MAVERICK 1996-2010 - A MEMORIAL

There comes a time in any pet owner's life when they have to say goodbye to a much loved 'family member,' one that created a constant stream of happy memories and possessed personality quirks that will forever bring a smile to one's face, and that which made them so very special from the very beginning.  And so, it is with great sadness that Debbie and I let you know that our beloved Maverick, aka Mavs, aka Mavelinski, aka Mavies, and finally, aka Mavey went to sleep, free of pain, for the last time on Tuesday, 12 October 2010.
 

Mavs was diagnosed with an inoperable cancer in late August and despite what seemed like a short recovery after that initial diagnosis, he pretty much went downhill from that point and eventually lost the final battle.  He had lost a lot of weight from not eating and couldn't get comfortable no matter how he tried to lay down - the fluid in his chest cavity just made that impossible.  His breathing had become labored over the last few days and he started to breath through his open mouth, which is never a good sign in a cat.  Debbie and I had made the decision, as hard as it was, to put Mavs to sleep and actually made an appointment to go see our local Williamsburg vet on 13 October.  However, Mavs' breathing got considerably worse and we decided to relieve his suffering and took him to the emergency vet in York County who put Mavs to sleep.  It was by far the hardest thing we have ever had to do and to watch this process was excruciating painful to the both of us - but we knew that it was for Mavs' benefit - not ours - to end his suffering.

Towards the end of his life we let him stroll outside (he and the other two had always been strictly inside cats) and he thoroughly enjoyed his time outside to the point that he didn't want to come in.  In fact, there were many nights in which Mavs didn't come back inside (one of us was always outside with him) until the moon rose in the sky.  He had us over a barrell and he knew it.  He even convinced his two co-horts, Tiggs and Bristol, to venture outside as well.  Now every time we come inside or go outside there sits a cat - ready to escape to the great outdoors.  :) 

Mavs was considered the King of this here castle, Bristol the Queen of course, with Tiggs assuming the role of the Court Jester.  Nothing seemed to phase Mavs one way or the other - he was the calming force between his 'electrifying' sister and his cowardly lion brother.  Mavs was the one who would place a paw in either mine or Debbie's face with the sole intent of letting us know it was time to eat (a cat after my own heart).  He was also the only one of the three that would reach up to the table trying to reach some ill-gotten gains (food) with the hope no one would notice simply because he turned his head away while in the process of stealing - so cute and never successful. 

He was, put quite simply, a beautiful, kind and gentle cat that everyone loved.  He will be missed.

THE LAST BATTLE

If it should be that I grow frail and week,

And pain should keep me from my sleep,

Then will you do what must be done,

For this, the last battle, can't be won.

You will be sad I understand,

But don't let grief then stay your hand,

For on this day, more than the rest,

Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,

You wouldn't want me to suffer so.

When the time comes, please, let me go.

Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,

Only, stay with me till the end.

And hold me firm and speak to me,

Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree,

It is a kindness you do to me.

Although my tail its last has waved,

From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don't grieve that it must be you,

Who has to decide this thing to do;

We've been so close, we all, these years,

Don't let your hearts hold any tears.

-unknown author-

FOREVER AND EVER 

It was late that night, and we knew then,

It was no longer just a matter of when.

Your breathing had weakened to a frail whisper,

And we sensed you were hurting, for there was no purr.  

Because that purr was not to be heard,

We sensed it was time and said the word.

So one last time we went outside, 

The pain in our hearts we could no longer hide.

You slowly descended those garage stairs,

Into the cool night like you had no cares.

Maybe you sensed that the time had come,

You had enjoyed your life, but now you were done.

We gathered a blanket from the back of the car,

To make you comfortable for that final trip so far.

It was a long and silent ride that night,

And with each mile we hoped you would put up - just one more fight.

We thought we were ready for what was to come,

But with each passing minute we became more numb.

They gave us time to say our goodbyes,

So we held you close and tried to think of the highs.

The end was near and the tears came forth,

They streamed down our faces with full force.

One moment you were there struggling to breath,

The next you were peaceful so we had to believe.

You did in fact put up that one last fight,

As your spirit rose from your broken body that night.

And so we believe you will be with us forever,

Beside us as always - forever and ever.  

-dcmason-

Mavs' final resting place in our back garden underneath our window - guarded by his sister Bristol.