Sleep Well, Old Friend

Our beloved Merlin slipped away peacefully last night at the vets, with Jon comforting him until the last. It was the hardest decision to make, but Merlin's health had dramatically worsened over the last 48 hours. He contracted a lung infection on top of everything else and was severely constipated as his digestive system was just shutting down. He was struggling to breathe, often trying to be sick, could hardly move, couldn't eat or drink and was growling in pain at times, at other times barely conscious. The vet said it seemed he had developed pancreatic cancer in addition to his other problems. The next step would have been chemotherapy and we couldn't possibly have put him through that. He'd been through enough. We had to let him go.

We all had time to say wonderful, special goodbyes, for which I'm grateful. Merlin's body is now buried in the garden and Gramps will be carving a headstone for his grave, while Emily will be decorating it in lots of ways. His spirit, meanwhile, is now healthy and happy again, no doubt out mousing as I type.

Merly, my love, you came into my life 15 years ago with your sister, just a little bundle of black and white fur. You adopted Jonathan as soon as you met him and showered him with affection too. And then when Emily came along, she was your special friend - you never once failed to purr for her except yesterday when you were simply too tired any more. We love you so much and we didn't want to let you go, but we couldn't watch you suffering. Your sister Cassie cat has been looking for you this morning but I think she knows it was your time. She licked your head lots before you left us, but I'm not sure you were conscious enough to be aware of that. She loves you, as do we all. Sleep well for a while, sweetheart, then play happily just as you always did. Visit us often, won't you? And watch over Cassie, Romeo and Juliet for us. We'll never forget you. We're crying so much, but it's for us, because we miss you so much. We know you're free and happy now. We'll see you again, I know it, but until we do, sweet dreams and happy adventures Merlin, old friend.