I lost a cherished pet today

[Grizzled Bear]

This creature had been part of my life for almost 17 years. He wasn't exactly a normal cat. He was built like a medium sized dog. When he was healthy he weighed over 20 pounds. Today he weighed just over 10 pounds and was skin and bone.

He had been sick on and off for about a year. Antibiotics helped but he never completely recovered. This morning he really looked bad. We called the vet and took him in. I already expected the worst. The vet said his temp was 92 F (normal is about 101). I expected him to have a fever because was looking for cool places to lie down.

It was so hard but I asked the Vet to put him to sleep. The Dr reassured me that this was the best choice, with treatments he might have another week or two and either be in pain or doped up. I said to do it and dear God it hurts. My wife and I held him and stroked his fur until long after he was gone. His cheek rested on my hand the entire time. At about 12:45 this afternoon he passed away.

Through tears, Mrs Bear said she never thought the loss of a cat would be so painful. When she first "met" him they had trouble getting along. Before getting to know her; he never liked anybody but me. After some time they warmed up to each other. Today she's heartbroken. To be honest, so am I.

Whenever she would sing he would run up to her, sit at attention and listen to her. She asked if animals go to heaven and if we will see him again. The best I could do was a verse from Ecclesiates 3:21.

He traveled with me from the US to Europe and back. Whether I was in the livingroom watching a DVD, studying at the kitchen table or FReeping; he was always right next to me. I keep expecting to turn and see him in his usual places.

Thanks for listening.

[Grizzled Bear]

Just so you all know; it's nothing to do with the pet food scandals. We have a second kitty and she's perfectly healthy. The fella had been sick for a long time.

[mtbopfuyn]

(((hugs)))

[SandRat]

Four Legged friend passes.

[saveliberty]

I am very sorry. He was one of your family.

[Grizzled Bear]

Thanks.

:*(

[truthkeeper]

I'm so sorry. I had a 22 year-old cat who had to be put down in a similar way; her kidneys were going at the end. That was about 15 years ago and I still think about her.

You are among FRiends here...we all care. Thanks for sharing.

[i_dont_chat]

At Rainbow Bridge

When I woke this morning I felt very odd
I don’t know why but I felt close to God
The sun was shining, the birds were singing
The music was soft, the bells were ringing
And puppies were romping at play
What a pleasant start to a wonderful day

I remember lying down to take a nap
I remember I had my head in her lap
I remember the sad look in her eye
I remember I had never seen her cry
I remember I wanted to ask her why
I remember hearing her say “Good Bye”

I wanted to say don’t cry for me
I wanted to say just remember me
I wanted to say I remember the toys
I wanted to say I remember the joys
I wanted to say I remember your touch
I wanted to say I loved you so much

I wanted to say what an angel you’ve been
For showing me the way to him
When I woke up I knew there would be no pain
When I woke up I knew I could play in the rain
You’ve taken care of me all my life
You’ve guarded me from trouble and strife

You’ve been with me through good and bad
You’ve always stopped me from being sad
You’ve given me treats and given me care
You told me what to expect when I got there
So please don’t cry wipe the tears from your eye
I’ll look down upon you with a woof and a sigh

I’ll gather my courage and march up to God
I’ll ask him when you get there to give you a nod
For you were my master you were my friend
And I’ll be waiting for you at the rainbows end.

~ Dr. Kal Kalnasy ~

[Wheee The People]

 If it should be, that I grow frail and weak,

And pain should keep me from my sleep,

Then you must do what must be done

For this, the last battle, can't be won.

 

You will be sad, I understand.

Don't let your grief then stay your hand,

For this day, more than the rest,

Your love and friendship stand the test.

 

We've had so many happy years

What is to come can hold no fears.

You'd not want me to suffer, so,

When the time comes, please let me go.

 

Take me where my needs they'll tend only,

 Stay with me to the end,

And hold me firm and speak to me,

Until my eyes no longer see.

 

I know in time you will see

It is a kindness you do to me

Although my tail its last has waved

From pain and suffering I've been saved.

 

Don't grieve it should be you,

Who decides this thing to do,

We've been so close, we two, these years

Don't let your heart hold any tears.

 

Smile - for we walked together,

For a little while.

[kalee]

I’m so sorry. I’ve been in your shoes and it’s very painful.

[Tax-chick]

I’m so sorry about your loss, Grizzled Bear.

[BigFinn]

It’s the hardest thing to lose a beloved family member. I know. Sending you much sympathy.

[AmericanMade1776]

Whew... amazing how attached you can get to pets. But just remember your pet cat had a wonderful life, and was valued.

[avital2]

my heart goes out to you. we who have had to save our animals from suffering by doing what you did know your agony. we also know that the only way through it is to mourn your loss freely. you lost a dear companion and that leaves such a painful void which takes time to heal up - but know that you did the right thing for him. i am so sorry for your pain —and i’m glad the fella is not suffering.

[MadLibDisease]

Hi Bear, sorry for your loss, I know how much it hurts, myself and others care. Keep your chin up.

MLD

[elcid1970]

Your grief is knowable. My wife and I grieved over a cat we lost whom she had known for fourteen years. Then a kitten followed me home and we loved her for fifteen years until the Lord called my beloved bride home and whom I shall see again. Then the second cat died suddenly.

My wife’s mother has two new cats. Life goes on, somehow.

[SoftballMominVA]

Love and hugs to you. I've been there and the pain is palpable. The only thing that heals it is time.

It may look silly (and I guess it is in a way) but the Monday Candle Ceremony helped me accept my loss. There is a description of it here ----> http://petloss.com/ceremony.htm

If it helps, great, if you think it is not for you, that's okay. We are all different, but I offer it in kindness only.

[Fawn]

So sorry to hear.....it will be hard to adjust....but remember that they will be up there in Heaven with us.....

[SnarlinCubBear]

I’m glad you felt free to share that. It’s amazing how we get attached to the little furr-babies.

I’ve gone thru it with a doggie. Have 2 more to go before too long.

I mourned for 2 years, so this pain may last a while.

I want mine with me in Heaven, and trust it will be so.

If not, I’ll still be happy :)

So sorry for you loss.

That was a great cat, that enjoyed music!

[Mark was here]

I still remember saying good bye to my last dog, She looked up at me gave me one last lick, and seemed to say, “Dont worry about me I’ll be ok”, just by the look in her eyes.

My wife said no more pets.

A month later I came home from work, and she said I found this add in the paper, “Lets go now”.

I understand your sadness.

[oneamericanvoice]

My heart goes out to you and Mrs. Bear. I’m holding back tears, because my roomate had to put our beloved cat down a few years ago. It still hurts. He was an amazing cat too. Basically it was her cat, but we both adored him. I wish I could give you words of comfort. Perhaps just knowing that there are so many of us who will grieve with you. Take care. Hold onto the good memories, and the blessing that he was for so many years.

((hugs))