Saturday, February 21, 2009

my nanda-la


It's hard to be the one who decides, but yesterday was the day I had to have Nanda put to sleep. I wish she could have had one more day of lying in the sun, but it was time. She was nearly seventeen, and couldn't walk or eat too well, though she still purred just fine, which made it harder.
Yeats, Cleo, Carlos, and now Nanda-la: all the cats I moved into my house with are gone.
But I have my baby Smilla, only four!, who makes me laugh and is so solid and good to hold.
Posted by Picasa

22 comments:

cathyswatercolors said...

It's so hard to say goodbye... I remember a line in an Ann Tyler's book, I think it was Dinner at the Homesick Resturant? Anyway the character talked about having an extra child just in case she lost one. Well of course that doesn't work but it's always nice to have another one to love. I'm thinking of getting a puppy this spring,
Rosie is 13... thinking of you.( love the photo:))

A Brush with Color said...

Awwww--sweet cat. Very sad--it is hard--they do become family, don't they? Lovely photo to remember her by. I'm glad you have Smilla...

Anonymous said...

Having recently had to do the same for my Labrador, Bailey, I know how you feel. You obviously have lots of good memories to cherish though.
Jean

Teri said...

So sad when these days arrive in our life. My sympathy. You certainly have some wonderful memories to remember.

Jennifer Lawson said...

Sorry for your sad news, Laura. It is amazing how these sweet little creatures wiggle their way into our hearts.
Take care—Jen

Suzanne McDermott said...

Ooooh, noooo! I laughed when I saw the picture, then cried when I read your report. My heart goes out to you. It's good to know that you have Smilla to bring you comfort and joy.

Don said...

Like Suzanne, I laughed and got a nice smile when I saw your photo, but then got sad for you as I read your news. I hope you are doing ok.

Gillian said...

Condolences, Laura...
Cats are such tremendous company, aren't they - Nanda-la had a wonderful home and friend in you!

Mineke Reinders said...

I'm sorry you had to say goodbye to Nanda-la, Laura. I know it's a very hard decision to make, even knowing that it was the best you could do. It's the hardest part, knowing when prolonging a cat's life is for our comfort rather than theirs. Thanks for sharing your photo.

Laura Frankstone said...

Laura, I'm so sorry. I love my cat Pearl so much and I dread the day when we will have to say goodbye to her, too. Nanda-la had a good life, as you describe it. That's the most any of us can hope for.
Take care,
Laura

Art with Liz said...

My heart goes out to you Laura. I still get a heavy heart over my Emma dog after 5 years! Dianne Mize told me to paint her, it helps bring back the happy memories. I hope you do a portrait of Nanda-la one day.

Cathy Gatland said...

Ah, I'm sorry Laura, that dreaded time that comes to most of us who love our pets. What a wonderful looking kitty - glad Smilla is there to fill the gaps.

Lindsay said...

So sorry your beloved cat has passed on. It's a hard decision but a loveing one.

Patrice said...

I understand so well what you are feeling. Within the last couple of years I've had to make that decision about two of my beloved cats and two horses. It's painful and difficult and sad - and yet I rejoice in the long and happy lives of beloved pets everywhere.

Nanda-la was among the luckiest of animals. My heartfelt condolences on her passing.

William Evertson said...

It's so sad when the time comes to make such a decision. Our labs rear legs are are giving her so much trouble we may be forced to make a judgement also. Amazing how they become family.

Sharon said...

Im sorry to read this Laura,it's always a sad day when a beloved pet must be put to sleep.

Jojo said...

I am so sorry and she is beautiful and lived a very long life. So sorry for you but so glad that you have Smilla.

julie king said...

my heart goes out to you. i know it is tough to say goodbye.

Sherry Pierce Thurner said...

Nothing original here, just a virtual hug. It's hard to be a good cat mom, sometimes.

Anonymous said...

huggs

Cris, Artist in Oregon said...

Oh what a sweetie . Looks like a cat my parents had years ago. Sorry about your loss. Good you have another younger to help with the loss some.
My word verification is.. symphea.
:) close to sympathy.

Marva Plummer-Bruno said...

Oh, I'm so sorry! Animals become just like our children and it's so hard to see them go. Marva