[MSNPA]

Two weeks ago today I lost my 12 year old cat Ben to cancer. I am devastated and feel a little part of me has died. He showed no signs of illness until the weekend before he died. On Saturday he stopped eating and drinking and ceased all his normal routines. After three visits to our Vet, Mon through Wed, our Vet, after chest xrays, noticed a shadow on his lungs (his breathing was now becoming irregular). She suggested we take him to AVS in Maitland. Wed afternoon the specialists at Maitland informed us Ben's lungs were full of cancerous nodules and there was nothing they could do. On Weds night he could barely breathe and we had him euthanized Thurs. I cannot explain the grief and loss we feel, not to mention the guilt in wondering if we missed any prior symptoms. All of this follows us losing our 18 year old cat Ivan in April. We still have Sophie who since March has had two surgeries for patella luxation and cannot do all the things she should be doing as a puppie.

I share this because I know there are many animal lovers on TOTV. Having pets is wonderful, but losing them is so terrible especially when it is before their time. Thanks for listening.

[graciegirl]

I am so sorry.

Please think of all the kind things you did for him and he did for you both. He had a very good life and you shared his happiness. You wouldn't have wanted him to hurt.Please don't think you could have changed anything. He was very sick and now he has crossed the rainbow bridge.

I am sending this hug.

I am so sorry.

[diskman]

Originally Posted by MSNPA

Two weeks ago today I lost my 12 year old cat Ben to cancer. I am devastated and feel a little part of me has died. He showed no signs of illness until the weekend before he died. On Saturday he stopped eating and drinking and ceased all his normal routines. After three visits to our Vet, Mon through Wed, our Vet, after chest xrays, noticed a shadow on his lungs (his breathing was now becoming irregular). She suggested we take him to AVS in Maitland. Wed afternoon the specialists at Maitland informed us Ben's lungs were full of cancerous nodules and there was nothing they could do. On Weds night he could barely breathe and we had him euthanized Thurs. I cannot explain the grief and loss we feel, not to mention the guilt in wondering if we missed any prior symptoms. All of this follows us losing our 18 year old cat Ivan in April. We still have Sophie who since March has had two surgeries for patella luxation and cannot do all the things she should be doing as a puppie.

I share this because I know there are many animal lovers on TOTV. Having pets is wonderful, but losing them is so terrible especially when it is before their time. Thanks for listening.

I have had to put down 2 dogs in the last 10 years, We know how you feel, it takes time

[Pturner]

Hi MSNPA,
My heart is with you. We too have grieved the loss of beloved pets. It hurts. You gave your cat a loving home. It's all you could do. It's all any of us could do.

I am sorry for your loss. Please accept this virtual hug.

[bkcunningham1]

MSNPA, I am so very sorry for your loss. Our puppies, kitty cats and other pets become members of our families. We love them with all of our heart and they love us back the same. It hurts, like Gracie said, when they cross over the rainbow bridge. Don't beat yourself up. Only a good mother would take the time to take a sick pet to the vet that many times seeking help. You did everything you could. With that much compassion, I know he must have had a wonderful life. If it would help for you to talk about it, I'd love to read how Ben came into your life. Is that him in the picture on your avatar thingie? That really is a beautiful baby.

[redwitch]

Oh, Susan, I'm so very sorry. Ben was such a big, sweet lug (even if he hated everyone but you). I know there are no words that will comfort you, but know that you gave him a GREAT life and so much love. My sympathies.

[pooh]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing our pets is just as painful as any loss. Most here understand the pain you must now deal with. Do know that our pets don't always show their discomfort so picking up signs of pain or illness aren't always easy. You were a good "parent" to your babies and hopefully, very soon, there will be more smiles and fewer tears and sadness when you remember them.

Pat

[duffysmom]

Please know that you are not alone. In the past, I too lost my beloved pets and now after some time, I can look back and smile at the silly and loving things they did and what a privilege it was for me to have them in my life. Ben was so fortunate to have a loving home for many years and it was a blessing that he passed quickly. When you are owned and loved by a pet it is unforgettable.

[swrinfla]

In May 2008, I struggled enormously with the obvious "energy" that it was time to put my beloved cat, Beta, to sleep. He had been with me since he was barely 10 weeks old, and at this crucial moment he was nearing his 16th birthday! But, he could barely move, certainly couldn't care for himself!

After nearly 18 months since Beta's passing, I bit the bullet and brought Omega into my life! While there's no question that she frustrates me with her eternal energy, she reminds why I love having a feline friend present at all times!

Having had a feline companion almost continually since at least 1958, I can definitely relate to the hardship of having to say goodbye to one of these cherished pets!

SWR

[joannej]

I am so sorry to hear about Ben. Our "buddies" really do take a hold of our hearts. We probably fret and worry about them as much as we did with our children. My cat, Sam, is my buddy and I feel very connected to him. He's currently having some health problems that we are trying to understand. (reverse sneezing, which is rare in cats; and allergic-type sneezing--this is what our cat vet told us). I can't stand the thought of losing him, but I know that one day he will cross the rainbow bridge. I read some of the psychic Sylvia Browne's books about animals passing, and I was very comforted by what she had to say. None of us are meant to live forever, but it still makes it hard to lose a loving pet.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by MSNPA

Two weeks ago today I lost my 12 year old cat Ben to cancer. I am devastated and feel a little part of me has died. I cannot explain the grief and loss we feel.

Any of us who are animal lovers know exactly how you feel and we share your pain. We've talked before about our animals and I know how much you treasured Ben and Ivan. I am really sorry to hear that you've lost your beloved cats. It is heartbreaking to lose an animal. Yet Sophie has come into your life and hopefully brings you some comfort.

My deepest sympathies. I'm sending a virtual Hug!

[jdsl1998]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Next time you are in Barnes and Noble, head back to the kids section and read the book "Cat Heaven". I used to work for B&N and this is one of my favorite books to give to others. She also wrote "Dog Heaven" Cynthia Rylant is a gifted author..... My thoughts are with you tonight.

[K9-Lovers]

I believe that our pets have souls and go to heaven and will be waiting for us. I believe that with my whole heart. You will see your cherished friend again.

When you are ready to adopt another cat who is looking for a loving home, please let me know because I rescued a very affectional boy who cannot stay with us forever. His name is Disco.

My heart is with you tonight, and I will pray for you and your family.

[brostholder]

I know just how you are feeling right now. Just a few days ago, my little toy poodle "Shadow" died. She was 15 years old and blind in both eyes. About a month ago she developed a cough that, despite multiple vet visits and 3 different antibiotic treatments, just wouldn't go away. Last Saturday she just didn't want to eat. That night, my wife called me out from the den where I was watching tv to tell me that Shadow must really be tired because she fell asleep in the hallway. I took one look and knew she wasn't sleeping, but that she had died. I just can't believe how much I miss that little dog. She was old and more than just a little bit grouchy sometimes, but she tried her best and she always had a tail wag and a kiss for me, even after I would yell at her for something. She knew she had me wrapped around her little paw. Now that the immediate pain is beginning to ease, I wonder if I will ever get used to the way the house feels without her.

[Pturner]

Originally Posted by brostholder

I know just how you are feeling right now. Just a few days ago, my little toy poodle "Shadow" died. She was 15 years old and blind in both eyes. About a month ago she developed a cough that, despite multiple vet visits and 3 different antibiotic treatments, just wouldn't go away. Last Saturday she just didn't want to eat. That night, my wife called me out from the den where I was watching tv to tell me that Shadow must really be tired because she fell asleep in the hallway. I took one look and knew she wasn't sleeping, but that she had died. I just can't believe how much I miss that little dog. She was old and more than just a little bit grouchy sometimes, but she tried her best and she always had a tail wag and a kiss for me, even after I would yell at her for something. She knew she had me wrapped around her little paw. Now that the immediate pain is beginning to ease, I wonder if I will ever get used to the way the house feels without her.

I am so sorry. It is remarkable, the mutual love and admiration that pets and their people share with each other. It hurts so much to loose them.

I'm sending a virtual hug and my deep sympathy.