This is one of those awful times when I realize that one of my little friends will likely leave soon. Sundance is very ill, and it appears that it may be the same thing that killed his sister, Dexter. He's in great pain and it's hard to see him going through this. The vet ran a blood panel yesterday and I'll get the results later today.
I haven't been in the mood to cook. In fact, I need to get provisions at the grocery store, but each day I find a new excuse not to go. That means scrounging around in the fridge, where I often find food that I've overlooked. In a time like this, I find myself eating comfort foods, which are soothing. I found a thick tortilla in the fridge and baked it in the oven with some sauteed onion, yellow bell pepper, mushrooms, and Jack cheese.
To my surprise, on another day I saw that a Cowgirl Creamery Mt. Tam cheese was hiding in the back of my cheese container in the fridge. It was my entire meal, and what a meal it was!
Food can be reassuring during sad times.
UPDATE: The Vet called with Sundance's blood test results. He has FIP. It's a horrible disease, and fatal. He can no longer eat or drink water on his own. A difficult decision must be made soon. Thanks to everyone who has sent kind thoughts. They mean the world to me. Sundance has been a joy to know, even though it's been less than a year that he has lived with us.
Oh Sher! I am so sorry.
Posted by: breadchick | August 08, 2007 at 11:03 AM
Hi... just read your blog. We're happy that our cheese was able to help you feel a little better. :-)
Great picture, btw. Did you take that?
-Lisa, Cowgirl Creamery
Posted by: Lisa | August 08, 2007 at 11:33 AM
Oh my heavens! And Sundance seemed so curious and full of life. I hope it turns out ok - will say a prayer for you and yours. Oh that makes me so sad!
Posted by: Barbara | August 08, 2007 at 11:36 AM
I do agree that food can be very comforting when things are tough. And you are improvising some wonderfully delicious looking things. Sorry to hear about Sundance. Hope things will seem better soon.
Posted by: Kalyn | August 08, 2007 at 11:55 AM
I am keeping you all in my thoughts. Those babies are so precious and we're lucky to have them in our life as long as we can. I just lost two of my doggies within one week recently. It was so hard as I never thought I would lose them both at the same time. I had them in my life for 13 years and they were a joy! I hope Sundance is going to be okay.
Posted by: sandy | August 08, 2007 at 12:01 PM
oh, sweeties, we're thinking of you all, feeling so sad.
who can ever forget his precious self rolling in ribbons, or carrying around his yellow tennis ball.
http://whatdidyoueat.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/04/13/img_7446_2.jpg
purr-ayors are being said.
hugs,
t & ws
Posted by: taboo & whaleshaman | August 08, 2007 at 12:13 PM
I'm so sorry to hear that Sundance is sick! This is terrible! Sending hugs and good vibes your way.
Posted by: Butta Buns | August 08, 2007 at 12:15 PM
Sorry to hear your very sad news, I come to your site at least every week to hear about sundance and upsie and sometimes the squirrels.
Posted by: Jennywenny | August 08, 2007 at 12:29 PM
Sher, so sorry to hear about Sundance!
It's so awful when they're sick and we can't really explain it all to them....Hugs to you both!
Posted by: Katiez | August 08, 2007 at 12:37 PM
Oh dear, I had a bad feeling when I read that he wasn't well on your WCB entry. The poor thing, I am so sorry. It's always hard to lose a beloved pet and Sundance was having such a great time living with you and Upsie.
I will keep you in my thoughts. Let us know how things are.
Posted by: kate | August 08, 2007 at 12:40 PM
Poor poor Sundance! :( It's so terrible to lose a pet as they become such a warm part of your family. We're all thinking of you and Sundance, that is for sure.
Posted by: Farah | August 08, 2007 at 12:58 PM
I've never posted on here before, but I enjoy reading your blog. I am so sorry to hear about Sundance, he is such a cutie. After reading your blog for awhile now, it's almost like I know him too... this is so, so sad to hear!
Lots of good thoughts your way.
Posted by: amber | August 08, 2007 at 01:07 PM
Sher~
Our hearts go out to you...
Posted by: BostonChef | August 08, 2007 at 01:14 PM
Oh my, FIP, how awful, poor Sundance - I'm so, so sorry. Take care, as best you can//Pia
Posted by: Pia K | August 08, 2007 at 01:33 PM
That's just awful news. I'm SO SAD! Poor sweet faced Sundance. Oh, Sher - my thoughts are with you and your family. Take care of yourselves.
Posted by: Jenn | August 08, 2007 at 02:23 PM
I read your blog daily. I hope things improve for Sundance.
Posted by: Sandy | August 08, 2007 at 02:31 PM
Sending hugs and good energy your way -- such a difficult time.
Posted by: Lydia | August 08, 2007 at 03:05 PM
Oh no -- I am so so sorry. Big hug, to both you and Sundance, and eat all the comfort foods you need...
Posted by: Emily | August 08, 2007 at 03:35 PM
Hi Sher,
I've been keeping up with your blog and cooking some of your recipes since I wrote that story about you for the Enterprise, and now I'm all teared up thinking about Sundance and all the cute picture of him that you post. I'm so sorry. What a shock. I hope you get through it alright.
Posted by: claire | August 08, 2007 at 04:03 PM
I'm really sorry to read about Sundance. I've enjoyed your weekend cat blogging, and love seeing photos of your felines. Only good thoughts to you and yours...
Posted by: JP | August 08, 2007 at 04:33 PM
oh sher i'm so sorry t hear about sweet sweet little sundance. i cant imagine how your heart must be breaking. thank you for sharing his sweatness with us all through your blog, he will be dearly missed. kisses kisses rubs rubs....
Posted by: aria | August 08, 2007 at 04:43 PM
We are sending good wishes and prayers your way for Sundance. We know there's a time when we must go but it always seems too soon.
Posted by: Beau Beau & Angie | August 08, 2007 at 05:37 PM
Oh, Sher, I'm so sorry. He's such a cutie and always reminds me of an orange tabby we used to have. That's terribly sad news.
Posted by: Sheryl | August 08, 2007 at 06:54 PM
We are so sorry to hear about Sundance. He is such a sweet kitty. We know that this is a painful time for you all and we send purrs to all.
---Beezer
Posted by: Beezer | August 08, 2007 at 07:04 PM
I'm so sorry! Whatever needs to happen, know that you have so much support here in the cat blogosphere and we are all praying for you and sending you purrs. It's such sad news and a horrible position for you to be in.
Posted by: Katie | August 08, 2007 at 07:33 PM
dearest Sher, I am so sorry to hear about Sundance... he is one of the prettiest cats with a pair of gentle eyes... my heart aches just reading what both of you have been through :( but hope with the medical help and your painstaking care to Sundance, he'd have a comfortable time.
Posted by: gattina | August 08, 2007 at 10:44 PM
Breadchick,
Thank you--I greatly appreciate your thoughts.
Lisa,
Yes, I took the picture. I admit that I take pictures of your cheese every time I eat it. Thank you for your thoughts.
Barbara,
Thank you for your kindness.. It all happened so quickly. He didn't seem sick until a month ago.
Kalyn,
Thank you for your words. We do turn to food for comfort, don't we?
Sandy,
Thank you for thinking of me. I'm so sorry that you lost both your dogs. That must have been so painful.
Taboo & Whaleshaman,
Thank you for reminding me of what a sweet cat he has been, with that picture of him. I'll always think of him like that.
Butta Buns,
Thank you so much! I got your hugs. :)
Jennywenny,
Thank you for taking the time to send your thoughts. It means a great deal to me.
Katiez,
Thank you. Yes, I wish he understood that I'm trying to help him, not hurt him--when I feed him. Poor guy.
Kate,
Thank you for your thoughts. I had a very bad feeling when he started acting so tired last week. This was all very sudden.
Farah,
Thank you for thinking of us. It is losing a member of my family, and unexpected.
Amber,
Thank you so much for taking the time express your thoughts.
Boston Chef,
Thank you--it touches me that so many people care.
Pia K,
Thank you. FIP is truly alarming. I was hoping he didn't have this.
Jenn,
Thank you for caring. It is awful---I'm glad he had some time to be happy
Sandy,
Thank you for your support. And thank you for coming to my blog.
Lydia,
Thank you, it helps to hear from friends.
Emily,
Thank you--these messages are a comfort too.
Claire,
Thank you for your kindness. I'm glad you read the blog and "met" Sundance. And I hope you liked the recipes. :)
JP,
Thank you for writing that. It feels good to know that people enjoyed seeing Upsie and Sundance.
Aria,
Thank you for your concern. Yes, he will be missed so much.
Beau Beau & Angie,
Thank you for your good wishes. It is much too soon. I thought he would be a companion for many years!
Sheryl,
Thank you for your kindness. He did have that funny yellow cat personality.
Beezer,
Thank you for the kind purrs. It helps.
Katie,
Thank you for your support. There can never be too many purrs.
Gattina,
Thank you--hearing from you is very healing. You have been missed. You are right--Sundance has very kind eyes.
Posted by: sher | August 08, 2007 at 11:58 PM
I'm so sorry to hear about Sundance. I've just started reading and every time you host the WCB I make my BF look at the beautiful cats. Sundance is one of them, and always will be.
Mary
Posted by: Mary | August 09, 2007 at 12:36 AM
I am so sorry Sher. Sundance is such a perfect name for him. I know how hard this time is. The place that our pets take in our hearts is so huge. Hugs my friend.
Posted by: Tanna | August 09, 2007 at 01:24 AM
Sher,
I am so very sorry about Sundance. Not only did he "entertain" and bring lots of love to you and Upsie, but he kept my family in rapt attention for all the latest posts of his exploits and "comments". My sister in Canada and my daughter in Florida and I check in each week to see the wonderful posts you share. Lots of comfort and love to you all, and Upsie especially, who really will need lots of hugs now, too!
Posted by: Marcia | August 09, 2007 at 05:12 AM