We knew it was coming, but all the same, when we awoke to find Smersh even shakier on his legs than usual, unable to sit up, eat or even pee, we knew the time had come to make the call. Something I had desperately hoped not to have to do. I wanted to wake up and find him peaceful in eternal slumber. He was peaceful, really. You could see his light was fading from the world. We’re the ones who could find no peace with it. In pouring rain we took him to the car.
I wanted George to do do the deed but it wasn’t George’s shift. A bearded, kindly bear of a vet, I’m always more comfortable when he’s on the case. Instead we got Vanessa: young, patient and attentive. I wept uncontrollably as she explained Smersh’s options. He didn’t have any really — a couple of days on a drip at best so we told her to do the thing.
It was Robin Pen who coined the best description. Smersh was a ‘retired’ cat. He’d had a tough youth on the streets of Sydney. When I first met him he was named Prozac and living in a combi van with a girl called Cathy. Smersh got renamed and passed from house to house, much like the rest of us designer urban hippies. Guthrie ended up with him when I moved out of Sydney. By time Guthrie moved to Melbourne, Rob and I were in this house so we drove Smersh down the south coast for a sea change. Uncertain at first, he soon settled in, always begrudging the need to share with junior nemeses: Roswell, Pazuzu and Nemo. But those other young Turks never bothered him much. Smersh was boss cat, grand old master, whether retired or not and they gave him space.
When I was up doing Clarion in January 2004, Smersh got hit by a car. Rob nursed him back to sprightly health and thus began their eight-year love affair. Rob was the favourite. Everything was always all about Rob, only I like to think I won him back a little in his last year. It was my knee he’s been curled upon during marathon Smallville sessions. My study heater he accompanied during the day.
Rest in peace, Smersh. We will always love you and miss you.
27 Comments
poor, poor puss.
thanks. 🙁
He sounds wonderful. I’m glad he had a very good life with you and Rob these past years. RIP.I’m sorry for your loss.
ah, sorry to hear about that, Sparx. Very sad.
What a handsome fellow. Much love to you!
OH NO! Llyn will be devastated.
My deepest condolences to you and Rob.
Oh no! Oh, I am so sorry. Easy journey, Smersh, and blessed be.
Oh, I’m so sorry… I only wish we could have seen him at Rob’s 60th.
But that photo above is the best way to remember him. Clearly plotting world domination even now…
Sorry for your loss, Cat and Rob! Sounds like Smersh had a fabulous life with the two of you.
So sorry, Cat. Will give you hugs on Sunday.
So sorry to hear this. He had personality even at this distance.
“Say not in grief that he is gone, but in thankfulness that he was” – Hebrew Prayer.
I will always remember him coming to me at Thorby Street. Usually because he thought I’d feed him. I hoped to see hime this weekend, but sadly it won’t be. I can’t make Sunday, but Iain will carry my best wishes (for Rob’s birthday) and condolences to yourself and Rob. Please pat the other boys for me.
Many, many hugs.
Not me, Cat and Rob!
*hugs* I know he was a muse for ya, Cat. xxx
Every time you find some of his fur under a chair on on a coat, you will think of him. Cats never really die, they just leave less hair floating in the air.
Condolences to you and Rob.
Gitte.
He was a wonderful, wonderful cat. That was obvious from the moment you had to park on the lawn because he refused to move from the driveway.
I wish I had known Smersh better.
*hugs* – very long distance. Thinking of you.
Oh, poor Smersh. How sad.
Hugs for both Rob and yourself, Cat. They take something of us when they go, but leave a warm, furry part of themselves.
That’s so sweet.
Ah, Sparky, I feels for ya. 19 is pretty damn good, but still…
Hugs Cat. It sounds like he had a good life, and he was loved.
So sad 🙁 Best to you and Rob.
My sympathies to you. This has not bee a good week for 19 year old cats, but at least I am sure this means Smersh is in good company still.
Mr Smerch
So glad he found a more steady home with you after the battle ground that was his last home in Sydney. Fighting it out with five other cat’s on a strip of yard that was ‘there’ turf, just to do his catty toilet business was not ideal.
I really thought dragging him through more city turf wars was unfair and it was perfect timing that you had settled in the ‘gong a perfect place for him to ‘retire’ from city life to chase the unsuspecting wild life of the south coast.
It’s sad to let him go but I’m really happy you made the choice rather than drag it out.
I was always pleased to get news and the occasional photo of his shenanigans.
Rest in peace Mr Smerch!
Guthrie