Jane left us on Thursday, Dec. 30.
She was a devoted friend who never failed to intrigue and amuse. A loving family member, and all around good egg — except to the fellow cats she disdained. Sorry Lars.
She enjoyed inspecting tool boxes, and car trips where she could hoist her then-rotund body on the dashboard before being whisked off. She also preferred male company and was known to sleep with visiting guests. She did not mind dogs at all and was actually pretty dog-like in character and body language. She was driven by curiosity, even trying to figure out the medical apparatus she regularly encountered this past year.
She never met a meal she didn’t like. Paper bags ranked as another favorite, along with deep closets and high spots. She liked to cock her head when spoken to, as if trying to dissect the fumbling primate conversation. She was prone to hissing at anything she disfavored.
As her illness progressed, she became more appreciative of the human lap, a hug and a warm towel. Squamous cell carcinoma ravished her body, but could not totally rob Jane’s spirit. Many times it appeared she was leaving. Then she would rally and eagerly offer a morning greeting, almost as if to say, “Got ya.”
Jane appeared aware until the day after Christmas. She fretfully met us in the hallway after work in what turned out to be her last conscious effort. It began to seem as if the cancer had spread to her brain. Though we wanted Jane to die on her own terms as long as she was not in pain or unable to breathe, instead seizures took hold. She was rushed to her local vet, known as Dr. Mac, who agreed that it was time. A needle was preferable to death by seizure. Jane’s body quieted. In the end peace prevailed.
Jane is survived by two cats, her former nemesis, Lars, and the skittish Elmeria. In her last days Lars stopped chasing Jane and instead gently sniffed at her head. In recent days Elmeria seems to have drawn on Jane’s strength and is now coming downstairs to interact rather than hiding out upstairs as was her habit.
Jane’s body is being donated for study to the University of Florida where she will hopefully inspire researchers there to find a cure or better treatment for the dreaded feline scc. Though it has an aggressive nature in people and dogs, scc is most lethal in cats, striking generally at around age 10.
Jane lived several months past the average lifespan of a cat with scc. It is testimony to her strength and endurance and to the excellent medical care she received in Fort Lauderdale and Gainesville.
To our friend Oliver, the beautiful orange tabby, and all the other cats with scc, keep fighting in the Jane tradition. You deserve no less.
In Jane’s memory, updates will continue.
Happy New Year.
Jane was a long time condo resident.
Rest in Peace darling girl.What a fighter you were. I was so sorry to hear that you had lost your fight. Fly free now Jane
R.I.P. Jane.
I’m sorry to read of Jane’s passing and wish both you and her peace. My own beautiful Lucy died of the same disease on January 5.
Reading about Jane’s battle helped me to understand Lucy’s condition and our options better and I wanted to thank you for that and for Jane’s contribution to researching this illness.
Bless you and your family, human and otherwise, and all who cared for Jane.
Thank you. It helps to know that Jane touched such good and loving people.
Jen, what a beautiful tribute to a long-time loving companion. I know your heart is broken. I still get misty when I think of my Duncan. In fact, my eyes are all blurry now. My blessing was that Duncan just went to sleep and did not awaken. You did the right think for your baby and you know it. She, with all the others, will be waiting for us at the rainbow bridge. Some folks think this is silly, but I firmly believe it and accept it as a fact.
Did you ever read anything by Sylvia Browne about our pets’ afterlives? It is extremely interesting.
Many thanks, Thom. I will definitely look up Sylvia Browne.
If anyone deserved an afterlife, it’s Duncan.
While it is very hard to read your touching tribute, I felt the urge to let you know how thankful I am that you wrote it.
Our Kiki was diagnosed with SCC on March 8. The Tumor had destroyed much of her lower right jaw. We have grieved her loss so much although she has not yet left us. I know that it is only a matter of time until she decides the good fight is over.
I can’t express to you how much it means to me to be able to read your stories, share the love you have for these wonderful little furry children and know that you have felt this pain. I know we are not alone. Sometimes that makes all the difference.
Thank you,
Stephanie
It has been a year since Jane left us. And still, reading the above entries brings a tear to my eye.
Stephanie, is Kiki still with you? Thom, Duncan will always dwell in our hearts! KJ we are glad Jane’s battle helped you with Lucy’s SCC ordeal. Thanks to all who shared. You gave Jen & I strength.