A Break in Our Traveling While Disabled Series to Honor my Furry Caregiver:

Last week, we discussed traveling to higher altitudes and the effects it can have on your health. This week, I want to take a break from the “Traveling while Disabled” series to honor one of my furry caregivers, Petey Cat. Petey has been a part of my caregiving journey for 18 ½ years, and he has been my loyal companion and caregiver to my family members and me for that whole time. I have waited to write about this, and I still find myself shedding selfish tears because I miss him, but I know he is healthy now as he has crossed the rainbow bridge. On January 31, 2025, after delivering us to Cuenca, Ecuador, and getting us settled in, Petey left his body. His memory is a blessing, and he will forever remain in our hearts. Below, I will share a bit more about Petey and his caregiving for us.

Petey consoling me after my first husband’s, Sean’s, death and Petey’s 2-month walkabout (reunited and it was good).

This is Petey’s Obituary on Instagram from the pet cremation facility here in Cuenca, Ecuador

I remember when Kurt and I decided to embark on our big adventure, people would ask, “are going to re-home your cats?” and every time I heard this well-intentioned remark, I would be a bit taken aback because I couldn’t imagine doing that, no judgment here for anyone else who does, he was my fur baby (Jett too). Having never had children, they are the dearest companions for me.

There have been times when I had to leave my cats with family during my first husband, Sean’s, illness, but I couldn’t bear to do that again. I knew that Petey was living on his ninth life and wondered if he would even be here when we departed for Cuenca. True to his nature, he felt a responsibility to stick around for our benefit. He made it through the trips to the vet to get his health certificate, the 5-hour drive to Chicago in my lap, 5 days in a hotel there due to my illness and his health certificate being delayed, the 16-hour flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador, and the 4-hour drive through the mountains to Cuenca. What a trooper!

I had been assured that he was not suffering from his kidney failure, and except for a few plaintive meows while we were in vehicles, he was fine. When we arrived at our Airbnb, he continued to play “chase” with me up until a day before he died. He lay his body under my chin for the last two days. I held him and cried more than a little. We were saying our farewells and basking in the love born of so many trials we had been through together. Below, I will share photos of my beloved caregiver, Petey Cat. May his memory be a blessing. I am sure he is happy now with “Papa” Sean and his brother Kumbha, who passed away in 2009. We love you forever, Petey boy, and wish you all joy on your soul’s journey!!! <3

Always a lovebug and king of our castle.

Adoring us and watching out for us.

Steadfast devotion and attention were his way.

Petey was taking care of “Papa” Kurt after he got home from rehab.

Petey was watching me in the garden in the early morning.

Petey watching over Sean during his cancer treatments

Sean and Petey in happier times

Have you had a furry caregiver in your life? Share a picture in the comments.

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