Sad Day (OT)

[annie]

This is a very sad day. :( :( If there was a smilie with tears, I'd be using that one. :(

We had to put my sweet little kitty of 15+ years to sleep today. And I couldn't even be there 'cause I am at work. She's there right now, at the vet's, and I am here and I feel so sad. Hubby took her and will bring her little body home for burial. I decorated a box to put her in. It won't be the same without her in the house to trip over! No more cat hair to sweep and vacuum, either. Never though I'd miss that, but I bet I will for awhile. She's been getting more and more feeble. She wasn't eating much. Then she quit eating completely for two days. I could not bear to let her starve to death. At least this way, it will over for her with no suffering. We had taken her in to the vet just a couple weeks ago, and there was really nothing wrong - just age. Poor baby........ she was such a sweet little cat. This is going to take some time to get past. For all of us. DH was very attached to her, as were the boys. I can't keep the tears out of my eyes right now......... good thing there are no customers at the moment. Tho' I think most people would understand.

Thanks for letting me unload. It helps to be able to do so in a place where I know people will understand.

annie

[pikato]

Aw!!:( :( :( I'm soooo sorry.

[tprevost]

Annie,

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Your story brings tears to my eyes as it reminds me of when I had to take our kitty in last year for the same reason; however, I too could just not let her suffer, no matter how much I would miss her.

My heart and prayers go out to you; please be comforted knowing you are doing the right thing for her, even though you are in such pain.

lots of hugs,

T~

[DrBee]

I've been there Annie. I'm so sorry to hear about your cat. It is one of the toughest things in the world to do, but if it relieves her from suffering, then it's for the best. I'm sending you a virtual hug (((((Annie))))). Ice cream usually makes me feel better. Before you know it, you'll be heading to the local shelter to pick out a new member of your family. For now, it's okay to cry.

[bcipam]

As someone who really loves cats and has had one as a companion for as long as I can remember, I understand your loss and feel for you. My last guy (Cooney) was 20 when I finally had him put down. He was really old and worn-out so what a blessing for him to be able to go in his "sleep". I know I gave Cooney a good life especially since I rescued him from a shelter.

Take care and know another little buddy will soon find his way into your heart. My Pip, whom I got after Cooney's passing (from another shelter), has given me nothing but laughs and warm feelings, even when I'm down and blue.

[makbike]

Annie:

I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my beloved Max about a month ago and the pain is still with me. Your decision to let your buddy go was your final act of love for you did not allow her to suffer or linger in pain. Let the tears flow and know that someday they will be replaced with a warm smile when you recall your furry friend. If there is anything I can do please let me know. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Here is a poem someone sent me when I lost my buddy of 17 years, Scooter. I hope it brings you some comfort.

Lend Me a Kitten

I will lend to you for awhile a kitten, God said.
For you to love while he lives, and mourn when he's dead.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe two or three.
But will you, 'til I call him back, take care of him for me?

He'll bring you his charms to gladden you and, should his
stay be brief, you'll always have his memories as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return.
But there are lessons taught below I want this kitten to learn.

I've looked the whole world over in search of teacher's true.
And from the folk that crowd life's land, I have chosen you.

Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain?
Nor hate me when I come to take my kitten home again?

My heart replied, "My Lord, Thy Will Be Done"
For all the joys this kitten brings the risk of grief I'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may
And for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay.

But should you call him back much sooner than we planned.
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.
If, by our love we've managed your wishes to achieve,
Then in memory of him who we loved, please help us while we grieve.

When our cherished kitten departs this world of strife,
Please send yet another needing soul for us to love all his life.

- Author Unknown -
Adapted from 'Thy Will Be Done' by Edgar Guest



Marcie

[Nanci]

These are my two favorite in memorium poems for cats.

(((((((annie)))))))) (((((((kitty)))))))



PAW-PRINTS
(S L Smith)

Paw-prints in the sands of time,
Tracks along an empty beach,
Towards a fate which is not mine,
A destiny out of my reach.

You've gone where I will some day follow,
But for now you're out of sight,
Your years with me was time just borrowed,
Before you returned to heaven's light.

No longer in my sight, you vanished,
Through the veil of time and space,
In my memory you are cherished,
Ambassador of feline race.

Time and tides sweep clean your paw-marks,
Another's paws will tread anew,
But you carved paw-prints in my own heart,
Eternal love-prints, etched by you.

One day I'll see your paw-prints glowing,
Sparkling in the morning dew,
Guiding me at my time of going,
Leading me sunwards, back to you.




IN MEMORY
(Melody Collier)

Little cat, in a distant sky
Where mice are friends and bluebirds fly,
Where pain is forgotten and you can pass
With leaping grace over green, green grass;
Little cat, will you catch a star
And wonder, a moment, where you are?

Little cat, in a distant land
Where nothing can harm you as you stand
And gaze at the clouds, so pure, so white;
And all is glad with a fresh delight,
Little cat, in your newborn years,
Will you spare a thought for my falling tears?

[Denise223]

Dear (((((((Annie)))))))

I'm so sorry to hear what you are going through. It really is one of the hardest things you will ever do -- but, it's also the most loving thing you could have done for her.

You've given your precious furcat the gift of Peace. And, I know that she loves you for setting her free.

God Bless You & Yours,

Denise

[DeniseGoldberg]

Annie -
I'm so sorry to hear about your cat. Pets can bring so much joy into our lives, but that joy is tempered by sadness at the end. I hope you can hold on to the good memories.

--- Denise

[Trek420]

makbike,

that's a beautiful poem. And you could subsitute "puppy" "child" any living being.....it'd be just the same. :o

Annie, so sorry to hear about your cat.

[Lenusik]

Dear Annie,

I am very sorry to hear that. I am sure that your cat had a great life and appreciate every moment of it. One day your kittie will send you a good sign. You will know that.

Iam sending my prayers to you.

[caligurl]

oh annie... i'm sooooo sorry for your loss.... some people just don't understand how important pets can be! be sure to take time to grieve.... it's OK and it's necessary!

i'm still not over the loss of our dog.... and that was 7 months ago......

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...

[Lise]

Oh, Annie, I'm so sorry. I'm looking at my beloved Ariel (17 yr old) and Isaac (16 yr old), with tears in my eyes. I know they're closer to the end than the beginning, and that my day to let them go will come. My heart aches to think of it, and I snuggle and pet them whenever I can, and try to remember not to yell at them when they decide that 3 AM is a great time to have a meowing contest.

I know you'll ache for your beloved kitty, and also be comforted that she's free now of the body that could no longer help her spirit. The body we love so much gets worn out and can't keep on. Our final act of love while they're alive is to free them. And still, the heart breaks. When it's time, you'll love a new kitty so much, lavishing on her all the love you wish you could give the one you just let go. But know that your sweet kitty had such a good life, secure in your love.

Take care,

Lise

[Bad JuJu]

I'm so sorry. Never forget that you did the right thing for your dear friend, and never forget what a good friend she was. (((hugs)))

[chickwhorips]

i'm so sorry to hear the sad news. i know how it is.

just want you to know i'm sending good thoughts you way.

((((hug))))

[emily_in_nc]

Annie,

I am so sorry. I suspect just about everyone on this board has had to say goodbye to a pet at one time in their lives (or more), so this sadness is something we all can relate to. It's very tough, and nothing makes it easier but time.

Again, my sympathies.

Emily, who has a beloved 14-year Boston Terrier and is already dreading the inevitable day....:(

[btchance]

Annie, I am so so sorry, pets occupy such a special part of all of our lives. Rest assured that you did the right thing and that she is no longer suffering.

[wannaduacentury]

{{Big Hugs}} to you. I had to do the same thing for my 8 yr old grey tabby kitty Mikki(in Jan) whom I raised from age 3 weeks up(she was an orphan). I also lost my 7 week old kittens to an accident 2 weeks ago and my daughters grey kitten Smokey got ran over. So I know how you feel. It's hard when we lose our favorite furry friends. I'm quite attached to all my kitties.

[Ninabike]

Annie - We also have been through that several times with our kitties and I know how you feel. Although a another cat can never replace your beloved baby, give yourself some time, and you will find that there is another cat out there who wants you to be its "mom".

[annie]

I don't know what to say.......... you are all so supportive and understanding. Thank you so much!!!!!! Believe me, it all helps. We buried my sweet little kitty (Monkey - she was always a climber!) last night. I read your poem, Nanci, "Paw Prints," as we said goodbye. Shed some tears. Now I can look out my kitchen window and see where she rests. That's a very comforting thought. I KNOW life goes on, as usual. But I will always, always have a place reserved in my heart for the memories, as I am sure you all do, for your friends in the animal world. What would our lives be like without them??? A little pain and sorrow is worth the joy they give us. At home, I just keep "seeing" her, out of the corner of my eye. She was a pure black cat. One of my boys left his black shoes out and for a second, when I caught a glimpse, those shoes could have been Monkey. I have a feeling there are going to be lots of those oops! moments for awhile. So thanks again, everyone, for your kind thoughts. You are an amazing group of women! I am getting teary eyed AGAIN, just thinking of it.

annie

[bikerchick68]

annie... I am late to see this but wanted to add my condolences... it's never easy to lose a pet... but you gave her the greatest gift of all by doing what was right for her not for you...

I lost my Gabi to cancer at age 7... I buried her with a letter from me, a pic f me and the dogs, her bowl and her favorite toy...

I placed a miniature rose above her and a metal kitty sculpture marks her resting place... she is buried below the front window where she loved to sit and watch the birds...

I know you will find much peace knowing your baby is nearby too...

here's Gabi's garden...

[mary9761]

I'm a little late as well in my condolences, but know I know your pain too. I had to have my 14.5 yo Smokey put to sleep 2 years ago and it broke my heart. I was with him till the end and surprisingly it was quite peaceful. We have him buried in the back yard with a cat statue that actually looks like a grave marker that I finally found on Halloween (he was a black cat). I don't have photos handy, but I do go out to sit with him every now and again. Of course we hear/see/feel him around quite often. He used to jump on the bed and we can still tell when he comes around.
((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))