But as it turns out, Shadow won't be around to see that World Domination come to be. Her years of cat co-plotting will go unrealized.
We said goodbye to our beloved Shadow earlier this week. Like some friends who've lost their beloved pets and shared that online, we too are now sharing our story of Shadow.
Also fondly referred to as "Beaner," "Mitten," "Kitty," and "The Grandcat" among other names, our 10-year old korat named Shadow saw her story come to an end on Monday, Jan. 23, 2012.
She'd been a part of our life since our first year moving to Indiana in 2004, and came to us via a copy-editor that I'd worked with at the time. Shadow had been wandering outside and apparently had experienced a near-miss by a car, and she was picked up. My co-worker sent out an email asking if anyone was interested, and I took a chance. The name came because of her grey shade, and her ability to dart around and disappear like a shadow - we kept the name. The rest is, as they say. into the history books.

She had been suffering from kidney disease for some time, and over the past year it's gotten progressively worse. To the point where lately, she's had difficulty breathing. Her eyes have been highly cloudy. Clumpy fur, lack of self-grooming, constant water drinking and increasing signs of dehydration. Slower-moving. Eating problems. Not wanting to play, or torment the dog. Overall, just not her same kitten mitten self. We've had her on special food and have been doing some home-medication off and on, but that had run its course and more was needed, but we just couldn't provide for her.
![]() |
Our final photo. |
We took her to the vet on Monday for an evaluation, and it became clear that the time had arrived. With her history of kidney disease, the vet was somewhat amazed she'd lasted as long as she had without any more advanced problems. But she said the kidneys were small and she was on that line where any little stress could do her in. Yes, we could take her home and let nature do it's thing - but there was no degree of certainty of how much time, or what quality of life, Shadow would have left. So, we opted to save her the pain and make sure her quality of life didn't suffer more than it already had.
Decision time was upon us, and there was no sidestepping it this time (I'd been delaying this and rescheduling vet visits for awhile).
![]() |
The "death shot"... :( |
It was tough. I cried. And I really, really miss my Shadow Kitten. I still look around and see her, call for her and expect to feel her nudging against my feet or poke her head up onto the footrest. I never thought I'd be a cat person, but Shadow changed that.
![]() |
This isn't over... Eight lives left, people. World Domination WILL BE realized! |
21 comments:
Sorry...
Mike. I'm so sorry....
I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing a beloved pet is never easy. My thoughts are with you.
KItty, nooooooooo! I'm so sorry, Mike.
This is a great little memorial for Shadow.
I've been there, really.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I have a 14 year old dog, and I get sad at the thought of losing my best friend.
I'm so sorry!
That's so sad. I can't tell you how much I miss my Gabe sometimes.
Sorry to hear of Shadow's passing. I've been there and it just plain sucks. Just know that you did the right thing for her.
Thank-you for sharing the story of your time with Shadow. I'm sorry for your loss and will pet my own elderly feline a little more firmly tonight in Shadow's memory.
What a wonderful tribute to Shadow and the life you gave her. Thinking of you today.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Pets are so hard to say goodbye to.
:'(
((((HUGS)))
((((((Big Hugs))))))
i am so sorry for your loss, my friend. <3
I am so sorry for your loss Mike. <3
Jen
I am so sorry Mike. I know how hard it is.
Our pets are part of our families. Its never easy losing one. My thoughts are with you.
I'm so sorry. We'll be walking this road with our dog soon. So sad....
oh i'm so sorry for your loss. this was a beautiful tribute to shadow.
I'm sorry, Mike. Pets really become part of the family and it is heartbreaking to read this. What a lucky kitty to have stumbled upon you guys, though! You gave her a great life :)
Post a Comment