ZIPPY

This is an update on Zippy (my buddy).our journey to E Lourdes shrine in Litchfield, conn. On Saturday, October 14th took a lot out of my Zippy! It was very very cold - even though Zippy wore his winter jacket, I think the cold took some pep away from my buddy. He had trouble walking, so we had to drive as close as we could, so Zippy could go up on the alter with us and light some candles for him and all the sick and suffering animals on this planet. We also took some photographs of Zippy and his sister tabby and me and my sister and some of the beautiful grounds upon which we traveled that day. Zippy lapped up some holy water and we took some home with us for my buddy. When Zip got into the car all nice and comfy on his bed, he put his head down and went to sleep, he was whipped! Our last stop of the day was to visit the blessed virgin Mary statue. Indeed she is grand! A beautiful life size splendor to behold! Zippy and tabby (his sister) stayed in the car. Us humans(2) ventured out to seek the help of the mother of Jesus and the universe. We prayed and asked for a miracle, if it was to be granted. We also took some photographs of the blessed mother. Said more prayers and then we were on our way home.

Zippy didn't eat much at all that day. I slept with my buddy that night(as I have done for the past almost 2 weeks). The next day Sunday we had a little get together with a couple of close friends. In actuality it was a celebration of Zip’s life. Zip just stayed on his nice soft bed in the living room , where he could keep his eyes on everybody.
Later that night it seemed like Zip was getting worse, his walking etc. Again he didn't eat anything he just drank. I knew from that point that something had to be done. This was not my strong alpha best friend, Zip was now a walking skeleton, his eyes not clear and bright. It was killing me also, to see my buddy slipping away from his life from this damn disease! Don't get me wrong - Zip was still strong enough to get up in the middle of the night, instead of barking to wake me up and let him out, he just decided to get himself up and walk to the back door and relieve himself on the rug right behind the backdoor. "what a good Zip." I said when I found out what he had done, he could not have picked a better spot in the house.

That Monday morning October 16th, my wife called Zippy's doctor and we brought Zippy down to oxford vet. Hospital. When I told Zip we were going for a ride, he got all excited and he did very well going down the front stairs and he trotted around on the front lawn and found a nice spot to water. Then when I said lets go, I opened the car door, I positioned him nice and straight so he could hop in the back seat. And hop he did, with no help from me! With his strong hind racing legs he gracefully flew into the back seat just like he always has! I followed him in and sat in the back with him for the 20 minute ride. I (we) knew it was time and I think Zip knew it to. Zip hesitated at first, when it was our time to walk down the hallway into the examining room (and he has never ever done that before - I think he knew). Zip's doctor said that we were doing the right thing, because Dr. Munson could tell by listening to Zip's heart that his time was near. My wife put her head on Zip's head told him she loved him and would not let him go, I had my hands on Zip's face and I told him he was going to be o.k. And that I love him, and that" we will be together again someday , I promise". I was facing my beloved buddy Zip (face to face, eye to eye, buddy to buddy) so when he left this physical world it was I that he saw last, so he would not be alone on his peaceful journey. Zip will be cremated and in a couple of days he will be back home with us again. Zip's sister tabby seemed so very sad and lost esp. the first 2 days. (today was only the third day without my buddy , but it seems so much longer!) Tabby stayed on Zip's bed in the living room for the first 2 days and nights,
(I slept there with her), her body language said it all. It is so sad to see her like this it breaks my heart!

"Rest in peace my buddy Zip, for we will be together again someday, I promise, I love you and I am so sorry"
your best friend always and forever your buddy, Bob