Harry Coonie

Harry, a gorgeous mainecoon, died suddenly Nov 30 morning, and I'm still in shock.  He was 8 years old. His constant visit to the vet takes a heavy toll on his health and well being. And now, my whole family feels subdued. We're all utterly devastated.   

In an emotional sense, Harry was my son. Only this boy was furry, with whiskers and a tail. He was friendly, funny and good natured. He provided my family with almost 6 years of affection and pleasure, no one on earth can imagine.

As cats do, especially those adopted from animal shelters, Harry got sick often. At his last vet visit he’d been 4 kg, but it seemed as if in days he’d dropped to 3 kg. He ate well but he was so thin and got thinner faster than our eyes could see.

This house feels empty without Harry sprawled on the kitchen floor, narrowing his big brown eyes in the hope that my significant other will open the door, leading to the backyard - let me hear the birds singing and hide under the pandan tree bushes. 

I missed the sound of his paw scratching on my bedroom door while I'm working alone - let me in, let me in. I long to see his morning walks with my significant other, though always panting, breathing heavily but very glad once home. I missed the times he spent secretly playing with my son.

I just miss Harry so much, but at the same time it doesn't feel real. I should have made the most of his last week, his last day. But I didn't think he'd be taken from me so soon. 

Now I'll be forever wishing I'd spent more time with him, hugging him. I just wish I could go back to Tuesday morning and tell myself to get out of the bed soon and go and be with my Harry. Now it's too late.

There are fewer moments of joy in my day. A cat was not a casual extra, but an essential, Harry was a cherished part of the family. We love him so much and we always will. RIP Harry! 

Studies have shown the pain we feel when a beloved pet dies is no different than how we feel at the loss of humans that we love. 

I know for a fact what being said is true. And I also  know that I will get over this grief but I just don't know when. 

- TESSA