Bagheera, our cat.

Bagheera is our cat. She affectionately is known as "Baggy" or "Bags" and has been our cat for nearly 13 years! She was born in our garage when we lived in Ripon. Her mom was Tigger, known also as "Tigs". Baggy has been Amy's cat since Amy was 11! My, how she has loved that cat! (of course what cat doesn't she love?!) At this time Bags is ill. She has been slowly aging over the past few months - not able to climb up on things she normally could with no effort, content to stay home and not venture outside much (unless of course we were out there!).

Baggy is one of the sweetest cats ever. I'm not just saying that because I love her - she has the best disposition! She is wonderful with babies (noted due to Rylee), loves everyone (except when there are large crowds (she happily hides under our bed), she tolerates Missy (other cat, not as easy going), she is just plain sweet. If she were a human she'd be one of my best friends!

For the past few days Baggy has become more and more lethargic. Usually she comes and gets me to watch her eat at least 5 times a day. Monday I got a new computer and was busy getting it all set up, so didn't realize until last night that she only came and got me once. She also usually sleeps in whatever room we are in, but not yesterday. She hung out all day long under our treadmill... just sleeping. I would go in and check on her, give her some loves, and let her be. Then, last night, I was watching "Good Eats" when I heard this loud moaning. I had no idea where it came from and I wasn't sure where Pat was so I called out, "What is wrong?" No answer. Then, again, the moaning noise. I got up and she was sitting behind the love seat (that is now near the piano), just moaning away. I picked her up, which brought more moans, and found Pat. Baggy was panting profusely, which kind of scared me. I knew immediately that she was dehydrated and needed water. We tried to get her to drink, but she wouldn't. I went online to see if there was an emergency center we could take her to - nothing doing. So, I looked up dehydrated cats and found that we should give her some pedialite with a dropper. I ran to the store and got what we needed. We immediately began giving her liquids.

Now, for those of you who love and know Baggy, you know she is feisty. Last night she had no feistiness left in her. She didn't like that we were making her drink, but she did it anyway. Maybe that was a blessing... She also didn't even have the energy to purr - which was so sad. (Sorry Amy, I know you are probably crying by now - you don't have to read more if you don't want to.) After giving her the pedialite she perked up a little and by the time I went to bed/couch (for her sake, no other reason) she was purring again, thank heavens. And she did some more this morning as well. (made Pat quite happy)

Thankfully, the vet's office opens at 7:30. I took her in promptly at that time. Fortunately, they were kind and took her in immediately. The doctor says she has anemia. She is supposed to have a 30 - 35% reading of red blood cells, instead she has 10%. They did a bundle of tests today to find out what is causing the anemia. It could be anything, basically. What we are hoping is that it is not AIDS or leukemia, and that whatever it is can be treated. I have said many prayers on her behalf since last night when I knew she was really ill.

Honestly, I don't think Heavenly Father has a real "will" when it comes to pets. When it is their time it is their time. But, I am praying that the doctor can treat whatever it is, and if not that Baggy will be comfortable, and that we will be comforted. Probably sounds kind of silly, but when you love a pet for 13 years and suddenly they are gone it is difficult. I am so grateful for the years we've had with her, and I optimistically hope for more! She is greatly loved.

Addendum:
Tonight at 8:37 we lost Baggy. She passed away at home peacefully with me and Pat by her side. Our prayers were answered - she was comfortable and we are being comforted. We will miss her sweet and gentle spirit. Our family is saddened by her passing.

Update:
The vet called. The tests showed several things wrong with her. Her anemia was due to blood loss, they aren't exactly sure what happened there. However, he did say that she had a blood clot, which is ultimately what killed her as it went to her brain and she died within 20 minutes. She also had chronic kidney failure, which she would also have died from. I think there was actually another disease in there that caused the kidney failure, but I cannot remember what it was. It's similar to AIDs or leukemia, though. Sad thing right now is that Missy seems lost without her. Ultimately, it was Baggy's time to go and now she is a happy cat!