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.
Condolences.
There is a bridge connecting heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge, there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass.
When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. The old and frail animals are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again. They play all day with each other.
There is only one thing missing. They are not with their special person who loved them on Earth. So, each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly looks up! The nose twitches. The ears are up. The eyes are staring. And this one suddenly runs from the group.
You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.
That was a great cat, that enjoyed music!
He liked her singing but would run when I picked up my guitar. He had discerning taste.
:*(
That was a great cat, that enjoyed music!
He liked her singing but would run when I picked up my guitar. He had discerning taste.
:*(
I’m so sorry you had to say goodbye to a friend. We have a 24 yr old cat and are having the discussion now.
Star Traveler has some very insightful advice on this subject, perhaps he can share some......
ping.
I know how you feel and empathize with you and your wife.
(((Hugs)))) to you. I have an elderly fragile kitty as well.
My condolences to you and your wife. I’ve been there, too. I kept seeing my cat out of the corner of my eye for a long time after she died. I’ve been blessed with some very special pets, and I hope we will all be reunited in Heaven some day. God bless.
My 31 is for you.
Believe me, I sympathize. I had to “make the call” to have our dear feral adoptee Prickle put to sleep. Of all the decisions I’ve had to make in 51 years, that’s one of the hardest and most joyless. I cried a lot, before and after. She was just an animal, but for all that she was a dear, affectionate cat who just loved every member of our family, and loved nothing better than being with us.
Since I know nothing about Heaven beyond what the Bible tells me, and it gives no indication that pets will be resurrected, I don’t look to that. Instead, I’m thankful that we all could do what we could to make Prickle’s 15+ years on earth full of love, affection, fun, great places to curl up and nap, and good food.
Thanks. I know it doesn’t compare to the loss of a human child but it hurts.
22 years is an amazing age for a cat. I hope the memories are happy.
We understand, it is very difficult but you did the right thing.
It’s so very hard to lose a pet. They are like children to us that know the joy of owning one. I’m sorry you’re hurting, but just remember, you gave this big guy lots of love and warmth.
Not all are so lucky. I know he was grateful to you. Remember the good times. :)
I’m sorry. We had a Russian Blue a few years ago and the same thing happened to him. The vet could never figure out what was wrong with him, ran so many tests. He was 11. I haven’t been able to get another cat like him, have had others but never another blue. He was so sweet.
Sorry for your loss.
There was a time where I thought it would be better to find a new home for them both. What you just said is what stopped me.
I’ve seen how some treat their pets and I couldn’t take the chance.
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