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Winston
- Winston
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Winston
WinstonsandOlliesMom > 11-03-2020, 03:30 PM
Hi all. I haven't been active in a while but used to post on the old forum. Unfortunately I have sad news.
Winston died last Tuesday, peacefully in my lap at home, after being diagnosed with aggressive metastatic pancreatic cancer four days before (that previous Friday) and declining shockingly fast. I am beyond heartbroken-- as much as I love his brother and littermate, Oliver, Winston was always my heart. For every day over the last almost 12 years (their adoptiversary is December 2), he was my couch snuggle buddy and would follow me from room to room and now he's gone and I am completely adrift. I hadn't planned on having an emotional support cat, but now that he's gone I'm realizing that that's who he was. His absence is excruciating--especially now during the pandemic where I'm teleworking (which is its own agony since every day since March Winston would sit on my lap between my hips and my laptop when I worked on the couch) and stuck at home all the time surrounded by the thousands of memories of Winston, and it's getting too cold to see friends outside (I live alone and the friend I'm podded with lives about half an hour away--thanks to how everything is so spread out in DC--so we only see each other on weekends).
Meanwhile Oliver is alternating between being extremely clingy--which I actually love--and sniffing at his brother's favorite spots. He's been completely avoiding the second bedroom, which is where he and Winston would cuddle together in their cat beds or their favorite chairs. I don't know how to help him...
I would post photos but not sure how to do it on this forum, and right now looking at photos of Winston just makes me cry anyway.
Thank you for listening, and I'm sorry about how long it's been. -
RE: Winston
Codysmom > 11-03-2020, 04:04 PM
I am so terribly sad to read this and I absolutely feel your pain and can totally empathise with you, having lost my beloved Fosco to FIP last November, he too was a cat that was always with me and the pain I felt when I lost him was terrible. I still cry if I see photos of him today so I know how you feel, then only a few months later I lost my darling Mittens after a dental procedure, she too was my lap kitty and they left me feeling absolutely devastated.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss, I know that not everyone out there understands the heartbreak we feel at losing a beloved fur baby, but I believe those of us here on the forum know and understand how you feel.
When you feel ready, here is a step-by-step instruction guide how to post photos on the forum, please feel free to let me know if anything is unclear and I will do my best to assist you.
Thinking of you, I know just how devastated you're feeling right now.
https://ragdollcatguide.ca/showthread.php?tid=10 -
RE: Winston
admin > 11-03-2020, 04:30 PM
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I too lost my Eli very suddenly recently, and it's like losing a part of yourself. Tiki behaved very much like Ollie but has settled down in the last month or so. He does wander around yowling loudly occasionally and I know he's calling for his brother. He'd never done this before.
My best advice would be just what you're doing and keep Ollie close. The pandemic and a surgery I'm recovering from have afforded me the luxury of doing that for Tiki. I've found a breeder not too far away and am on their waiting list for the spring. He needs a buddy.
Glad to hear from you even though it's under sad circumstances. Take good care. -
RE: Winston
Ragstimes1 > 11-03-2020, 07:46 PM
At once point, I had four boys and am now down to one. Jamie has diabetes and we're trying to juggle sugar and whether or not to use insulin. I wish I could just wave a magic wand over him and make him all better but he is still the affectionate loving boy I've had for so long. He still loves to kiss and snuggle with me. I want to check in with the vet tomorrow on something and make sure we are all on the save page. He left him off insulin today at a higher number than the other vets did and since a seizure usually tells you their insulin has gone too low, I want to make sure the other vets are all on the same page. I do remember Winston & Oliver and we sent you hugs and healing to you and Oliver. It's tough when they lose a "brudder" and it takes awhile for them to get over it. We'll be thinking of you.
Sue -
RE: Winston
HelenMac > 11-04-2020, 12:46 AM
I'm very sorry to hear of the passing of Winston unfortunately our fur babies leave a big hole in our hearts when they pass on Please accept my heartfelt condolances... Know your in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs. R.I.P dear sweet Winston.
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RE: Winston
MUM_of_FLUFFY > 11-04-2020, 05:47 AM
Losing a beloved fur-baby is so devastating. When you wrote "his absence is excruciating" I felt your pain and was reminded of my own pain and loss. I know what it's like to feel "completely adrift" especially if you live alone and your fur-baby is your emotional support. It's a very strong bond and I'm so sorry to hear of your loss... -
RE: Winston
Khyeranggi > 11-04-2020, 06:41 AM
I remember you. You were a great support when I lost Steele. I have since had to rehome Claude after Typhoon Yutu. The thing is, everything you feel is appropriate. Such a significant loss. I have found that time can heal, but you will never in your life forget the loss.
I was alighted by your recognition of that incredible emotional support. I did not realize it in good times, I was just happy. -
RE: Winston
Smudge's Mom > 11-04-2020, 01:26 PM
My heart hurts for you. The adjustment period is so painful, but eventually the good memories soften the loss. -
RE: Winston
NatsFan78 > 11-05-2020, 05:38 AM
I am so sorry for your loss. -
RE: Winston
Avasmom > 11-05-2020, 09:53 PM
Sorry for your loss. I lost my 17 yr old Havanese dog this past June and had lost a Silky terrier, also 17, 3 years before. Having retired a little over 5 years ago and being home with them most of the time since then, somehow I think I missed them even more and for a little longer than had I been still occupied with working. Time passes, it gets easier. But having my kitten now - Ava - less than a month, I've found myself calling her a couple of times by my dog's name, Lily. So it will take a little more time.