Some Sad News…
On July 2, 2011, Apollo passed away. His death was very sudden and very unexpected. His morning routine was normal. He had his breakfast, did his Apollo thing, was hassled by Wonder. I said goodbye to all five cats and left for work. When I came home a little after midnight, I saw that Apollo had passed away. He looked very peaceful. He was laying in the doorway of bedroom, one of his usual nap time spots. He was laying on his side, his paws stretched out before him as if he laid down for a nap and simply never woke up.
I don’t know what happened to my sweet Apollo, but I suspect that it was FIP. It’s possible that his blindness, mental disabilities, and wobbly walk were caused by the disease, but there’s no way to know.
Apollo was buried along the woodline at my parents’ house. Our neighbors pets are buried nearby, so he has company. The area is shaded and peaceful, which I know Apollo would have appreciated. His resting place would have been well suited to his serene demeanor.
The other cats fared surprisingly well after Apollo’s passing. Wonder cried in the mornings for a few days. He had incorporated a playful brotherly beatdown into his mornings. He did move on quickly after he realized Apollo wasn’t coming around. It took me a little longer to get used to his absence.
Even though Apollo’s passing has been devastating, I’m glad he got to know love in his short life. He knew love, knew the fun of Christmas garland, knew the fun of wrestling with another cat, and knew how it felt to just be himself. He’s in Heaven now, getting head rubs from Jesus, as a friend said. The idea of Jesus giving Apollo the best head rubs he’s ever known gives me so much comfort. I know that my Fuzzy Butt is still experiencing love. And that’s exactly what he deserves.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your little boy. He is way past the rainbow bridge now and in sweet Jesus hands. I hope your coping. This made me shed a many tears. God rest Apollo and god speed!
I greatly appreciate your kind words! I like to think that Apollo’s story was already written when I adopted him, and my small part in his life was to show him love. Although he is with the Lord and I likely won’t be adopting another kitty for awhile, I’m hoping to foster a little blind kitten through the local shelter I volunteer with. Apollo would be happy to know that other kitties can be helped along on their life paths, just as you have done with Trooper.
He was with you such a sort time, what a blessing these past few months must have been all of those in your home.