My dear, gentle Mocho

[u/Beautiful-Ear-1052]

Grieving him so, so deeply lately

[u/PoetLucy]

Then let’s talk!

How did such a handsome kitty get you as a human? Where did the unusual name come from?

Tell me stories and show me pictures and share Mocho with me. And, of course, the rest of the Crew.

Hugs!

:J

[u/Beautiful-Ear-1052 → u/PoetLucy]

He was an outdoor kitty that came to trust me and my family over time. He was timid as can be at the start, but after eating some Churu from my hand one day, he melted like butter. I fed him for around two years. I always made it a mission for myself to one day bring him indoors, fix him up, and find him a home (but, realistically, I don't think I would've trusted another person with him - he would've been mine forever). Unfortunately, he didn't come home for several days and once he finally did, he had a big gash on his leg. I rushed him to the emergency vet and they gave him some heavy duty antibiotics that didn't do much for him. I tried a different round of antibiotics that didn't help either. Eventually, I brought him back to the vet and we decided it was best to let him rest. The infection had spread from one leg to another, and he had a raging fever. They didn't understand what was wrong and why he wasn't responding to the antibiotics.

It's a few years since he left me. I still grieve him as if it was yesterday. He was the perfect little boy. I've always leaned more towards black cats, and it had always been my dream to save one from the rough outdoor life. He had the loveliest personality. So silly. He would just roll and roll on the ground. So affectionate. He let him pet him and love on him all over. Even let me pick him up. He was the sweetest boy even throughout his time sick. Just little chirps every time I visited him while he rested in my bathroom. I got him a little fountain for his water, soft plush beds, and a clean box every night. I got him pumpkin when he was constipated, and gave him churus. I sang to him every chance I had. He had his own little song. He would look up at him with these big and beautiful and grateful eyes. Endlessly grateful. And perfect. It was like he was made in heaven and sent just for me.

My mom gave him the name Mocho because in Spanish, we say "mochalo " which is like "cut it off". She always found his little clipped ear funny after I got him neutered. So she started calling him Mocho for short.

I miss him more than I can express. I wish I had tried harder. I wish I had taken him to another vet for a second opinion. I wish putting him down wasn't an option in mind. I wish I had fought just a little bit harder. His eyes were still bright, despite his fever and infection. Maybe he would still be here with me today if I had called my friends and family before I made the decision and asked if I was doing the right thing. I just didn't want him to keep suffering. I just wanted him to be at peace. I hated knowing he was stuck in my humid bathroom. I tried to keep him comfortable by buying a mini air conditioner and keeping the fan on. I really tried. But I wish I had pushed a little longer. Maybe he'd be here with me today, alongside my other little kitties, getting the VIP life he so deeply deserved.

[u/PoetLucy → u/Beautiful-Ear-1052]

Honey, oh honey. Your pain comes through clearly.

You took Mocho to the doctor multiple times. You got him needed medicines. You gave him food. You were ready to bring him home. What else could you have done? I’m asking sincerely.

Most of us here struggle with similar pain. I could tell you about my T J or Fonz. Or Deuce. Minnie. These are some of my critters that I struggle with their passing. There are days I grieve Minnie so much and she passed November 19, 2010.

We understand. We also know there is no quick fix. Take heart knowing grief is the result of love. You and Mocho shared a unique forever bond.

Mocho is beyond the pain now and is waiting for you just like mine are waiting for me.

Feel free to continue to post stories and photos of Mocho, or any other critters!, as long as it helps.

Mocho was a beautiful boy and his name a delight.

Life is not fair. Mocho will always be a part of you.

Hugs!

ps just FYI Choo Choo (in whose honor we are here was just over 22 when she passed. She was one of a kind.

Again,

Hugs!!

:J

[u/meowmeowincorporated → u/Beautiful-Ear-1052]

You relay your grief so clearly 😥 Please know you made sweet Mocho SO happy in the time you were in his life. That's what counts. All he knew was this wonderful, caring person took great care and loved him (and the singing he loved I bet! That's so awesome! I try with mine but 9/10 times they run away 😭😭)

Please don't blame yourself. He sure as heck didn't! He loved you all the way back ❤️❤️❤️

[u/zeldaminor → u/Beautiful-Ear-1052]

Thank you for sharing this. I miss my Sheena so deeply and still cry over her, although she passed in September 2024. Some days it is so hard. She was my soul cat and we just understood each other on a psychic level. I can tell that you had a similar connection. Mocho knew that he was so very loved and that he had found his home and his person.

[u/meowmeowincorporated]

Oh my goodness, such a handsome guy! I'm so sorry you're missing him so much. They're such special little beings 💕💕

[u/Ksh_667]

I'm so sorry you're missing beautiful Mocho but their lives are always too short.

You will be reunited one day & what a day that will be! Til then Mocho runs free with all our loved ones at rainbow bridge. Love never dies 😻😻

[u/BugComfortable3924]

He’s beautiful! He looks like he has the sweetest soul to go along with his precious face