“Far Too Soon”: Following a devastating diagnosis, a family bids their young cat farewell.
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Scottie came into our lives in late November, a tiny stray found by some friends during a stretch of bitter cold. Even before meeting him, I fell in love with that little face.
My husband and I talked it over. We already had a young cat at home, but when our friends checked and found no microchip or tattoo on Scottie, we knew—we were bringing him home.
When we met him, he was timid and frightened, hiding under the bed and desperately needing care. We made a vet appointment right away. He was around six months old, underweight, and tested positive for feline leukemia virus (FLV). After much discussion, and a promise to make our home his forever home, we agreed he would need to stay in isolation until our other cat, Pumpkin, could get her vaccinations.
Over six weeks in the basement, with plenty of love and attention, Scottie began to thrive. He gained weight and slowly opened up. When it came time to meet our dog, Ebony, and Pumpkin, the transition was surprisingly smooth. Before long, Scottie had the run of the house and a family to call his own.
Scottie was never the most playful cat—maybe he missed out on kittenhood—but he became my shadow. Always nearby, always meowing and following me from room to room, always ready for cuddles. He was my baby.
This past week, something changed. He slept more, stopped eating, and started vomiting. We rushed him to the vet, and the news was heartbreaking. Two tumors—one in his abdomen, one in his chest—along with fluid in his lungs, all stemming from the FLV. The vet gently told us he only had days left.
We brought him home.
We’re giving him the love and care he deserves until it’s time to help him cross the rainbow bridge. We’re taking this time to say goodbye, even though it’s far too soon.
I’m in tears as I write this. This will always be his home, and he’ll forever be part of our hearts.
—Story shared by Colleen from Edmonton, Alberta.
