Spartacus RIP: August 1, 2008-July 17, 2009

Spartacus passed away yesterday evening, two weeks shy of his first birthday.img_0020 He was diagnosed with FIP last week; as soon as I got the news, I cut short my west coast trip and flew back to be with him across his final days, which I like to think I made a little easier. By the end, declining rapidly into kidney and liver failure, and no longer eating or drinking, there were no other options left than to send him on his way.  For any of you pet-owners out there who end up faced with the situation you’ve most dreaded, consider having the vet make a house call.  Spartacus died on my bed and in my arms; he had a very scary hospital visit last weekend, and I wanted him to spend his last hours at home, surrounded by familiar things.  He was a very special cat who enjoyed eating fish and chasing mice and watching pigeons; for once words fail me, as I will miss him far more than I can say.

25 Responses to “Spartacus RIP: August 1, 2008-July 17, 2009”

  1. Tinatsu Says:

    Oh, Dave, I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m sure he’s gone to take his place among the other Feline Gods, where he’s free to terrorize the heavenly birds and mice.

    *hugs*

  2. Al Billings Says:

    I’m so sorry to hear that. It’s hard to lose a furry friend like that.

  3. Melinda Says:

    I’m so sorry, Dave. That sucks.

    RIP Spartacus.

  4. Kylie Says:

    Having owned 6 cats at one time or another, the loss of one bloody hurts. Like most cats, Spartacus and his individual personality will have purred his way into your heart, Dave. Remember the good times and love you shared with each other – not to mention the scratches and fur ;-)

  5. Sabrina Says:

    Hi David. I came from the Litsoup blog and just wanted to pass along my condolences. I don’t know if it means much coming from a stranger, but I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. Spartacus looks like a lovely cat and died far too young.

  6. Steven Klotz Says:

    /hug

  7. Robert W. Leonard Says:

    Hey there, sorry about your loss. My wife and I lost one a couple months ago. I think we still check her favorite place from time to time only to be disappointed. They certainly have a way to work into our hearts.

  8. Mike Collins Says:

    I’m so sorry to hear this Dave.

    I had to do the same for our dog a few years back and it is truly a heart wrenching thing. Just know that you did right by him by ending his suffering. It doesn’t make it one lick easier but it’s what counts.

    Hang in there man.

    Mike

  9. meesh Says:

    :-(

  10. Colin Harvey Says:

    Dave,

    Sorry to hear of your loss.

    Colin

  11. John C Says:

    Frack, so sorry to read this Dave. I enjoyed your postings on Spartacus. Wish you well.
    John

  12. AMLau Says:

    I’m so sorry.

  13. The Screaming Guppy Says:

    So sorry to hear this. :(

  14. edifanob Says:

    I’m so sorry to hear this. We live together with two cats – Pablo, he cat 12 years old and Lili, she-cat 9 years old. and I can’t imagine what will happen when one of them will die. Before Lili we shared life with Kasima, also a she-cat. She got dry FIB when she was half a year old. With a lot of support she lived until the age of 4. But she have had a good but short time.

  15. Jason M. Robertson Says:

    My sympathies, Spartacus has been an endearing part of reading this blog and it is very sad to hear this. :(

  16. Pavlina Says:

    Oh dear. So sad, my thoughts are with you.

  17. Brandi Says:

    Hi Dave,

    I came by way of Lit Soup to offer my condolences. I lost my Maine Coon, Mickey, to feline leukemia three years ago. Mickey’s death was devastating. As was waiting in the vet office while they tested our other two kitties for the virus, which is highly contagious.

    A friend sent me this link: http://www.petloss.com It’s a great site that offers support for those who’ve lost their furry friends.

    I’m so sorry for your loss.

  18. Brian Says:

    SIgh!

  19. BJ Says:

    This is all I can say:

    http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html

  20. Joe Says:

    So sorry to hear about your loss.

  21. Sun Up Says:

    It’s strange, but almost a year to the day I went through the same thing with my late kitten Charlie.

    She died last year suddenly. It absolutely broke my heart so I know how you feel. She was sick when I got her and I thought I could make it better…and I couldn’t.

    I was…devastated and I haven’t been able to bring myself to get another pet.

    It gets easier though. I promise.

  22. CJ Says:

    Oh noes! I have three animal companions and all I can do is offer my deepest condolences.

  23. eric brumbaugh Says:

    sorry, man.

  24. june Says:

    So sorry to hear of your loss. I have two cats that I love dearly so I can undertsand how you feel. Cherish your memories.

  25. David J. Williams » Blog Archive » Leave no pet behind Says:

    […] of animals, there will be a Special Pet Announcement on this site shortly.  The search for Spartacus’ successor is over!  Stay tuned for details. Submit […]