Commiseration Needed!

[swrinfla]

This morning, I had to put down The Cat, who was 15 years 8 months and more old, and had been with me since he was 9 weeks old! I know I did the right thing, but I'm awfully lonesome!

SWR

[Village Kid 2]

Oh, I am so sorry. I know the love of kittys. I have three of my own (ages 15, 14, and 7). My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you. It is a sad day indeed. I hope you are comforted by the thought of all the good years your kitty had with such a splendid and loving master.

Best, VK2

[Shirleevee]

So sad when a beloved pet is gone. My thoughts are with you.

Shirleevee

[Rokinronda]

I feel your sorrow. :'( It was my bubba. Almost 2 years ago. After a few months I decided to adopt another, animals bring so much joy!! Hope this special tribute helps you in your grief. (saw some sweet kittens at Petco)
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 quivers. 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....

- Author Unknown

[nONIE]

Swrinfla,

I am so sorry to hear of your beloved pet being put down. It is always an agonizing decision, but it is good that in your heart you know you did the right thing.

I have had to do this many times myself and it is the lonliest, emptyiest feeling inside.

Of course you may feel that it is too soon, but dont let that dark empty hole go too long without filling it again with the love of another pet. For myself and many I know, it did a world of good to laugh and feel the joy again of a new pet. You obviously are a loving, devoted pet owner and their are so many orphaned furbabies out there who would love to be your dedicated companion. Again, my deepest sympathies are with you at this time.

[KathieI]

This morning, I had to put down The Cat, who was 15 years 8 months and more old, and had been with me since he was 9 weeks old! I know I did the right thing, but I'm awfully lonesome! SWR

SW: I'm so sorry for your loss. Its so hard to do but in your heart you know you did the right thing. To me, the grief is so unbearable, that I immediately get another pet and although your kitty can't be replaced, it does make the hurt a little more tolerable.

If your interested, Redwitch has been fostering a stray cat for awhile around her house. I personally met this beautiful cat when I was there last, and it is a wonderful animal. It was someone's pet but somehow got lost. Can't you just hear it meowing to you right now?? Think about it. It will help the loneliness. Good luck! Your friend, Kathie

[KathieI]

SW, I'm sorry, I've just been told by my sistah's that Red's foster baby did find a home. But, do remember the animal shelters, plenty of kitties there who would love to have you as a new Daddy... Good luck! Kath

[renielarson]

We have 2 cats...both 14 years old. I am not looking forward to the day when they leave us.

I know the feeling SW...from past experience of putting down our other dogs and cats. I cry and cry and feel so lonely, too.

My heart goes out to you.

[F16 1UB]

Swrinfla,

So sorry to hear of your loss. I can say that I've been there. I was without my best friend for 4 days and went and got another. Only I should have gotten a rescue critter first instead of a puppy. My suggestion would be to get you another cat "Yesterday". They will not only help fill a void in your life but entertain you also.

Hope to see you again at Crispers soon.

F16

[ssw]

I know your pain. I had to put my little dog down last Friday. Had him for 14 years 5 months. I also know it was the right thing to do, but it has been a very hard week. My thoughts are with you.

[sandybill2]

This morning, I had to put down The Cat, who was 15 years 8 months and more old, and had been with me since he was 9 weeks old! I know I did the right thing, but I'm awfully lonesome!

SWR
So sorry for your loss----had to make that decision with our Maxie Dog that was our friend for 11 years. Such a part of our family!!!! I still see him, think about him, but I know we did the right thing when we made the decision to put him down. It was something that we could not fix. That is our gift to him and a decision that is so much about love---- Rokinronda--thank you for the rainbow bridge. Such a beautiful thought---can't wait to feel those kisses again!!!!

[redwitch]

I am so very sorry. It is so painful and hard to lose your baby. At least your guy had a long and wonderful life with you. Hope that gives you some comfort. Gentle hugs.

[Rokinronda]

SW, Cure your loneliness. Go to pet rescue at Petsmart on 27/441, Sat. and Sun.. Tell them your heartache and I'm sure they can help you. My Lila found me there! There is a kitty just waiting and hoping for a companion like you!!!! The Cat wouldn't want it any other way. As Donna would say, get 'er done.

[Midge538]

How we react to the death of any family member- human or animal- depends to a large extent on the part they've played in our daily lives, the significance of our relationships with them, and the strength of our attachments to them.

In some ways the companionship of animals makes up for the traditional support systems our culture has lost along the way
With their constant presence, availability and devotion, pets are our best source of unconditional love, becoming for many of us the ideal child, parent, mate or friend. They listen without judgment or reproach, and never give advice. They accept us exactly as we are, regardless of how we look or feel or behave. They forgive us readily and never hold grudges against us. No matter how much change we must endure in our unpredictable lives, our pets are always there for us.

Animal companions weave themselves into the fabric of our daily lives. We live and relax in each other's company. They are there when we awaken in the morning, rely on us to toilet, feed, water, exercise, groom and play with them, greet us joyfully when we come home to them and may even sleep with us in our beds at night. We touch them, stroke them, pet them, hug them, kiss them, tell them our troubles and share our deepest secrets with them.

When cherished companion animals are taken from us, we need to take some time to think about and remember how closely we were attached to one another. It is only when we identify how much our friends meant to us, and recognize how very much we've lost, that we begin to understand why pet loss hurts so much.

[nONIE]

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle Autumn rain.
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.

SF,

There is a wonderful book called" Goodbye, friend"

-Gary Kowalski

It has helped me thru many grievous moments.

[MSNPA]

SWR,
I am so sorry. I recall talking with you about your cat at one of the TOTV luncheons. I know you must really be missing him. Hope you have solace in knowing he had a good life with you. Cats and all pets become members of our families.

[beady]

I am so sorry you had to put down The Cat.
I am dreading the day with our great pal Bo'sun. I have sent animals on to their great reward before and it is always the loneliest feeling.Just remember The Cat is in a better place now and you did the right thing.

[swrinfla]

Wow!

You guys are so special! I knew there'd be a sympathetic response, but I am frankly overwhelmed!

My late wife and I had a cat or two practically from the beginning (we'd have been married 50 years coming up in September) and so we've experienced this loss too many times. After two-three months, we inevitably went in search of another companion!

The Cat's predecessor was with us more than 18 years, and his mother, too, for at least 16. So, for the most part, the felines have been long-lived in our/my house!

I suspect that there'll be a New Cat here before the end of the year!

Again, thank you all so very, very much for your expressions! They mean the world to me!

SWR

[Barefoot]

SWR, I want to join with my friends in telling you how sorry I am. There is nothing to say that will fill the void. I've probably had 15 animals in my life, usually 3 at a time, and when it is time to say goodbye, it is always just so painful and lonely for a while.

If the Cat could talk she'd say thank you for a wonderful life, and for doing the right thing at the end, and for loving me all these years.

With Sympathy :'(
Barefoot

[graciegirl]

I am so sorry. Please feel this hug. We had to take our Gremmy who was 18, four months ago to be put down because he was in pain. I understand completely.

[Herb]

Dear SWR, My heart goes out to you and I hope that the feelings of others brings you some solace. I lost my Augustina some months ago and yet I can still feel her weight walking around me in the bed. I often reach for her but of course she is not there physically. Our pain in the rump kitten (Rusty) now 9 and just about half her age no longer hangs out in the bay window on her highnesses pillow. A position they used to tussle over. He has also changed in other ways. I hope you allow a feline to rescue you soon and please post a photo when you do. May I also say that I was touched that you asked for what you needed. A brave move on your part. Best Wishes, Herb

[golfpro]

I am so sorry to hear that. There is a book entitled, Rescuing Sprite, written by Mark Levin, who is an avid dog lover. But many people who also have cats have read it and found it so helpful and comforting. I highly recommend it as well.

It is so sad and awful to lose any of our dear pets.

[mcelheny]

Been there....Done that. So sorry. :'(

[Taltarzac]

Pet loss poems-- http://www.fourpawsinheaven.com/poetry/poetryindex.html

[Barefoot]

I was thinking about you today, SWR, and hoping you're not too lonely without The Cat. Please let us know how you're doing.

[chelsea24]

How are you doing swrinfla? I know this is still a very hard time. You've been in my thoughts. My cats are my babies. I know your pain. I had to put my two dogs down, at the same time, two years ago. Both very old, and both different problems that were not giving them quality of life. I'm just now starting to be able to laugh about the crazy things that Earl (my pug) and Addie (my corgie) would do. I had all the cats, plus 2 dogs. Quite a housefull. My husband is a veterinarian and I know that's it's very hard for the doctors too. He had his own practice for 35 years, so many times he would know the dog or cat from birth to the end, that was very hard on him.

I have not replaced my pups yet, mostly because of the move and traveling. But I do agree that there's a kitten out there somewhere that needs your love and kindness and I know you'll find each other.

It's strange but close to the time my Dad passed away, he began "seeing" all the pets we had had. He was a devote animal lover. I absolutely believe that we see our loved ones again and that includes our pets. They are family too.

My thoughts are with you. chels

[swrinfla]

chelsea:

Thanks for your concern. I am managing, but find myself waking up at 5am and wondering why The Cat isn't on the bed?

One of my neighbors, who usually sat for me when I went away, has been after me already to get a replacement! And, of course, I study the picture(s) in Sunday's Daily Sun with closer attention. BUT, not until after my Thanksgiving cruise is what I';ve set for myself.

I love your sun-glassed avatar, by the way. Our first cate, when we were married almost 50 years ago, looked much the same (although she wouldn't have put up with the glasses, you can bet); she was "Ginger." We lost her one night when she got out as we watched a nearby house burn down. We thought she may have been lost in the fire or in the confusion surrounding it. She was replaced with Josephine and Napoleon about a year later.

Again, thanks for asking!

SWR

[golfpro]

SWR -- In case you hadn't heard of it -- there's a great book entitled, "Rescuing Sprite" by Mark Levin. He wrote it in the same situation with his dog. But it is great no matter what pet you have had to lose.

I highly recommend it.

[Boomer]

SWR,

Even though we know it is the right thing to do, that does not make it any easier when the time comes. It is always hard to say goodbye to one of your best friends. I have never had a cat. It's always been a dog. But I know how you feel. Take care. You will love again.

Boomer

[JohnnyM]

swrinfla sorry for your loss.....Johnny&Barbara

[andrea j.]

i am sorry for your loss.
close your eyes, sit back and enjoy the memories.

is there an animal shelter where you could volunteer, keep you busy, not lonely and you'd be doing great work for animals in need.

kind regards
andrea


This morning, I had to put down The Cat, who was 15 years 8 months and more old, and had been with me since he was 9 weeks old! I know I did the right thing, but I'm awfully lonesome!

SWR

[ouma1938]

I feel so sad for your loss. I lost my Bonnie-cat the day afer Christmas. She ws 18 years old and such a wonderful part of our family. I couldn't bear it and in February we adopted a little stray Tabby. And then three days ago we were told about a 5 week old kitten in desperate need of a forever home. They have made me laugh and smile again and its the best thing to do. The Cat will always be special to you and will aways be missed. But the joy of giving hope and a loving forever home to needy kitty eases the pain.