Goodbye, Neil…
on November 14, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Today, Benita and I had to have our beloved cat Neil put to sleep. His health had been tenuous since February, and his quality of life suffered as he lost weight and succumbed to dementia. Neil was sixteen years and eight months old, and he was my companion, confidant, and playmate.
During Neil’s life, I had five jobs, two vehicles, lived in two houses, had three major surgeries, and came close to dying from sleep apnea. My entire career in comics and as an illustrator has been within the span of Neil’s life. During that time, I lost one dear friend, my dad, and two grandfathers. I gained five nieces and one nephew. Neil was there with me for all of it.
We all think our cats are special, and I’m no different: Neil was unlike any cat I’ve ever known. He was friend and family, and I miss him terribly.
If you have a pet, please love them and hug them every day, every chance you get. Our time together on this earth is far too limited.
If the spirit moves you, please make donations to the Humane Society in Neil’s name.
Sorry to hear that, Scott. Never a good day to lose a friend.
I'm sorry for your loss, guys. May Neil rest in peace.
I know some of how you feel. We put down one elder cat and lost another to raccoons.
:'(
Sad to hear it, Scott.
Sad news indeed, Scott. My condolences. We have a cat nearly as old as Neil, and he's starting to show his age. Not looking forward to the day my wife and I have to make the choice you had to make…
That's sad. Sorry to hear. My parents just had to put their cat down (almost 19!) back in the summer. Catharine looked like Neil's twin.
Thank you, everyone! I won't lie and say this hasn't been hard–in fact, this is my first full workday alone without him–but the outpouring of kind words from all our friends has been very comforting. I heard some papers rustle across the room this morning, and I immidiately assumed that it was Neil (he did this often), then I realized that it couldn't be. Benita and I have been making a point of remembering the good times with our little family of three (Me, Benita, and Neil), and that has helped a lot.
Scott and I got to telling Neil stories from over the years, and we got to laughing at some of the memories. Neil would not have appreciated the humor at his expense, but he would have gotten over it. Yes, we are going to miss the old boy.
Ha! You're right! Neil's dignity (he was very dignified for a cat) would not have suffered out laughter, but it's the best healing for us.
The event is still near, so I haven't gotten over the feeling that something is really wrong, that this was all mistake. I will, though, because I have no choice in the matter. God decides these matters, not us. I just thank God for the many years of happiness and fun we all had together.
Deepest Sympathies Scott, animals have a way of making permanent marks on us and the best way to remember them is with happy thoughts of them and time spent together.
Thank you, Dustin. That is what we are focusing on, the happy times. Our house seems supernaturally quiet now, as if the spirit had gone out of it. Still, I think back on my mouthy, catankerous companion, and I smile.