Thing 1 and Thing 2 are the mixed breed black cats I’ve had since the first full year of my recovery. If the names don't ring a bell I suggest a little Dr. Seuss to refresh your memory, they earned their names early on in life to the detriment of my first apartment after treatment. I picked them up from an animal shelter in 1995 choosing these two over all others not because they were cute and cuddly, but because they were hanging upside down from their cage not content to lie around in their own poop all day- they wanted something better.
As a nonjudgmental support team, they have played a vital role in my recovery so much so that I have referred to them before as my sober cats. Especially for those new to sobriety, I think pets are a much better idea than people relationships because of the unconditional love they offer and absence of any emotional backlash or personal problems that may threaten the priority of recovery. Always home, happy to see me, and willing to listen… cats (and dogs) have little downside.
But as the title suggests, I have been saddened lately because the end is near for Thing 2.
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He’s the one in foreground of the left hand corner shot. About three months ago he began losing weight. I increased his food intake, but regardless of how much he ate he continued to lose weight. The vet diagnosed hyperthyroidism and prescribed medicine, but up to this point the treatment has not been successful. He still has a nice quality of life, but the doc says that if his condition continues to erode that I’ll have to put him down.
Although sad, I am making sure to take an extra moment every now and then just to treasure his companionship and make sure his last days are just as rewarding and comfortable as he made my first few years of sobriety. It’s not much, but at least it makes me feel better to give out the first ever non-human TDA Salute to Thing 2, one hell of a sober cat.
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Pets. They enhance our lives so much, but their shorter lifetimes always end up breaking our hearts. Hugs to you, TDA. Thing 1 and Thing 2 are beautiful cats. Thanks for sharing them with us.
thank you so much for your blog, I am at day 48.
My pets have been a major reason I stuck around in the last year of my drinking and they have been a huge balm during this rocky and exciting time, so I know how important they can be. There is another treatment for hyperthyroid in cats--an injection of radioactive iodine. Purportedly 98% effective. It is pricey, but I was considering it seriously when my cat was misdiagnosed. Be sure the vet has given your cat both tests for hyperthyroid--there is one that is less comprehensive and one that is thorough (and about $200). My cat's issues turned out to be a case of cat scratch fever, or bartonella. Your guy does sound sick, and I am sure your vet is good, but there may be another health issue.
I hope Thing 2 recovers, but regardless, I know he is loved and he knows he is loved. That is the very best we can do as pet owners.
Please take care, and once agan, thank you for your blog. i am reading t regularly now as part of my gearng up to face the world each day, newly sober.
and thank you for your concern about Thing 2. I will talk to my vet about your suggestions on our next visit.
Warmest regards- TDA
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