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.
God spoke all of creation into being. Then he took part of creation and formed man in his own image. He “breathed” his own life into man.
I believe that this is why we domesticated animals and we lavish love on them. The joy and love we feel for them seems like a pale shadow of what our God feels for us.
Consider how you take care of your pets. At times your furry friend has no idea what you’re doing, why you are doing it and they are certainly unhappy about what’s going on. They “voice” their complaints. Don’t they?
Isn’t there some things that God does for your benefit that is unpleasant or painful but is in your best interest?
God said he wants to be reunited with us. I hope and pray he lets us bring along some friends. :.-(
I know it does. God bless you and your wife - you did the right thing for your furry friend and you also gave him a very good life which he might not have had otherwise.
Condolences from a fellow cat-person.
My total sympathy, Grizzled Bear. I’m going through now what you just did. My old Big Kitty (there’s Big Kitty and Little Kitty, yes they have real names too) is on her last legs. She is staggering around now (she’s somewhere near 20 years old). Can’t make it to the kitty litter box anymore. I have to lift her up on the sofa, chair or bed, as she can’t make it on her own. Surprisingly her appetite is still good, which fools you into thinking maybe there’s still hope, but you know there really isn’t. It will just get worse.
I have gotten so far as to get the kitty carrier out to transport her to the vet to have her put away, I found a place that will put her down at a reasonable price, but I have yet to make that final call for an actual appointment to take her in. I’m having a terrible time with this. Just can’t quite bring myself to do it yet. I know I have to, but it’s just very hard to screw up the courage. Ugh.
So I completely understand what you just went through. I’m making myself miserable about this; it’s like the sword of Damocles hanging over my head everyday now. So depressing. I actually envy you that you made the necessary move and it is over. Would that I could do the same sooner than later. I love my old cat. She and I have gone through a lot together. I know this too shall pass, and she’ll be better off in kitty heaven. She’s been such a good cat. Sorry for the length of this, but you can see it’s on my mind, bigtime.
It all started back during World War II:
We were founded 35 years ago by the singular efforts of Mr. C. Richard Calore. During World War II, he found himself deep in a fox hole in France during the dead cold of winter. Sometime during the long cold night, in wandered this furry little creature who kept him both warm and company throughout the long night.I've written both of my cats into my trust -- just in case they outlive me. I cannot stand the idea of them being discarded in a shelter because I die.Mr. Calore decided that he would dedicate his life to raise public awareness and to teach kindness and humane treatment to all animals. Mr. Calore vowed a safe haven for cats.
National Cat was created in 1968, and provides both the Orange County and San Diego areas with a shelter for cats. However, the love of cats and the care goes on throughout the United States with information and help for all. His widow, Mrs. Gerri Calore, carries on his crusade to this cause. She is the Public Relations Director at the Spring Valley Shelter.
National Cat Protection Society offers them a retirement for the rest of their lives.
I know you've lost your precious feline baby, and I am so sorry. But, I thought you might be comforted knowing about this wonderful group. It's one of my favorite places.
You miss him and that’s what matters.
:-) You are welcome Grizzled Bear. It is a good thing to show us what a great cat he was.
God bless you, too. I know how hard it is. I went through something similar in 1999 with my 19-year old cat, Larla. I had had her since she was a kitten (we kind of grew up together).
Prayers for your comfort and strength.
Prayers for comfort for you and your wife.
Hey S&A, could you please put me on the Kitty Ping list? Thanks!
Sorry to hear of your loss, GB. Tough stuff.
I put my 19.5 yo Chelsea down in January and it really tore me up. But, yesterday I had the first thought of Chelsea that wasn’t accompanied by almost overwhelming sadness, so there’s light at the end of the tunnel it seems.
I know how you feel. It’s hard to find one just like the one you had. We have 2 Maine coon cats now, and they look totally different. One is long hair with the bushy tail and the other is short hair(we believe he is a mix). The short hair one was a stray, someone left him to die in our woods. He was skin and bones when we found him, just a kitten. I fed him and named him MoMO because he moans when he cries.
((((Hugs)))) from one cat person to another. Your beloved cat lived life to the fullest for 17 years.
Ah! what a face! I especially like the fangs with the puffed tail. Looks like he had a lot of puuuuursonality!
Grizzly you could tell from what you wrote that the cat was special , and the loss was huge.... brought a lump to my throat, all I could think of was the movie “ol’ yeller”.
Great cats don’t come along often, I still miss mine.
I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet that only gave love for us is the hardest thing.
When we had to put our Korat boy to sleep, that was how it was with the girls...they spent several days looking for him.
I’m sorry for your loss...you did the right thing to not let your dear kitty suffer. They may not have voices to speak, but they do show their love and gratitude.
When I saw the picture, 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?
We now have three purebred MC’s about a year old, and a 16-year-old feral adoptee who keeps them in line and doesn’t much hold with these young punks and their rowdy ways.
Very sorry for the loss of your dear kitty. I can’t imagine how painful it is for you and Mrs. Bear. You will be in my thoughts and prayers this weekend.
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