Today, on Valentines Day 2009, I had to release Kingsford from this earthly existence. His diabetes, even with five years of insulin treatment, caught up with him. He had lived 18 years and had been with me through major life-events, such as firings and unemployment and other existential moments that I would have had difficulty facing without his presence. Lacey is now my only cat. It will be hard to fill the spot left vacant by the departure of Kingsford

Friday, he had seizures due to extremely low blood sugar. I had given him his normal dosage of insulin that morning. However, he had stopped eating. When he seized, I immediately took him to the vet. The glucose treatment worked and I bought him home with medicines and an IV. I gave him his meds, but he was not eating. No matter what type of wet food I set in front of him, he would not eat. He barfed twice, was listless, and would have accidents.

The X-rays showed that he had an enlarged heart, enlarged liver, and small kidneys because of the scarring effects of the diabetes. His blood test had shown abnormal kidney functions. I could have kept him for a few months or maybe even a year, but the kidneys would continue to decline and he would have suffered more.

I had to make the call and I feel like crap. An empty spot is now in my heart and it will take time to fill. At least I have Lacey.

---

Message to Kingsford:

You were like a child to me. I loved having you around. You were there in the best of times and the worst of times. Your consistent presence helped me deal with life's pitfalls, the slings and arrows of fate that all must face. You put up with numerous moves across the country. You quickly adjusted to new locales and new additions to the animal family. You tolerated my brother's dogs Buddy (He passed away about a year ago. He was an Aussie Shepherd), and Dingo (also an Aussie Shepherd). Now your sister Lacey is alone. There will be no more mutual grooming and sleeping in a tight little circle, cradled to each other.

When you see Baby and Buddy, please give them my love. (Baby, departed last year. My brother had agreed to adopt her when I moved from Santa Rosa to Texas. When he moved down to Southern California he kept her. When he moved, his friend who had three cats kept Baby. She passed away last year in her sleep.)

It was hard to see you so ill. I could not have stood to see you suffer. I felt it was best to let you go with some dignity. I did not want to see you live in distress just so I could have you for a few more months.

Kingsford, you will be missed. Your presence was a bright spot in my life. At least I will have memories and photos to remind me of you in my waning years. May you run free with Buddy and Baby.

In Loving Memory of Kingsford

Copyright © Bill Chandler, 2009