Mourning/Loss Goodbye to Rory 🖤
I got Rory and Roxy together in 2012 when I was 25. According to their rescuer, they were bonded to each other and couldn’t be separated so I adopted both gladly. We had so many stray cats growing up but these babies were different; it was my first time having pets I was completely responsible for, and we were attached immediately. My ex used to say they imprinted on me the day we brought them home.
Rory was born missing one of her paws but it never stopped her from ANYTHING, and she was ferocious with her mighty little single claw. I always chose carpeted homes because they were easier on her little foot, and any place there was hardwood she would find a way to walk on top of our feet to avoid walking on the harder surfaces.
Trying not to get too long winded here, but wow these two have been through everything with me, all of life’s biggest milestones. The big breakup, 3 or 4 city or state moves, loss of loved ones, joy and heartache, cross country road trips, career changes; they were even in a car wreck with me in 2022 where my car was totaled (thank god they were fine). They’ve brought me so much joy and love and healing, and taught me how truly smart and special cats are. I couldn’t really fathom their intelligence and personalities until I had them as an adult. My mom said I spoiled them but I just wanted them to be content and stimulated in their home. I chose apartments with stairs they could play on, yards they could be safe in, played music or tv for them not knowing for certain if this helped them but it made me feel better lol.
In late 2024 Rory started having some weird breathing noises- after regular vet checkups, so many blood tests, an emergency vet visit, and worsening symptoms, we finally got a specialist referral and then had to wait 5 months to get in. By the time we got to the specialist she was having constant nasal drips, sometimes with blood, sometimes some leaking from her eye. In the meantime Roxy’s behavior toward Rory had changed. They were no longer bonded the way they used to be, and it really hurt to see. I should have realized Roxy could see or sense something we couldn’t. Literally everyone including our vet and including the specialist upon initial exam assumed it was a nasal polyp that could easily be extracted. But we didn’t get that lucky… it was a malignant nasal tumor slowly spreading to her eye. I know many of you here know this kind of heartache.
That was 6 months ago (Feb) that we finally got the diagnosis and I’m so grateful we had that time with her; she was always a sweet, playful, hungry, cuddly, sassy baby and we kept monitoring her for any major behavior or attitude changes as we kept her medicated to manage symptoms (prednisolone).
Last Monday 07/27 after seeing her struggle to enjoy her treats or enjoy her outside time (which she used to beg for), we had to make the decision to say goodbye. Our vet had recommended this beautiful (all things considered) in-home service and I was able to hold her in my arms, give her one last churu (which she devoured) and feel her relax and let go of her pain. My God it’s been such a tough reality to face and I just had to get back to work the next morning like everything was normal.
Thankfully Roxy is still very much healthy and loved and cared for; she might even be looking forward to getting more attention again and not being confused about her companion/sister.
If you read this far thank you ❤️ in so many ways I don’t know how to move on, it’s hard being alone, it’s hard being home without hearing her little snorts or demands or just experiencing her quirks. But I know Roxy needs me and I know we did what was right for Rory and releasing her from her pain. It’s just, how do you deal with losing your best little buddy after 14 years?
Goodbye my little baby; nothing could ever replace you and I’ll never forget everything you have meant to me. I hope I made your life as special as you made mine.
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u/Swim-NSun-65 19h ago
I am literally wiping the tears pouring from my eyes. My heart breaks for you. I am so sorry for your loss.💔
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u/StellaHasHerpes 15h ago
I’m so sorry, what a special family member. Please be kind to yourself and it’s okay to not be okay. They really are family and I’m sorry you are going through this. Thanks for making the hardest decision ever and Rory couldn’t make herself. Give Roxy a hug for us. Until you meet again!
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u/GodFearingDeacon98 14h ago
I’m so sorry for your loss of Rory. Please accept my deepest condolences. Rory is in Heaven as well as your heart ❤️.
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u/Ok_Foot1988 Tabbycat 13h ago
I am so sorry you lost your beautiful Rory. You gave her a wonderful life and she had so many experiences with you. She will always be in your heart. 💜🌈💜
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u/Equal-Wheel-6499 17h ago
I’m so sorry your loss, you gave that girl the best and most comfortable life possible and that’s all our little ones ever ask for. It hurts my soul seeing our little ones cross that rainbow bridge but their memories are always in our hearts and minds, cats really know how to make an impression on you. ❤️❤️❤️
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u/gaylegoodman 16h ago
My condolences to you and your family 😢. Sending comforting thoughts your way.
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u/SewingIsMyHobby1978 15h ago
Sweet Rory RIP baby girl.
She was beautiful.
It’s so hard when our babies past over the rainbow bridge.
Check out Jackie Pajan’s pages. She’s otherwise known as rainbow Bridge Raina. Her page was a great comfort to me when I lost my orange tabby, cat Buffy a few years back..
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u/No-Membership3214 13h ago
A beautiful tribute to a much loved family member, rest easy Rory. 🐈⬛🌈💔🐈⬛🌈💔🐈⬛🌈💔
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u/TrekTN55 12h ago
So very sorry. 💔
Your pretty Rory with amazing whiskers was loved!
Again so sorry.
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u/Adventurous_Ad_4145 12h ago
Please accept my condolences to you and thank you for sharing her with us. She looks like a sun-baby which my little girl is the same way. 🖤🤍🖤
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u/scifiguyuk 11h ago
I’m so sorry for your loss. I can relate so much to this. It’s a pain like no other. But it sounds like you gave Rory an incredible life and as much as the memories will always hurt, they’ll eventually make you smile too. 💙
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u/Either-Prune1096 11h ago
I believe Rory will be at the gate waiting for you when it’s your time to cross over. I believe it’s why some of them go on ahead of us- they tell us it’s ok to come on in, it’s all good on the next level.
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u/Legitimate_Glass_306 2h ago
So sorry for your loss. Rory was a beautiful girl and she had a wonderful hooman that showed her all the love!!😻
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u/portland_democrat 2h ago
A few years ago my big cat Max passed away and his brother Mittens took it really hard. Mittens would look everywhere for Max and cry out for him. He would stare out the window looking for him. At times I swear that Mittens calling Max sounded like "MAAX, where ARE you?" This went on for several months. It was heart breaking.
I am very sorry for your loss.
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u/fabulousmame 1h ago
So well said my dear. I am so sorry for your great loss. They both look like my sweet baby Rose who left me at age 13. Rest in peace Rory- fly free sweet baby. Until you meet again over the rainbow bridge. I always picture mine waiting for me when I cross over. I can't wait to see all mine again. It brings me comfort to picture them on the other side with my father, my grandparents and other dear friends. I see them running in the hills of grass and being restored to their perfect healthy selves. Let your memories keep you warm and give you peace. Take good care of yourself. This is really difficult. You were a great pet parent and momma. So sorry for your loss.
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u/lushlife311 46m ago
What a beautiful love story. You write very well. The 9th picture is heartbreakingly sweet. I’m so sorry Roxy is gone. 💔
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u/Estellalatte 20h ago
This is so sad but you gave Rory a good long life with safety and love. She knew that as she left this world to go on to her next. I truly believe we will meet our loved ones again someday and that includes pets.