My grandma and her cat were inseparable – in life and in death.
Four hours after my grandma’s 15-year-old cat died, my grandma passed away, too, and I don’t think it was a coincidence.
Gabby was 2 years old when my Grandma and Grandpa adopted her. When they brought her home, she immediately went upstairs, found a bed to curl up on and made herself comfortable. She knew she was in the right place – for a nap and for life.
Shortly after Gabby became a permanent member of the family, Grandpa died. Not able to keep up with a big house on their own, Grandma and Gabby moved into an apartment complex for seniors, where help was offered if they needed it, but still allowed for independence.
As a kid, I was enamored with the loving relationship between my grandma and Gabby, and I knew that as soon as I was able to get my own pet, I would. I wanted the same companionship and unconditional love that Grandma and Gabby offered each other.
Until the very end, Gabby spent her days hanging out with Grandma and her nights walking on Grandma’s head while she tried to sleep. You know, typical roommate stuff.
They both started to slow down around the same time, but continued to be two sweet old ladies who enjoyed each other’s company.
Eventually, Gabby would keep to herself for most of the day, and she wasn’t interacting much with Grandma. Grandma wasn’t able to eat much anymore, and had dropped too much weight. They were both nearing the end, and Gabby was ready.
Grandma took her to the vet and together they decided the best thing to do would be to put her to sleep. Grandma held Gabby and comforted her as she closed her eyes for the last time.
Grandma lost her best friend and, perhaps, her soul mate. After Gabby was gone, Grandma went home and took a nap on the couch. She never woke up.
She died four hours after Gabby. Maybe it was just her time and a strange coincidence, maybe she died of a broken heart or maybe their souls couldn’t be separated.
Nowadays, my dog and I are just as obsessed with one another as Grandma and Gabby were. And I have Grandma to thank for instilling in me the importance of having pets and loving them hard.
I like to think that Gabby was there in spirit to comfort Grandma as she took her last breath, just as Grandma did for Gabby a few hours earlier.
They are buried together, and I’m certain their bond is still just as strong as it was when they were two little old ladies loving life and each other.
(h/t: the dodo)
A Elderly Woman and Her Cat Were Inseparable, in Life and in Death
