The Beauty Around Us

R.I.P. Wickett

By Linda G. on May 13, 2023

Wickett was Bob’s daughter Stacey’s cat before she was our cat.  Wickett came into Stacey’s life in August 2007, as a young kitten.  Stacey rehomed Wickett with Bob and me on February 26, 2017.  Stacey wouldn’t give Wickett to anyone, but knowing that we take such good care of our kitties and the fact that Wickett will be happier as an only kitty are what made rehomimg the best thing for her.   Wickett was approximately 10 years old, when she became our kitty.  Wickett readily became a member of our family and filled our hearts with joy and love. 

On the morning of November 28, 2022 Bob took Wickett to the veterinary hospital.  Wickett’s dewclaw digit looked swollen.  The swollen dewclaw digit doesn’t seem to be causing her any pain, but we thought it best to have it checked out.  The veterinarian would like to biopsy the “tumor” on Wickett’s dewclaw digit to determine whether or not it is cancerous.  

On the morning of December 22, 2022 Bob dropped off Wickett at the veterinary hospital, where the veterinarian biopsied the “tumor” on Wickett’s dewclaw digit to determine whether or not it was cancerous.  We picked up Wickett at 4:30 pm that day. She had to wear a “cone of shame”, until Jan 3rd — her next appointment.

On January 3, 2023 we took Wickett to the veterinary hospital for a follow-up appointment.  The biopsy results came back.  Wickett has soft tissue sarcoma in her left paw.  The cancer is low grade and will not metastasize through her body.  However, the tumor on her paw will grow.  We were given two options — amputation or allow her to live out the rest of her life as she is.  We chose the second option, up until the cancer impacts Wickett’s day-to-day life.  We returned home, after our veterinary visit.  Wickett was very happy to be home and to no longer be wearing the collar.  

I called the veterinary hospital the morning of May 1 and made an appointment for Wickett the morning of May 8th.  We felt that Wickett would not be with us for much longer.  She had begun to limp, and her soft tissue  sarcoma bump was large.  She was sleeping much more than she used to sleep.  On the positive side Wickett still enjoyed us petting her and sleeping with us. She ate and drank well, and pees and poops okay.

Bob called the veterinary hospital early the morning of May 4, 2023.  He left a message that it is time to euthanize Wickett.  Wickett’s soft tissue sarcoma had progressed to the point, where the tumor was huge.  There was an open wound that was seeping pus.  Wickett was limping.  We believed Wickett was experiencing discomfort and some pain.  We hoped to get her into the office that day, as soon as possible. The veterinary hospital telephoned between 7:30 am and 8:00 am.  An appointment was made for Wickett at 11:30 am.  Wickett was euthanized between 11:30 am and noon. She passed peacefully over the rainbow bridge.   We miss you so much.  R.I.P. Wickett.