Hobkin passed away yesterday afternoon at home in my arms, quietly, easily, and peacefully.
The blood work and x-rays they took at the vet’s on Monday indicated that the most likely cause of his seizures was his cardiomyopathy worsening. Also that fluid was once again building up in his lungs, another sign that his heart condition was progressing. We also think the seizures were blunting or taking out his sense of smell, which is why he was so reluctant to eat. Or else he was just too exhausted to have any appetite. He was lethargic and making small sounds of distress when moved, and most telling, he let the vet–the one that he was particularly not fond of–do the tests without a peep of protest.
Matthew and I agreed that it was clear that Hobkin’s quality of life wasn’t good and wasn’t going to get better. Rather than subject him to any more distress or suffering, we decided that the humane thing to do was to help him make an easy and gentle passing. We wanted his last moments to be at home with us so we took him home and made him as comfortable as we could and called the in-home euthanasia vet to make an appointment for her to come yesterday afternoon.
We spent Monday and the time we had with him on Tuesday holding and talking to him, telling him what a good boy he was, and enticing him to nibble (and occasionally scarf) as many blueberries, mealworms, crickets, hard boiled egg, and other favorites as he wanted. And when the time came, he passed away full of yummy tastes, wrapped in warmth and safety, with Matthew and me there holding him and petting him and telling him how much we loved him. It was the best and most gentle passing we could hope for, and one day I will be comforted by that. But not today. Or tomorrow. Or the many tomorrows after that. Because now, the pain of losing him is too huge and overwhelming to allow for anything else.
I knew eight years ago, when we decided to bring into our lives the adorable stomping baby ball of fuzz, that he would one day break my heart. Knowing doesn’t make it any easier. There is a wrenching emptiness in me and an aching coldness in my arms, the hole his absence has made. I’ve cried until my whole body hurts from it and I go numb and think I can’t have anything left. Then something reminds me of Hobkin, and I yearn for the warm, soft weight of him snuggled in my arms and know that I won’t ever be able to hold him again, and more tears come. But for all this raw pain of grieving, there are no regrets.
Hobkin was a wonderful part of our lives for the years that he was with us. I wish we could have had longer with him, but the time we did have was a gift. Hobkin was precious and treasured and much beloved, and I hope he knew that, because he brought us so much joy and laughter. He gave us a new perspective filled with humor and magic and ruled our household with his imperative, silly attitude and personality. I miss him beyond what I have words to say, and I will never forget him.
Hobkin: 2002-2010
Eugie, I am so, so sorry for your loss. Please tell Matthew I said to give you a big hug from me, and give him one back. Much love for both of you.
*hugs* I’m sorry Eugie. He was a wonderful person.
Sorry for you loss, Eugie. My condolences.
I’m very sorry for your loss.
Oh, honey, I’m so sorry. He was a lucky little guy to have such wonderful people in his life, and you were lucky to have him too.
*hugs* I’m so sorry for your loss.
Ach, I’m very sorry to hear it, Eugie. Condolences from Belgium.
My condolences. I am glad you had such good years with him.
I’m so sorry. 🙁
I was so sorry to hear this. It’s a relief he’s no longer suffering, but other than that, it’s terribly, terribly sad.
Eugie, I’m so very very sorry. May he run and waddle and stomp his feet among the stars.
🙁 Very sorry, Eugie. He seemed like the greatest Hobkin.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Our pets, they enrich our lives beyond measure…and they leave us too soon.
You gave Hobkin the best and happiest life a skunk could ever hope to have.
I’m sorry. It doesn’t mean much, but you have my condolences.
He was a good pet, he was loved, and he will be missed.
I am so sorry that you had ti let him go.
I am so sorry for your loss. I know what it’s like when a beloved pet dies in your arms, and you’re right, you will be comforted by knowing that you made it as easy and pleasant for him as possible, but not today. I hope you can do something gentle and nice for yourself today. I think you will need it.
Aww, no, I was so hoping he’d get better again. 🙁 I shall miss reading about him; he came across as such a lively and likeable little fellow. I know that I can’t possibly miss him as much as you do though. It’s never easy making that final painful decision, but it sounds like he went in the nicest, gentlest way possible.
So, so sorry he’s gone. 🙁
We’ll miss you Hobkin. You were really the one time we met. *pats one last time*
Oh Eugie.
*hugs*
I’m so sorry for your loss.
I am so very sorry. I have lost many pets, and each one was exactly this difficult. He sounds like a very special animal.
So sorry for your loss, Eugie.
Oh, sweetie. There is weeping in Lincoln right now. 🙁
Hobkin
Eugie, I am so sorry about Hobkin. I’ve been following your blog and hoping that the little guy would hang in there . . . you and Matthew had to make a difficult decision on Hobkin’s behalf. He’s been a source of joy to your blog readers as well as you and Matthew. Take care . . . Debby Vetter
Oh, no. I’m very sorry, Eugie.
I’m so sorry, Eugie. I know he’s telling his new friends that he had the most caring parents anyone could have, and what a wonderful life he shared with you and Matthew.
*hugs*
Oh Eugie, I am sorry for your loss. All of your readers here on LJ feel as if we knew him.
I am very sorry. Though I am certain he knew how much you loved him.
I am so sorry for your loss, Eugie. The love you and Matthew had for Hobkin shone through in every entry you wrote about him, as did the joy he brought to you both.
You have my sympathy… the passing of a loved one is always hard.
Oh, no! I’ve loved your tales of Hobkin since I stared following your blog a few years back; what terrible news. But I’m glad that it was this way — with you, with his favorite nummy treats, and so on.
My condolences to both of you; I know he was your special guy.
My biggest regret when it comes to all the trips to ATL was that I never got the chance to meet Hobkin in person. Daulton and I offer our deepest condolences.
I’m so sorry, I am crying for your loss and the pain you are going through right now 🙁 You did the right thing, but I do know how hard it is to decide, and do it.
It’s always been so obvious how much you loved him, and he knew.
I’m so sorry, Eugie.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Hobkin had the best thing of all: your love.
I’m so, so, so sorry. I think a lot of people loved Hobkin, through your writing about him.
I am so very sorry. There are no words. ::hugs you tight::
I’m so sorry for your loss, at least he was very well loved.
Oh, I’m sorry to hear, Eugie. Hobkin sounded like such a great skunk, and you all were pretty great humans for taking care of him so well. *hugs*
So sorry to hear this news. My condolences.
Oh, Eugie, I’m so sorry. I think we all loved him through you and he will be missed.
::HUGS::
I’m sorry to hear about his passing, Eugie. You gave him a wonderful life, and I’m sure you made him happy.
Sorry for your loss.
::hugs::
My heart goes out to you and Matthew.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful Hobkin with us over the years. I know I am not the only one whose heart he captured.
Peace to you, sweet skunk.
Oh, Eugie. I can’t tell you how sorry I am, and how much I’m going to miss your posts about Hobkin’s antics and funny little personality. I hope you’ll share more memories of him with us when you feel up to it. I’ll be thinking of you often today and in the days to come.
It’s me, Amanda. I am so sorry for your loss. I am sending lots of energy to both of you. *hugs*
I am so sorry hun. You know what? He knew it. He knew he was loved.
Thank you for sharing about your precious Hobkin online and letting us get to know your dear friend.
I am so, so sorry for your loss. *HUGS*
*shedding tears for your beautiful fuzzy boy*
I’m sorry, Eugie.
I’m so sorry you lost him. ::hugs::
I am so sorry, Eugie.
Condolences on your loss.
So sorry, Eugie. It was obvious how much he meant to you. Its good how our pets can burrow so deep into our hearts, but it sure hurts when they leave us.
I’m so sorry, Eugie.
Aw, Eugie, I’m so sorry. *hugs*
*hugs*
I’m so sorry. It sounds like the best passing anyone could want, capping a life full of love. My heart hurts in sympathy with yours.
I’m so very sorry to hear of your loss. It’s been a joy to get to know Hobkin through your entries over the years, and my thoughts are with you and Matthew.
Wishing peace and comfort for you.
So sorry, Eugie! Hobkin will be greatly missed by all of us in LJ land. I so enjoyed reading about him and his adventures. He left us much too soon. Thank you for sharing his life with us.
Pam
Hugs to you.
So, so sorry for your loss, Eugie. The Hobkin updates have been a favorite part of your blog. The little critter will be missed far beyond your home.
Sincerely,
Lon
I’m so very sorry to hear this, Eugie.
I never would have imagined a skunk could be such an awesome pet before reading about Hobkin. He’s been a wonderful ambassador for skunklets!
I’m very sorry to hear that he’s left us. I think a hundred years wouldn’t have been enough with Hobkin. Much love to you.
Sorry, Eugie.
So sorry for your loss.
I’m so, so sorry, Eugie. I wish desperately there was something more than words I could offer you.
I am so sorry D:
<3<3<3<3<3
Oh honey, I’m so sorry. I remember when he was still a wee nubbin of a boy! But I’m glad he had you, and you had him.
I’m so sorry to hear this, Eugie. It’s always hard when you lose a pet. I know many other people have already said this, but I feel like I knew Hobkin through all your posts about him. Thanks for sharing him with the LJ community.
Sad. He was an adorable little bundle of bouncing fluff. Our thoughts go out to the three of you. If someone hasn’t shared it with you, check out the Rainbow Bridge poem.
Someone had given it to Christina on Facebook, but when we picked up Puddin’head’s ashes, the people who did it included the poem with the box. It’s a very sad thought, but also comforting.
Good luck in hanging in there.
Eugie, I’m so sorry. *love and hugs*
I’m sorry. He was such a wonderful guy to read about. I am sorry I never got to meet him.
Oh, Eugie. I am so very sorry.
Oh, god, I am so so sorry. I’m glad you have so many happy memories of him, and I’m glad that your final memory of him is of peace and contentment, but that doesn’t ease the loss.
Pets are family, ans Hobkin was special. I’m sorry for your loss. *hugs*
I’m so sorry. He was such a cute little guy.
Oh. I’m so sorry.
I am so terribly sorry to hear about Hobkin’s passing. Please take care of yourself in this difficult time, and if there’s anything at all I can do for you, please let me know.
I’m so sorry to hear about his passing. I’m praying for comfort for you and your husband. I have no doubt he knew how much you loved him.
I’m very sorry, Eugie.
Oh no! I’m sorry to hear this…
Condolences
Having lost my two long time animal companions in just the last two months, I can empathize. It sounds like you did the best anyone could. Hugs to both you and Matt. Let me know on Facebook if you need anything. Don and I both give our condolences.
Much love,
Toni
I’m so sorry.
I am so, so sorry.
I really appreciate all of the wonderful smiles and happy thoughts your little fuzzy guy brought into my life as I watched and read about his life (and yours) here on LJ – thanks to you and Hobkin for offering all of us a little more cute, a little more laughs, and a little more love in our lives.
Even thought we never actually met, Hobkin will always be my favorite little skunk.
May there be lots of happy thoughts, wonderful memories and remembrances for love to comfort you now and always.
I’m so sorry. It’s always tough losing a furry family member. *hugs from someone who understands way too well*
I’ve come to care for Hobkin, too, through your words. I will miss him. I am so sorry for your loss.
I’m sorry for your loss. Hobkin, and your stories of him, has touched the hearts of many.
My deepest condolences.
My heart goes out to the both of you for your loss.
Love & Hugs,
FahKingNut
Oh {{{{Eugie}}}}, I’m so sorry. All my thoughts and condolences go out to you and Matthew.
I’m so sorry, Eugie. It breaks my heart to hear this.
I am so, so sorry. Thank you for sharing Hobkin with us, and giving us a peek into his magic, too.
Anything I can do, just tell me.
Mel and i know what its like to lose such a treasured and loved pet. We’re both sorry for your loss.
Oh, I am so sorry, it was always so wonderful to read about Hobkin. You guys gave him a great life. RIP, little guy.
There are no words that can bring comfort in the passing of our little furry friends. The emptiness that is left behind by their passing seems to be something we will never get over. With each passing day there is always a memory of them in some way, but at least they leave us with wonderful, heart warming memories. I never meet Hobkins but heard so many stories about him that it made me want to meet him. Hobkins was a very loved little fella, his mama would always glow when she talked about him. Eugie and Matthew, you gave back the love to Hobkins when you gave him the peaceful, quite passing of life. May time heal your hearts.
For so very long I have read with delight the many posts you have made regarding Hobkin. In recent weeks, I have read with growing distress, deliberately not commenting because in same way it felt that to do so would give more reality to the reports of ill health.
Now I am choked up, sniffling, teary-eyed, reading of his passing, and of the loss you and Matthew are bearing, and all of this from just reading of the little guy, never having actually met him, or wriggled my nose back at him, or fed him a cricket.
Thank you for the years of sharing so wonderfully with me and the rest who read your blog. I know that for today or tomorrow or probably for many days to come this will not be much comfort, but through your words Hobkin reached far further than many people do, induced smiles and laughter, created joy.
For now though, I ache for your loss.
And I, for one, have enjoyed all the posts you wrote about Hobkin over these past years. I’m sorry to hear this, but am convinced that you gave him the best ferret life a ferret could possibly have.
I am so very sorry for your loss, but glad you have so many wonderful memories with him and he passed safe, warm, and loved. I went through a similar loss this last summer and it still hurts, but is slowly getting better.
*quiet hugs if you want them*
I am so very very sorry for your loss, Eugie. He was a wonderful good boy.
So sorry to hear about Hobkin, Eugie. My sincere condolences.