Stories of the Moose
The Decision has Been Made
A collection of emails.
To: Ben Alvord, Gayle Henderson
Subject: Death in the family, possibly out the entire week
Ben, Gayle:
After 12 years, I am putting my cat to sleep Monday (8/16) morning. Her health has been declining steadily for months now and it's clearly time for her to move on. It's been a good run.
I realize the problem with springing leave with such short notice, but I would be pointless for me to come in this week and whimper for 8 hours a day and annoy the Hell out of everyone (even more than I normally do).
Luckily, there is nothing dire in my stack, but I think I will check in Wednesday or Thurday to see about taking care of Karen's new project for me at home. I think I'll be useful again by then, but still not ready to be around people just yet.
Of course, if there's something that really needs my immediate attention, email me.
I would appreciate it if this news were kept very close; distributed on a need-to-know basis only. If TJ asks, fine, but I would rather not deal with any emails, surprise visits, or people's otherwise good intentions for the time being.
Thank you,
Mark
To: Walter Peterson
Subject: Moose will not be with us much longer
You called today, right? I heard the phone, but was in no condition to answer.
I finally realized today that Moose is not the cat I fell in love with 12 years ago anymore. She looks like Moose, but the mind and sparkle in her eye is long gone. There's nobody home in that cat anymore.
Her health has been declining rapidly for weeks now. The kidney failure and old age have taken their toll. I have decided that it's time for her to move on before the suffering begins. I am taking her to the vet Monday morning to have her put down. She feels ready, and so do I. I'll be taking the week off from work.
Aisly and I spent the night giving her the best send-off ever. Gave her a roast chicken and long tummy rubs. But she'll be gone by tomorrow.
--Mark
From: Benjamin Alvord
CC: Gayle Henderson
Subject: RE: Death in the family, possibly out the entire week
Hi Mark,
My condolences, and I hope you will be feeling better soon. You really don't need to worry about work at all this week as we have plenty of resources to fill in for any items you had been tasked to work on. If you feel like you want something to work on later in the week to keep your mind busy, let me know and we'll set you up with something.
Feel better,
Ben
To: Walter Peterson
CC: Jennifer Garnett; Nels Larson; Terry Holt; Allen Holt
Subject: The Moose has passed on
The Moose is now gone.
Moose's health had been slipping for several months now. Her little kidneys just failed her and she lost a dangerous amount of weight over that time. Sunday afternoon, I made the decision to have her put to sleep. It was definitely her time to go, and she was ready.
She lived with me for 12 years and was pushing 19 years, and it was a good run. She passed away this evening very quickly and peacefully in my lap.
--Mark
From: Terry Holt
Subject: Re: The Moose has passed on
The Moose lived a long, happy life. Hope you're OK. I know you'll miss her terribly, and I hope you find another li'l feline friend. Not to take her place, but another kitty to love.
We're thinking of ya.
Love,
Terry, Allen, Kelsey, Laurel, & Tommy Holt
From: Jennifer Garnett
Subject: RE: The Moose has passed on
Mark,
I am so sorry. She was a queen and a wonderful love. I have no doubt she is forever grateful to you for the perfect life you gave her and the many opportunities to announce to her indulgent, captive audience, "I pooped!"
I know I am better for having known her. And in her honor, I just rescued(in Florida like her) a feral kitty. Her name is Bella- but since she has no middle name, she will now be Bella Moose.
Please take care and let me know if you need anything at all.
Love,
Jen
From: Walter Peterson
Subject: sorry to hear about Moose
I just got back online with DSL and got the news about Moose. We are sorry to hear that but it is perhaps for the best.
We will talk to you on Saturday as i leave for Munich on Sunday.
Love,
MA and pa