Thomas didn't have much of a life. He came to us as a stray, having obviously been badly treated by whoever had owned him last. He flinched whenever we tried to stroke him, and was in very poor condition. Over the following months, he grew to trust us. We gave him a good home - food and milk whenever he wanted it, a warm fire to lie in front of and plenty of love and affection. I spent a fortune treating his fleas, and Rosie was very happy. He was a perfect replacement for Monty, who'd been run over some years ago. Lucy (our other cat) wasn't so enthusiastic, but she'd get used to him.
Then I decided to take him to the vet. I was advised to have him tested for feline AIDS and leukaemia before spending any more money on him. He tested positive for feline AIDS.
There wasn't really a decision to make. There's no vaccine for feline AIDS and no cure. Although he seemed perfectly fit and healthy, he would have slowly deteriorated and eventually died (apparently). The disease is contagious, and it really wasn't fair on the other cats in the neighbourhood, to let him roam. He was put to sleep there and then.
Although it was sad, walking away from the vet's with an empty box, I believe I did the right thing. At least I'd given him a nice home for his last few months, and prevented him suffering. Although not the way I would have chosen to start the new year, the timing was rather apt. It was a painful reminder that sometimes we have to let go of something or someone, because in the long term, for everyone concerned, it's the best way forward. In the case of something or someone we cared about, it can be hard, but you just have to forget the past and move on.
And Rosie? She talks about wanting a new kitten, but I'm not very keen! At the moment she has Michael building her a new computer for her birthday - perhaps that will be compensation for a while!
6th January 2002
