Love to Dexter

[Not Afraid]

I got Dexter just over 10 years ago from an adoption agency at PetSmart. He as about 5 months old and an adorable little boy. I was right in the middle of absolute HELL in my life. I was getting divorced, my Mother had just died, my sister was taking us all to court over my parents’ estate, the company I was working for went belly-up and I was doing a lot of self-medicating. I had gotten one of the former “our” cats in the divorce settlement and decided Aloysius needed a friend.

Dexter was different from any cat I’ve ever had. I was never a fan of the stripped variety but I wanted something new and different. They had named him “Brownie” at the adoption agency. He was in a cage with a big, cross-eyes black cat. After I held him, I put him back in the cage and he immediately started “making biscuits” on the other cat. He was obviously a friendly boy. I named him C.K.Dexter Haven after the Cary Grant character in The Philladelphia Story- my favorite movie.

Aloisious was not too excited when I brought Dexter home, but within a day I caught them curled up together on a chair. Dex could win over anyone. Whenever I came home, he trotted across the floor very excited to see me. We used to “talk” for him and I know he was saying “Mommy’s home! Mommy’s home!” He’d roll over on his back and wait for me to rub his belly. He never did this for anyone else.

He had some intenstional problems at first and, one day, he got some poop stuck to his foot. You know how nick names evolve? It’s just one of those things. But, after that day poopie kitty became Pookie – is other name – and the name we call him most. It is also the name he knows best. (He also thinks his name is “Cute” or “Turkey”. ;))

My life continued to be tumultuous – to say the least. I ended another relationship, moved in with another friend and started the long road to attempt to repair and regain my life. Dexter seemed to be the only bit of stability I had in my life. He gave me unconditional love, hours of entertainment, shared my egg mcmuffin breakfasts and, at night, spooned with me in bed with his head on the pillow – like a little human. I had never loved a pet as much as I loved Dexter and, at that time in my life, he was sometimes the only thing that kept me going. It now seems like a lot of responsibility for a little boy.

Slowly, my life got better. Dex rolled with the many moves and the introduction of new brothers (both feline and canine). He has always been a happy, easy going kitty with other animals. He loves all of his current brothers but especially loves Scoundrel. The two of them can usually be found snuggled together in a sunny spot. It is the Ying and Yang of cats – the VERY good and the VERY bad.

I learned today that Dexter has cancer. It is an aggressive form on a sarcoma in his jaw bone. There is no way to operate or treat it. So, for now, I just have to enjoy the time I have left with him and make him as comfortable as possible. Someday soon, I may have to say goodbye to my very first (and best) love, but until then, all of the turkey, tuna and love is his for the asking.

http://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_PrettyPookie.JPG
http://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/Dexter%20attitude.jpg
http://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_IMG_3507.JPGhttp://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_IMG_2826.JPG

[AllyOops!]

Oh, Lisa! I'm so very, very sorry. I know just how much you love him & I can totally see why. He's such an adorable little guy!!

You, Chris & Dexter will all be in my prayers. I know the pain of losing a beloved pet to cancer. Enjoy the time that you two have, and make the most of every moment. On those dark days, let those memories be the light.

Lots of love & hugs,
~A

[Morrigoon]

*hugs* Dexter couldn't have asked for better "parents" than you

[innerSpaceman]

:( :( :( and :(


(sometimes we need a crying logo, not just the sad one)



Love Love LOVE to Dexter! Sweetest Cat. What a happy life you helped him attain, and he added so much to yours.

So keep him comfie as long as possible ... and then do what most of us would want to happen when confronted with the protractedness of ultimate ick.


<Hugs All Around>

[BarTopDancer]

kitty. :(

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Aw, our love and sympathy-- from Tom, Lillian, Dorothy and myself.

[blueerica]

We love Pookie! YAY!

OK, I'm in the computer lab on campus and I'm starting to tear up. I need to get a little bit of a grip. Dexter is one of the sweetest cats I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. Enjoy the time you have with him, and know he's had the joy of your company as well.

[DreadPirateRoberts]

:(

[Kevy Baby]

Okay, I have to admit to being a little choked up at the moment. After reading such a loving and heartfelt story (even though we already know how much you love your kibbies), and then to learn the terrible news is just painful. Please know that we send our love and support to you and Pookie (and Chris, Scoundrel, and all the rest).

I named him C.K.Dexter Haven after the Cary Grant character in The Philladelphia Story- my favorite movie.I never knew that: neither the genesis of his name nor that The Philadelphia Story is your favorite movie.

[Stan4dSteph]

I wasn't really a cat person until I met your cats. They won me over, especially Dexter. His run to the fridge for turkey always made me smile.

Here's hoping that the remaining time is full of love and turkey. Big hugs to you Pookie.

[mousepod]

I'm very happy that I got to meet Dex. I always say that I'm not a "cat person," but every once in a while I meet one with such a winning personality (cat-ality?) that I become species-blind. Your kitties do that for me, NA.

Big hugs to you and Dex from us and the puppies. He and Inca would have made a dashing couple.

[katiesue]

Oh Lisa I'm so sorry. What a moving tribute. I'll be sending positive thoughts your way.

[Capt Jack]

sounds like he's lived a life we could all envy. loved and cared for, asked only for that in return and happily given in droves.

my deepest sympathies. enjoy the time to the fullest.

[~MS~]

Oh Lisa, there just aren't words...I'm sitting here typing thru tears for you and Chris....

[Ghoulish Delight]

:( :( I love that cat. And he loves you. I see a lot of turkey in his near future.

[Brigitte]

Oh that's awful :( Lots of snuggles for my kitties tonight, I know how hard it is to go through this. We'll be thinking of you and Dexter.

[Snowflake]

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS and LOVE to all of you}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

I'm sitting here at my desk weeping for you and sending loving vibes to Dexter, NA, Euro and Buster, Jack, Scoundrel, Aleister, Charles (and who amd I forgetting???)

:( :( :( :( :(

[Ghoulish Delight]

(you got 'em all Snowflake)

[JWBear]

{{HUGS}}

[Prudence]

Oh no! Much sadness. Hugs and love to you, Dexter, and the rest of the menagerie.

[flippyshark]

I love Dexter!!!

Big fuzzy hugs from me and my own feline family. We'll be thinking about you.

[wendybeth]

I'm so sorry and so sad.

I love Dex- from the time you intro'd him as your avatar, and especially after I met the boy. He's a major lovebug who has totally stolen my heart, and I'm just so sorry. He's been your guy through so much, and this just seems so cruel. I'm glad you have him and he has you- now it's your turn to see him through this, and I've no doubt he'll remain your happy, sweet boy through it all.

Big, big hugs all around.

[Disneykat]

Oh Lisa. My heart is breaking for you. I know what it is like to have a cat whose seen you through the storms of life. That was my Marley. No matter what he stuck by me and loved me.

If you need to talk, I'm here for you honey. I know Dexter will be happy no matter what, to his very last days because he has your love.

[Not Afraid]

Thank you everone. I've been a complete mess since I found out the news. I've probably dehydrated myself crying on and off for most of the day. It's a lot to process. It makes me relive that horrible time of my life and what a sweetheart - and a trooper - Dex was through it all.

Weird story of the day - the soundtrack for my life during that horrible period of time was Alanis Morrisett 1st album. I haven't heard it in ages. I walked into Gus' house (Gus is my favorite pug and dog ever) this afternoon and "You Oughta Know" was playing on the iPod. I completely lost it and big, loving Gus just sat on me and licked my tears.

There are always wierd coincidences in my life when I'm faced with death. It's just so odd.

[Capt Jack]

There are always wierd coincidences in my life when I'm faced with death. It's just so odd.

Ive noticed this myself. I view it as (God, for lack of another term) reminding you youre not alone.

[Betty]

Your story was very touching and moved me to tears. What a lucky kitty (and you) to have found each other and been able to spend so much of your life with each other.

I hope Dexter gets all the love and treats and happiness he could hope for and that you get to spend lot's more time together.

[Gemini Cricket]

Poor kitty. Hang in there, Ms. Lisa.
:(

[madmonkeygirl]

NA so sorry to hear the news. I love Dexter when i was over. He is by far a real sweetheart. One cat lover to the next. He's lucky he has you he really is. Hang in there. Love from our kitties (Steven, Jonny and Jovi) to yours as well.

[thecorndogwalker]

Im so sorry Lisa, I hope you are doing well.. I will keep Dexter in my prayers...

[MouseWife]

Lisa, I am so very sorry. What a handsome cat Mr. Dexter is. Love the photos of him. I am so sad about the news.

But, yes, isn't it strange, ironic, how, when at our lowest and most alone, something will happen and remind us that we are not?

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

Oh, man Lisa. Much love for this post, for Dexter, for you and animal lovers everywhere. Lovely writing, lady.

[Strangler Lewis]

That's a beautiful tribute. I'm sorry about Dexter. I hope things don't get too hard on him, or you, in the time ahead.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

:(

Those of us that visit your house - and that's most of us - know how wonderful your home is for the cats that inhabit it. I hope you find comfort in knowing that you have always done right by Dexter. He'll be missed.

[Disneyphile]

Lisa, I give you and Dexter all my love and support that I can muster. I wish him a comfortable and happy transformation to a free spirit. He's well-loved and knows it, so he'll always be with you. He knows you've overcome those old challenges, so perhaps his job is done. Give him lots of turkey and lovin'. He's definitely earned it.

[Chernabog]

Oh honey IsM just pointed me to this thread, I am so so so sorry to hear about Dexter. Just keep spoiling that cat rotten!!! :)

You guys have given him so much love, and he's loved you back. I'll pray for your continued acceptance and serenity, and please call me if you need to talk!!!

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Poor little kitty. Best thoughts!

[innerSpaceman]

oh, and I don't know how or if this relates to Dexter's situation, but the docs told us my sweet cancer-ridden pup Peyote would have about 6 months of decent quality of life.



It was 2 years.

[Kevy Baby]

And Susan is at the vet with one of our dragons (yes, we take them to the vet) and the diagnosis is either 1) fluid in the lungs (either pneumonia or an infection), 2) lung cancer (I don't know how she sneaks the cigarettes - we never see her smoking), or 3) heart or liver disease. He gave us some antibiotics (the vet gave her a shot and then we have to give her another shot on Monday). If it is anything that the antibiotics don't cover...

[libraryvixen]

Lisa and Chris... :( I'm so sorry! My love to you guys during this hard time.

*sniff* :(

[SzczerbiakManiac]

Sweet little baby. :(
I'm so sorry to hear this NA.

[wolfy999]

So glad I ran into you today and you told me about Dexter (what a beautiful kitty)....I'm so sorry for what you are facing, but we're here for you! Hugs to both you and Chris!

[Babette]

My thoughts are with you and that furry little guy. I remember playing and cuddling with him one of the last times I was over there. Such a sweetie. :(

[cirquelover]

I am so sorry Lisa. I'm sorry I didn't see this thread earlier. I don't go into open mic that much.
Love Dexter all you can and know how much he loves you and appreciates all you've done for him!
You are all in my thoughts:(

[blueerica]

I saw this thread resurrected and my heart went thud. This still makes me so sad - Dexter is such a good little boy.

[Not Afraid]

Dexter is still hanging in there. He tumor is obviously growing but he's still eating, so that's a good thing. He seems sort of ok for now. I'm just watching for him to start feeling major discomfort.

[lashbear]

Big Bear Hugs from the LashPair - I'm glad we got to meet him too!

[Disneykat]

NA, I am thinking of you and hoping Dexter has a happy comfy few months. You're such a good mommy to him.

[Not Afraid]

I sad goodbye to my sweet little boy this afternoon. It was probably the most difficult decision I've ever had to make. He is now gone from our home, but never will be gone from my life. Dexter was and will always be first true kitty love. Goodbye my love.

[wendybeth]

:(



I'm too sad to even say anything, except I'm so sorry.

[Prudence]

Oh I was so hoping that wouldn't be the reason this thread had activity.

I am happy that Dexter was so well-cared for, but so sad for those he left behind.

[Strangler Lewis]

That's very sad. Take care of yourselves.

[~MS~]

Dearest Lisa and Chris...my deepest sympathies. I know you are hurting right now but love means doing what's best even when it hurts. Your baby boy knows you'll hold him in your heart forever. I wish I were close enough just to give you a hug right about now.

[JWBear]

<<<HUGS>>>

[BarTopDancer]

:( kitty

[mousepod]

I'm really sorry, Lisa.

I don't know what else to say.

[Gemini Cricket]

My condolences, Lisa & Chris.
:(

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

So sorry to hear this news. :(

[Capt Jack]

:(
I have no words. Im sorry.

[Stan4dSteph]

I'm sorry to hear the news. I'm glad I was able to meet Dexter. He was a very sweet boy.

[Babette]

:( sniff sniff

Goodbye sweet kitty. Hugs to the family in the bungalow.

[lindyhop]

I'm so sorry.

[Kevy Baby]

I didn't want to open this thread.

I am so sorry to hear of your loss Lisa. You gave Dexter all the love one can give. And letting go was the greatest gift of all (and the hardest).

[Snowflake]

:(
no smiles, my heart goes out to Lisa and Chris. I'm so terribly sorry for your loss. Godspeed Dexter, you were and are loved and will be missed.
{{{HUGS}}}

[blueerica]

Ahh, I've been thinking about you guys much of the day. I feel very fortunate to have gotten the chance to spend time with him and pet him this Saturday, and I thank you for that. He was such a special cat.

Give a hug to Scoundrel and take care of yourselves.

:(

[DreadPirateRoberts]

I'm sorry :(

[MouseWife]

Lisa and Chris, I am so sorry to hear about Dexter.

You are right, he may not be in your home but he is forever in your heart.

[Motorboat Cruiser]

Lisa and Chris,

I am so saddened to hear this news about Dexter. He was such a sweetie.

Losing a pet that has been a part of your lives for so many years is so damn painful, even when you know they are no longer suffering. Matthew and I share your pain and offer our condolences. We will keep you in our thoughts.

I'm so sorry.

[Ghoulish Delight]

:( Unhappy news to start the day. He will be missed and remembered.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

:( Much love to you guys.

[flippyshark]

Such sad news. Since Dexter was the cat who "started it all" for you, that makes him quite an exceptional and extraordinary cat. You were lucky to find him, and he was incredibly lucky to find you. <Big hugs>

[Chernabog]

Oh Chirs & Lisa I am so sorry to hear about Dexter :( :( You gave that cat a wonderful life. Grant me the serenity.... You made the right decision, and if there's anything I can do please let me know ((hugs))

[cirquelover]

I'm sorry Lisa & Chris. Remember the good times and he will always be in your hearts and minds.

[katiesue]

I'm so sorry.

[SzczerbiakManiac]

Oh sweetie, I'm so sorry to hear this. :(

[Disneykat]

Lisa, I love you. I know Dexter will always be at home watching out for your other sweet babies. I asked Marley to play with him as soon as I read the news.

I love you, I love your compassion and love for all animals. You are a great fur mommy and like I said...Dexter is the luckiest kitty in the world. The right thing is always the hardest thing to do for our beloved babies. i know you did the best thing for Dex. I know he still loves you to this day. Latte is to me what Dexter has been to you...the one true constant man in my life. No one will ev er replace Dex in your life. He'll always be a part of your life.

Here's to you sweet Dexter!!!!!! With lots of love.

[BunnyTravolta]

I am so very sorry for your loss. You have my utmost sympathy and understanding. I lost my best cat Toby to CRF when I was 13, and I was totally crushed by it. He was this little feral farm kitty we got from my moms' folks when I was just 2. We took him all over the States and all over the world with us. Age finally caught up to him, and my parents had him put to sleep (I hate that euphemism.)
Please don't take this the wrong way, but I am glad you got to say goodbye to your best pal. I never did, and to this day it still gives me a lump in my throat thinking about it.
I know he was so very lucky to have you as his best pal and Mommy, and I know you made the right decision for him.

Take care, and God bless.

Bunny T.
a/k/a
Ryan

[AllyOops!]

My love, prayers & condolences are with you both during this most difficult time. :(

God Bless,
~A

[Matterhorn Fan]

I'm sorry to hear this.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Lisa and Chris -

We may be far away right now but our thoughts are with you. We have some idea of the kind of love you have lost, and we can't express enough the depth of our sympathy.

Love,
Tom and Heidi

[Boss Radio]

My condolences.
May he find eternal peace and catnip.

[CoasterMatt]

meow :(

[madmonkeygirl]

So sorry to hear this Chris and Lisa. (((HUGS))) Dexter is in Rainbow Ridge (a place all kitties and doggies go to after they have had their time on this earth) He is at peace and he is running around chasing mice and birds and is very happy.

[madmonkeygirl]

NA if you when you wanna adopt again we have a bunch of kitties in the store but they are too young to be adopted just yet.