Ed
“Ed’s here! Ed’s here!” That was the welcome chorus we’d hear
every time we took our cat Ed to Greenlake Animal Hospital. During his 7
month fight, Ed would visit “his staff” sometimes once a week – often more.
And every time, people would comment how mellow he was – how great he was –
how sweet he was. They’d have to pass him around and everyone would pet him
before returning him to his pet carrier. Needless to say, Ed was not your
typical vet hospital client.
In fact, Ed was not typical at all. Ed was a warrior. He was only 5 years
old when diagnosed with end stage chronic renal failure in March 2007, and
he was not expected to live much past his diagnosis. Ed, however, had his
own ideas. With the compassion and guidance of the staff at Greenlake, his
loving parents, and his own true grit, Ed fought hard for 7 months and
taught us all what it means to keep fighting even when the odds are against
you.
At one point, this amazing grey and white fur ball had everyone stumped. The
infamous numbers that are tracked when cats are in kidney failure were all
doom and gloom. Toward the end of Ed’s battle, they were really bad. He was
severely anemic but he acted without pain or discomfort. I had to ask Dr.
Mortimer if I was crazy..was it cruel to keep Ed alive when his numbers were
so bad. Dr. Mortimer shook his head and said, “Look at him. He’s not in
distress. Just keep doing what you’re doing, but be prepared.” When he left
the room, I heard him tell his colleagues in the hall, “Ed is astonishing.
He is defying all Western medicine.”
In the end, Ed wasn’t immortal (as we were all starting to hope and
believe). We had to say goodbye to him, and I had to learn more about the
unimaginable pain that comes with great love. We often hear talk about the
human spirit – but with Ed, I encountered a true animal spirit and witnessed
how the two spirits can intermingle and create miracles. He taught us so
many lessons during his last 7 months on earth.
We love and miss you, Mr. Ed.
Michelle B.
