Pet loss

[wildrose]

I had to make the difficult and heart breaking decision to put our 18 yr old cat, Dark Shadow, whom we called Shmoo, to sleep this morning. She'd been ailing for a short time, and was not responding to treatments for an infection and hyperthyroidism. While I know she had a long and loved life, it is still hard to come home to an "empty house" and not have any pets here to greet us. I keep looking out the back window expecting to see her leaping across the yard at my whistle, or to be on the back of the sofa when I come in the front door. I know how much she loved it here at our new house: she could play outdoors safely in our fenced yard, and since the house is one level (not counting the basement), it was easier for her old legs to handle than all the split levels we've lived in.

I will miss her 'til my dying day, and then I hope to see her again.

Ethan is devastated as well, but I'm trying not to cry much in front of him.

[leatheroo]

i feel your loss Holly, our pets are a precious part of our lives and we are better people for having them...RIP Shmoo

[Denise]

My sympathies are with you. It is always a tough decision, even when you know it is best.

[electrathon]

Pets give us unconditional love companionship.

I lost my cat a few months ago. I still open the door looking for her at times. Time tends to help with the pain, but it is good that you will always remember her fondly.

[HorsehairBraider]

I'm so sorry... that's very sad. One of the hardest things about pet loss is the habits they've trained you for...

It sounds like your kitty had a terrific and very long life of excellent care. Treasure all the good times you had with her. Hugs to you. )))) ((((

[tashabear]

I'm so sorry for your loss. We lost both our darling cats within a week of each other this past October. Max died of complications due to FIV, and Mathilde died of a series of strokes following surgery. We still miss them dearly, but the space is a little filled up by the two cats we adopted from a feline rescue agency. Bob and Kaede are still getting used to us and we to them, but they are already very dear to us.

[wildrose]

Thanks for the sympathies...tashabear I'm fascinated by your cat names! We've had an interesting time over the years naming cats, as we had a horse farm and had alot of barn cats (as well as a few house cats).

[King's X]

My sympathys to you and your family that shared the love and companionship of your pet. My ex drug partner had to be put down at the same age and his ashes now sit in a urn with an American flag taped to it at half mast. It sound corny, but that is my little way to show my appreciation for his service to me and my family.

Best wishes from Round Rock, Texas

[tashabear]

Thanks for the sympathies...tashabear I'm fascinated by your cat names! We've had an interesting time over the years naming cats, as we had a horse farm and had alot of barn cats (as well as a few house cats).

My husband had Mathilde when we met; I think he got the name out of a baby name book. I named the other cat Max because he was huge -- twice Mathilde's size. When we got Bob and Kaede, they were named Buttons and Peanut, which we just thought were stupid. I gave Bob his name because I couldn't think of a better one, plus he smiles when we play, so sometimes he's Smilin' Bob. Kaede (pronounced K-eye-ay-day) is named after a character in a Japanese cartoon called "Inuyasha". It means "maple," and it seemed fitting, since she's a calico and has black and orange markings.

My vet, who introduced me to the rescue organization from whom we adopted our cats, said that if they need a name, they just go through the baby name book alphabetically and pick something. :-)

Edited February 10, 2009 by tashabear

[wildrose]

My sympathys to you and your family that shared the love and companionship of your pet. My ex drug partner had to be put down at the same age and his ashes now sit in a urn with an American flag taped to it at half mast. It sound corny, but that is my little way to show my appreciation for his service to me and my family.

Best wishes from Round Rock, Texas

That's not corny at all. I was really p.o.'d about press around here arguing against a funeral held for a police dog killed in action. Officers from several areas attended the funeral, and some of the public wrote the paper to say how pathetic that was, and how a "mere dog" didn't deserve all that. I say: that dog was doing his duty and deserved the honor.

Tashabear, I enjoyed hearing the naming stories. In our family, we've had: Tuffy, Jet-seena, Marshmallow, Peanut (yup!), Rum Tum Tugger, Mr.Mistoffelees, and the rest of the CATS play crew, Fritti Tailchaser, Bailey, Misty, Spot, Whiskers, Yoda, and many more. Oh, and Patches, that's a real original one for a calico, huh? I swore I'd not name her that, but it kinda stuck.

[kiwidownunder]

I am so sorry for you loss. I lost my german shepard along time ago now. I now think of him running beside me when I ride my horse. I do still dream about him often too. Such great dreams. He was so much fun.

The day that I got my small dog over here, I found out that the same day, my small dog back in NZ died. I swear Snicky, (weenie,malteze cross) is Truffles, (malteze,terrier cross, NZ,) born again. That was strange and wonderful day. The Lord found me my best pal.

All the best.

Kiwi.

[Hilly]

So sorry for your loss. Here's a little something someone once sent to me upon the loss of a cat I had for 17 years:

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...

[JohnBarton]

I had to make the difficult and heart breaking decision to put our 18 yr old cat, Dark Shadow, whom we called Shmoo, to sleep this morning. She'd been ailing for a short time, and was not responding to treatments for an infection and hyperthyroidism. While I know she had a long and loved life, it is still hard to come home to an "empty house" and not have any pets here to greet us. I keep looking out the back window expecting to see her leaping across the yard at my whistle, or to be on the back of the sofa when I come in the front door. I know how much she loved it here at our new house: she could play outdoors safely in our fenced yard, and since the house is one level (not counting the basement), it was easier for her old legs to handle than all the split levels we've lived in.

I will miss her 'til my dying day, and then I hope to see her again.

Ethan is devastated as well, but I'm trying not to cry much in front of him.

Very sorry for your loss. If this helps you, this is something I wrote about my cat when he was killed, One Cool Cat

[Ian]

Sorry to hear about your loss. I lost my Max last year, he was with me for 14 years, came to work with me every day, rode with me through 30 states and slept under the covers every night of his life. He was the bravest dog I've ever owned - no one ever told him he was only 18 lbs. When he died, I was in a daze for 6 months and could barely sleep. Honestly, I thought I was going nuts. Some people may scoff, but animals can be as close as any family member. Don't fight your grief, your friend deserves it.

Here's Max in his last days - probably chasing Shmoo as we speak

[wildrose]

I am grateful for the shared pet stories. It tells me there are others who know just how special a pet can be in someone's life.

Last night I imagined I could still feel the weight of her press against my side in bed, while I would stroke her belly and she would purr. She would do that every night 'til Tim came in (I was always first to bed). I find myself having to remember there is no food to put out, no begging at the door to go out and enjoy the weather, and no litter to scoop (yup, I'd even catch myself on that one).

I know she is in a better place, but grieving still happens.

[Howling Wolf Leather]

I am sorry for your loss, may peace surround you with the decision you needed to make and the hurt heal in time.