The e-mail wasn’t unexpected because Lavinia kept me up to date on Nano’s condition. Still, the sad news from Oregon came today: Lavinia and Rick Ross report Nano’s fight for life reached a point where nothing could assure he had any quality of life. He was euthanized today after medical care no longer helped his failing body.
Lavinia wrote this last note:
Hi Doug,
Rick wrote a guest story for Katzenworld back in May based on his own recollections of Nano. He doesn’t have the story quite right regarding the time Nano escaped early on and I was up most of the night trying to catch him and get him back inside, which I did about 4:30 AM that day. Nano bit me hard, not scratched me. I had to go to work that day, the hand swelled up and I took myself to the ER that evening. I had to produce a valid rabies certificate, and I was on antibiotics for a good week if not 10 days. You can go ahead and use his story, though. Close enough. I’ve attached one of my favorite photos of him, taken through the window from outside the house. Makes him look other-worldly, which he is indeed now…. Also another photo of Nano from 2015. A bit on the dark side though as I was trying not to use the flash.
https://katzenworld.co.uk/
He had a good quality of life until late June, when he started going off his feed. I took him in to the vet on June 30th for blood work and urinalysis. The vet and I looked back over the last few years of testing, and it seemed like his kidneys finally hit a tipping point. Prescription food, supplements and finally subcutaneous fluids were tried. Too far gone, and his quality of life was not so good the last two weeks. It was time to let him go, peacefully and quickly. He is lying in state right now, and I will take care of burying him this evening.
Thanks again, Doug. I know you understand what we have been through.
Lavinia
It’s never easy to say goodbye to a family pet. They are family. The Rosses took this kitty into their home when he showed up, then he entered their hearts. Hugs and condolences to Lavinia and Rick. Their memorial gardens gained one more soul this evening.
The Cats of Salmon Brook Farm | Salmon Brook Farms (wordpress.com)
I am so sad too. Dear Lavinia (one of my precious friends) and Her Lovely Cats, how long it has been I can’t remember but it has been such a long time for us. Her lovely Nano, will be always in my memories too. My Heart with you always dear Lavinia, and how nice, dear Doug, he is another precious friend of us, and he is always so nice. Hugs and Love, nia
Thank you, dear Nia. I remember your Surya, too Love and hugs back to you. Love, Lavinia
Awww 💔 I’m so sorry to hear of the loss – our animals are family and is just as heartbreaking when they have to pass 💔
My condolences 💐
Thank you, Omatra7. Nano was a dear kitty.
I am so sorry. Prayers for the family.
Thank you, Catsandcoffee. Nano was a dear kitty.
I’m so sorry.
Thank you, Correne.
Yes, it is always very sad when a well loved pet dies.
Thank you, John. Nano was a dear kitty. He was with us a long time.
Thank you for telling us in behalf of Lavinia and Rick, Doug. And my condolences to you both, my friends
Lavinia has cut back on how frequently she posts, as you know, but this is news many people who follow her posts would be concerned to know. It is a simple courtesy to do this for Lavinia and Rick.
Thank you, Doug. Ever so much appreciated. 🐱❤️🐱
You had to catch up emotionally first, I felt.
Thank you, Derrick. Nano was a dear kitty. 🐱❤️🐱
So sorry to read this sad and painful news about Nano. He was one of my favourite cats I followed and I will never forget him. You are in my thoughts, dear Lavinia.
Thank you so much, dear Herman. Nano was a dear kitty. I remember when Mr. Bowie passed on. I bet they are hunting gophers together now. 🐱❤️🐱
It always crosses my mind too when a cat of a friend passes away; I love to think that Mr. Bowie is meeting a new friend up there… I’m thinking of you, my dear Lavinia.
Very sad news. My condolences. Glad you could give him a rich life.
Thank you, Peggy. Nano was a cat who loved life very much, and liked to be at the top of his game.
Heartfelt condolences to Lavinia. I know how hard it is.
Thank you, Dolly. Nano was a good soul and dear kitty.
You are welcome, Doug.
This is so sad, Doug. Our pets are of course our family. 😭
I’m so sorry, Lavinia. I know it’s so terribly hard to lose an animal friend. The photos of Nano are lovely. We send hugs and purrs and wishes for peace and comfort in good memories. And thank you to Doug for letting us know.
Thank you, Leah. It is so hard to lose one of them.
Lavinia, I am sorry for your loss, losing a family member always hurts. Hugs for you and Rick. ❤️❤️
Thank you, John. Yes, it is hard to lose one of them. His age was roughly 17 years old, maybe older. He was already an adult tom when he showed up long ago.
❤️❤️
Thank you, Doug. You have been a good friend of the farm and its residents, human and feline. I will update the cat page soon here and add Nano to the Cats Emeritus section.
Good! I’m happy you were able to get on this page now. Your email alerted me to the fact I’d not published it yet.
I feel it is the least I can do, Lavinia, since many people knew Nano through your blog and you’ve reduced the frequency because of the vicissitudes of work and life in general. The response by your blogosphere friends wasn’t a surprise. Nano was a favorite well beyond Oregon.
Sorry to read about Nano’s passing. t is always sad when a beloved family member dies, and that certainly describes Nano.
Thank you, Mary. He was indeed a beloved family member.
Such sad news. My condolences to Nano’s family.
Thank you, Ellen. It is hard to lose an old friend. Nano was 17.