Our blind and deaf girl Angel died tonight. She had just been diagnosed with kidney failure only a few weeks ago, but fluid therapy and medications were not enough. Yesterday evening she didn't want to eat any food, and the same again with breakfast today. Angel suddenly seemed kind of lost and vacant. This afternoon I talked with our specialist who had been treating her, Dr. Dave Bostwick, and he was going to see Angel tomorrow morning to determine if something other than kidney failure was now involved. Her downward spiral had been dramatic.
Not long after I got off the phone with Dave, Kathryn rushed in from the cat house and said, "You'd better come look at Angel."
Angel was lying on her side, unresponsive, her body cold to the touch. Very cold. She was breathing -- barely -- but that was about all. She was very still, with only an occasional twitching of her head, the kind of involuntary reflex that comes at the very end. I knew we had already lost her. By the time Kathryn got her to the emergency clinic, Angel had only a blink reflex left. Otherwise she was motionless. The vet at the clinic put her to sleep.
This beautiful white cat with the stunning green eyes was gone. She had spent her life completely blind and deaf, in a dark and silent world that I can't even imagine. For her, smell and touch were awesome senses that told her everything she knew. What her life was like before she came here we'll never know. We're just glad we were able to give Angel her final couple of years in a place where she was treasured.
You can read Angel's original story here.
My heart is saddened to hear of Angel's death. She was loved and cared for....now she is an "Angel" in heaven!
Posted by: Nina | March 15, 2006 at 09:35 AM
We are so sorry to hear about Angel. Now she has her wings. She had the best of life at the RDR thanks to you, she was surrounded by love.
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | March 14, 2006 at 06:49 PM
I feel privileged to have met Angel while cleaning the cat house.
Posted by: Joyce | March 14, 2006 at 06:45 PM
With tears of sadness, I write to you Steve and Alayne to thank you for taking in Angel and giving her safety, peace and love. Angel was so lucky to have you... her earth angels.
Posted by: Leigh | March 14, 2006 at 02:58 PM
I'm so sorry for your loss. My heart is with everyone at RDR. :)
Posted by: Alicat | March 14, 2006 at 01:27 PM
I'm so sorry you lost this gentle and beautiful girl! She was so fortunate to have been loved, held and to feel your caring vibrations. She's being taken care of now too. An angel for the angels.
My love and blessings are send to you now.
Karen...your insight was so touching. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Leilani | March 14, 2006 at 12:11 PM
I'm so glad Angel got to spend the couple of quality years at the ranch where she had a peaceful, loving environment, medical care when needed. She had to live in total trust of her humans. I'll miss her, I miss her already but bid her a good journey. The animals are constant teachers. Please accept my condolences, Steve and Alayne.
Posted by: Roz | March 14, 2006 at 09:45 AM
Oh Steve and Alayne, I'm so sorry. I remember you blowing gently on Angel to get her attention and how she responded. You gave her a good,safe life surrounded by loving care. She was a lucky kitty.
Debbie Burke
Posted by: Debbie Burke | March 14, 2006 at 12:08 AM
Animals like Angel are very strong teachers for us. To learn perserverence, will and simple delights.
They are a little more than the animals that are here to make up the balance of nature.
They are incredible little beings.
White cats with blue/green eye color are deaf, a genetic link. This special girl was blind also, a real earthly Angel. Thanks for taking such good care of her.
Posted by: Karen SA/TX | March 14, 2006 at 12:04 AM