Mila found her way to Rod at one of the lowest points of his life. He’d just broken up with his girlfriend. He was so depressed that his family decided to take him to the animal shelter, thinking that if he found a friend, he could move out of his depression. As they walked through the shelter, a tiny ball of fur caught his attention. She was a gray white ball of fluff and she kept talking to him. She wasn’t old enough for him to take home at this point, but he kept going back to look at her and she kept looking at him. He finally put in his application and took her home. She was so young he had to bottle feed her until she was able to eat solid food.
He was so proud of her and kept sending weekly pictures titled “My Mila”.
Tragically, Rod passed away from an aggressive cancer at the age of 27. Mila went to live with his mother, Delynn. Mila had a spicy side and would swat at you or even bite to express her displeasure. Her displeasure was usually caused by petting not given on her terms or invasion of her space as you walked by. But she could also be a very loving cat.
Mila lived with Delynn somewhat harmoniously for a while, then the two of them moved in with a friend and her two daughters. Mila became fast friends with Dougie, the family dog. She also became more affectionate as she aged. Mila became very attached to the family and eventually moved away with them.
At the age of 10-11 years, she was diagnosed with an aggressive tumor on her rear leg. The veterinarian said that he could remove it, but it would most likely come back and recommended palliative care. The tumor grew quickly and her family asked me to connect with her to find out if she was in pain.
Mila did have some mild pain but it was not constant. She reported being tired most of the time and not being very hungry. She was enjoying her time with them and wasn’t ready to go yet. She had much love to give and a special gift for them.
A couple of days later, they asked me to connect with her again to find out if she had a bucket list. They wanted to do everything they could to make her comfortable and happy before she transitioned. She definitely did have a list! She requested a stroller so she could do on walks with the family and Dougie. She wanted to spend more time snuggling with the girls and she requested a space under the sunny window all her own. And shrimp treats. 😊
They told me that even though Mila would never leave the yard, she used to sit at the edge and cry whenever they walked Dougie. They promptly bought her a stroller. And shrimp treats!
With her unpredictable personality, they were concerned when she tried to snuggle more with the girls. My communication with her confirmed that she did indeed want more snuggle time and would not lash out at them. They were on board and snuggling ensued.
It was 2 months later when they asked me to connect with her again. The appointment was set for her transition the next day. The tumor had grown so large it had opened and was draining.
Mila said she was ready and she didn’t want them to be sad. She said she is happy and protected. She will miss Dougie and the stroller walks and snuggling on the couch with the girls, along with fish things. She said this body no longer serves her and it was time to leave it behind. She will be the best angel cat ever! The special gift she gave to them at end of her life was more connection and meaning for all of them.
All of us are certain that she is right beside Rod watching over them.
