Grouch

This is a photo taken in July, 2010, shortly after we adopted Groucho (left) and Ducky. They both turned 13 this past April • What fun we’ve had over the years, watching him grow into a strong independent cat with a drive to always be the leader. He was playful and curious yet could be challenging at times. Little foam balls were his favorite, often skating with one across the floor, or assuming goalie in front of an open box while I tried to kick one past him. It didn’t happen often. We’ve been privileged to have many felines in our life together and what I’ll remember most was his sweet face, green eyes, and that pink nose • The X-ray taken at the Emergency Vet Clinic yesterday revealed a mass in his abdomen. It was so big it was pushing his intestines to one side, not allowing him to pass anything. His stomach was full of fluid. He paced and moved about the house all morning but by midday he was flat on his side yelping in pain. For us it happened quickly but he’s obviously been suffering for awhile • Grouch was put to sleep while we stroked him and softly told him we loved him and to let go. His ashes will be ready in about a week • We are heartbroken, as you can imagine.