Adventures with Dr. Lady Cutie Troublemaker

Abby’s mom Says:

I want to thank all of you who posted about Winnie. It’s been almost two weeks now, and I seem to have settled. My mind has separated the fact of Winnie’s death from the manner in which she died, and oddly, I’m finding solace in Annie and Woofie. I’m probably going to write more in depth on this blog, but I really want to thank each of you. Your words meant a great deal to me. Both here, and in private e-mails, you shared words of comfort, similar stories, and memories of Winnie. I’d forgotten her strange fondness for raw vegetables – even mushrooms. You made me cry and smile. That was a great help. I didn’t have many of your e-mail addresses, so I hope you read this and know how much I appreciate your caring.

Sharon

More here. Or just listen.

Winnie died last night. She was 18 years old and pretty damn healthy. Since my parents moved to their cabin, she has spent most of her time in the room upstairs. We’ve been trying so hard to get her to venture out. The other cat, “Kitty”, died about a year ago. Since then, Winnie has become more and more brave about venturing into the rest of the house. Last night, she actually ventured down the stairs and out the front door, something she normally doesn’t do. My mother was watching TV and heard the dogs (Annie, Wolfie, and the visiting Studly) barking, and then a loud cat meow. Mom ran outside, and the three dogs had surrounded Winnie and were pawing at her. Mom got them away and scooped Winnie up in her arms and brought her to the vet, but she didn’t make it.

What a hard position for mom to be in. She’s so sad, and yet, she’s living with the dogs who killed Winnie. It was instinct, of course. I’m sure Winnie seemed like prey… or like another animal to play with, but she was very old, very frail. I hope it was quick and she didn’t feel much pain. She was one of the sweetest cats I’ve ever met.

She was saying that she didn’t want to talk about what happened because she loves Annie and Wolfie and doesn’t want people to think they are dangerous (they aren’t), but she’s mad, too. What a sad ending to a sweetheart of a kitty.

—

Update: Mom has written a long post on my dad’s blog. Please go read it. I’m so sad about this. I feel so bad for her.

My Littermaid litterbox was the best, but over the past month, I’ve learned that these things don’t work forever. Despite several very thorough cleanings, it has died. I had to find an affordable replacement, and what I found is just silly. It’s hot pink with a big heart entrance. The girls are starting to adjust, but they aren’t quite sure they like it.