My grandmother and her cat were inseparable — both during their lives and after they died.
My grandmother passed away four hours after my grandmother’s 15-year-old cat died, and I don’t believe it was a coincidental death on either side.
Gabby was two years old when she was adopted by my grandmother and grandfather. The moment she was brought into the house, she immediately went upstairs and selected a bed to wrap up in and make herself comfortable. She knew she had arrived at the correct place – both for a nap and for life.
Gabby’s grandfather passed away not long after she became a permanent member of the family. Grandma and Gabby were unable to keep up with the demands of a large house on their own, so they moved into an apartment complex for seniors where they could receive assistance if they needed it while maintaining their independence.
As a child, I was enchanted by the warm and loving bond that existed between my grandmother and Gabby, and I knew that as soon as I was able to have my own pet, I would do it immediately. The same kind of connection and unconditional affection that Grandma and Gabby provided for each other was something I wished for.
Gabby spent her days hanging out with Grandma and her nights walking on Grandma’s head while she tried to sleep, right up until the very end of her life. You know, the usual roommate nonsense.
They both began to slow down at around the same time, yet they remained two sweet old ladies who valued one other’s company despite their advanced years.
Gabby would eventually isolate herself for the majority of the day, and she didn’t seem to be interacting with Grandma much. Grandma couldn’t eat as much as she used to and had lost a significant amount of weight. They were both getting close to the finish line, and Gabby was ready.
Grandma took her to the veterinarian, and they both agreed that putting her to sleep would be the best course of action. Gabby was comforted by her mom as she closed her eyes for the last time.
Grandma had lost her greatest companion, and perhaps even her soul partner, when she passed away. After Gabby had left, Grandma returned home and collapsed on the couch for a nap. She didn’t come to when she was supposed to.
Gabby died four hours after her old cat passed away. Perhaps it was only her time and a bizarre coincidence, perhaps she died of a shattered heart, or perhaps their souls were unable to be divided any longer.
My dog and I are now just as fascinated with one another as Grandma and Gabby were when we were little. And I owe a debt of gratitude to my grandmother for instilling in me the value of having pets and caring for them unconditionally.
In my mind, Gabby was there in spirit to comfort Grandma as she breathed her final breath, just as Grandma had done for Gabby only a few hours ago. They are buried together, and I have no doubt that their friendship is still as strong as it was when they were two little old ladies who were enjoying life and each other’s company in their golden years.
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