Here's to Timothy

Last week, Timothy, a 19 year old cat, quietly passed away at home in his owner’s arms. This call became a new ‘type’ of referral from a general practice hospital, one we cannot claim to ‘specialize’ in but, because we host a pet loss support group here monthly, are none the less honored to try. This time a family was referred to us strictly to provide support for their loss.


Over the course of our phone conversation I learned Timothy lived with a childless couple and littermate, Tabatha, in their modest studio apartment. Timothy and Tabatha were adored by this couple as if they were children. Timothy and Tabatha have their own Christmas tree. Timothy’s ornaments are on the tree this year again; it is a bittersweet remembrance of their loss.

As I tried to recall all I was taught about pet loss support (by the great mentor, Coleen Ellis), Timothy’s owner tearfully reflected intimate moments of joy, comfort, and sadness. As I offered suggestions, I quickly learned some must still rely on public libraries for computer or internet access; if not conservative you can run out of cell phone minutes, thus communication with the outside world; a trip across town is not as easy as jumping in a car and just driving to your destination; and friends to help you through the loss of a beloved pet are hard to come by.

I came to understand Timothy suffered from hyperthyroidism and his last year was difficult. I can make no assumptions about his veterinary care, or his family’s choices for him, even though in this profession we are conditioned to do so. What I do know is that our response to this family’s grief mattered a great deal to them. I was profoundly moved when I was told how much my call helped…a simple little returned call…from a stranger in a world far removed from their own… And then she said, “God bless you and Merry Christmas”.

So here is to Timothy who represents all the modest yet complex relationships that come with pet ownership. Life is not always fair. Some things ‘just are’. When we accept the limitations of science and time, however, and look to the nature of the heart, we discover that our opportunities to ‘make a positive difference’ are endless.

Circle City Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital wishes a very happy holiday season and prosperous new year to all.