Irwin strolled into my life about twelve years ago — a kitten roaming the streets looking for food, shelter and a place to rest. As many of you know, he was named after Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, who died suddenly September 4th, 2006 from a stingray injury…it was on that fateful day that this tiny, furry, green-eyed gift introduced himself to me at my yard sale. He jumped into a box of clothes in the garage and fell asleep.
Irwin’s untimely death is nearly unbearable but seems fitting. His bigger-than-life personality and quirky character, much like Steve Irwin’s, was intoxicating. I loved him like no other furbaby. My precious boy didn’t greet me at the door last Wednesday when I arrived home from work and I knew immediately something was wrong. It’s called adenocarcinoma, a malignant tumor in the gastrointestinal system. It is more common in male cats. Irwin also had sepsis, with only a few days to live.
As I previously did with my Aussies, Dreams and Flower, both of whom Irwin adored, I prepared a gentle goodbye at our vet, Carolina Forest Veterinary Clinic. I thanked Irwin for finding me, for allowing me the special honor of being his mommy and for letting me be the one to send him back home to God. My little tiger passed quickly and peacefully in my arms.
I thank you, dear friends and listeners, for all the beautiful expressions of love and sympathy. It has helped create a path forward where only joy, love and gratitude reside. God bless you for your faithful friendship. Irwin’s short life truly mattered…thank you for confirming this.