Sleep Tight, My Little Fighter

It’s with profound regret and utmost sorrow that I sadly announce the passing of my baby girl Nana. She lost her brave, exhausting battle against the all-consuming virus this morning. In spite of being tiny and weak, she fought it valiantly until the end. She died quietly at the vet’s, cuddling in my arms.

Although her death was somewhat expected, I’m devastated by the loss of my precious, beautiful girl. Even when it was clear that nothing could be done, I hoped beyond hope for a miracle. I think that it's hope that helps us float over despair a bit longer while facing tragedy, but the pain is still far too hard to bear, all the same.

I found Nana wandering the streets some days ago, lost, alone, emaciated and utterly weak. Her legs and tail were stick thin, she had virtually no muscle tissue, no fat at all on her body, and yet she was full of love. She was affectionate and cuddly to boot, she started purring the minute I touched her. But she was also very sick and has been under treatment for days. The vet tried everything he could think of, but nothing seemed to help. My lovely little wisp of a girl was just getting weaker and weaker.

I think she knew her time was short and all she wanted was to be held and cuddled. She fought with all of her might, holding nothing back, but her exhausted little body couldn’t allow her to carry on. I wonder how long she had been on the street and how many people just passed her by, not wanting to disrupt their busy lives? I did my best to help her recover, but we both knew that she wouldn’t make it and that she could only hang on for just a short while. Tragically, help had come just a little too late.

If there’s any possible consolation, she didn’t suffer and didn’t pass alone. She knew she was wanted and loved, for the first time in her life. She found out how it felt to be warm, fed, safe and cared for, if only for a short time. She was given her very first name of her own and she will be forever purring in our hearts, never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, little Nana, and sleep tight. You will always be missed.