Update on my cat Friday
By paula27661
@paula27661 (15811)
Australia
December 3, 2009 10:18pm CST
I have had a bitter sweet weekend. On Saturday my beloved cat Friday had to be put to sleep because there was nothing else we could for him. He was a shadow of his former handsome self, hardly responded to me and was not eating at all. I knew it had to be done since the Thursday but kept putting it off and could not bring myself to do it. On the Saturday I saw Friday trying to walk and his back legs gave way on him and I knew it was time. I took his collar off and my daughter and I broke down so my husband had to take him to the vet’s. I had to say goodbye to a dear buddy of 13 years and my heart is broken.
When my husband returned home he sat and watched my daughter and me sobbing and he said, “Let’s go for a drive to the R.S.P.C.A. they are still open…” We did and that is how we ended up with Hewy a ten week old shorthair cross that has made us smile again as well as keep us very, very busy because he is rather a handful. He keeps annoying our other cat Rosie and she hisses at him but is slowly getting used to his boisterous ways.
I love Hewy, how could I not? He is not Friday and never will be; although he has filled the void a little. I miss my old boy but now I have kitten training to do, my favourite vase is already broken...I wonder what is next?
R.I.P. Friday
6 people like this
20 responses
@blestrella (176)
• Philippines
4 Dec 09
I share your loss. In time you will get over it. For now, Friday is healed, no more pain. I also cried a lot whenever a favorite pet passes away and I just give my attention to the other pets remaining, and continue to give my best love to them. And our joy is regained.
2 people like this
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
4 Dec 09
Yes it is a help to have other pets to take care of. We have another cat, a dog, a bird and of course Hewy, the latest feline addition; he keeps my mind occupied which is great therapy for me. Thanks for the kind response blestrella, I appreciate it! 
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
4 Dec 09
Oh...I'm so sorry to hear about Friday as I've been wondering how he was. Poor thing...it's never easy to let go of a furbaby but now he's no longer in pain. On the bright note, even though Hewy can never replace Friday, I'm glad you adopted him and give him a new forever home.
(((((((((hugs))))))))
{PS if you got a "weird" email supposedly from me..it was NOT from me..did a discussion about this}
2 people like this
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
4 Dec 09
Thanks Pye. I feel a little better now, every now and again I will remember something or expect to see him lying on the window sill and it hurts, but that is part of owning and loving a pet, it's a bummer when their time comes but, as you say, he is no longer suffering now and Hewy, well he is a handful, he is so funny he runs around like crazy at amazing speed and then falls asleep!
I did receive an email, I am quite behind with everything so I will get to your discussion as soon as possible, I have a full inbox of notifications, I'll catch up in good time.
Appreciate the hugs!
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
4 Dec 09
Paula I am so sorry you had to go through that I have lost many of my pets in past Years and I know how hard it is and how much a Heart breaks, if they had to be put to sleep I would stay with them and hold them till they where gone my tears flowing, my previous Dog and I did not want to let go, he was 13 years old a golden Lab, but he got cancer and the Vet said he will not survive the treatment and also his back legs kept going, so we had to have him put down, I cried and cried still holding him, after 10 minutes they had to prise me of Max
I now have Gissi and I know when his time comes that will tear me apart he is such a special little Dog, all my Pets where, but Gissi is just mine and is my little Companion, Max was more my Sons Dog from the Day I brought him home, there was a big bond, my son who was 19 then broke his heart over Max, he was in my arms sobbing when we went to pick the ashes up
I am glad though that you have a new little Kitten that now has a loving Home and no it will not replace Friday but it will be loved and cared for
I have always had rescue Dogs, Gissi is one to,
So little Hewy, welcome and know you will be loved and cared for
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
4 Dec 09
Hi Paula I do not blame your Husband for not being able to watch it as it is not something everyone can do, My Daughter had to leave the room to
I was heart broken as his last look was a look so full of love and of Thank you it tore at me, it gave me a few Nights of restless sleep as I was crying but I knew just like you knew it was the best thing to do and let them suffer
You enjoy Hewy and I know he will be one spoilt Kitty lol and at the sounds of things also one full of mischief lol
1 person likes this
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
4 Dec 09
I like adopting amimals that are in need of homes from shelters. My other cat Rosie was a stray that turned up on our doorstep in bad condition and she has stayed for the last six years. I think Hewy was lucky to have found us because he will be one spoiled kitty just like Friday was. I couldn't take Friday to be put to sleep, that is why my husband had to do it, but he couldn't watch when they did it so he left and I don't blame him. Thanks for the lovely response gabs8513, I appreciate it. Enjoy Gissi!
1 person likes this
@mimpi1911 (25464)
• India
4 Dec 09
I agree, Friday is not Hewy but he is Hewy sweet heart! Just chill and have fun and get ready to get him all sort of training so that your vases are safe! And my prayers for Friday.
1 person likes this
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
4 Dec 09
Thanks mimpi, Hewy is a beautiful, although very mischievous boy and I love him. I will always miss Friday because he was my 'baby' during the gruelling years while I was trying all sorts of fertility treatments trying to get pregnant. Friday was my therapy, silly as it sounds, he kept me sane and I adored him; there will never be another like him, but I still have Rosie and Hewy along with my dog and bird and I will enjoy them as much as I can. Thanks for being here mimpi!
@ElicBxn (64169)
• United States
4 Dec 09
I am so sorry to hear about Friday. I have lost a few cats since I've been on the lot, and I look sadly at Sassy sometimes because I know she probably won't be with us at Christmas of '10.
None the less, I know as you do, that you gave Friday the best life you could and that he knew it and loved you until the end.
Now you have a chance to do the same for another furbaby.
Sounds like Hewy is going to be a handful, another "busy" kitten like Rygel was. That will distract you for a time, tho you will look for Friday in all his familiar places.
1 person likes this
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
4 Dec 09
Oh, you're right there Elic! I keep seeing him on the window ledge and I really miss him lying on the couch on top of me; he used to do that for hours and not leave my side. I was very attached to him and it is hard. Hewy is still at the 'crazy' stage and will be for some time, he is a very friendly kitten but way too young to stay put for too long. I still have Rosie who cuddles up to me in bed and of course my ever loyal dog Cassie so we are all getting used to Friday being gone...Thanks for the nice response!
1 person likes this
@rosepedal64 (4188)
• United States
5 Dec 09
Oh Hewy you better run little boy mama going to get you if another vase gets broken....LOL
Oh Paula Im so glad that you have found Hewy to help with your void. Im sure that Friday is looking down at you with all smiles and happiness to see that mama is smiling again. You take care and give that little one run for his money..
Keep smiling.
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
5 Dec 09
That is a nice thought rosepedal! To think that Friday may be looking down on us is nice...I will always miss him and I still can't believe I'll never see him again; he was such a huge part of my life, for so long. Thank God for Hewy, he is mischievous but very, very lovable! Thanks for your response
@rosepedal64 (4188)
• United States
5 Dec 09
Good morning Paula
You are very welcome. Give that little guy lots of attention and Im sure he will keep you busy.
Have a great day.
Keep smiling.
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
9 Dec 09
Sorry to hear that Friday has passed away. They are like a member of the family. No, we can never replace them, but we can extend our love to another. Big huggers to you.
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
10 Dec 09
Thank you. No Friday can never be replaced. Our new kitten is very different. I admit I had forgotten how naughty they can get! You can't afford to take your eyes off him for a minute or he will damage something! I miss my old boy a lot especially the cuddles on the couch, tears well up in my eyes every now and again and I have to remind myself that he is no longer in pain and that is a good thing. Thanks for the kind response ElusiveBitterfly, I appreciate it!
@Katlady2 (9904)
• United States
24 Dec 09
I'm so sorry for your loss hon. You did the right thing though, although I know how hard it is to make that decision. It killed me to have him put to sleep, but I knew it had to be done. Both of our babies are in a much better place now...and probably wreaking havoc running around acting like big kittens. Your Hewy sounds like he has the same personality as my Whiskers...very ornery, full of mischief and lovable as all get out. Enjoy your new baby and know that Friday is looking down on you and your family with a great big kitty smile on his handsome face. Big hugs to you hon.
1 person likes this
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
25 Dec 09
It was a very hard decision to make. I had known for the previous couple of days that his time was up but I could not bring myself to do it. I planned on being present but I my husband had to do it because it was too hard, Friday was my baby and we loved each other so saying goodbye was not the easiest thing. Hewy is a bit much some times but he is so darn cute...Thanks for responding Katlady, I appreciate it!
@ronnyb (6113)
• Jamaica
6 Dec 09
So sorry to hear about friday from the way you are talking and how emotional both of you got ,I can see that he was one of the family.I hope Hewy will bring much laughter to your household again atleast .I know he cannot replace friday but in time he will also become an important member of your family in the same way Friday was
1 person likes this
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
7 Dec 09
He was part of the family and for a long time. Before I had my daughter, he was my 'baby' and I treated him as such. He used to go everywhere with me, even in the car. I really loved him but I feel a sense of relief that he is gone too because he was suffering and I could not bear to see him like that any longer. Hewy is very different from Friday and very mischievous and he has really helped us deal with losing him. Thanks for responding ronnyb!
@jahernandezrivas (11287)
• United States
17 Dec 09
I'm so sorry to hear about your cat.Your new baby looks my daughters cat, Harvey.We also got him after my daughters cat of many years passed.We got him in '08 and he bothers our older cat (the previous cats sister, they were born in the same litter) as well.He doesn't understand why she doesn't want to play because he is still young and she is much older.He has broken things as well.With that type of cat,I will say this,protect your feet as much as possible when you go to bed LOL :) But you will have a friend and protector for life.Of course, the cat can't do what a dog can if anything happens to you,but our cat Harvey seems to think he can. I'd bet Hewy thinks that as well!!You will have a friend for life, trust me.
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
18 Dec 09
It is good to know that! I miss Friday so very much and sometimes I have to remind myself that Hewy is just a kitten and not the same as Friday. I do get irritated with him on occasion but when he looks at me with his cute little face, I weaken. I love cats; we have a dog also and I love her but felines are my passion; I think they are beautiful creatures! Thanks for stopping by jahernandezrivas!
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
14 Dec 09
Hewy is a cutie but it is hard not to miss Friday.
Hewy is a kitten so he is rather a handful to say the least and something I am not used to it! Hewy is not very good at giving out affection yet because he is busy playing all day every day! it will be easier when he settles goes a bit! Thanks for responding trisha27!
Hewy is a kitten so he is rather a handful to say the least and something I am not used to it! Hewy is not very good at giving out affection yet because he is busy playing all day every day! it will be easier when he settles goes a bit! Thanks for responding trisha27!
@randylovesdar (4932)
• United States
5 Dec 09
I know how you feel, we had to put our cat Tommy down because he was old and he stopped eating and drinking. Now we have a new cat named Smyles who keeps us on our feet. He chases our female cats and eats everything in sight. He loves peas, popcorn, and potato chips. This will be his first Christmas with us and so far he has not knocked over the tree, but with Smyles one never knows.
I am glad that were able to save a cats life by adopting. We went to an organization that rescues cats and that is how we got Smyles.
1 person likes this
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
5 Dec 09
I like to adopt animals from shelters if I can. We haven't put up our Christmas tree yet; we were going to do it tomorrow and we know it will be tough to keep Hewy away from it! I am sorry you lost Tommy and I share your feelings too. Smyles is a great name for a kitty and he sounds like a character! Thanks for responding
randylovesdar!
@TickleMeBreathless (590)
• United States
14 Dec 09
I'm so sorry to hear about Friday. Losing a dear friend that you've had for so long must be so difficult. But your husband had a good idea, there are always cats looking for a loving home. I plan to go to the Humane Society when I get a new kitten. I have been there before, and they have so many animals I would love to take home! I do want a kitten though, as the vet has told me my cat would adjust better to a kitten than a full grown cat. So as young as 3 weeks, and as old as 6, will be what I'll be looking for.
Silly Hewy! Breaking vases is naughty! Aw, hopefully your kitten training will go well.
Again, I'm so sorry to hear about poor Friday. =[ I wish you all the best!
1 person likes this
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
14 Dec 09
Thank you for the kind words. We are adjusting to life without Friday and Hewy has certainly helped there because he is a very naughty boy sometimes and needs constant supervision or he will get into mischief! I cannot believe how active he is! I miss my old boy and the cuddles we used to have on the couch but I am relieved that his suffering is over although I still look for him in the old places he used to sleep...
I believe the best places to adopt pets are the shelters where the animals are desperate for good homes; they are reasonably priced too; Hewy was already desexed at 10 weeks,had his first vaccination and has been micro chipped.
Thanks for the response TickleMeBreathless, I appreciate it!
@kaylachan (84780)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
5 Dec 09
Losing a beloved pet is never easy. I'm sorry for your loss, but thankful you were able to get a new kitten. I'm sorry the poor animal had to be put down, but in the long run it is for the best.
1 person likes this
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
5 Dec 09
I feel a sense of relief in knowing that it is for the best as the last few weeks were very difficult with him but I am missing him; I keep looking for him and calling the new kitten by his name. It will take time but we are enjoying the new addition to the family very much he is a cutie! Thanks for the response kaylachan!
@Hatley (163772)
• Garden Grove, California
4 Dec 09
hi paula I know Hewey is not Friday but he will take some
of the sting out of losing Friday. wow is he a cutey,I love
black cats and he has white paws,really quite photogenic
too. Sorry about your Friday,thats tough to take I know.
But maybe it will ease things a little to have Hewey
to lead you a merry chase. lol.
1 person likes this
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
4 Dec 09
Hi Hatley, thanks for the nice words. Hewy is certainly cute, that's for sure and very different from a 13 year aging cat who laid around most of the time; this kitten has energy to burn (LOL)! Friday was all black and very handsome and may he rest in peace. Thanks Hatley.
@elitess (5070)
• Ipswich, England
4 Dec 09
Hi there Paula and thanks for this topic.
It started out quite sad, and i was a bit worried, but in the end, with the visit to the R.S.P.C.A and the new kitten it seams all turned out all right.
It's true that Hewy won't replace Friday, but he's not meant to either, treat him with love like you did with your former cat and all will be fine.
PS: get used to troubles from the little devil, he is young and playful and it's normal for him to do that - that's what we love about them when they are cubs, right ?
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
4 Dec 09
He is very cute and it is hard to stay mad at him when he causes trouble, which is often! When Friday was a kitten he was the same and it took around a year before he calmed down a bit, only a bit, mind you! Getting a new cat on the same day we lost the other one sounds a little rash but I don't think I would have coped if I hadn't. Thanks for responding elites!
1 person likes this
@minx267 (15526)
• Hartford, Connecticut
4 Dec 09
So sorry you lost your beloved Friday. I have lost many too. I still miss them.
I have new kittens now too- but you are right they will never replace your beloved only start a new chapter in you "Life with Cat".
Have fun with you Hewy training. look forward to hearing more stories and some photos. :)
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
4 Dec 09
I will always miss Friday,he was my 'baby' and I took him everywhere with me just like a dog! I still look for him in the mornings but I have the others to keep me occupied, thank goodness for them! My little girl is enjoying Hewy because she's never had a kitten before so it is good. Thanks minx267!
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
5 Dec 09
I really hate to hear that you had to say good bye to your old friend. I think you are doing a great thing by giving another animal in great need a home. No..he's not Friday but he needed you as much as you needed him. Good job and thumb's up for the hubby having such a great idea.
1 person likes this
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
5 Dec 09
I was surprised because I didn't think he was keen on getting another cat because he prefers dogs and he and Friday were not the always the greatest of friends (LOL)! He did not think he was going to feel as sad as he did and he wanted to ease our pain. He loves Hewy which is also out of character; I even caught him giving him a kiss! I have called Hewy Friday a few times and hopefully I will eventually lose the habit. I miss my boy so much but I'm relieved he is no longer suffering. Thanks Jen!
@cookiecrumbles (629)
• United States
4 Dec 09
I am so sorry to here about you loved one and pet Friday :( I know how it feels to lose a pet. Both at the Vet's and at home. I have a pet cemetery going in my yard I have lost so many over 4 years. My son just recently had a cat runaway that had been ours for over 2 years. We think someone just took him in and kept him because he was so pretty and friendly. He has been upset for a week now. The cat go out and we couldn't find him. He even has been seen crying(he's 34). Like to think crying is for children. But I told him that Jodie was part of the family. Hell the silly cat even slept under the covers with his head poking out. They always laid and napped together. I have even cryed because of him being gone. He was born on my bed! So I can really feel for you with your cat. We still have my two girls Sky and Little Lady, but if they run away or die That's It! No more pets for me. It is too heartbreaking and I am getting old. That's a lie I will probably get him a new kitten to care for. I love the little things. R.I.P. Friday your family misses you. I will lite a small candle for him. Feel Better - it will take time.
1 person likes this
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
5 Dec 09
Yes it will and today I caught myself calling Hewy Friday, which was bound to happen even though they are nothing alike. I miss my boy and I am thankful for the new little one who keeps me from moping around too much. There is a part of me that still can't believe Friday is gone; I had him for so long...Thanks so much for your response cookiecrumbles,I appreciate it!
I had him for so long...Thanks so much for your response cookiecrumbles,I appreciate it!
@allknowing (153530)
• India
5 Dec 09
That is the wisest thing to do - getting another pet. That will keep you off remembering your old one - difficult thought it may be but life has to go on. I am an animal lover too and have several such situations in my life.
1 person likes this
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
5 Dec 09
I know...We didn't waste any time getting another one on the same day! It was my husband's way of easing our pain and I love him for it. It doesn't matter whether we waited or not because another cat will never take Friday's place, ever, he was so very special. We love Hewy already and he is a very friendly and affectionate little cat; a bit of a handful but a lovable one! Thanks for responding allknowing!
