Pets of the Month

pain. Another cat mom who’d faced the same diagnosis told me that “treatment gave us the time we needed.” A simple statement that held true.

It was late September. I’d made the hard decision to leave the job I’d held for five years for a position that offered a long-term remote status. I was looking ahead to a week between jobs, and I’d promised myself I’d avoid stressing about the new job and overanalyzing whether I’d made the right decision. But I didn’t feel right physically. Fast forward a few days and my husband and I were holding down opposite ends of the couch. COVID. While, thankfully, we never required hospitalization, it certainly was not the relaxing week of rest we all dream about before starting a new job.

That same week, even through foggy eyes, we noticed Smoky took a sudden turn. Always a loving girl who enjoyed sitting near or on her people (especially her dad), she hid away in a small cat tent and barely acknowledged a loving hand. We rushed to one of the vets (this ordeal involved several, and we’re grateful to them for their care and teamwork). He told us it was time, but we already knew. In an incredibly kind gesture, he offered to put her to rest in an openair gazebo so we could be with her despite being sick. But she passed on her own as he started the catheter. He brought her body to us, curled on a blue towel. We kissed her goodbye.

What can I tell you about pet loss? It hurts. You know that going in. Rationally, you know you will probably outlive your pet. You fall in love anyway. Knowing it’s coming doesn’t make it hurt any less, but I’m glad we had some time before she passed.

Advice? Admit the truth. If you’re like us – and if you’re reading this then you probably are – your pets are family. And the grief hits as hard as you’d think. Let yourself feel it. Acknowledge it. If I hadn’t already been between jobs, I’d have planned a few days off to process and grieve. Crafting a little memorial, a dedicated spot to remember, helped. (Writing does too.)

Remember that other pets will feel the loss too. Sweet Potato always wanted to be BFFs, Smoky kept her distance but loved her sister. I’m certain Sweet Potato knew Smoky wasn’t well. Still, for several weeks, she’d sometimes look for her sister. It broke our hearts even more. Always an emotional sponge, she became incredibly clingy. We granted every request for attention. In turn, her love helped us remember joy.

Months later, it still hurts. I won’t deny the tears falling now. But, and this is something I’ve found true when mourning people too, time makes the love and the good memories feel stronger than the pain. We were lucky to have her. Rest in peace, sweet girl.

Cheryl Burns is a Legal Editor. She divides her time between Northern Virginia and Central Pennsylvania. She’s a proud King Street Cats volunteer. And she still tends to say that two cats kindly allow her and her husband to share their home.

Lawrence Robinson, Jeanne Segal, and Robert Segal, “Coping With Pet Loss” HelpGuide (Oct. 2021).

“How to Grieve the Death of a Pet,” The Cleveland Clinic (Oct 2021).

“5 Tips to Help Pets Deal with Grief,” PetMD.

4101 Eisenhower Avenue Alexandria, VA 703-746-4774 alexandriaanimals.org Mon-Fri, 1-8 pm Closed Wed Sat & Sun, 12-5 pm

CHUNKY

What’s Chunky’s favorite thing about spring? Using walks as an excuse to stop and smell the roses...or the tulips....or the daffodils...or that pretty flowering tree over there. Chunky is excited for the opportunity to be outside and feel the (no-longer freezing) breeze in his ears, and he’s ready for some good long walks with his new family. Help Chunky’s spring wishes come true; email Adopt@AlexandriaAnimals. org or call 703.746.4774 to learn how to meet Chunky from his foster home. MUNCHKIN

April showers may bring May flowers, but in March, Munchkin is just hoping for a sunny spot in the window to watch the world go by - and a little bird-watching could be fun too! 2-year-old Munchkin is the type of cat who is comfortable doing his own thing, but when he’s looking for affection, he’ll be by your side, head butting your hand for gentle ear scratches and head rubs. Munchkin would prefer a household with adults or older children who understand and respect his zen in the sun vibe. MOANA

There’s nothing better than fresh springtime vegetables, at least according to Moana the guinea pig! 3-year-old Moana enjoys all kinds of healthy treats, from apples to broccoli and even kale! You could call her a bit of a Fit Fanatic. Moana also enjoys hanging out with her favorite people, taking in a movie or two on the couch and playing in her very own castle. Schedule time to meet her in her foster home by emailing Adopt@AlexandriaAnimals.org or calling 703.746.4774.

The AWLA has a lot of amazing adoptables at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter and even more in foster care throughout the community. Meet some of our foster favorites and schedule time to meet them by emailing adopt@alexandriaanimals.org.