It’s been a hard week. I said goodbye to Giles, the best cat ever.
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He was diagnosed with gastric lymphoma a year ago. After several rounds of chemo, with stretches of remission last summer and over the holidays, the masses returned earlier this month.
His oncologist gave low odds of efficacy with the last remaining chemo protocol. We decided it wasn’t worth the trauma of weekly long drives to the clinic in Tacoma, blood draws, and more tests, so we shifted to at-home palliative care.
His condition declined rapidly. We tried everything, but by mid morning last Friday it was obvious. Giles was telling us he couldn’t fight anymore.
I’d known this day was coming since we got the diagnosis, but I wasn’t prepared for how soon; I thought we’d have more time.
A vet from @LapofLoveVets visited us at home and helped Giles pass surrounded by love in the warmth of his favorite spot, the fireplace.
Giles was a sweetheart who made friends everywhere he went. Every one of his care givers have said he was one of their favorite patients. He was the smartest, most affectionate cat I have ever known.
Giles and I had a special bond from the moment we met. It was love at first sight for both of us—or whatever the feline equivalent is.
He spent workdays with me in my office. Giles would curl up and sleep, either in the little bed I made at the end of my desk or between me and my keyboard with his head on my wrist.
From time to time he would patrol the house and bring back a string, yelling at me to acknowledge his gift. Giles _loved_ those strings.
This is what my coworkers saw on Zoom all day. Well, and the other end—he liked to show off his tail.
It’s been a difficult week. I look around at the places he frequented and the emptiness is crushing.
How can someone so small leave such massive void?
I want to express gratitude to the team at Auburn South Veterinary Hospital, auburnsouthvet.com. I don’t think Giles would have been as healthy and happy for as long as he was without their attentive care.
Special thanks to Dr. Gillings, vet assistant Sara, and the entire Oncology team at Summit Veterinary Referral Center, summitvets.com. With their help we had so much more—quality!—time with Giles.
And to Dr. Danielle from @LapofLoveVets, your compassion, patience, and understanding made a most difficult day just a little easier.
(Sound ON!)
Lastly, Giles and I wouldn’t have met if not for @MotleyZooRescue, who rescued his litter 9 years ago. If any of my past tweets about Giles, or his brother Jayne, have brought you joy throughout the years, please consider making a donation. motleyzooanimalrescue.org/?form=rockstar…
Jed Foster@jed_foster