[ExSoldier]

Ya'll might remember the tales of our cats Amber and Bandit whom we had to take into the vet for a kidney emergency about six weeks ago? Well, I got home from work today and MY BOY, Bandit was pooping and peeing all over himself and vomiting and I just KNEW. We rushed him to the vet and got the prognosis that indeed the time had come to send him "home." My wife and I held him in our arms and cried mightily. We firmly and with all our hearts believe that someday, we'll see him and all our other "children" who have proceeded him into the loving arms of our Lord. Our hearts are so broken right now. Worse, it's so very hard to look into the eyes of our beloved pup, Missy (Miss America) because she was always KISSIN' on the boy. They were like peas and carrots to quote Gump. Oh Lord, it does hurt so. We had him for 16 years. He taught me how to love kittys. I'd always been a dog guy. But this teeeeny little street kitty appeared one day in our yard and leaped into my arms and started to purr. It was like he was saying: Will YOU be my daddy? But you know, I sense that the Lord is here.

[UK Guy]

Very sorry to hear this ExSoldier, my thoughts are with you.

There's something very special about cats: I always think they know a lot more than they let on, sometimes. If only they could talk...

[Velveeta]

I'm so sorry for your loss, ExSoldier. :-(

[MamaDearest]

You got tears in my eyes there EXSoldier. I am so sorry to hear about Bandit and my heart goes out to you and your wife. My God bless little Bandit's animal soul. You gave him a great home and all the human love you could show him. Continued prayers for you, your wife and Bandit from my family to yours tonight! Bless you for taking in one of God's creatures. Warm hugs of sympathy from here to you and yours from someone who knows how painful that hurt is and how long it lasts!

[JustPiper]

Boy do I know your pain, wasn't that long ago I lost Harley. I am so sorry Soldier ;(

[diamond6]

So sorry for your loss. I've had to put a couple dogs down and its torture. Maybe you could adopt another cat from the pound and save a little animal. :)

[Oorang]

Please know my tears are for you and Mrs. ExSoldier as is this:

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water, and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing--they each miss someone very special to them who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face, your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together...

[SunnyUsa]

Oh geez, How sad....

I'm not a cat person, but even I am moved by your loss.

It sounds like you gave that kitty a very happy life with your family, take comfort with that...take care! :(

[Pegita]

Heavenly Father, we return to give You thanks for the wondrous little bundles of fur that bring such joy into our lives. Thank You for the fullness of years that You granted to Bandit and for the knowledge given to ExSoldier and his wife that it was time to let him go. Ease the devastating pain of parting, O God, for You know the special place our beloved pets have in our lives. We see the wisdom in Your creation ... we delight in caring for Your little ones ... we have that hope that they will be part of all that Heavenly treasure You have laid up for those who love You. You have been most merciful that the last touch and the last voices to ease Bandit homeward were those who love him most. Through our tears of sorrow, we praise Your Name ... Amen ...

[Lucy Lake]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[all4one]

ExSoldier....my condolences to you and your family for the loss of your dear Bandit. Pets are truely an important part of many families. Our dear dalmatian is 13 years old and thankfully he is doing well; but after a scare last year I don't look forward to a day when we may need to make the same sad choice.

[watchwoman]

I'm so sorry about your cat. We recently had to put our beloved dog down after 17 years. Now we have a delightful little 4 month old pomeranian pup - and he also loves to give kisses!