Good evening friends. Incredible story written by our great friend Kristin Crouch about her best friend Kelsey.
For the love of Kelsey
My best friend is turning 17 on Saturday. 17! I adopted her at the age of 5, and my black Manx Kelsey has shared many ups and downs with me, including 5 surgeries, college graduation, new jobs, and 5 moves over the past 12 years. She knows all my secrets, and many nights can still be found sleeping above my head on my pillow, or laying on my belly. I think that she is stealing my life force so that she can live longer, which is purrfectly alright with me.
Caring for elderly pets is not something we think about when we adopt an animal, but at some point our mind turns as the signs of aging kick in. Vet visits become more necessary and frequent, and paying attention to every little detail can be maddening at times. As Kelsey has gotten older, her spine has fused, her kidneys have lost some function, and UTIs are a yearly occurrence that somehow don’t seem as bad anymore to me. With an older pet, it is important to get second opinions on everything, even when you have a vet you trust – and I have the best. However, when I was told two years ago to put her on a special kidney diet, something didn’t seem quite right. Why would low protein ever be good for a cat? I did my research, and put her on a high protein, grain free food. She eats better than me now but her health is much improved and she loves the food.
Grooming and exercise are also important for older pets, as they can’t take care of themselves as well as they once could. I make sure that we have play sessions at least once a day and groom her as long as she will allow before she bites the crap out of me (or as I call it, “hugs with teeth”). Our house has undergone several minor changes over the years too – food and water on multiple levels, steps to help her get in bed, and many warm spots for her to rest. Don’t get me wrong, she doesn’t always act old though; get out a bag of liver treats and watch her run fast as she can to get some.
I guess my point is that the aging process should always be in the back of our minds when we bring a new friend home to their forever homes, but that the process can be so gradual that we don’t even realize that it is happening. Please don’t get me wrong, I don’t mean to ruffle any feathers or give advice here, I just want to share my own experience.
Kelsey has taught me a lot about life and living to the fullest. While her fur may be grayer in spots and she sometimes looks a bit haggard and confused instead of the bright eyed young girl I used to know, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m glad that she is mine and that I am hers and I hope it stays that way for as long as we can have together.
Kristin that was a very moving story and the bond you have Kelsey have is unbreakable. Thank you on being so informative on process of aging pets and what to expect.
Going to close out here tonight friends. If anyone would like to share their stories of their pets, their human friends or family, we would be happy to share it for you. Here is my email; smith7024@yahoo.com
Signing off from Puerto Rico on day 150, Scott Smith for Sammy & Family.