Posted on 05/25/2007 4:28:35 PM PDT by 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.
Im so sorry to hear that GB. My dog is sick too. I can tell. I took her to the vet- they did blood tests and couldn’t find anything wrong. But you made me think when you said your cat was looking for a cool place to lay down. My dog is doing the same, which is unusual. I’m gonna have to get a second opinion. I can’t go thru what you’re going thru. She’s my little girl and SO loving. I love her so much.
Again, i’m so sorry for your loss. You must feel just horrible right now. Take Care FRiend!
So sorry for your loss, Grizzled Bear. May God comfort you and your wife in your grief.
I’ve held some in my arms as you have and felt blessed to be with them as they crossed over.
One of our dogs passed alone years ago because our vet was away and his partner wouldn’t allow family to be present. I’ve never forgiven that vet and never used their services again.
That’s the first time I’ve read that poem — and it really got the tears flowing.
It’s beautiful! Thank you for posting.
I didn’t think I had any tears left — but, I did.
Thank you for posting this poignant poem.
He tended to only pur on his exhales.
Good luck to you and I hope your puppy pulls through.
It was really hard this morning. Especially when I looked at his toys on the floor.
God bless you,
GB
I'm so sorry for your loss. 17 years is a good long time. Take heart in knowing that the pain doesn't last forever, and that (when you're ready) you'll be able to share your heart and home with another great pet. It won't take the place of the one you've lost, but will have his very own place in your heart.
Your freeper family is there for you,
Reep
I’m so sorry for your loss.
I understand, Grizzled Bear. And I am so sorry for you.
Four weeks ago today, I lost my beloved Heidi. She was with me for over 12 years. She was a beautiful black standard poodle and a day hasn’t passed that I haven’t sobbed for her. I miss her so much. She would have been 13 in September.
She had been suffering with an auto immune disorder called pemphigus for the past 18 months. She took a turn for the worse around St. Pat’s Day, but then she rallied. I really thought we’d have one last boating season together, but the night of April 27th, she wouldn’t take any food or water. I stayed up with her until four in the morning and said “good night, you’re a good girl, and I love you.” I feel asleep two feet away from her, and when I woke at 8, she was gone.
The boat has yet to go in the water, and I miss my dog so much.
And I know when I die that I’ll see her again. She’ll be running to meet me, healthy and beautiful as she was for nearly all of her life. Your cat will be there for you too.
Believe me, I know how much you’re grieving.
Awww... Your kitty fits the kind of cat I’d picture you with.....
My sincerest sorrow for your loss.
I have been through the same circumstances. Each time I cry for the loss.
Without a lot of “Rainbow Bridge” stuff; the pain never passes and I mourn the loss of each pet as I would for a child, for that is what they were. Your child.
Leave a bit of time for you other “kid” to mourn as well, for they do.
A slow introdution of an opposite (gender)within a few years of your pets age will help some.
Again, my best wishes to you and yours,
G.Reader
Ashley unremarkable looking grey striped tabbycat until you see the eyes cat of sinew and fur resolute gaze, steady manner scarred but never bowed on patrol on patrol in the house in the yard along the wall of the woods keeping watch claws and teeth ready for the invader foolish enough to Cross the Line
Ashley on patrol through the long hours of the night the brief hours of summer afternoon the snow, rain, wind on patrol ever watchful never tiring resolved resolute content to be on patrol
Ashley on patrol a quick meal inside at the kitty dish on the counter gulping down store-bought food tame, house cat food for an untamed soul quickly still watching from the corner of an eye what's that motion outside? just random movement or an Intruder? no more time for tame eating must get back on duty
Ashley on patrol so many encounters in the night a few in daytime most unseen by other eyes several heard in the small hours many not but always the yard remains safe under guard many scars much hair gone not quite as steady as you were youth cannot be kept by force of will or sense of duty
Ashley on patrol always a friend to your housemates other cats lacking your resolve sense of purpose a small, noisy dog who presumes too much but tolerated humans who care for you and who you care for despite their puzzling lack of territoriality who cuddle you when you're between duty sections scratching you under the chin your most favorite place which causes you to stretch most luxuriously and make your soft, rumbling purr eyes closed in pleasure at the touch and warmth of those you guard so well perhaps time for a tame snack at countertop before resuming the watch for another long night
Ashley on patrol who, during some long night of attentiveness encountered one of the smallest intruders an intruder of the body an intruder unseen, unfelt, unsmelled that began its own patrol of your life's blood a patrol that doomed you
Ashley no longer on patrol not eating, sleeping too much too thin coat dulled and threadbare tired, retired sentry now dreaming of past glories, past battles won now too fond of the soft carpet, the cozy room your body invaded by the unknown and unknowable failing so tired time to rest, my friend a last hug, a last purr the prick of a needle a last tear sleep now
Ashley on patrol coat shiny again, gaze steady, pace confident no more pain no more adversaries Ashley on patrol in Heaven
so tired time to rest, my friend a last hug, a last purr the prick of a needle a last tear sleep now
Sniffles
:*-(
Awwww
(((hugs)))
the ears and bushy tail made me think “Maine Coon.” But Coons also have large paws (which they use a lot), and longer tails. Maybe a mix?
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That sounds like mine, the large paws and long tail, I mean. He is close to 20 pounds and he is a hunter through and through. He comes indoors and outdoors at HIS pleasure. :) And when he is ready to be fed, you better be ready to serve or he will take a nip on the back of your leg. I hope you enjoy the kittens.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your precious cat. We truly don’t know exactly what heaven holds for us, but my hope is that God has our pets there waiting.
That sounds like my wild mix cat. He has an extremely loud purr but it was not steady. You and your wife have been in my prayers today. I know yesterday couldn’t have been easy for you.
I lost my beagle last October under a similar situation. I still miss her and sometimes find myself on the verge of tears when I think of her. In other words, I know how you feel as do many others. It’s amazing how much we can grow to love our pets and how much we miss them when they’re gone.
Very sad. Sounds like it's time for her to bond with a new friend :-)
Their personalities are truly wonderful and individual. You will never find another of your beloved kitty but the next creature you bring home may open a door in your heart that you never knew was there. I know each of my pets has done that.
I like this sentiment:
Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened.
I'm thinking of you and grieving with you today.
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