In memory of…
Layla started her life on an unknown date in Tallahassee, Florida. Her and her brother were left abandoned, and as kittens found their way into the lives of Jillian and Gabriel. The story goes that after jogging one day, as Jill and Gabby opened their car doors, Layla and her brother jumped in and adopted them. Not long afterwards, Layla lost her beloved brother to a bee sting. She remained with Jill and Gabby until their move back to Michigan. Layla moved in with us until Jill and Gabby were able to take her back. Well things didn’t work out that way, and seeing how well she fit in with us, she joined Rusty the Cat, and Pepi the Dog and became a permanent part of the family. Over the years, one by one she watched the passing of both Rusty and Pepi. Her and Pepi were really close and I always felt she really missed him.
Layla always had a mind of her own, and would’t take crap from others. “Never bite the hand that feeds you”. She never learned that one, biting both Bobbie and I.
She was always a very avid and dedicated hunter. Be it chipmunks, baby rabbits, birds or ground molds. Didn’t matter. If they crossed our backyard, they were targeted. She always share with us her catch, leaving their heads for us on the floor of the sunroom.
After the passing of Pepi, Layla began to slowdown. She became much more needy and lusted for our unending attention. The once very independent cat overnight became the lap cat. Whenever we sat in a chair, she would immediately jump up and want to lay on our laps. Such a marked change this was.
We’ve watched Layla melt away from the cat with the hanging pouch to literally skin and bones. This past week her walking became very difficult for her, falling over, setting and waiting to gain her strength to move the next few steps.
She was always one that eagerly awaited her daily feedings and always begged for eggs from my morning breakfast. About a week ago, this all stopped. I believe she had picked her time, knowing the end was near. She stopped accepting any food or water. I did place some fresh water in a dish for her two days ago, which she did drink from for about 4 minutes. That was her last. She would walk to the dish, place her nose on the water and not drink it.
Yesterday she started seeking remote private places to lay within. We found her hidden under the middle bedroom bed. We were able to coax her out and tried to spend as much time as possible with her. We could see in her eyes, her time was very short.
Every night Layla like to jump up onto my lap and sleep until I would get up in the morning. Last night she did not come. I found her on the kitchen floor cuddled up tight against the kitchen heater vent under the sink. Her breathing was very labored and her eyes had glossed over. Bobbie was able to get an appointment with the local vet and brought her in. I could not do this and said my goodbye to her before parting. They arrived at the vet and Layla drew her last breath around 6:30am this morning. She was a very good pet, and I will miss her.
The above video is a tribute to my friend Layla. I will miss you…