Tuesday, February 17, 2009

My Precious Punch Has Gone to Heaven



Punch Latham
July 4, 1994 - February 17, 2009
Loved by all of us
My best friend
Today, Punch was called home (and yes, I fully believe that pets go to heaven!) to her warm sunny place in heaven. For the past few days she has not been able or wanted to eat, so when we took her to the vet today, I was not surprised to hear that her blood (kidney) levels were double what they were on Friday. She was in end stage renal failure. It was not a hard decision to make - logically, but I feel like a hole is ripped out of my heart and it's still bleeding.
I know some of you are thinking, "But it's just a cat." But she was so much more. She was my dear, dear friend. She has lived in our house as long as Kevin and I have. She is everywhere I look. She is in the bathroom when I wake up, meowing for water. She is by the tub when I shower or bath, waiting for me to get out. She's in my bed -- sleeping with me. She's on the couch beside me while I work. She's meowing "MEOWK" (aka, milk) when I eat cereal or ice-cream so she can get some in her bowl. She's out in the yard, sunning. She's on the front porch. She's in the office meowing for her wet food. She's in my heart . . .
We were all able to be in the room with her, say our good-byes, tell her how much we loved her and that she had been such a good friend. I was able to hold her as she left. Her fur was soaked with my tears -- not the first time, but certainly the last. I will never have a pet that can replace Punch. She was the best cat in the world.


This photo was taken of her on Monday night -- sleeping in Ellie's chair bottom in the air.

And this one was on my cell phone. I have one almost exactly like it of her sister, Judy, laying in Joshua's crib when he was about the same age.
We buried her in the front flower area beside her sister Judy. Thank goodness for Kevin -- who knows how I would have been able to do that job.
Josh is very sad about losing Punch and he isn't saying much. I know he is hurting. She's been in his life since he was born. We have the sweetest photo of him in his car seat the day we brought him home and Punch has her paws up on the side of the car seat looking in at him.
I love you Punch. I will love you forever. I will miss you always -- my great, dear friend.


16 comments:

Shannon said...

Oh, sweetie - my heart goes out to you and your family. I know you are hurting and hope you find peace in her photos and memories.

Unknown said...

Maria, I am crying right with you. Although i did not know Punch I know the heartache and pain of loosing one of our dear beloved furry family members. I believe all our pets are waiting for us to be reunited with them when we join them in Heaven! It gets easier over time and the pain dulls, but never goes away. I am two years out from losing the best dog I ever had and I still miss him every single day. Be at peace knowing she had a wonderful full life and that you did everything in your power to keep her happy and healthy for as long as she was here on earth.

Mom to 2 Angels said...

So sorry for your loss. It sounds like her memory will live on for sure.

Jeanne said...

All of us who love our furry family members are hurting along with you today. I'm glad you have so many happy memories of Punch.

Corinne said...

Oh,Maria as a total cat and animal lover my heart goes out to you! I know how much these friendly creatures become part of our lives.Last year we had a similar issue with our furry friend and it was so hard to say good bye.I remember driving to the vet just bawling knowing her time has come.Hugs to you!

Jackie said...

I know how you feel, Maria. Time will heal your heart. It is clear she had a very good life filled with love. Big hugs here, too.

Jackie

Hilary Marquis said...

Maria,

I am so sorry for your hurt. I know how important and loved pets are. There will never be another Oscar for me...he was my baby before my babies. I'm sending you all a big hug!

Jennifer G. said...

I'm so sorry for your whole family's loss of Punch. I still mourn for the two dogs who graced my life before Sophie, one of whom I had to make the decision to let go when she was nearly 15, and the other who died too early of cancer during emergency surgery. I even still have their ashes. Pets are so vital to us!

Khakismum said...

Oh sweetie it is so hard when it is you that has to make that final decision, I know. Time will ease the pain but Punch will always be there with you. It has been nearly 3 years since I lost Spike and I still miss him horribly some days. I miss him on days when I need *him* and his ways he had with me.

Sending big comforting {{{{hugs}}} to you and gentle bridge vibes for Punch.

LaLa said...

Oh, I am so sorry : ( Pets are family and it can really hurt when they leave. I had to smile at Punch & Judy though....

Mayme said...

I'm sorry about Punch. Isn't it amazing how attached we get. Hang in there.
Mayme

Kelli said...

Oh, Maria. I am so sorry. I know how hard it is to lose a furry member of the family. Thinking of you!

Mala said...

It's so hard to lose a family member, and yes, they are undoubtedly members of the family. They give so freely and unconditionally. My heart feels your pain.

Paige said...

Oh, I am so sad for your loss. Punch brought you so much love -- and she lived a beautiful & long life. I lost my cat a year ago with the same condition. I cried reading your post because it brought back the sad memory of the day she passed, in my arms, too. We go through so much with our little furry ones & it is such a big loss when they leave us. But, you are right, she IS in heaven, with God, and watching over you and in no pain!

Lori said...

Words can not even begin to express how much I want you to know you are thought of and loved! I STILL mourn the loss of our wonderful, beautiful soul, Random...and that was THREE years ago. They are not JUST pets--they are pieces of our heart. At least you can be glad in knowing that Punch had the best life with one who loved her as much as you did...lots of love and prayers your way!!!!

Bridget said...

Maria,

I am so sorry for your loss. Pets are our family!

Bridget