The times they are a-changin’.
This post seems to be older than 16 years—a long time on the internet. It might be outdated.
I suppose I should clarify the events of last night. I was hanging out with Ben, Hilary, Steph, Mike, and Nathan. Nathan had flown in for the week because his grandfather passed away. Ben received a call at 12:30. I answered the call as Ben was unavailable. It was Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital, Ben’s cats, Kitty, had been brought in by someone.
Shit.
Being the sober one, I drove Ben and Hilary (who came for support) up to the hospital. Ben was hoping that Kitty’s tendon has just become disconnected again (apparently that happened about year ago). No such luck. Kitty’s left pelvis was broken in two right at the ball joint.
Shit.
The on-call doctor said that it would probably cost $3500-5000 to get it fixed as it involved substantial surgery that only a Board Certified Vet should do. Ben had insurance on Kitty, but didn’t know how much, if any, they would cover. Unfortunately, they weren’t open until 8am the next morning. Ben had Kitty kept for overnight observation so that he could sort out insurance in the morning. I dropped Ben and Hilary off and then went back for Steph and dropped her off by DU.
By time I got back to Ben’s house to pick up my car, it was just after 4am. I looked up and saw the moon gazing through the trees. I love the moon. I love taking pictures of the moon. I drove back to my house to pick up my tripod and I drove back to Ben’s. I spent a good half hour taking photos. Then I went to bed. It was 5am by that time.
I called Ben today. Insurance was only going to cover $1000. He had to put Kitty down.
Fuck.
If it should be….
If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
and pain should keep me from my sleep,
then you must do what must be done,
for we know this last battle can’t be won.
You will be sad, I understand,
but don’t let grief then stay your hand,
for this day, more than the rest,
your love and friendship must stand the test.
We’ve had so many happy years,
what is to come can hold no fears.
Would you want me to suffer? So,
when the time comes, please let me go.
Take me where my needs they’ll tend,
only stay with me until the end,
and hold me firm and speak to me,
until my eyes no longer see.
It is a kindness that you do to me,
although my tail it’s last has waved,
from pain and suffering I have been saved.
Do not grieve, it should be you,
who must decide this thing to do.
We’ve been so close, we two these years,
Don’t let your heart hold any tears.
-Author unknown
Kitty, Dunstan, and Quantum