Last Wednesday I had to say goodbye to my special girl, Noelani, whose name means ‘heavenly mist’ in Hawaiian. She’d been diagnosed with yet another mammary tumor and as she’d already had two cancer surgeries, I opted against a complete mastectomy. At age 13 I felt it’d just be too much for her. Our wonderful vet, Cinda Scott, DVM, at Springwater Veterinary Wellness Center put Noelani on some natural, herbal, supplements, and by doing so, I really feel she was able to extend my girl’s life by three months past the cancer specialist’s worst case scenario prognosis.
Even though I couldn’t be in the room for the exam, I was able to be with Noelani for the last time; like other vets, Dr. Scott makes exceptions for the end of life here on earth time, for which I was extremely grateful. I don’t think I could’ve done it otherwise.
This has been an incredibly difficult week; the end was so sudden, so unexpected, and I can’t write this without tears rolling down my face. Our daily/nightly routines are gone, like how she’d cuddle next to me every. single. night, how she’d follow me to the kitchen for her nightly treat before bed, how she loved to be brushed, and how she’d talk to me. After both my knee surgeries, when I’d sit in the recliner, she’d always lie down on my lap, purring and kneading the blanket over me.
We add these wonderful pets to our home, knowing that our time with them will never be as long as we hope, but we do it anyway. I console myself with the knowledge that although she had a traumatic early life, she felt safe and secure with us. We gave her a good home. I still feel as though she’s right here with me, and I think that veil between us is thin, so I keep talking to her.
If you’d like to read the story of her adoption, it’s here.
Aloha ʻoe, my sweet girl. You enriched my life for ten years and you will live always in my heart. Rest in aloha till we meet again.
A Mānoa Girl's Bloggie 
I’m so sorry, Mokihana; she was so beautiful, involved, and loved.
Thank you, Michelle. She certainly was loved.
What a lovely cat she was. It’s so tough losing them – my sympathy.
Yes, it’s really tough; thank you so much.
Oh Moki-chan, I’m so sorry to hear this. Sending you big hugs.
Mahalo nui, my friend. I welcome the hugs.
I lost my kitty suddenly one month ago. I adopted her 10 years ago, too. I still feel her presence and talk to her. It’s hard but Noelani will always be with you.
Thank you so much, Jenny. I’m so sorry you just lost your beloved kitty. I’m sure you gave her a wonderful home.
What tender thoughtful care you gave your furry family member. It’s so hard to say goodbye.
I had to say goodbye to my furry companion about the same time. The vet gave her 2 days to 2 weeks and she made it 17 months. We had a family hospice team of 3 and she had someone loving on her and caring for her needs 24/7. I was using an essential oil that helped her digestion and eliminated nausea. The power of plants and love. The vet said that is the only explanation he had for her stabilizing despite her diagnosis. She was present, interactive, and happy every day through her illness. I’m so grateful when they go that the love they gave us remains with us. Holding you and your family-furry ones included-in my heart. Thank you for caring for Creator’s creatures.
Oh gosh, Snow, I’m sorry to hear that you lost your beloved furry companion also. I love that you had a family hospice team, and how wonderful that she lived so much longer than predicted. Thanks so much for stopping by.