Minnie disappeared for a few days, and we both accepted that she was dead and did not expect to see her again. Barn cats have their own ideas about things, especially death. She shocked us by reappearing last night.
My guess is that she went off to die but just couldn’t. We had to help her go. I believed she was asking for help.
As far as we know, Minnie (who was named after my grandmother Mindel) hasn’t eaten for days and is thin and light as a feather. She was also weak and appeared to have an eye infection, probably from crawling under the porch. “They are tough cats,” said the vet.
We decided to end this.
Minnie looked dreadful, and the waiting and wondering were chewing up Maria. When Maria found her, she got a cloth to wipe her eyes. It was time.
We have learned that keeping an animal alive beyond its time is not always merciful.
We agreed it was time to help Minnie leave the world quickly and comfortably. She had to be suffering now.
We called our vet, who saw us this morning at 10:30. Minnie was barely conscious; Maria held her and rubbed her back. I scratched her head, and she fell asleep in my hands.
Cassandra and Dr. Roosevelt were wonderful, gentle, empathic, quick and efficient. It was painless and fast, one sedative and a lethal injection. Minnie never moved.
We are so lucky to have the Cambridge Valley Vets as our vet.
We brought Minnie home in Cassandra’s pillowcase for situations like this.
We buried Minnie at the end of Maria’s flower garden, where she loved to sit and soak up the sun. Minnie was a part of us, as so many loved animals are to those who care for them.
As I mentioned, the decision to get this feral kitten and rescue her was the first decision we ever made together, years before we got married. She meant a lot to both of us.
Minnie’s last breath.
I told Maria I felt we had been good stewards – we gave her a chance to die as she wished. Today, we chose to help her leave when she had deteriorated visibly, and she will rest now where she is most comfortable.
Minnie started with a hard life as an unwanted feral kitten, but she had a lovely life thanks to Maria. She bounced back bravely when she lost a leg to some predator. She loved the chickens.
She was cautious around strangers and would disappear, but she loved every animal and human on the farm.
She got special treats every day of her life, and love and attention.
When we held our open houses, Minnie would flee to the barn and hide out all day.
Minnie was warm to us, but like any barn cat worth anything, she was a fearsome hunter, often leaving various heads and body parts on the porch for us to enjoy.
For the past sixteen years, just about every day began with Maria singing what I named the “Minnie Song.” I was usually in the bathroom when I heard the song right outside the window. Maria sings to all of the animals (and many of her flowers), which is a sound it lifts me to hear every morning.
We dug a deep hole and put some slate over it to keep animals away. We have seen a lot of life and death on the farm, and we know to move along; we’re not big on drama. But Minnie will leave a big hole, as did Red, Simon, Frieda, and Rose before that.
All deaths are inevitable, but all deaths are not alike. Our lives go on. We have work to do.
We said goodbye and thanked her, and I asked Maria if we could sing the “Minnie Song” together, and we did.
It was a sweet farewell, and it felt good. It’s finally over; Minnie’s gone.
Minnie was Maria’s cat more than mine, and she will feel the loss more than me.
But I loved Minnie and her story and the love between these two. She was a gentle creature.
If you weren’t a mouse or baby rabbit or mile, she would be happy to love you and get scratched.
I’m taking Maria out to lunch at Bob’s hot dog stand to mark the occasion.
The Minnie Song:
“Miss Minnie was a pussy,
She was a pussy cat
And everywhere that Minnie went, there was a big dead rat
Rat tat, tat, rat tat- a- tat,
Every time Minnie went
There was a big dead rat.”
Godspeed, Minnie.
Minnie’s grave, underneath the flowers.
Beautiful – thank you for sharing. You are all blessed to have each other in a loving embrace for all those years. Minnie’s memory will live on.
This is a lovely tribute. And you gave her a peaceful, loving death in the arms of those who loved her best.
God speed sweet Minnie, may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.
It is the final act of love for our animals – to help them pass in peace.
Gid speed Miss Minnie. May you chase many rats and sleep in the sun❤️❤️
That was beautiful, Jon. You and Maria did well by her, and it is clear she loved and trusted you. She knew that you would help her finally rest.
RIP Minnie!
RIP Minnie! And blessings to you and Maria for being the wonderful caring stewards to your Minnie and all of your animals.❤️
Godspeed indeed sweet Minnie. I would never profess to know about any afterlife for people or animals. But if there is one for animals, here’s hoping she has as much of a wonderful life there as the one she had with you and Maria. I will miss the Minnie stories. Peace and comfort to such a wonderful kitty. You and Maria did right by her every step of her life
She will be missed.
Beautifully said, Pamela. So perfect, yes
Susan M
What a wonderful cat life she and a peaceful death. Thank you for sharing the story and Rest in Peace Minnie…..
Oh my. Having you share this poignant day with everyone here (and the beautiful photos) brought me to tears. Minnie will rest peacefully now……and I know she will be much missed but so fondly cherished with years of memories of the life you all shared. I am so very sorry for your loss of her, Jon and Maria
Susan M
Goodbye sweet Minnie.
So sorry for your lose but grateful for Minnie’s life . Right now I have a feral kitty living in an old building on my property since March just this week I was able to pet her. Like Minnie I don’t know her story but she has a clipped ear which means she was caught-spayed and had her first rabies shot and than released to her colony- problem is there are no feral colonies of cats within a 50 mike radius from my home I really don’t know her story either.
Bless her. She’s off to find Flo. That missing leg? Not anymore. Thanks for sharing this update Jon and sorry for your loss.
Rest in peace sweet Minnie.
You both gave Minnie a beautiful life. The animals that are destined to be part of your lives have hit the animal jackpot. You both are such amazing stewards for all things bright and beautiful I love the Minnie song.
I know you will miss her alot.
Godspeed Minnie 💖
Bless you for helping her on her way. That’s a hard decision. My heart is with you. Rest in peace, sweet Minnie. ❤️
Rest in Peace Dear Minnie. ❤️🙏
Over the rainbow bridge to find Flo and all the other Bedlam farm animals
You did right by this precious cat. And she knew and felt love and compassion in her final moments on this earth. Godspeed, wonderful Minnie!
Thank you so very much for sharing the Minnie song.
It touched me deeply to imagine hearing Maria and yourself singing the song in farewell.
God bless Minnie & God bless you both for the choices you made. You gave her every chance to die on her own. In the end you made the best, most humane decision. Much respect.
Thank you for sharing Minnie’s journey with us. She returned to those who loved her, and you gave her the ultimate gift of a gentle sleep. Godspeed sweet girl.
R.I.P, Minnie.
Such a sweet post about a sweet cat!
May she rest in peace. So sorry for your loss.
Farwell Miss Minnie, you were and will always be a treasured part of the Bedlam Farm story. Godspeed sweet pussycat <3