Well, never thought I'd be saying this, but I did it.
@kaylachan (84784)
Daytona Beach, Florida
August 9, 2024 5:40pm CST
I burried Chilly. George and I briefly talked about cremation, and I called the vet to get quotes. But, I would not feel right trying to drag him there in an uber. It's been hot, hit 92 today, I went through two bottles of water. But, I did it. Part of me wants to cry, but I can't get the tears to fall. They will at the worst time. Feels odd not having any cats in the house, but Chilly is where he wanted to be. We put him beside Precious, which was the plan from the start. Just didn't expect George to have a stroke and me having to be the one to do the digging.
George stayed nearby as part of the process, going out back with me while I did the brunt of the work. I have a band-aid on my finger where I blistered my fingers at the end. But, it's done. He's where he belongs. He's with us.
18 people like this
16 responses
@kaylachan (84784)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
10 Aug 24
They may not. I didn't really shed any when I lost the others, except Precious. I think it's because I was able to distance myself emotionally knowing they would cross. In the days leading up to his crossing, I started getting used to the idea of living in a cat-free house.
2 people like this
@TheHorse (238306)
• Walnut Creek, California
10 Aug 24
@kaylachan As I was cursing Kitty this morning for walking slowly in front of me while I am crippled, I realized I'd miss her if she were not here.
3 people like this
@LindaOHio (222304)
• United States
10 Aug 24
@TheHorse. "Rainbow Bridge" is something I avoid because I end up bawling like a child. I firmly believe that our past fur babies are waiting for us at the Rainbow Bridge.
2 people like this
@kaylachan (84784)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
10 Aug 24
@akalinus I too had hoped it was just a bad flare-up. Thought about taking him to the vet several times. But, I realized one of two things would happen, One we'd be putting him down. Or two, he'd spend a week in the vet, and we might get two to three more days after that. At least this way, he got to spend his final week or so happy with the people he loved.
2 people like this
@akalinus (44366)
• United States
10 Aug 24
@kaylachan I was praying that Chilly would get better but maybe it was his appointed time to go.
2 people like this
@kaylachan (84784)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
10 Aug 24
Not a problem. Chilly maybe gone, but I am sure I still have stories to share.
2 people like this
@kaylachan (84784)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
11 Aug 24
Yeah, he did. It was going to happen eventually.
1 person likes this
@2ndchances24 (12206)
• Cloverdale, Indiana
10 Aug 24
I know what you went through cause I've had to bury all
our pets, it's not easy but it's the right thing to do as our love to them
I look to be doing all 6 dogs when their time comes for as old as they are.3 people like this
@kaylachan (84784)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
10 Aug 24
Yes, it is the best thing for them.
2 people like this
@2ndchances24 (12206)
• Cloverdale, Indiana
11 Aug 24
@kaylachan I just hope they all don't go close together
or in the Winter mons, cause I won't be able to bury them.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169474)
• United States
10 Aug 24
Yes, I have buried a few pets over the years. A couple since I have been here. Bob was not physically up to it. Yes, he is with you.
2 people like this
@kaylachan (84784)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
10 Aug 24
Well, I didn't expect to be doing this until I was in my 60's at least. But, we didn't expect the stroke, or to loose Chilly like we did.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (135744)
• Marion, Ohio
10 Aug 24
We have buried a few pets here. The adult kids have buried a couple here also. Makes it easy to say hi
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (84784)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
10 Aug 24
Well, when Precious crossed rainbow bridge, we told ourselves they'd never be alone or left behind. Chilly coud've been an exception, because George didn't think I could dig a hole, but I did.
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (84784)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
10 Aug 24
@wolfgirl569 I dug a hole and now have a band-aid on my finger.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (135744)
• Marion, Ohio
10 Aug 24
@kaylachan You do what you have to.
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (84784)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
10 Aug 24
That's was always the plan.
2 people like this
@kaylachan (84784)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
16 Aug 24
George used to talk to everyone before his stroke. I'm sure he'll start up again once he's feeling better.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222304)
• United States
10 Aug 24
I always hated leaving our dogs at the vet's after being put down; but the thought of my husband bringing home one of my fur babies was even harder. I'm glad Chilly passed peacefully and that you were able to bury him in your yard.
2 people like this
@kaylachan (84784)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
10 Aug 24
That's kind of why I decided against cremation. We could've easily put it on a credit card, but I didn't want to have to make George carry Chilly in. It was hard enough when I took him in January for blood work.
2 people like this
@kaylachan (84784)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
10 Aug 24
He's with our pets. He's where he wants to be.
2 people like this
@porwest (112876)
• United States
12 Aug 24
Oh man, I am SOOO sorry to hear this. I am sure during my camping trips I missed a post, but I am sure I will find it soon enough. Our last two cats, Sneaky and Theus, and my mom's dog Murphy all enjoy a little spot in the left corner of our backyard and I would have it no other way.
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (84784)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
12 Aug 24
Same here. I was determined to put Chilly next to Precious. George was worried I couldn't dig the whole, there's a lot of things he still thinks I can't do, but I've developed a lot more upper body strength over the past year. Between wheeling myself around hospitals, lifting boxes of formula and occassionally lifting George off the floor, I can do a lot more then I thought I could.
I just don't know how George's taking the loss. I know he has to feel helpless because he feels unsteady on his feat. So, he wasn't even going to dare try to dig a whole. Hell he had me call the vet to get quotes on cremation. but you see how that ended.
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (84784)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
13 Aug 24
@porwest Yeah, I know. It was even harder having George watch what I was doing, instead of it being the other way around.
1 person likes this
@porwest (112876)
• United States
13 Aug 24
@kaylachan It's hard. No matter how you look at it. It's hard. It's the irony of owning fur babies. We ALWAYS have to say goodbye. It's never easy to do that. They become so much like family. It just breaks your heart to have to say goodbye to them.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (189833)
• Boise, Idaho
10 Aug 24
Well, that was a shock to my system. Yes, he is where he wanted to be. Dear Chilly.
1 person likes this
@ptrikha_2 (49753)
• India
13 Aug 24
My sincere condolences to you.
A very tough time for you and George.
I hope God gives you enough strength, although I know that if nobody is taking care of you when the conditions are so adverse; it can severely drain both mind & brain.
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (84784)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
13 Aug 24
Yeah, I know what you mean.
1 person likes this
