Mr. Bit, manifesting his customary enthusiasm toward displays of affection.
Monday, my vet called to say that Mr. Bit‘s biopsy results had returned and I should call her back. It’s one of those moments when your heart sinks through the floor. If the tests came back negative, they’d just leave that on the answering machine. When they want you to return the call, it’s Bad News.
Mr. Bit, it pains me to report, has cancer. It’s in his jaws and may progress rapidly. He could be with us for a matter of months, perhaps a year. There’s little that can be done other than to make the rest of his days as comfortable as possible. He’s been a faithful — if crusty — companion for 14 years, lovable in spite of himself.
Happily, despite the recent removal of five teeth and some gum tissue, he’s as frisky as a kitten right now and possessed of a robust appetite. And he’s complaining again, in his long-familiar, cantankerous fashion, so he must be feeling like himself again. If he’s happy, it’s some small consolation in the face of this unwelcome tidings. Poor fella. We get the official, in-person report tomorrow but it’s a doctor visit to which we’re looking forward with heavy hearts.
That’s sad news. I was hoping after Mr. Bit came through his dental surgery so well that he would get a clean bill of health.
I am so sorry to hear that Mr. Bit has cancer. Treasure every one of the remaining days that you have with him. I have several feline companions and have had a few pass over the rainbow bridge.
May the following poem comfort you when Mr. Bit crosses over:
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
Author unknown…
Hard year for your cats, David. My sincerest condolences. I hope he beats the odds.
David, this is sad news after doing the dental work so well. I hope he can live longer than predicted but what he posesses is something that must be carefully scrutinized before prolonging any pain or discomfort of any type. Anyhows, sorry to hear it.
From this point you can only make sure he is comfortable and happy for the time he has left to share with you. Enjoy each day to the fullest with him – Every day you have left with him is a gift, and you clearly appreciate that. Rest assured he knows he’s a beloved member of your family – it’s obvious to everyone here, so he’s definitely aware of it too. We’re thinking of you both.
Mr. McKee I am sorry to hear about Mr. Bit. I hope he gets better.
Very sorry to hear this David, not that it’s any help, but I lost my dog Kasey, about 8 years ago to cancer. She wasn’t able to move with me when I moved out for college, so she was home with my parents and stayed there with them even after I finished college, but she was my best friend. She went in for cancer surgery and they appeared to eliminate all of it. She was fine for about 5 months, and then one night, my parents noticed her stomach had swelled up. They took her into a 24 hour vet and cancer had ravaged her and she had severe internal bleeding. Unfortunately between working at night and not having the best of phone service at the time, they couldn’t get a hold of me, before they put her to sleep and I never got to say goodbye. I do remember those few times I did see her over the prior months though, where she had glimpses of her old self. While I’m very sad for the diagnosis for Mr. Bits, I do hope you and Mr. Bits build some more memories in the time that’s left.
I’m so sorry and wish both of you the very best. Mr. Bit has the same color as my late Mr. Slippers. I lost two cats recently, and my third has not quite gotten used to their absence. Enjoy Mr. Bit each and every day.
A child once asked of one, old and wise, if amimals go to Heaven…The reply:
Just this side of Heaven is a place called the Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal who has been especially close to your on Earth
dies, that pet goes to the Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills, foxholes and trees to baptize, places for out special friends to run and play.
Legs that once ran straight and smooth now recapture the freedom of movement denied our friends as they aged on Earth.
Eyes gone filmy with age are clear to see far horizons. Muzzles are no longer smudged with hoarfrost.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and all are very happy, except for one thing…they each miss someone very special they left behind on Earth.
they all run and play together, but the day when one suddenly stops, looks up, and begins to run from the group, the rest of our friends at the Rainbow Bridge know that the loved one left behind on Earth has been spotted, ready to join in love and companionship once more.
And when you and your special friend finally meet again, you embrace.
The two of you can then cross the Rainbow Bridge together.