Pebbles crossed the Rainbow Bridge today

Pebbles, the Queen, in better health

Our 15-year-old senior citizen, Pebbles, a domestic long hair feline, crossed the rainbow bridge today after several months of problems with arthritis, hyperthyroid, hypertension, kidney failure, blindness and some dementia. You might ask, wasn't she ready to go long ago? The answer is an emphatic "no," and I know this because...my wife, Barbara, has worked with animals for several years as a professional practitioner of Tellington TTouch. She has monitored Pebbles during all her medical experience and made the decision for euthanasia only last week.

I want to emphasize how important it is to know the right time for euthanization because many times animals are allowed to suffer when it would be much more humane for them to take that hike across the bridge. The first person you should consult is your vet; after working with your animal(s) for a while they will have a sense of when the end is drawing near. Talk to your pet sitter, for he or she has a regular one-on-one experience with your pet and will probably recognize the tell-tale signs. And of course, your day-to-day observations are the most important factor.

The Rainbow Bridge

Pebs was a rescue, as were all our fosters to adoptions. We're suckers; once you got em, you just can't give em up. If you have adopted you know the potential issues that come from animals that have been mistreated or were feral. But that's the whole idea, to give them a new and better forever home. Pebbles took over the household with her seniority, which all the other cats respected, although at times may have challenged it. She loved to play with toys and went crazy with a paper ball ball in the bath tub. She also loved a feather and continued to play with that until only yesterday.

Cats are one of the most calming of beings you will ever experience. My wife, Barbara, says, "How can you get upset when you look at a cat?" My mentor writer and good friend, Bill S. Ballinger, famous for his mystery novels and TV screen plays had his cat Little Boy who sat right beside him when he wrote. While our cats--there are three remaining, Teddy, Mickey and Minnie--don't sit with me when I write they are a constant presence that gives both Barb and me laughs and a sense of relaxation. Every writer should have a cat just to stay sane. Folks, all they want is to be loved.