Majella Reid

Even Bailey, the dog, seems to know something is wrong. Winston, our cat, is at the vet’s and will be there all day. On fluids. Being tube fed. He has cat flu and is not coming through it easily. Infact, the vet has said that these are the last steps we’ll take. Failing this, a decision must be made. A hard decision.

They say ‘trust the process’ and I have found this to be true. Bailey fell ill two weeks ago and I was anxious and nervous but I trusted. He was fine and had just come through his experience, when Winston became sick. Since then the worry has been off the scales.

But I am trusting. I am trusting that Winston is where he is meant to be in this present moment. That all is well and that Life has a funny way of working out for the best, irrespective of our desires.

This experience has made me reflective about Winston and his peculiar traits.

He loves his belly rubs and prowls the neighbourhood in search of willing hands that will caress his black and white fur. He also loves roast chicken and ham, and is an avid fan of Felix cat treats – any flavour.

Although I am a cat owner and I love Winston dearly, I am not a massive cat person. And it continually amazes me how many people adore him. He has a second home across the road, where he curls up on a cold winter’s night.

He is loved by many neighbours including my friend, Maureen, who cares for him when I am away. And he has even caught the imagination of a young six year old boy in County Laois, who calls me up just to ask ‘How’s Winston?’

Much loved and well cared for, he is a cat with a lot to live for.

He is only 10 years old, coming from humble origins where he was discovered abandoned beneath a bush and was brought to the ISPCA. I adopted him from his foster home when he had barely finished on kitten milk.

As I tap away my thoughts at this computer, I am feeling slightly dazed. Torn between two realities. Part of me believes in the reality that Winston will be okay. That he will rally. Part of me is preparing in case a worst case scenario comes true.

The next few days will be tough – seeing whether he responds to the treatment or not. Emotionally, it will be a roller-coaster for Winston and me. But I am trusting. No matter what the outcome, it will be the right one – for all of us, particularly Winston.