As I’d posted previously, Studley was diagnosed with cancer a few weeks ago. I opted not to pursue IV chemotherapy or immunotherapy (vaccination therapy). While they might have slowed the progress of the cancer, it would have meant a lot of unhappy car trips for my little man. He’d been losing weight drastically since January, so I wasn’t optimistic any treatment would buy him much time. We did put him on oral prednisolone (steroids) to hopefully reduce the swelling in his lymph nodes, increase his appetite and make him more comfortable.
For two weeks, the steroids helped – he was eating more and seemingly feeling better. Due to the weight loss, he was even able to do things like hop up to the back of the couch – something he hadn’t been able to do previously. However, the past week he started to deteriorate again. He lost 6 ounces. He vomited violently on Sunday. I felt we should spend one last, really nice, weekend together, and then ask the vet to help him move on. Maybe this was a selfless act on my part, wanting him to move on BEFORE he was suffering and unhappy – while he was still having relatively good days filled with sunshine and fresh air in our outdoor window encosure. Perhaps it was selfish, wanting to spare myself the agony of watching my little man die. Maybe it was both. I’m not sure.
Studley, his last weekend
I do know I loved Studley with all my heart. He was my sensitive guy. He always knew when I needed comfort and cuddled up against me to provide it. He was still pretty feral when he was first trapped, but he learned over the years to love people and would take advantage of any willing lap or hand ready to pet him. He didn’t vocalize often, but when he did people often laughed at the tentative little meow coming out of the big tough-guy body.
Studley’s gone, and while I’ve lost many cats over the past years, it never gets easier. Studley isn’t here to comfort me this time. The three girls, the princesses, and I will carry on without our prince. Fly free, my little man. Be whole again. I hope you run with your old friends – Omaha, Afer, Louie, Ralphie, and all your buddies. I’m sure you’ll enjoy wrestling with Louie and Ralphie again – and this time Ralphie won’t be able to take advantage by circling around to your side without sight. Enjoy the sunshine and the fresh air and all the joys beyond this world.
Studley with Louie
I love you forever.
Life of the Lintee Bean 
I am so very sorry for your loss Lynette. I almost typed “our” loss because as always, your kids have always been shared through your stories. I am praying that Studley is having fun with all his old buddies again. You rescued him and gave him a safe and loving home like he could not have imagined when he was sitting outside in the cold and rain. He probably thought he was already in heaven. I am crying with you right now Lynette, but I am sure that he is at peace and will always be a part of your life. They teach us so much while they are with us.
Lynette, I’m so very very sorry for the loss of your Studley. He sounds like such a sweet boy. You’ve had so many losses in such a short time. I hope I have the courage you had to make the passing of my two cats easier on them when the time comes. I lost my big boy unexpectedly eight months ago to cardiomyopathy. He was my comforter (with a tiny meow) and I’m still grieving him. Reading about your losses here on your blog has helped me, as have the articles about pancreatitis and cat food. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and wisdom. You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers.
Sorry Lynette… it never gets any easier. At least we can feel blessed that we had time with our precious kitties (and dogs) – but not enough time, I know.
This sadness is a tiny oart of what they bring us. It is so clear that you have so much love to give, and that is such a beautiful thing. Thank you for bringing beauty to our world.
Your commentary made me cry (and think of my little man Rascal). Thoughts are with you. It’s hard.
Lynette, I am so sorry to hear this sad news about Studley. You made his world a whole lot better. Tigger sends his purrs to you!
Lynette,
Little man was an angel, who struck gold the day you found him. Sending hugs your way! Sam xoxo
Lynette,
Tears for your broken heart. Angelwings, dear Studley.
Hey Lynette, thinking of you and your Studley. I know you never stop missing the loved ones.
Steve and Jock
Lynette- my heart goes out to you. Studley was such a sweet little boy. I’ve lighten a virtual candle so he knows we’re all by his side.
Hi Lynette, I try to keep up with you, your kitties and your yarn projects via your blog from time to time. You really are an amazing writter ya know! Anyhoo…I am sorry to come here today and read about Studley, another gentle giant gone ahead.
Many hugs,
Ruthe
Goodbye Studley. Oh Lynette, you made me cry so hard…
Oh Lynette, I’m so sorry you had to say goodbye to another of your beautiful furbabies. They are so fortunate to be with you. You give them tremendous care! But still it is so hard; it hurts.
You are a huge inspiration and source of information to me. I miss reading your posts on the FD boards, but I read here regularly.
Hugs,
Jen and Gump (if you remember him, he’s 16 & pretty much OTJ now)
fly free, mr studley
*cry*