My Dearest Treasure, My Sweet Little Angel, how I long for
you!
Ode on my pet Freddie: Each moment apart feels like an eternity. You are constantly on my mind and
in my heart!
Dr. Pamelia Riviere

My beloved Freddie,
My sweet little darling,
Please don’t walk out that door
And leave me here in this empty, silent home!

As the night settles in,
The shadows grow long,
Stretching like dark fingers across the walls!

Outside the window,
The streetlights flicker on one by one,
Casting an eerie,
Golden glow that dances with the encroaching darkness!

It seeps in through the cracks,
Creeping into my heart,
Filling me with an overwhelming dread
That makes the air feel thick and suffocating!

I can hardly bear the thought
Of facing the world without you by my side,
Your warm presence is my greatest solace,

A radiant light that cuts through the overwhelming gloom!

That encircles me like a heavy fog,
Each moment without you feels like an eternity,
My heart aches with the absence of your amusement
That once filled these rooms!

Please, do not leave me alone,
My cutest baby,
My cherished sweetheart Freddie.
My sweet little darling!

The thought of navigating this life
Without your gentle touch
And comforting words are unbearable,
Stay with me and let us weather this night together!

I recall that in 2013, I welcomed our beloved cat, Freddie, into our lives by purchasing him from
Mishtysugar Trail, a local rescue in Thornhill, Toronto. My daughter Kanita had been longing for
a pet, and we felt that a cat would be the perfect addition to our family.
The owners of the rescue, twin sisters dedicated to saving animals, had lovingly cared for many
cats, including Freddie and his sisters. Freddie, a stunning tabby Maine Coon, was described as a
barn cat before being adopted.
The term "tabby" refers not to a specific breed but rather a coat pattern characterized by stripes,
swirls, spots, or ticked fur, often highlighted by a distinctive “M” marking on the forehead.
Freddie sported this marking proudly. With his robust build, expressive green eyes, and tufted
ears, he embodied the rugged elegance often associated with Maine Coons, who are known for
their thick, dark brown tabby coats and long, feathered tails.
We brought Freddie home to our residence on 35 Charles Street when he was just three months
old, infusing our home with youthful energy and playful antics. By December 2016, we relocated
to Lakeridge in Toronto, where Freddie quickly adapted to the new environment. A few years

later, in 2021, we noticed troubling signs when Freddie was diagnosed with skin issues on his
head, which coincided with a diagnosis of osteoporosis.
His mobility began to decline, as evidenced by a noticeable limp. After a visit to the veterinarian,
he was placed on a strict diet that included hypoallergenic dry and wet food enriched with
omega-3 fatty acids. Fortunately, the itchiness subsided; however, soon after, we faced another
challenge: Freddie began losing control over his urination and defecation in the litter box.
Despite our attempts to switch to a higher-quality litter brand, his litter box issues persisted,
leading him to relieve himself on the upstairs and downstairs floors instead frequently.
About a year ago, his curiosity piqued when he saw a bird perched on a twig outside while
lounging in the master bedroom. In a burst of excitement, he leaped onto the windowsill to
interact with the bird. While he returned to the ground without incident, within a week, his
limping became more pronounced, prompting us to consult the vet again regarding his excretion
problems.
Following a series of blood tests, stool tests, and X-rays, the veterinarian discovered multiple
cysts in Freddie's kidneys. Faced with the heartbreaking reality of his deteriorating condition and
increasing suffering, she recommended euthanasia due to his persistent urination and defecation
challenges. He also speculated on the possibility of tumours, cancer, or spinal issues affecting his
hips, prescribing steroids for pain relief. Recognizing the need for specialized care, we sought
the expertise of a neurologist, who recommended an MRI and the possibility of surgery.
He also advised us to keep Freddie in a crate, as he could no longer control his excretory
functions. To create a comfortable space for Freddie, we set up a crate in the dining area that let
him enjoy natural light and the outdoors, where he could watch squirrels, rabbits, stray cats, and
birds—the creatures he loved observing. Initially, Freddie resisted the crate, breaking out three
times in his determination to escape what he perceived as a cage.
He had the freedom to roam the house, yet he often had accidents within minutes due to his loss
of control. As time went on, Freddie’s condition worsened; he gradually lost the strength and
coordination in his hind legs, rendering him unable to groom himself. In response, we arranged
for a groomer to shave the lower portion of his body to maintain his cleanliness.
As winter approached and his health continued to decline, he became increasingly weak and
struggled with mobility, often unable to move from his cushion after urinating or defecating.

Cleaning him several times a day became a necessity, although he consistently retained his
appetite.
There were days, however, when he would remain still on his cushion, battling pain and unable
to reach his food bowl. After much heart-wrenching discussion among family members about his
declining quality of life and ongoing suffering, we made the difficult decision to euthanize him
on December 7th, 2025. It was a day filled with sorrow, but we knew it was a final act of love,
relieving him from his pain and ensuring he would find peace.

I lost my best friend, my beautiful companion, my little sweet baby, my beloved child, a truly
remarkable soul. Freddie graced my life for 14 wonderful years, sharing an unbreakable bond
that felt as deep as my own spirit. Your love was unconditional, radiating warmth and affection
that enveloped me like a soft blanket. Every day, you showcased your loyalty and care, always
waiting patiently at the door, your bright amber eyes eager to welcome me home.
You were my guardian angel, a light in my life, and now you’ve left this world, leaving an
irreplaceable void in my heart. Though you are no longer here, your essence lingers in every
corner of this home, woven into the fabric of my memories. Losing you has left me feeling lost
and adrift, navigating a world that seems dimmer without your presence.

Freddie, my sweetest love and little angel,
You fill my heart with joy when I think of you.
I adore you more than words can express!
Being away from you feels like an eternity.
You are always on my mind and in my heart!

The writer is a freelance analyst.