A Good Day to Die

"It's a good day to die" quotes from Crazy Horse, to Robin Hood, to Star Trek; today for my cat Stretch. She sunned on the front porch early this morning, came in to lay in her box by the wood stove, then we coaxed her into the travel box in which she had many trips to the vet in recent weeks. Finally determining that the sore on her nose was cancer, it was time to send her on her way.

On the way home I listened to a Steve Miller song, Key to the Highway, with a sad, bluesy harp he moans"I'm gonna roam this highway til my dyin' day. When the moon passes over the mountain,I'll be on my way. Kiss me before I go cause when I leave here I won't be back anymore.

Somehow petting her fur on the way home was a comfort to me as I tried to send her comfort on her way, not knowing whether to wish her the priviledge of life as a human being (with all of it's bullshit) or an even better animal rebirth.

I just feel so bad having to choose to be instrumental in her death. But after much consideration we must do what we feel is right .

Text and pictures © 2010 Mona E. Dunn