Another Crossing at the Rainbow Bridge

[makbike]

Sadly, we sent our third buddy in four months to the Rainbow Bridge yesterday afternoon. Munk had been my buddy for the past 16 years. She was one of three kittens I rescued from a hoarding situation. She and the others suffered from severe upper respiratory infections as well as being infested with giardia and cocidia. She blossomed into a beautiful, petite cat who under the leadership of my oldest female at the time became the boss of the "Thundering Herd." It always amazed me that this tiny six pound cat could keep the 20 pound cat in line with a low growl and gentle hiss. She assumed her "throne" on my pillow each night and warded off the evil spirits and other cats.
Two years ago she was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and during her evaluation for the radioactive iodine treatment we discovered she had kidney stones in her left kidney. After some discussion with my vet I decided to go ahead with the treatment. Several months later she was diagnosed with early stage renal failure. We managed her kidney disease with diet, medications and fluid therapy at home. I noticed after we lost her buddy Margulis last month her appetite seemed to be wanning. Yesterday, DH took her to the clinic in the morning so our vet could examine her. I got a call shortly after - a mass had been detected in her abdomen. We scheduled an ultrasound for her that afternoon and the sad news was delivered - cancer (most likely lymphoma or mass cell) had invaded her spleen, right kidney and intestines. We could have used steroids to buy her some extra time but with her heart issues and kidney issues it was not elected. So sadly we sent her to the bridge so she would be free of pain. She is the third furry buddy DH and I have lost since May. Our home is filled with sadness now. I found myself waking last night looking for her on my pillow. I know she is healthy and whole now and that some day she will, with all our other buddies, greet me at the bridge. Be healthy and happy Munk - you are missed by one and all. Go in Peace and know you are loved!