A heart unbroken

It was an early morning. As I awoke, getting ready to go for classes, I realize that my male cat, "Wolfie". Is nowhere to be found. I am very alarmed, yet calm at the same time. When you own animals long enough, you get used to the fact that you are going to have those "Oh no, where is my (fill in the blank) animal??" It's just natural. When I was looking around the house at 6:45 am, I was alarmed, yet calm. This lasted exactly until 6:46 am.

Wolfie was missing. He is an indoor only cat. I acquired this sexy little specimen of a feline in August of 2001, on his way to the pound. He was a "free with any purchase, please take him" kind of cat. But my bond with him was immediately strong and I wasn't out looking for another kitty. Yet there he was, mewing at me and my dog for affection. It worked. And that day I took him home with his own personal squeaky cricket toy.

When Wolfie was 3.5 years old, he was diagnosed with kidney disease. Obviously a bad set of genetics from his parents. We went though many treatments, lots of heartaches, and many more physiological issues. I was told that my little man would survive 2-3 more years if lucky. So imagine my complete distraught when the little guy escapes. His requirement of a special diet makes finding him in a timely manner of the essence. It's been over 5 years since the original prognosis; what a travesty to lose him like this.

I skip class, I search for hours (day and night), to look for my "son". And then, 48 hours after his initial escape, we find him. No, he didn't come home as many predicted. We found him lingering near a busy road way down the street; hundreds of 'missing cat' flyers and thousands of tears later.

I have never taken his health for granted. I always knew that one day I could come home and have him take a turn for the worse. But I never expected him to scoot out the door unnoticed. I needed that.

I have been so worried about making all A's and B's in vet school, I have neglected time with what matters most. I'll take all C's and be happy to enjoy time with friends, family, loved ones, and pets to take that relaxing B or C over the stressed out A. As long as I truly know the material- does it matter to study for an exam, or study to learn??

Wolfie's escape was a wake up call. Even though I already knew that every day with him was a gift, I didn't realize every day of mine is also a gift. So, Wolfgang VonSchroder, honey precious snuggum bear, honey sexy, love of my life, black fur ball of love, prince fluffykins, the dark knight.... mommy loves you. I'm glad you came home to unbreak my heart....but don't pull that again. Please? ;)