Sugarbutt.
June 28, 2005 – July 8, 2015.
This happened Wednesday evening, but I’m having a hard time dealing with it, so I hope you’ll forgive me for not telling you before now.
We had to say goodbye to Sugarbutt on Wednesday.
He developed an upper respiratory infection last week, so we took him to the vet. He was on meds over the weekend. He got a little better, and then he got worse, so Fred took him back to the vet. The vet pointed out that Sugarbutt was jaundiced and kept him to do blood work and give him fluids. The tests came back positive for Hepatic Lipidosis. The vet said that he hadn’t seen a cat go downhill so quickly, and thought that maybe his liver hadn’t been operating at full capacity to start with. They were in the process of trying to get him to eat on his own (knowing that a feeding tube was a likelihood), and he crashed. He was still alive by Wednesday evening, but there was really bad neurological damage, and the vet didn’t think that he would pull through. When we went to see him, he had that look in his eyes, and we made the decision to let him go.
With Miz Poo, it was expected and we knew that her time was coming, but with Sugarbutt it was a complete surprise. I’m having a hard time even thinking about him, it has knocked the breath right out of me. This is the second cat we’ve lost unexpectedly this year, and the third total. He was only 10.
I would ordinarily finish this post with a history and lots of pics of Sugarbutt, but I can’t bear to look through all his pictures just yet. I’ll get one put together in a few days.
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Previously
2014: Jake was all, “Where’d they COME from?!”
2013: “Oh. I didn’t know YOU were up there.”
2012: “I put on my Stranger Danger floof, and I arched up and I gave the STRANGER a look so he’d know not to mess with me.”
2011: That’s quite the little pile of kittens, no?
2010: No entry.
2009: No entry.
2008: I adore this picture, because it looks like Zoe is airborne, that the purple thing is the rug and she’s in a mid-air Matrix move.
2007: Break my heart, why dontcha?
2006: No entry.
2005: I swear, Oy bounces around so bright-eyed and full of energy that it’s hard to get him to stand still.
So sorry to hear this news. Sending our warmest thoughts to you and Fred.
We are so sorry to hear of Sugarbutts death. Sending loads of purrs, headbutts and prayers to you and Fred. It’s always hard when it’s unexpected. Take some time off to grieve properly we’ll all be here when you get back. Sugarbutt run free over the rainbow bridge.
So sorry for your loss.
I can’t imagine the heartbreak you both are experiencing right now. I hope all the other kitties and creatures you care for are extra supportive of you all right now, and sharing lots of kisses and cuddles.
My heart is just breaking for you guys.
So sad for you guys- this was a shocker.
He was well loved and had a great life. He will be missed.
How very heartbreaking. I am in disbelief and beyond words. Please know that you and Fred have my deepest sympathies.
Oh Robyn and Fred, I’m so sorry to hear about Sugarbutt. You’re not alone – I had to put my sweet 16 year old Mae down on Wednesday as well. I had barely any warning either; she stopped eating and went down hill very quickly, in the space of a week. Turns out she had an abdominal tumor almost as wide as she was.
I still can’t look through her pictures either. Take comfort in the ones you have living with you. They know you’re hurting, and do everything they can to bring light back into your life. And if he’s hanging out with my Mae? Sweet.
Brigitte, Atticus and Malcolm in Toronto
I am so very sorry. It sucks whether you know they are going or you don’t know. I am glad you had a chance to see him before he passed. ((HUGS))
My first response was no, absolutely not. Not Sugarbutt.
So sorry for you and Fred. You have my sympathies for your loss. No flowery words.
Just know that Sugarbutt will be mourned/missed by many. You, Fred and the others residents are in my thoughts.
I’m so sorry! What a horrible shock – much too young. Poor boy!
Robin and Fred, I’m so sorry for the loss of Sugarbutt, Oh my, what a year. May fond memories bring you peace. /hugs
My condolences for the loss of Sugarbutt. It’s been a rough year, hasn’t it?
Purrs to you, Fred, and all the permanent residents. I’m so sorry for all your losses. Thank you for all you do for cats and humans everywhere. Maybe we (your readers) can (by commenting) return a little of the joy you give us to support you and yours during this difficult time.
So very sorry to hear of Sugarbutt’s passing. He was my favorite.
I hit this page and just closed the tab at first, because it couldn’t be true. I’m so sorry. You gave him such a loved life. My condolences to your entire family.
I’m crying for you and hugging all of my kitties a little bit tighter today.
I am so, so sorry for your loss. It is always devastating to lose a beloved pet, but it is even worse when it is so unexpected. I hope you and Fred take comfort that Sugarbutt had the best possible life at Crooked Acres.
I’m so sorry. I’ll miss his furry orange self. Hugs to the crooked acres clan.
So,so sorry Robyn and Fred. I hate to hear about Sugarbutt. He’s one of my favorites. It just feels so unfair to lose them suddenly. We have them such a little while as it is. I’m thinking of you all hope you get comfort from all the thoughts coming your way.
Oh, I am so sorry. How sad. I lost my too-young Amber this April very suddenly and the shock was horrid. Hugs and prayers to you and yours, human and other.
Robyn and Fred, I am so sorry for your loss. The orange kitties hold a special place in my heart and Sugarbutt seemed like really sweet boy.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. A few years back I lost my two cats a year apart, one expected and the other very suddenly, and both ways are awful. Thinking of you and Fred and the furballs.
Robyn, I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember when you were fostering him and Tommy. You and Fred gave him a great life! You and Fred and the kitties are in my thoughts.
Robyn, I am so very sorry. What a shock. I’m sorry you’ve been having a bad year losing your furry babies. Sending hugs and love. My heart is broken for you.
I am so very very sorry for your very very tough loss. Not much else to say, except hugs.
I’m so sorry to hear about Sugarbutt. Ginger boys are the best.
So sorry. I’ll miss him.
What the hell is happening…noooooo,no,no,no. Nobody deserves a year like this, where you have to say goodbye so often. You and Fred and the kitties all bring so much light into our days…I’m sobbing as I write this. You guys do so much for us — is there anything at all we can do for you?
So very sorry to hear of sugarbutt’s sudden passing.
Wish I could give you a hug, I understand how hard this is.
Take a breather, cry some tears and let the goofy memories wash over you.
And play with kittens…
What a terrible shock, I’m so sorry for you all.
Oh, Robyn! I’m so sorry. It sounds like you made the right decision, but no less heartbreaking.
Oh,Suggs, beautiful Suggs! I am so, so sorry for your loss.
Rest in peace, Sugarbutt. My heart goes out to all of you.
So sorry Robyn, what a special guy Sugarbutt was.
So very, very sorry to hear this news. I know how it feels to lose a beloved pet suddenly like that, when you’re unprepared. It’s devestating. And he was so young. My thoughts and love are with you and Fred and the other cats also.
Oh. Robyn. I’m so very sorry. I know there’s not words to make you feel better but I’m so very sorry. That’s so unexpected and I just can’t believe it. Oh. Hugs to you and Fred both. I’m thinking of you guys.
So terribly sorry to hear about Sugarbutt, Robyn. Sending you and Fred all my best. We never have them with us long enough.
Oh no, not Sugie!!! Robyn and Fred I am so very sorry for your loss, I just can’t find words to express it. Sending lots of hugs to you.
I am so sad to hear of your loss. You and Fred must be reeling with the drunkenness of it. Sending warm bugs your way.
I am so sorry. It is never easy to lose a furbaby and even harder when it is completely unexpected. Big hugs to you and Fred and all of the residents of Crooked Acres.
I have no words. It’s just heartbreaking and I can’t stop crying when I think of how sad you must be 🙁 I’m so sorry *hug*
I am so very, very sorry. He was a well loved kitty.
Aw, no. I’m so so sorry. Prayers for you and Fred.
I’m so, so sorry. Arohanui ki a koutou.
What a shock. I’m so sorry for you guys–you’ve had a rough year. Rest easy, Sugarbutt, you were loved. Sending you a virtual hug that you find some peace and comfort.
Oh, I’m sorry about Sugarbutt and Miz Poo. I’ve always liked reading about them, probably because you were obviously fond of them both. Our vet told me that cats are really good at hiding their symptoms until it’s a critical situation. I wish they’d let us know when they just feel a little off and it’s possible to intervene in time to do some good. Anyway, we’re still missing our little old Hambone kitty here, and I’m sure you’re missing your little buddies, too.
{{{Hugs}}} and tears.
Please be gentle with yourself, give yourself time to grieve.
That you’ve lost both Miz Pooh and Sugarbutt so soon together makes me want to rail. My heart breaks for you.
I am so sorry about Sugarbutt. It can happen so fast, like with Calpurnia, and be such a shock. You gave him a great life, and soon that will be a consolation.
I am so sorry to hear this. We lost three cats to old age and one to an unexpected crash like this (four total) in the last 3 years, still reeling from it all, and missing them like crazy. Sending good vibes, in the hope that it helps.
Our condolences to you & Fred.
This is really awful, unfair, and heartbreaking.
Sending much love to you both.
You have so many comments you probably won’t see this one. But I am so so so sorry. Have lost babies like Sugarbutt. Special guy. Can’t help, but know that your readers all empathize. Hugs to you, even if you aren’t a hugger.
it’s amazing how many readers come out of the lurk when a kitty goes to foreverland
It so sad that Sugarbutt’s gone so sudden 🙁
Just today I read Dooce lost Chuck and now you lost Sugarbutt.
Hugs Hugs
I’m so sorry. He will be a missed permanent resident. It always hurts, but especially when there’s so little warning. Sending you much love.
Oh Robyn, I’m so sorry for you and Fred. My thoughts are with you both…
I was so, so sorry to read this news… my heart hurts for you guys 🙁
I can’t believe it’s the third time this year. Honestly, this is some kind of perverted jinx. So, so unfair to have to say goodbye to Sugarbutt, of all the kitties in the world. I’m so terribly sorry for you. So terribly sorry, dearest.
This is absolutely heartbreaking news,and I can’t even imagine how you are coping,after all the loves you’ve had to say goodbye to this year.Know that Sugarbutt will always be remembered with love and affection by all his fans,and your readers.He was (like all your kits) a very special dude.
I am so so sorry for your loss 🙁
I am so sorry to hear of Sugarbutt’s unexpected passing. My heart goes out to you and Fred. Too much loss, too close together in time.
Tears….I am SO SORRY to hear about this dear sweet fella. I know this sounds strange saying this about a fella I have never physically met but thru your blog I feel I knew him very well. I understand the hurt you and Fred are feeling, it is truly like you have lost a human family member. I will pray for comfort in ya’ll hearts, what little that will help.
Also, I will make a donation in his name to Laurie, Charlene and Wee Wylia.
So sorry again…
Whoops! Sorry, now that I have read this again (through all my tears)(I can only imagine yourself and Fred) I see that you would like donations made to Challengers House. I will do that as soon as they return my call. Again, I am so sorry to hear this. I think Sugerbutt was my “favorite”.
Words fail. I’m so sorry. I once lost two cats within a month. It was just soooo awful. I’m so sorry. Sending lots of love and prayers to you and Fred.
I am so so sorry. He was always my favorite, especially so since he was the twin to my beloved Tody. Only real difference was that Tody only had one eye. I’m doubly glad now that I got the shot glass and tote as now I’ll always have him with me.
Hugs to you and Fred and all the fur babies. I know what it’s like to have it happen so suddenly.
I’m so very sorry for your loss, and to lose two so close together is so terrible. My heart goes out to you and Fred. It’s always so much harder to process when they go suddenly – though you’re never truly prepared to lose them, no matter their age or how much time you get to say good bye.
We are so sorry Sugarbutt went downhill so fast and that you had to make that tough decision. Sending our most sincere apologies, hugs, and soft purrs.
Oh, no! I just saw this — I’m so sorry, Robyn and Fred.
Aw, guys, I’m so, so sorry to hear this!
I’m so sorry. Having this happen unexpectedly after Miz Poo is just awful.