 years old. Old enough to drive, vote and drink! She lived through many other pets we had:
Princess (dog)
Duchess (dog)
Iggy (Iguana)
Kelsey (dog)
Tuff (cat)
Junior (cat)
Penny (cat)
And there are a couple other dogs and cats the girls had that I’m forgetting since I was away for several years.
We got her in April 1986, and she quickly became friends with our Scottish Terrier, Princess. They would chase each other all over the house. Oreo would hide under tables and wait for Princess to come trotting by. She’d then pounce on her back and run away with Princess barking right behind her. Princess would hockey check Oreo into walls and doorways while they were chasing each other. It was so funny to watch them play! Princess died in 1993. Oreo never was friendly with any other pets we got after that. She would tolerate them, but wouldn’t play with them. I’m not sure why. I guess she thought she was the queen of the house after Princess died.
When we moved from Austin to Arkansas in 1996, Oreo was put outside more often than she had been in Austin. She was still mostly an indoor cat. When Missy moved away to Kentucky though, Oreo became a full-time outdoor cat and had to compete with our other cats. Despite her being old and having no front claws, she held her ground against the others. They quickly learned she was one bad mama cat and left her alone mostly.
During the last few years, she lost a lot of weight, but would still eat normally and want attention like all the other cats. She wouldn’t (or couldn’t) jump up on the walls anymore, so she hung around in her box and every now and then would wander around the backyard a bit.
She had a stroke about a month ago, which would normally be a quick death sentence for a cat, but she looked like she would pull through it. Apparently she had lost a lot of muscle in her back legs though. So much muscle that she couldn’t walk normally anymore. One leg was nearly useless and the other was barely useful. So Missy took her to the vet and had her put down this morning, then brought her back home and buried her.
It’s always sad to see a family pet die, but Oreo had a long, long life.
Leslie
June 5, 2008
Life is well, I just haven’t really felt the need to post about anything on the site. Facebook scratches that little itch I get every now and then when I want to share the latest movie or music I’m listening to. Oreo’s death was a big enough event that I wanted to write about it though.
I cancelled my WoW account. I got sick of it. And I highly doubt I’ll open it again when Lich King comes out. I’m playing both LotRO and Conan now instead. Plus my social life is picking up again, so I’d rather do stuff with friends whenever I can instead of playing a video game.
Leslie
June 5, 2008
Good deal Chris and completely understand on WoW. I basically raid and that’s it. The rest of the game holds zero interest for me but raiding still does. I haven’t decided about Lich yet.
I can’t bring myself to actually participate on a Social Network site though Laura has relented and keeps a Facebook account.
Missy
June 6, 2008
Thanks for writing about Oreo. She was very loved and highly missed. She used to follow me around everywhere, just like a dog. I’d call her and she would come. Well, most of the time. She was still a cat, after all. It had to be on her terms. She loved to come inside and snuggle with me. Whenever I would work outside with Dad, she’d come out to the shop and sit at my feet and meow at me until I’d pick her up and kiss on her.
Remember when we were younger and Oreo would wait for us to go up the stairs at night and she’d grab at our feet? Man, that was scary and she loved it! She was a great cat. If animals don’t go to heaven, I pray that God would make an exception and let me have her again.
Chris, my most heartfelt sympathies. Saying goodbye to a a family member is never easy, and that is what Oreo was to you. 22 years is a remarkable time that you got to share with her. I’m going to go give my cat a little extra tuna this morning, as you’ve reminded me how precious our pets are. Thanks for that.