Sad happenings...(depressing post)

TechAPhi · #1 03-04-2002, 03:27 AM

Today my husband and I had to take our 17-year-old cat to be put to sleep. She was suffering with Chronic Renal Failure, and had stopped eating, drinking and going to the restroom. These last symptoms just cropped up this past week. The vet gave us some meds at the beginning of last week, but she got worse and worse.

It was so terrible watching her go from the beautiful, vibrant cat we once knew to being unable to walk, support her head or eat (all of which happened literally over night!).

We woke up this morning and knew we had to help her. The glazed look in her eyes just begged us for help. It was so hard to see her go.

My husband had the cat for all 17 years of her life--since he was 13 years-old. He's taking it very hard.

Sorry for the depressing post. I am just wide awake thinking of her and what we had to do today. I know she is in a better place now. I think we made the right decision, but it is so hard...

SATX*APhi · #2 03-04-2002, 03:30 AM

Aw, I am sorry to hear about your cat. It will all be okay.

amycat412 · #3 03-04-2002, 03:43 AM

Aw, I am so sorry to hear that. GRIEVE your cat and don't let anyone tell you "its just a cat" She was an important member of your family, you loved her and you will grieve her accordingly.

My beloved Dog Cinnamon passed away 5 years ago and I still miss her terribly. But I know too she is in heaven and now my angel watching over me. I also keep her collar nearby and it does comfort me when I am missing her. And I do still miss her.

Take care of yourselves, and allow yourself to miss her.

Amy

TechAPhi · #4 03-04-2002, 07:57 PM

amycat412 & SATX*APhi: I appreciate your kind sentiments. Amycat, your post actually made me cry. I agree with you. Thanks again for being so sweet.

amycat412 · #5 03-05-2002, 02:54 PM

TechAPhi,

Someone gave this to me when my dog died--

The Story of the 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 that 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 Unkown

bruinaphi · #6 03-05-2002, 06:33 PM

Jen,

I am so sorry to hear about your cat. Losing a pet is so difficult. As Amy said, it is important to grieve over your pet and not let people convince you otherwise.

I have a 15 year old dog at home and we live in continual fear that the next illness will bring her to the point that you describe awaking to. We've been very fortunate and she continues to respond to the medication that they've had her on.

Amy, your poem was so beautiful (you know how much that means coming from me). Both of your posts made me cry.

Back to work...

Laura

TechAPhi · #7 03-06-2002, 04:40 AM

Thanks Amycat, Lauradav and SATX*Aphi. I appreciate your kind thoughts and words. As odd as it seems, it helps knowing others understand.

PS, Amycat, the poem was great. Like Lauradav, it brought tears to my eyes. You're all so sweet. Thanks again.

Jen

NinjaPoodle · #8 03-06-2002, 05:25 AM

Hi TechAPhi...Sent you a PM

mmcat · #9 03-06-2002, 09:20 PM

my cat had what appears to be a mini stroke days before she turned 20 in february. thank god, we're still functioning, eating et al. but the ca's not mewing much. the vet says to watch her. i got a meow last night and about cried.
cheers
mmcat

greeklawgirl · #10 03-06-2002, 11:43 PM

So sorry to hear about your beloved cat. My parents still have our dog, who's been a part of our family for 11 years now. We are dreading the day that we have to say goodbye.

She will always be in your heart and in your memories.

SoCalGirl · #11 03-06-2002, 11:46 PM

TechAPhi and MmCat-

I am totally relating to both of you right now. Last month my cat, 19 1/2 yrs old, had his colon removed. He's showing signs of kidney failure. On Saturday he had a seizure. Remarkably he's been a lot more perky since the siezure. I've had him since I was 5 and just the idea of anything happening brings me to tears.

K, I can't think about this. I'm going to go go cuddle by baby Friskey now.

My prayers are with both of you.

TechAPhi · #12 03-09-2002, 03:27 AM

I want to thank you all for your kind expressions of sympathy. Your wishes mean a lot and I appreciate them. You're all very sweet.

Thank you.