Zevo

[adrienmundi]

1992 - 2010

We got the word Thursday night, about 10:30 PM EST that Zevo passed away. It helps a lot to know he wasn't alone at the end; that had been my biggest fear since it became apparent just how loudly the clock was ticking. It wasn't a surprise, really. Our vet wasn't sure he would make it through the night two weeks ago, and a week ago I had a portentous dream about him as he looked when he was five: full grown, fit, healthy, and out of context of everything else. So it wasn't a surprise, but it's still a loss, a serious one.

Without a doubt, he was the sweetest, most devoted cat I've ever had the privilege to live with. We joked that he was a puppy cat, because his devotion to me was almost dog-like. Ever since I found him in the parking lot in 1992, it was clear that he was my cat, and trusted me completely. As a kitten, he tried to jump six feet from someone holding him to me (he never really liked being picked up by strangers), trusting/knowing that he'd make it somehow; of course, I rushed and caught him. When it would thunder loudly and suddenly, he'd beeline to me for protection. Built like a bulldog or tiny lion, he was a solid, stocky brute with the heart of a kitten and nothing but love for me.

It hurt, watching him decline, but it was also a spectacular kind of gift. Knowing that any moment could be the last made each one incredibly precious. I asked him to hold on as long as he could, and he beat all expectations, even mine. He was such a good kitty, and I'll miss him the rest of my life. I am so very thankful for the time we had together.

Comments

[k-navit.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry. It's great to know he went loved and not alone.

[adrienmundi]

Thanks so much. It hurts differently, like it's bad, but it's not the kind of bad I was preparing for. I wonder if this is what healthy(-er?) grieving feels like?

[scottopic.livejournal.com]

What a wonderful cat and wonderful tribute.
He found it in him to purr after I fed him last week.

He was lucky to have you and Janiene, as well as his other companions.

[adrienmundi]

Thanks for helping out. I couldn't bear to leave him alone, so it really mattered. It's good to know that even at the end, he had warmth for those who had time for him.

[skiadaimonos.livejournal.com]

He was a wonderful, wonderful kitty companion. I am so sorry dear

All my love to you, J, and the rest of the kitty tribe

[adrienmundi]

Thank you. He had a lot of love and attention, right up to the end. The young ones are starting to relax a little, and even Spodgumine is getting back to her old self.

[subjective.livejournal.com]

So, so sorry to hear this, A. It sounds like he had a wonderful life with you, and vice versa.

[adrienmundi]

Thanks. It was an extraordinary life he had. I count myself very lucky.