Courtesy The Library of CongressToday we had to put our cat Lincoln to sleep. He was diagnosed with diabetes about six weeks ago and there has been no progress....despite switching vets and about $1,400 in vet bills.
The vet (the second one is much better than the first and not ordering tests we don't need, etc.) was optimistic about prognosis...but we have two small children and enough is enough. Also, Lincoln HATED going to the vet - it took a sedative and 20 minutes this afternoon before he would so much as let me touch his ear. He had spent the day there having his glucose tested (which would have to happen about every two weeks had we continued) and was beside himself.
So...I brought his body home and, following advice on the internet, let the girls pet him -they wanted to, say good-bye, witness his burial, etc.
Needless to say, we have not used the term "put to sleep" with the girls...could lead to some serious sleep-related issues. So, we just told them "The vet gave Lincoln a very special shot that killed him". We told them people do not get this kind of shot.
Last week I mentioned Lincoln was sick and we were giving him medicine to make him better, but it might not work. I was informed "That is okay, I can play with him in Heaven."
Okay.
Tonight, there was what can only be described as devastation.
Following the "ceremony" the questions began. The point of most concern being Lincoln going to Heaven. We told the girls the angels would come and get him tonight.
"How?"
"They use magic."
"How?"
"Okay, you know how Santa gets down the chimney?"
" Yes."
" Well, the angels use magic like that to come get Lincoln."
"Will they use his sleigh and reindeer?"
It seems if Santa is going to make his rounds this year, he might want to have a cab reserved. Just in case the angels are using his sleigh to pick up a deceased pet.
