Smokey Joe 2 years old. Died 2/9/11 10:00am

by Bill
(Dearborn, MI, USA)

Poor "Smokey Joey" as I called him. He was a best friend and companion. He became part of me in the short time I had him. He walked with me through the house as if he knew exactly what I was doing and made sure to be with me. He loved the water. From the time he was a kitten he always came in the bathroom and stood on the ledge of the bathtub in between the shower curtains and watched me take a shower. He would come running from anywhere in the house when he heard that water turned on just to be there with me. I don't know what killed him. Whatever it was it came on quick and before I knew it he was gone. All I know is the last time I saw him well, he was running through the living room on Sunday night with his brother Bandit. They always play-fought. One would jump on the other and then the chase began. They both ran down the stairs in the basement after each other. I heard a thud and a yelp but didn't think anything of it because they play-fought all the time and this wasn't that unusual. I saw Bandit come back up the stairs but Smokey didn't. I was a little concerned but thought maybe he was just done playing. That night I went in the basement to look for him and he laid there, very still. I thought maybe he wasn't feeling good. The next day he was in a different spot and he looked terrified. I brought him upstairs and laid him on the couch and he wouldn't lift his head and was motionless. I got really concerned. When I went to the bathroom he found his way off the couch and went in the basement. I thought well at least he can still get around, maybe hell be ok. The next day I found him in the basement looking very bad and shaking. I called the emergency vet and they said he probably had a urinary obstruction and it would cost $800-$1200 to help him and this wouldn't be the end of the treatment and if I couldn't afford it I should put him to sleep. I thought maybe his neck was broke if it wasn't what they said and I decided to put him to sleep after the shelter opened @ 11:00am, but poor Smokey died @ 10:00am. I watched him take his last breath. He was one of the best pets I've ever had.