10/29/2023
A few weeks ago we had to say goodbye to Blanca, the grand dame of our feral colony. She was one of the first we had spayed and vaccinated. That was over 10 years ago. She was already an adult so we're not sure how old she was but we know she had a remarkably long life for a feral cat.
Cancer took her from us but it never dimmed her sweet spirit or her delicate purr.
I've agonized, wondering if I should have done more to try and move her out of the woods and into a home. But I always felt she was content where she was, getting two meals a day, having her bonded friend, Diesel, by her side. They shared a shelter and we never saw one without the other.
After she died, he disappeared for a week. I thought we'd lost him, too, but he eventually returned. He's sad and slow now. I know how he feels.
Today, I saw this poem on the page of a friend who recently lost her beloved dog. It comforted me and some of you might benefit from reading it, too. Anyway, thanks to all of you who have done so much to help Blanca and her colony all these years. She knew and purred for you, too.
The Last Battle
If it should be that I grow weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.
You will be sad, I understand;
Don't let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.
We've had so many happy years -
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer so;
The time has come, so let me go.
Take me where my needs they'll tend
And please stay with me until the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.
Please do not grieve - it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years -
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.
