“Now cracks a noble heart. Good-night, sweet prince; and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.” William Shakespeare, Hamlet.
Today we said good-bye to Jules the cat. He arrived in our lives more than 19 years ago, along with his sister Lucy. He’s been a wonderful fellow, even tempered, easy going. Such a sweet boy.
He was more fussy than usual last night, pacing around the house, and then this morning, it was clear that it was time. I called the vet and we were given a 2pm appointment. We spent the morning together, sitting under his favorite apple tree in the backyard, and then in our sitting room. I found a way for him to be comfortable in my lap, no longer searching for something that eluded him.
As the hour approached, we wrapped him in a warm towel and BA drove us the mile to his vet. We were greeted kindly, and ushered into a quiet private room. Dr. Lisa arrived with her assistant, and after a few questions regarding our wishes, gently gave him a sedative. BA and I cuddled him, cried, reiterated our love and appreciation for his presence in our lives, and said our goodbyes. Minutes later, our drowsy boy was given his last injection and he peacefully passed.
We are now home in a house that feels strange without our beloved Jules. I vacillate between grief and disbelief that Jules is no more. This phase of the journey is just beginning, and there are many tales to be told of Jules’ many adventures. For today, this is enough. Jules, we love you and miss you, and we thank you for loving us for as long as you did. Good-night, Sweet Prince.
Jules Irving Gilpatrick-Smythe
June 7, 1998 – November 27, 2017
Curious Steph 
We are very sorry about Jules. Pets are like family… they are family.
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Indeed they are family. Thank you for your kind words, Tom.
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I’m so sorry! It’s never easy to lose a loved pet:(
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Thank you.
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Oh Steph. I’m so so sorry. I’ve lost two pets—both losses were some of the toughest times of my life. Such a part of the family.
This was a beautiful tribute. Glad there will be more to come as well, I am sure Jules deserves it. You guys will all be in my thoughts. Lots of love to you.
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Thanks, Cat. Much appreciated xx
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I am so very, very sorry. I know this pain all too well. You two were, and are the best fur baby parents ever. I know that your hearts are broken. Love to you all!!
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Thanks, Nancy. Yes, you know this journey well. And its inherent in having pets in our lives.
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When to let go is a tough decision, one as you know I’m still struggling with even today. Jules and your family were fortunate to find each other and it’s obvious you brought each other much happiness and were meant to be together. My condolences for the loss of Jules and thank you for your support over the loss of Bailey.
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It isn’t an easy decision, and I try my best to use quality of life as my guide. If something is likely to give a significant improvement in quality, then the answer is likely yes, and if its not so likely and the cost (financially or even more importantly in stress and pain) is high, then the answer is no. And then I have to go with the reminder that I made the best decision I could with the information available at the time, and in the most loving way possible. Hurts anyway. Keep healing!
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