Pet Stories Blog

Linda Fortune
Author of Regal: An Intimate View of One Magnificent FelineA first new home is found for Tux.

To Pam’s credit and to her golden nature which would not give up easily or allow Tux’s life to be snuffed out, the search for a home began. Word went out immediately via emails. Friends talked with friends and the internet highway was used to serve this high purpose. Amazingly within a short time of this outpouring, a request of a home for Tux, the arms of a wonderful animal sanctuary owner opened, welcoming Tux into her abode. Even the upfront revelation of Tux’s problems was not a deterrent. She didn’t flinch. With open heart, the doors to her sanctuary were open, welcoming, and plans were made!

To say the least, everyone gave a sigh of relief and felt gratitude for this development. No one wanted Margie, at this final stage of her life, to have to make the decision to have Tux put to sleep nor did we want Tux’s life ended so prematurely. Margie rested in this solution and, I’m sure, felt deep relief.

Do know that Margie’s basic manner was to take care of what needed to be taken care of regardless of what it was. Margie was always up to making the tough call if necessary. I’ve seen her in the past bury the kitten that got hit by the car. I’ve heard stories of her coming to the rescue of someone in need. And, I’ve seen her make the ethical and moral choice in a tough situation at work. She always rose to the occasion, to the highest. And, we all knew, that Margie would have followed through with the tough call where Tux was concerned if need be. Thanks to Pam’s insistence, persistence, and ability to act, we were all spared the pain of a bad ending to this segment of the story.

Next entry: A confession.

With blessings, Linda

Linda Fortune Author of Regal: An Intimate View of One Magnificent FelineMargie’s two felines, Millie and Tux.

Regarding her precious felines, Margie wanted her nephew Jim to take Millie. He had enjoyed cats in the past, was without one at the present moment, and he liked Millie. Margie was aware of Millie’s needs and wanted her to be in a place where she would be touched and loved. In recent years, she had played second fiddle where Tux was concerned, and Margie wanted Millie to get her due. She was an easy cat to be with and would offer much love herself. The Millie decision was the easy one to make.

Now Tux was another matter. Considering Margie’s situation and need, Margie rose again to the highest. She remained thoughtful of the people in her life. She did not want any of her friends to take Tux. She knew what a pill Tux could be. Considering the urinating problem, Margie did not want Tux to destroy anyone’s carpets and furniture. She did not want anyone to take on Tux and be regretful about it later.

Holding the situation in her awareness, Margie leaned toward the very tough decision of having Tux put to sleep. In a conversation with Margie, Pam, a very dear and close friend, insisted that another solution would be found. She was very firm on this even if it meant that she herself would take Tux home until some other arrangement would be found.

Pam’s offer was beyond the beyond and so typical of her. I was utterly amazed that she made this offer. Let it suffice for me to say that this would have created a most difficult scene and it most likely would not have been the most pleasant. Pam and Dale have a canine named Annie, a border collie, who by nature takes charge. Between her desire to herd and with Tux with her fear of all that walks…..well, I’m sure that you can imagine what it would have been like. I can—bedlam might be close! My heart goes out and gives the utmost credit to Pam, the depth of love she contains in her heart, and her willingness to help with whatever it takes!

You can get the picture of what extraordinary human beings both Margie and Pam were/are—Margie with her concern for her friends even at this time of great need and Pam with her clear, unquestioning intention to serve her dear friend in her time of need. Love at the very core!

Next entry: A first new home is found for Tux.

With blessings, Linda

Linda Fortune
Author of Regal: An Intimate View of One Magnificent FelineFriends helped and duties were lovingly performed.

Let me continue sharing Margie’s part of the story while recognizing the inherent difficulty and sadness that filled all of our hearts.

Margie did pass, three months to the day of her diagnosis, peacefully and modeling tremendous grace and dignity. She remained true to form throughout her illness. While angry at first that this was all happening to her, she rose to the occasion. She tended to what needed to be done. She took care of the things in her life, handled her discomfort graciously, and remained particularly attentive to friends. She stayed engaged by making calls, sending thank you cards, and tending to others.

Having been totally caught off guard with the onset of Margie’s illness, I’m sure you can appreciate the disbelief and incredible sadness that we, all her myriad of friends, were filled with. During her last months, we did what we could to help Margie and her family as they dealt with her medical issues and as she made her decisions and plans for the material things in her life.

Margie took charge of everything and gave directives. And, directives she had! Thankfully they often brought some laughter which helped ease the pain of the moment. Friends gathered around her in Montana. Margie wishes and directives were fulfilled. Broasted chicken was served one night while a full turkey dinner was had the next. Go for a drive in her beloved Montana? Yes! Have a sip of wine with dinner? Yes! Ice cream? Of course! What Margie wanted, Margie got. And her orders brought chuckles and delight in being able to help fulfill her wishes.

Margie thoughtfully gave gifts of her accumulated treasures to those who she felt would appreciate each thing the most. There was meaning behind each of her remembrances. Bonnie, Pam, and Dale worked diligently to fulfill her wishes to the ‘T’. Some things were gathered for the family, things for friends were dispersed, clothing was donated to the Women’s Shelter, and other things were sent to the dump. Margie’s wishes were realized. A garden party was even initiated to care for the huge yard that Margie had filled with flowers, lawn, and vegetables. Margie had given so much of herself to many during her life that people were ready and willing to see what they could do to help. The gardeners gathered! The fruit of all Margie’s wonderful actions and love for others was coming home.

Next entry: Margie’s two felines, Millie and Tux.

With blessings, Linda