Most of you that knew my beautiful long haired cat Miss Ruby would comment on what a special cat she was, and whilst I am going to be biased, I feel she was very special.
When I first moved into my home, I used to see a black and white cat out the corner of my eye, yet there was no cat there. I had a few intuitive friends over the years say exactly the same thing, some would say it was a white cat, some would say a black cat, others would say a black and white cat just like me. I had cats growing up at home and I was also around cats when I lived with my grandparents so I used to put it down to the fact that maybe I was often thinking about cats.
However, it was when I started my spiritual development training back in 2008, when I kept being told a black and white cat was with me. This continued through till 2010 when I did my level one crystal healing training. When we went on to do our spirit guide meditation all I got was the name Ruby. Knowing that Ruby is the name of a common crystal I put it down to my mind creating this.
However, towards the end of 2010, a few weeks after that meditation, I was being pressured to have a pet cat from my children and my husband so we went on to the cats protection website. I was surprised to see my husband had already pointed out a cat called Ruby who was black and white. I was astounded to see her given everything I had experienced. She looked absolutely beautiful with her long hair. I chose to call her Miss Ruby as she really did look like a princess and I wanted to put my stamp on her name but keep Ruby.
Cats protection told us she had been through trauma and was possibly around 3-5 years old. She took a while to feel comfortable with us but for the 11 years we had her I can honestly say she was my best friend. Cats don’t speak so they never give advice, their love is unconditional and she would instinctively know if I was upset or ill as she would not move from my side. She was always there for me when I needed her.
Over the last 6 months she has been unwell, she was treated for hyperthyroidism but we knew it was almost time, especially given her age. The vets confirmed for us at this point that she was 16 years old, which for a cat who had experienced trauma was really good. I had given Miss Ruby Reiki every day I was with her and she was unlike any other cat I’ve ever known.
Last week I had to make the heart-breaking decision to put her down. The vet said her kidneys had gone and she was filling up with fluid and potentially a few hours away from death and the kindest thing to do would be to put her to sleep. She fell asleep for the final time on Thursday the 23rd March at 5.45. Even though I was expecting it I was totally heartbroken. The most amazing thing was when we stepped out of the vets we were greeted by a beautiful rainbow and that same evening the northern lights appeared, visible from Borth, so I was told, and they were particularly red in colour and a surprise to scientists who were not expecting them. I felt this was another magical sign from her that she had crossed the rainbow bridge and was safe in the spirit world.
Grief around our pets is not often talked about but they are part of the family and our closest companions. I felt the need to write this blog not only for those of you who will probably ask where she is when you come to your therapy session, but also for those of you that have gone through this type of bereavement. It is heart-breaking and the connection to our pets can run on many levels. My relationship with Miss Ruby was definitely a spiritual one and it felt that she chose me in many ways as signs were there before I even met her.
If you are suffering the bereavement of a much loved pet please do not hesitate to get in touch. Sometimes having the space to talk with someone who acknowledges and understands that grief can really help.
Sleep tight Miss Ruby xx