Gone are the syringes, the pages and pages of charts we logged, the droppers, prescription foods, and red plastic “discarded needle” container with the skull and crossbones. Gone is the hook over the kitchen sink to hang the IV bag; it was made out of an old tent stake. Gone are the alcohol swipes, 15-cent 18 gauge needles, extra towels, warming bowls, and bags of IV hookup tubes.
Expensive medications crammed into limited cupboard space have disappeared. The thick blue folder of Chaco’s veterinary receipts has been filed away. Last week we made a decision to donate the 10 remaining bags of .45 saline IV fluids (from the case we had special ordered to give Chaco’s subcutaneous fluids at home) to the Humane Society. Liz said she would drop the case off after work. She came home on Thursday and handed me a copy of the following letter:
_________________________________________________________________
Chaco S. was born February 22nd, 1996, adopted from the Golden Valley Animal Humane Society in April 1996, and passed away on June 25th, 2009 after a brave battle with kidney disease.
He left a huge hole in our family and will always be remembered dearly for his big purrs and head bumps.
We are donating extra bags of saline in his name. They kept him going near the end and we know how valuable they can be.
Peace, love and purrs,
The S-H Family
Liz, D., Kiev & Mr. Stripey Pants
__________________________________________________________________
This is why I love Liz. She had typed the letter up, added Chaco’s photo, and given it to the woman at the desk of the Humane Society who thanked her profusely for our donation. The intake person was simultaneously talking on the phone to a woman who had lost her cat and advising her of organizations she could contact to help her with her search.
In the short time Liz was there, a woman came in crying because she had to give up her cat. Her husband handed the carrier with their beloved pet over to the intake coordinator. Another man was at the desk to surrender a cat he had taken from a friend because he didn’t want it to be put down; it didn’t work out. He tried to explain. There is no excuse the Humane Society hasn’t already heard.
People desperately trying to find their cats; people desperately needing to get rid of their cats; people grieving the loss of their cats. And I haven’t even gotten to the dogs yet.
The woman at the desk said she would tape Liz’s letter to the box of IV fluids so they would think about Chaco whenever they grabbed a new IV bag for an animal in need. I appreciate the work of caring individuals who volunteer their time to sanctuaries, independent animal shelters, and organizations who care for animals society has tossed aside. There are 81.7 million cats and 71.2 million dogs owned in America. We need to help out wherever we can.
-posted on red Ravine, Sunday, August 9th, 2009
-related to posts: Chaco’s Creature Comforts (10 Cat Care Tips), From The Earth, Back To The Earth , Winter Solstice — The Quiet Strength Of Bear, Life Of An American Green Tree Frog, Children Helping Children (And Animals)
Beautiful tribute, QM and Liz. It really was a brave battle. Lasted a long time in Chaco’s life and in yours. I am especially touched by how you put so much effort into extending Chaco’s life and extending the quality of his life. Not that I would have expected anything less, but it was moving to see it happen, hear how it was going, and because I write with you, to share in a way where I knew how heartwrenching it was.
The response from the Humane Society was sweet. It must be hard to work there and to see more than their fair share of despair and sadness. And so when they get a donation, a thanks, a note that reminds them of the beauty of their work, it must be gratifying. A boost in an otherwise trying field of work.
Thanks for sharing what you carry. Hope the burden is somewhat lessened.
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Oh, QM, this is a beautiful and touching tribute to your dear Chaco. I am especially struck by the full-circle nature of the story, with Chaco being adopted from the Humane Society and the saline being donated back to them in his name. Chaco was as blessed to have you as you were to have him. Peace, Love & Purrs to all.
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What a wonderful thing you did! I’m sure that some place there is at least one pet that will be saved by your generous donation and they will be thanking you and Chaco, even if they don’t know it.
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ybonesy, thank you. It’s getting easier with missing Chaco. The grief we felt the first month was heavy. It was surprising to me how much of a hole it left in our family. You never know how you will be affected until something is lost.
We think of him often and laugh about his little habits. Once I heard him patter through the house at night. That’s been a while though. Sometimes I think Mr. Stripey Pants sees Chaco in the bedroom. He will sleep on the floor in a strange spot and stare at the corner of the room.
We still plan to have a Memorial fire for Chaco. Not sure when yet but I think we’ll know when the time is right. I want to scatter some of his ashes in our garden.
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breathepeace, thanks for stopping by. Hope you are doing well this summer in the spaces between Wisconsin and Wyoming. The full circle of the story is satisfying for us, too. To know that Chaco was adopted from the same Humane Society where we donated the fluids — does out hearts good.
Corina, what a wonderful thought — that at least one pet will be saved by the donation of IV fluids. It’s hopeful to think about. Shelters, sanctuaries, and places like Humane Societies are so much in need of whatever we can give them.
I should mention that we took Kiev in for her yearly check-up right after Chaco died. She’s in great shape. But Mr. Stripey Pants had to go to the vet last week for some urinary pain. He also got a yearly check-up and his blood work looks great. But he’s got crystals in his bladder which is a common condition in male cats and can be painful. We’ve got him on a special diet now. He’s also on antibiotics which is helping him sleep better. We expect him to recover but he may have to be on the special diet for the rest of his life.
Liz and I were pretty weary after learning Mr. Pants was sick. The amount of energy and money it takes to care for sick or aging or chronically ill pets is astounding. If people get nothing else from these posts, I hope it helps potential pet owners to know that once they pick a pet up for their family, it means a lifetime of care. Especially with aging pets, I recommend setting up a little savings account for your pets. It might really help down the road with the vet bills!
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When I was a teacher, I always took my students on a field trip to the Humane Society in Golden Valley. I can feature the cat room where Liz got Chaco. I have great respect for the caliber of work they do, and am happy you were able to support them with the gift of saline. So much better than pouring it down the drain or saving it on a shelf until it has passed an expiration date.
One fun fact I remember from the field trips:
Q: What animal was the Humane Society established for in the 1800’s?
A: Are you thinking horses?
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What a loving tribute. How wonderful of you & Liz to donate the saline to such a worthy cause.
So much has been said here that I would only be repeating everyone else’s comments. Bless you all!
Peace, love, and purrs to all…D
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What thoughtful, loving responses from everyone! It is incredibly touching to know so many people are aware of Chaco’s story.
I too am amazed at the abilities of those who work with the incoming animals at our local animal shelter. I felt their deep gratitude at not just the donation of Chaco’s leftover fluids but at seeing an act of daily kindness in a sea of sadness.
I was reminded of the importance of the decision to add an animal to the family. And if the decision sadly doesn’t work out it is a relief to know there is a place where they are welcome. I am inspired to continue to support my local shelter, if not financially then perhaps this year I will volunteer my time.
The sweet boy Chaco will continue to inspire me to keep his foster brothers and sisters of the shelter in my heart.
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skyWire, so great to read your comment on Sweet Boy Chaco. Your act of kindness in that sea of sadness is one of the reasons I love you so much. 8) You have a big and tender heart. I bet it’s really intense to voluteer time at an animal shelter. It’s hard to imagine. A true act of grace. I’m so glad you brought a bright spot to their day. You have a special bond with animals and I get to watch it come to life every day when you interact with Mr. Stripey Pants and Kiev. It’s taught me a lot.
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Teri, what a great fun fact about the Humane Society. So I’m guessing that when horses were too old to work, some took them to the Humane Society? Or do you remember any of the facts about how it started? Just curious. I haven’t really researched it. I think it’s cool that you took your students there. I bet it taught some of them about the responsibilites of pet ownership. I see that as a good thing. 8)
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When you take students to the Humane Society, they don’t go into details about animals that would be upsetting to children. I don’t know why horses needed a place to go, but I suspect there was a big problem. The tour guides emphasize two things to children:
1. If you adopt a pet, it is for life.
2. If you adopt a pet, neuter or spay it. There are too many unwanted pets in the world.
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Liz, you’re a special girl. Big hug from here.
People think I’m crazy when I tell them I have 5 cats. Maybe I am but I’d rather have 5 cats than 5 teenagers 😉 I don’t adopt anything “adoptable”. Mine are deaf, cross-eyed, wild or just plain crazy. But I love my odd little group and it’s good to see them finally safe and happy. Now if they could just get jobs.
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Must be a reason I stopped by today.
Over the weekend, my partner, Matissta, came across a stray boxer. We alerted local Animal Care folks and within 48 hours, Abigail’s owners claimed her. I was prepared, however, to foster her and/or adopt her. It was the first time my heart opened to the possibility of another animal in my own since I lost my own beloved feline, Isaac, to kidney disease last December 10.
Reading this touching post reinforces the fact that so many animals need human connection; or perhaps I that should be so many humans need animal connection.
In any event, blessings to Chaco. Somewhere, he and Isaac are purring and bumping heads.
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I came back to this post & after reading the comments, I am truly touched. Much like anuvuestudio, many of the adopted animals I have taken in have had problems.
Teri addressed the need to have pets spayed & neutured.
As QM is aware & I have mentioned it in other posts, our home on the farm was a drop off for unwanted animals. Mostly cats & dogs, but even a pot bellied pig. We always made certain these animals went to loving homes & that they were spayed or neutured (many at our own cost). I love the idea of taking school children on a field trip to the Humane Society.
May Chaco rest in peace. This post truly touched my heart. D
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Thank you heather, Flannista, diddy. Your thoughts and prayers for Chaco are much appreciated.
heather, I saw your comment to Liz right as we were shutting down the computer last night and called her over to read it. She cracked up. Yes, if they could just get jobs! What are the names of your 5 cats again? I think if Liz had room for 5 in this house, she’d probably have them. 8)
Flannista, what a tender story about the stray boxer. So glad you were able to reconnect the owner with Abigail, an act of kindness. Says a lot that you were even willing to consider adopting Abigail if the owner could not be found. I know we’re not quite ready to consider any other pets yet but can sure see that opening in the future. Like you, it is taking us a while to grieve Chaco. The first month was really hard. But it’s getting a lot better.
diddy, what happened to the pot bellied pig you and J. had on the farm? I don’t think I ever met her/him. What was the name?
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QM, the story of the potbellied pig is rather sad. Her name was Molly & she was a true miniature weighing only 35 lbs. & smart as a whip. Her treats included apples, grapes, & slices of apple. She did tricks like a dog. But, potbellied pigs can also be quite destructive. We were renting the farm & I knew I could not keep her because they require heat in the winter & the barn had no heat. She could be in the house with us when we were there, but when we went to work… crating her made her miserable. Through someone at the humane society I was put in touch with a couple who rescued & cared for such pigs. (Some of these pigs can weigh 100’s of lbs.) She was fine with them for awhile, but then she died of pig stress syndrone, common when they are with larger groups of pigs. However, we had no idea how old she was, so who knows for sure? D
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QM and Liz…you did ask 😉
The girls are: Avree, 19, (abandon at 5) the sweetest cat I’ve ever known. Senility makes her stare off into space (not unlike me) as if she’s some old hippie with too much weed in her past. She has the most horrible howl that starts at 4am daily. The groomers love her because she sits so perfectly content while they blow-dry her. Little do they know…she’s stone cold deaf 😉
The Mavis, 15 (adopted at 12 weeks) is certifiably crazy. She was returned twice to Petsmart Adoption (sans the little white jacket). Destiny and I walked in for food and walked out with her. She’s a highly intelligent cat who stands with both feet in all the water bowls, ejecting H2O rockets at will or she will lounge in front of the backyard sprinklers. I have those auto water faucets in my house and couldn’t figure out why the water bill was so high until I caught her sitting in the sink in front of the sensor letting water flow to her heart’s content.
Jude, 9, (caught in a cage at 9 weeks) semi wild, major concussion head butting cat (like yours) who answers every question you ask her like she competing on a debate team. She adores my husband while tolerating me.
Eden, 8. (abandoned) She was about 4 lbs soaking wet when I found her abandon. Now she is 22lbs of sheer bulk and fur. We have cut like a lion to keep her from sporting dreadlocks. She’s the most normal cat, even for a Rasta.
And Junior (caught in a cage at 12 weeks), the crossed eyed, spitting, wild child is 6. You should see us trying to put Advantage on her. It would be easier (and safer) to teach one of her siblings to put it on her. I call my husband “the cat herder”.
Tell Liz I once had 7. Lost Harlow (hand raised from a week old) and Malou (another abandoned baby) a little while back. Thank God I have one of those glass patio rooms and a completely enclosed backyard to put them in! I don’t try to collect them but when one shows up limping and skinny like Eden did…well…what can an animal lover do.
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Heather, sorry so late in responding to your beautiful comment on Avree, Mavis, Jude, Eden, and Junior. And you even mentioned Harlow and Malou. I read your comment to Liz after you first wrote it but time flew by before I got back to comment. She was touched.
I love the way you describe your cats, the details. I wish we had an enclosed patio or a screened in porch for our cats so we could sit outside with them. That seems ideal. It’s strange because they will sometimes cry to go outside in the Summer. But then when I take them outside to greet Liz when she gets home, they freak out in my arms and want to go back in.
Heather, do your cats actually stay inside your enclosed backyard? How do you manage that?
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diddy, oh, so sorry about Molly the potbellied pig. That is a sad story. Pig stress syndrome, I had no idea. I remember when potbellied pigs were popular pets. I remember another few years when many friends seemed to have hedgehogs for pets.
BTW, Mr. Strpey Pants is doing better with the urinary thing he has going on. Made it through the antibiotics (even though he hated the taste of them and they really stressed him out) and he seems like he is almost back to normal. Still on the special script diet. But he is learning to like it. Glad to have two healthy animals again. Will probably be on this special food for the long-term.
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QM, I live in an old track built in 64 and there’s a vine (I swear) that grows on and on behind everyone’s yard along all the fences. It’s real sturdy (like some Extraterrestrial life form) and it’s high enough where only “The Mavis” could ever get out. Since she’s older now (still wicked) she stays put… but she did freak me out a couple of times in her youth.
Now they can lounge all day outside. I’m so gratful for the backyard because half of their glass room has my gallery cabinets stored in there waiting for the world to return normal (or as normal as it gets). Of course, that patio room used to be this beautiful sancuary with the most beautiful mural at one end and lots of palms and cushy furniture. Now it’s a cat scratching, fur ball invested, cat box heaven! The things we do for love!
😉
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QM, not sure if you remember TJ or not. He is the yellow lab rescued by myself & J when we lived at the farm. Well, T & DD have been his owners for over 10 years now & a vet had guessed his age at appr. 3 years when he was with us. He is very ill, unable to get up on his own. It looked like T & DD were going to have to have him put down. But, their vet suggested a buffered aspirin regimin for 3 days & then a visit. Time will tell. My heart breaks for them. TJ is an awesome dog & the love of Abbeys life. Please send some prayers, healing thoughts, whatever it takes, their way. D
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Heather, I still can’t believe your cats don’t go over that vine-y fence. That’s amazing that they stay put in your backyard. Your glass room WILL get back to normal some day when you open your gallery again. I believe it will happen.
It’s strange how life changes impact living space like that though. I was noting to Liz the other day how when Chaco was sick, our back laundry room was usually piled high with laundry and towels and cat carriers and all kinds of cat care items. It freed up a lot of energy when we no longer had to care for a chronically ill cat anymore.
Now the back room is neat and tidy and we gave it a new coat of paint in many different colors. I miss Chaco a lot. But not the energy it took to give fluids, the vet bills, the special care that we gave him for months and months to improve his quality of life. He’s definitely in a better place now. Cat heaven. 8)
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diddy, Oh, no, I’m so sorry about TJ. What is he ill with, do you know? I have not heard of giving buffered aspirin to a dog. Is it arthritis? I’ll let Liz know and we will send our love and prayers to T & DD. It’s so hard when a pet has been a part of your family for so long. I mean 10 years is a long, long time. And Abbey may grieve, too, once TJ is gone.
Liz and I were talking last night about how we don’t quite think Kiev and Mr. Stripey Pants are back to normal since Chaco died. Kiev, the only female, who never made a sound before, now talks to us all the time. (Chaco was a black Siamese who talked all the time and purred very loudly.) And Mr. Stripey Pants seems lost sometimes without Chaco around to hang out with.
Kiev also used to sleep with Chaco when it got cold. Chaco and Kiev would curl up in a big black ball with two heads. Kiev has been freezing as Fall temps come on this week! Kiev and Mr. Stripey Pants don’t get along all that well. Not sure why. Chaco was the middle man.
Let us know what happens with TJ. By the way, how did TJ get his name?
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QM, I’m taking a break (staining back deck-front deck was done for sometime). We are having perfect weather, so…
Labs are well known for hip problems late in life. Abbey has arthritis in her right hip only. She takes Vet prescribed medicine when it bothers her. This is the first I have heard of buffered aspirin being used, too. I thought our vet said tylenol only, but I could be wrong.
TJ certainly has some type of hip issue. I haven’t heard any updates on his health, but will keep you posted.
One thing the vet tested Abbey for before presribing any meds was Lyme Disease. Fortunately she didn’t have it, but from what the vet explained, the inability to get up is common in animals that have the disease, but it can be controlled with meds.
Yes, Abbey would grieve. She doesn’t see him that often anymore, but they swam together this summer in the pool. The mere mention of his name makes her ears perk up!
Geesh, I do know, just can’t remember, how TJ got his name.
I only hope it’s nothing serious, he grew up with their children & his loss would be difficult for all of them.
I don’t know that your cats will ever get over the loss of Chaco. Animals have remarkable memories, that’s one thing I am certain of, just from my own experience with pets.
Oh, & Ivory & Uno despise each other. I think it’s a matter of jealousy. Ivory never, ever used to sleep at my feet on the floor. In fact, she would never sleep on the floor, Uno always has. Now that Uno has become more of an indoor cat, Ivory gets the feet spot when I’ve got the laptop on the coffee table. She considers herself “The Queen of the house”. Uno could care less about her.
That said, I’m sure T & DD will appreciate the thoughts. D
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[…] made it to the cover of red Ravine. (Mr. Stripeypants was published for his support of Obama; we lost sweet boy Chaco this year.) I was sitting on the couch, writing. Liz called me on the BlackBerry from the bedroom; I picked […]
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Dear Sweet Boy Chaco. We scattered some of his ashes in a circle around the Winter Solstice fire tonight. And Liz wore his rainbow cat collar with the little bell for a bracelet. He is gone but not forgotten. Rest in peace, dear Chaco. You still flutter around at night with Kiev and Mr. Stripeypants. And we felt your presence in the Yule Fire Circle tonight. 8)
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[…] tree this year but life feels abundant. We and our cats Kiev and Mr. Stripeypants have our health (Chaco died mid-year), there was good food on the table, and the Wonder Woman stocking stuffer (made by Magnet Man) and […]
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[…] – Cats. These 3 bundles of joy brought much happiness to my life in 2009. Chaco has moved on but we don’t forget. We scattered his ashes this year around the fire at Winter Solstice. […]
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[…] wide and curious when Liz carried him to the Saturn for his last drive to the vet. In August, we donated bags of saline to the Golden Valley Humane Society in his name. By December 2009, we spread his ashes around the circle to the drumbeat of Winter […]
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Miss you, Mr. Chaco.Purrrr.
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