Death

Ada (left), AKA "Ada the Moral." August 27, 2015 - October 7, 2026

This isn't a pet blog, but I feel the need to report that Ada cat didn't make it. I'm unhappy with myself about the way it went down. I think I should have recognized the end had arrived a half day sooner. Last Saturday she had acted almost normal and I was hopeful she was recovering, but in retrospect I think that was a sign of an impending crisis. Optimism is good but it should never override reality. She was still moving around and purring on Tuesday evening, albeit uncomfortable, but by Wednesday morning she apparently couldn't walk. We made the last trip to the vet. She was the best pet ever and I wish we'd had a few more years.

All that said about reality, I have to say my semi-superstitious take about seeing a luminous skull in the clouds has me thinking. I've lost a cousin and a cat. Is death done visiting me or is there more to come?

I'm feeling pretty low right now. It's a miserable dark, wilting feeling.  But after a while it can be irritating. Hopefully I'll shake it pretty soon. I try not to tolerate too much depression in myself.

I have to admit I was wrong about the remaining cat, Shadow. He was clearly bothered by me failing to bring home Ada and spent a day avoiding contact but staring me down with suspicion. He found the empty cat carrier and spent time patrolling the house and calling for Ada. I allowed him to inspect a small clipping of her fur that I took. Very sad.

I'm going to try not to get another pet. I hate losing them and it seems like every adoption is a pending tragedy. But I want more freedom to travel and I'm frankly worried about a pet outliving me. We'll see how this goes. It's important not to make a snap decision about something like that in a moment of grief.