An issue all pet lovers must face
By scribe1
@scribe1 (1203)
United States
May 7, 2008 5:52pm CST
That issue pertains to our beloved pets passing away. Of course, we don't even want to think of that ever occurring, it will happen some day. As cat lovers, we've already set ourselves up for that time by having cats or dogs in our homes.
When my Tabitha died on the way to the vet's office two years ago, I didn't want to live anymore. She was my sweet little baby who lived with me for 14 years and I loved her dearly.
Now I have four cats. I'm giving them the best that life has to offer them, but know that I will have a hard time dealing with their passing.
1 person likes this
4 responses
@anawar (2404)
• United States
7 May 08
This is a difficult topic for me. After years and years of owning cats, the joy of loving them has over-shadowed the pain of losing them.
It's okay, I move around a lot, so I can't have any animals. It doesn't make me sad.
Three years ago, I put my last kitty to sleep. He was a Persian and his name was Indiana Jones.
I found an easier way to say good-bye to a pet. Rats, I started tearing up again. Maybe later I can write it out because it helped me and it might help someone else.
By the way, I taught Indy to speak German.
@scribe1 (1203)
• United States
7 May 08
Lol, that must have been cute! I feel for you for having to put Indiana Jones to sleep. That had to be the most difficult time ever for you. And I'll never get over losing my Tabitha. She was playful for most of her life and very affectionate. I couldn't believe that I was losing her. She used her litterbox, but was no longer able to lift her tail. I said, "No!" and took her to the vet. Unfortunately, no vets were available after 6 pm.
@scribe1 (1203)
• United States
8 May 08
That sounds like an excellent idea! A lot of cat owners, including myself, cannot handle their pet's passing very well. I was very bad. After Tabitha passed, I held her and kissed her. Even when my sister came over to see me after hearing the news, she had to persuade me to put Tabitha down and wrap the cat in a soft cloth and bury her eventually. I couldn't stop crying and thought my world had come to an end. Of all the cats I owned, Tabitha was the most loving and the sweetest ever.
I've got to stop because I'm starting to tear up. Anyway, you did what seemed to be the right thing at the time. What else could you have done? Indy was fortunate to have such a loving owner. I will look forward to hearing the suggestions. (My Columbus cat is going on 12 years old this September and isn't in the best of health. I'm taking him to the vet next week for his regular check-up.)
@scribe1 (1203)
• United States
8 May 08
I think that the way in which you said good-bye to Indy was comforting to you and him. He could hear you and feel comforted, although he couldn't respond. And I'm sure that he knew that you were there as he was being put to sleep. To be honest, I don't think that you could have handled that heartbreak any better. I probably would have falled completely apart. Have to say that I teared up reading your post, but learned a lot from it. A few years ago, one of my sister's friends, who was an ardent cat lover, had to have a vet put one of her cats (the cat's name was Elizabeth) to sleep. The poor cat had a lot wrong with her and suffered a lot and so there was no choice but to put her out of her misery. That friend spent the day crying. She must have owned Elizabeth for at least 20 years.
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
8 May 08
Hi scribe, It is less then four weeks since my beloved cat, Rusty passed away I had him for thirteen years and it was a very difficult time. Like you, I never wanted to think about it, but he became ill and I took him to the vet. I was shocked to find that he was suffering from Asthma and diabetes. We tried treating him, but he was sicker then we thought. I couldn't handle watching him suffer. I have a large framed picture of him hanging in our house. Although I now have another cat I will never forget Rusty. Blessings.
@luvstochat (6907)
• United States
7 May 08
The passing of a pet is really hard to get over. My mom had a poodle since I was in the 4th grade he passed away when I was 19 years old she had a hard time getting over him passing away.
@mcat19 (1357)
• United States
7 May 08
The loss of a pet is a terrible experience. I've lost many cats through the years. I will never forget any of them, especially my soulmate, Divot. My Rainbow Angels always send me another cat who needs me. I think they speak to those still here to tell them how to care for me.
