RIP Newman

Enjoying a winter day in Spencer, Mass., 2011

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Our beautiful kitty, Newman, passed away peacefully at home in the wee hours of this morning, surrounded by his human parents and his fur siblings. His death was shockingly fast, and he did not suffer. In fact, we didn't even have enough time to discuss bringing him to the vet to be euthanized.

Newman had been diagnosed with thyroid disease about four months ago, right after our scary medical situation with Petey. Newman never tolerated the thyroid meds, and after a while it was clear that the only option was to make him comfortable at home and enjoy our time together. As recently as yesterday, he was eating, drinking, relieving himself properly in the litter box, interacting with us and his furry pack mates, and even cleaning himself. I thought we had several more weeks, but that was not in the cards. He deteriorated so rapidly overnight, it was shocking. About an hour before he died, he actually walked down the hall and used the litter box, then walked back to the crate where he loved to sleep (Petey's crate lol). I've had dozens of cats, and have never seen one be so clean, determined and dignified all the way to the end!

Newman never gave me an ounce of trouble in his 13 short years with me. He lived in three homes with me: Spencer, Mass., Murrells Inlet, SC and here at Brad's house where we moved three years ago. Newman never strayed from the yard or porches -- ever. He never "went missing" like my other cats. He always stayed close to home. He never fought with another cat, or anybody else. He was always clean and fluffy and had the most beautiful eyes. He followed us on our dog walks both here and in Spencer on Thompson Pond. He cooperated with the "staying indoors" rule for two whole years when we moved to SC because we lived on a busy street (although he did sneak out twice, but never left the front yard!).

All in all, Newman was a great friend and companion. He loved the dogs, especially Cooper (doesn't everybody?).

I'll share some photos of Newmie Newms as soon as I've had a chance to look for them.

RIP Newman

May, 2009 - February 19, 2023

Photo dump! Get ready!!!!

All photos property of Kathleen Mandell