reading about kelev and thinking of my dog.

[indysteel]

I am a horrible person. I always read the posts about losing beloved babies, but I can never seem to respond; they make me so sad. And I just don't know what to say. Words just seem so useless and trite. Then I go find my cat babies and bug them.

It just doesn't seem right that their lives are so short. Time to go bug the babies.

Veronica

I used to feel that way. Then I posted about losing my cat, Sophie, two years ago and all the virtual hugs that I received from my fellow TEers brought me so much comfort. It didn't matter what they said; the mere fact that they responded to my grief meant a lot to me. So don't worry about what you say. It truly is the thought that counts.

I'll say this, too, V. You said something kind in my thread about the stray cat that we cared for last summer that got killed by a car. I read and reread that thread multiple times when I was feeling down about him. Your words made a difference to me.

Still, when I read pet-loss threads, I invariably get in a bit of a funk about my own pets--those I've already lost and those that are likely to go sooner rather than later. It's hard not to internalize all of that grief.

[smilingcat]

We all said our good bye to Madison today. He almost made it to 15 years of age. He had a wonderful life.

[indysteel]

((((smilingcat)))). I'm so sorry. I'm sure he did have a wonderful life and a long life for a lab for sure. Hugs to you.

[Blueberry]

((((((smiling cat)))))))

Goldens are special souls, and he lived a very long life for one (though much too short compared to human years).

[beccaB]

I made the mistake of reading "The Lovely Bones" not too long after we lost Sparky (yeah I know, original, the kids named him when they were very young)
Aside from the subject matter of the book being extremely hard to take, there was a part where the family dog dies and crossed over the rainbow bridge and immediately recognized the girl (main character) and was reunited with her many years after she had died. I bawled harder over that part than I ever had for any book I have ever read. I wish someone could have warned me about that!

[Veronica]

I just finished a kid book (the real reason I teach elementary school) called A Mango Shaped Space. There was enough foreshadowing, I just knew she was going to lose her cat. I didn't cry, but it's now on the list of books I'll recommend to kids, but not read aloud - not sure I could handle reading it aloud.

smilingcat I am truly sorry for your loss. I am glad that you have so many great memories of Madison.

Veronica

[spokewench]

So sorry about Madison. He lived a wonderful life with you and you took care of him soooo well.

[maillotpois]

I am so sorry smilingcat.

V - I gave that book to Em for christmas several years ago. She really like it - I couldn't bring myself to read it.

[Kubla]

So sorry to hear of your loss. I hope you will find comfort in remembering the good times and knowing you gave Madison a wonderful life.

We lost our almost-13 year old Boxer last year and now are facing that reality again with our 12 year old Collie. The two younger ones are close in age as well- 5 and 6.

Every day is a gift. Pets give us so much and ask for nothing in return-their time with us is never long enough.

[OakLeaf]

Smilingcat, I'm so sorry.

[ridebikeme]

Smilingcat, it sounds like you had a wonderful friend and gave Madison a great life. Hold on to all of the wonderful memories!

I lost my golden "Sadie" in October, and I miss her daily. I have some wonderful memories of her,and some will make me laugh out loud... even if I'm the only one around.