In loving memory of Sheena
April 1993 – May 2nd 2008
I am posting this as a memorial to my beloved cat, Sheena, who died on May 2nd 2008 after a long fight against a heart condition.
Sheena was the best companion I could have ever wanted and made the last 15 years of my life very special. She was loyal and so loving, her love for me was unconditional and all she wanted in return was to be cared for.
She was diagnosed with a congenital heart problem at the age of six and was given a year to live, she lasted nine more years, the vet told me that five years would have been amazing, so she astounded everyone. She was a fighter to the end. We were together through thick and thin and when times were hard she was just there for me, unlike many friends or family. The 15 years we spent together were the best of my life. People think that you are mad for getting so upset when a pet dies but anyone that really loves their pet sees them as one of the family and their death leaves a massive hole.
Sheena was like no other cat I’ve ever had, she spoke back when spoken to and you could have a conversation that lasted several minutes, she had a real intuition for what was being said. She was just a great little character and was unique in so many ways. Even though I knew she could die at any time over the last nine years, I never really expected it to come as she fought off the heart condition for so long.
She deteriorated very quickly at the end and went downhill in 24 hours. I always thought it would be hard to make that final decision for her but when I saw her struggling for life it was easy, I wanted her to pass away with her dignity intact. I held her little paw as she was given the injection that ended her life, she slipped away slowly but peacefully. She always had a habit of squeezing my finger with her paw when she was asleep and she did it one last time as she slipped away. It was very comforting for me and I hope for her too, as she knew I was there with her. I am glad I had the chance to say goodbye rather than coming home one day and finding her gone.
It has been four days now and I’ve cried everyday, at the moment it’s not getting any easier but I know it will. She is being cremated in two days and then she’ll be at home with me, I just want her close as opposed to being scattered somewhere that meant nothing to her or me.
I have a lot of fond memories to look back on and they are comforting as well as upsetting, she brought a lot of love and sunshine into my life and she will take some getting over, the hole she has left feels massive. I don’t think I will ever get another cat as it would feel like I am betraying what she meant to me, but never say never I guess. I love cats and maybe one day I will decide to give another one the love and care I gave to Sheena and in turn give another cat a good home.
I love and miss you Sheens and the house is so empty without you, rest in peace little mate. XXX
Mick - Liberation Magazine Editor
