Pilgrim

I have a confession to make. Pilgrim no longer lives with us.
I took her back to the Cat Adoption place last week. I cried a good part of the way (actually, my friend Bonnie had to drive because I was too upset). But it seemed the only reasonable thing to do.
Let me explain . . .
When we adopted Pilgrim from the Cat Adoption Team right before Thanksgiving, we thought we were investing in a healthy animal. Little did we know that Pilgrim was riddles with parasites, fleas and suffered from terrible digestive problems. She had the sweetest personality of any kitty I think I've ever had--but her diarrhea got so out-of-control that several times in the past few months (between the wedding and Scout's near-death experience), I drove her back to Sherwood (a 40 minute commute) to be examined. Each time, after her poop samples came back "normal," I was informed that she just had food allergies. The vet urged me to try and figure out what Pilgrim could successfully digest.
We tried a wide range of spendy, allergy-friendly foods, but nothing really helped. Duck seemed less troubling to her tummy than other foods, but then she'd get into Scout's food and make herself really sick again.
And then she started peeing on the beds . . . every one in the house!
So one day, after a stressful morning with Scout and a particularly bad bout of the runs with Pilgrim, I made a difficult decision. One of the special needs animals had to go--and it wasn't going to be Scout! My anxiety levels were at an all time high and I knew I had to simplify my life--or have a nervous breakdown.
Poor Greg--I called him three times that morning, agonizing over the decision. But I knew in my heart it was best--for all of us. CAT happily takes their kitties back and I knew they'd do whatever they could to get Pilgrim healthy and then find her a new home (I actually wrote a note on Pilgrim's release form, saying I wanted her back if her health issues cleared up. But they probably think we're unfit cat owners now).
I don't have to worry about Scout catching something from Pilgrim (there was always a question about Scout's initial illness resulting from a cat scratch or bite). And I didn't have to scoop yucky poop 10 times a day--or be constantly washing bedding. As soon as I dropped Pilgrim off at the shelter and kissed her little chapped nose goodbye, I felt incredible relief.
I do miss her sweet little personality, and I think Scout does too. But my daughter Lindsay moves in with us in two weeks--with her cat Penelope!
And I'm trying not to stress about it . . .