Sunday, April 23, 2006

In memory of Velvet, the brave little boy



I am still crying today but yesterday marked the saddest day in the last 24 months of my life - Little Velvet passed away in the morning of 22 Apr 06 at the vet.

That morning, I was awakened by an unexpected sms "Please call xxx - Velvet needs urgent vet attention". My heart sank. I called foster mummy and was told Velvet had diarrhoea since 4am (foster mummy had been feeding Velvet glucose water since the diarrhoea) and was very weak. He was still doing very well the day before and played with another kitten. I rushed down as quickly as I can to pick the very ill Velvet up and then rushed off to the vet. Velvet was totally weak and was moaning softly in the carrier.

Fortunately I did not have to wait long to see Dr. D, the very nice vet (whom I've requested consulting repeatedly despite being informed he has to perform an operation). He commented Velvet was under severe dehydration, suspected he has contracted feline enteritis and has to be immediately put on the drip for 24 hours. I agreed, blew Velvet a kiss and begged him to stay strong. I prayed hard for improvement within the next 24 hours. I received a phone call the moment I stepped out of the clinic - "I'm sorry Celeste, Velvet didn't make it." Dr. D said. My head was spinning, my heart pounding, I rushed back in. I was already in tears and the moment I saw Velvet's lifeless body on the desk, I bawled uncontrollably. The saddest part was that Velvet passed away with his eyes opened. Dr. D told me the moment the drip was placed on him, Velvet vomitted mucus and left shortly thereafter.

I spent the next 60 mins crying and stroking Velvet's forehead, asking him to go in peace. G was on the phone with me while I spent those painful minutes. I was thinking, perhaps Velvet wanted to spare me the heartache of witnessing him go so he only left when I stepped out of the clinic. Perhaps like G said, he knew his time was up and he hung on just to say goodbye to me. I sent a mms of Velvet to G, who said a prayer for him.

Velvet suffered alot. He was still so young. At least, he received 2 weeks of TLC from foster mummy and love from me before he departed this cold and harsh world he was borned into. At least, he didn't die where he was first found, in the muddy and ants-infested field. If there is reincarnation, I hope his rebirth would be a good one. He has already paid for whatever bad deeds he has committed in the past this lifetime.

Many of my friends sent me words of consolation which I appreciated very much. I suppose if you have truly loved someone from the bottom of your heart, you'll still cry and grieve no matter how strong you are, over their departure. With Velvet gone, a small part of me has left with him, just like Tango, Cotton, Mocha and Toffee (who went missing recently). I will remember those who've left me for a better place, forever.

On behalf of Velvet, I would like to thank the following kind sponsors who have helped paid his medical bills.

Chaos in the house of cat ($100.00)
Duoluo ($140.00)
Esther Low ($100.00)
Eunice Yeo ($120.00)

Florence Ong ($50.00)

Juliana Tan ($100.00)

Total sponsorships: $610.00
Total bill (including cremation & boarding of $50): $700.35

Medical/cremation receipts can be viewed here

Rest in peace Velvet, you'll be dearly and sorely missed.

11 comments:

Kootoo | Muffin | Milo | Mama said...

Dear Celeste,

Please don't be sad ... Little Velvet will no longer suffer from the hardships in this unkind world. You have already made his short sojourn on earth better with your love and care ...

Anonymous said...

Dear Celeste, you have done a wonderful job to all the big and small meowies. I am sorry to hear Velvet has passed on.

2 kittens under my sponsorship died 3 weeks ago. When they were found, the caregiver could not get any funds earlier. They both suffered from severe flu and malnutrition.

I believe all 3 are now happily chasing each other at Rainbow bridge. Take care.

Anonymous said...

Last night, I had a dream. Inside that dream, I saw baby velvet. He was tugging and hopping happily on his way to a place far better than here. Along with him, are two other kittens. They must be his new playpals. There isn't a small bit of loneliness written all over his beautiful small face. His eyes was beaming and you not help but feel a sense of content. There was no pain or sorrow in his eyes. Only joy and happiness. For, during his short and eventful days here with us, he was leading a meaningful and wonderful life. Yes, you could say his life had touch me.... Hurry up now, baby velvet. After this, you had to start a new journey. Be strong and take good care. Till we meet again.......

jennifer_yq said...

i am crying too after learning little velvet died.. it remind me so much of my pong pong whom also died despite a drip for her dyhydration..before that, pong was vommiting and had a high fever..sadly, i never get to see pong pong one last time..we sent her to the vet on sun, on tue, i received a call that my cat had died...

reading ur blog really remind me lot of pong pong and i am really sad now..

cat_aunty said...

Sorry about your loss. At least Velvet's last days were full of love and care.

Anonymous said...

Dear Celeste,

Stay strong. There are other cats out there that needs rescue, care and commitment from caring caregivers like you.

Rest in peace little velvet.

Rose

auntie p said...

Velvet reminds me of Xiao Hei, a black kitten who faltered before my eyes and finally died of illness. I know it's difficult to put the sadness behind you. I only hope that time would ease your pain. Take care, Celeste.

May you have a better next life, little Velvet.

CatDonna & Cats said...

Oh God.

Very sorry to hear of your loss.

RIP Velvet.

You did your best, Celeste. Sending you good thoughts and wishes at this time.

Victor Tabbycat said...

I'm sorry about little Velvet. He had a short, tough life, but you made it much better. The pain will ease with time, but you'll never forget him. Perhaps his story will encourage more people to help other poor cats in need, wherever they are.

Victor Tabbycat said...

I'm sorry about little Velvet. He had a short, tough life, but you made it much better. The pain will ease with time, but you'll never forget him. Perhaps his story will encourage more people to help other poor cats in need, wherever they are.

DK & The Fluffies said...

"Now cracks a noble heart.
Good night, sweet prince,
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!"