Missing my cat

[eichaan]

I haven't been checking up on the Tele world lately, because I've been preoccupied with an illness in the family. Today we had to put our cat, Sammy, to sleep. He was 19 years old.

He was the best cat ever. Sammy had liver problems when we got him, and the shelter was going to put him to sleep then. Well, he made it 13 years more years. In April 2006 the vet told us that he had kidney failure and leukemia. We've given him chemo every day since then. Since mid-September he wasn't able to eat (I think he lost his sense of smell) and he was kind of out of it. We pureed his food and fed it to him by syringe. Until a couple of days ago he was doing ok with this, but the last four days showed a rapid downhill turn. He didn't purr anymore, and he stopped grooming himself.

I tell myself that he's the equivalent of 95 years old, and that he fought off cancer for the equivalent of 8 years, but it is still so sad. He is my favorite cat ever, and the best natured animal. He never balked or complained--it's like he understood that being wrapped in a towel and having syringes shoved down his mouth was for his own good. It will be hard to be here without him.

My wife and I are boarding school teachers, and part of a close community. When our dog died three years ago, we had a memorial service and 100 kids showed up (my wife is the librarian, and our dog worked at the library every day). But Sammy was a housecat, and so this will be a much more private kind of grief.

I know it sounds petty being sad about this, with all the serious problems in the world, but it is hard not to.

Thanks for letting me vent.

[Boubou]

My thoughts go with you

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 who 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 unknown...


Here is a shemless post of some of my departed dogs
Dogs
I miss them
Get some new pets,
i amsure some of them are willing to give you a lifetime of love

[Pete Galati]

Sounds like Sammy lived a good long life. You'll have to go to the shelter and find another cat to give a home to.

I picked my cat Bob because he was the one cat that reached through the cage to get to me when I was at the shelter. Some of the others seemed like cool cats, but Bob really wanted to get adopted.

[Daddydex]

Eich, I am really sorry. I am an animal lover and I understand your pain. I am sure in time you will be able to laugh and smile while thinking about Sammy. I have a cat that looks a lot like Sammy. If you decide to get another cat, there are some grey and white kittens in the woods behind my house. Feel free to come to Harveys Lake and check them out. Hang in there buddy.

Dan

[petebradt]

Originally Posted by eichaan

I haven't been checking up on the Tele world lately, because I've been preoccupied with an illness in the family. Today we had to put our cat, Sammy, to sleep. He was 19 years old.

He was the best cat ever. Sammy had liver problems when we got him, and the shelter was going to put him to sleep then. Well, he made it 13 years more years. In April 2006 the vet told us that he had kidney failure and leukemia. We've given him chemo every day since then. Since mid-September he wasn't able to eat (I think he lost his sense of smell) and he was kind of out of it. We pureed his food and fed it to him by syringe. Until a couple of days ago he was doing ok with this, but the last four days showed a rapid downhill turn. He didn't purr anymore, and he stopped grooming himself.

I tell myself that he's the equivalent of 95 years old, and that he fought off cancer for the equivalent of 8 years, but it is still so sad. He is my favorite cat ever, and the best natured animal. He never balked or complained--it's like he understood that being wrapped in a towel and having syringes shoved down his mouth was for his own good. It will be hard to be here without him.

My wife and I are boarding school teachers, and part of a close community. When our dog died three years ago, we had a memorial service and 100 kids showed up (my wife is the librarian, and our dog worked at the library every day). But Sammy was a housecat, and so this will be a much more private kind of grief.

I know it sounds petty being sad about this, with all the serious problems in the world, but it is hard not to.

Thanks for letting me vent.

I'm so terribly sorry, losing a cat is the hardest thing I've ever had to face. Losing people isn't as hard for me as losing a beloved friend with four legs, fur and a tail.

Cats are amazing, wonderful, loving creatures, and I know my life goes better when I have a house full (we have four).

I know you're grieving now...but when time begins to heal the wound, please consider opening your heart and home to another cat. So many need homes.

You have my kindest thoughts and full support. PM me if you need an extra shoulder, man.

[FraKo]

My dearly beloved cat Pumi died last May: although I thought he was born to live some 20 ys. (he's been ALWAYS healthy all his life long) he died of a heart attack at 12. He was more than a friend to me (at home we were somehow inseparable: while wastching TV on the couch, while playing the guitar - I mean, I was the one who played -, while sleeping...), I missed him so strongly that I decided to bring another cat. Apart that our new son looks a lot like Pumi (same colors & eyes), he started just a few days ago (after 4 months he's been living with us) even to BEHAVE like my dear old Pumi: so sweet a rascal...

[austintele]

I'm sorry brother. Sounds like he had a great life thanks to your kindness.

[Larry F]

I know how you are feeling. My cat Catness is having health problems. She had bladder surgery last spring for cancer and did great. I wanted to give her one last summer on the porch, which she loved. She is having trouble with her kidneys, though, and I have to inject water under her skin twice a week. Like your cat, she knows that this is to make her better and doesn't complain. Cats like ours are real troupers. Here's to a happy new life for Sammy, who will be waiting for you.

[Tim73]

As a cat owner too, my sympathies. Sammy looks like a bit of a character. 19yrs is a heck of an innings but it doesn't make it easier.

[AngelStrummer]

Originally Posted by eichaan

I know it sounds petty being sad about this, with all the serious problems in the world, but it is hard not to.

No it doesn't sound petty. Your cat was a living being and you were emotionally attached. You have all my sympathy and I wish you well.

[JumpMarine]

Sorry for your loss, I understand all too well as I lost my constant companion of 6 years last night my pug, Buck.

[Tim Armstrong]

My cat is on my lap as I write this (and she weighs 15 lbs, so she's REALLY on my lap!), and I know just how strong the bond can be.

Deepest condolences,

Tim

[Fourth Feline]

I am really sorry to hear of your loss, my heart melted at the photo. As you may gather from my forum name, I am a cat lover too.

My deepest condolences for your loss, but my joy for the time you shared together.

F.F.

[roadkillbill]

So sorry you have to go through this..I've lost a couple of great pets in my life and wouldn't wish it on anyone.

I've got an 11 year old cat now, the best ever, and know that at some point I'll have to go through it all again..that's the way it is. But it's worth it for all the joy and pleasure they bring us..

[9a13]

You have our deepest condolences, from my home to yours. The connection and bond you have shared ran deep; it is not odd at all that you are hurting. Remember the good times. May Sammy rest well. Peace.

~ Jim, John and Hunter (the 8-year-old cat who lives with us and makes every day a good one)

[Bill]

Having traveled that same road myself, my cat and I send you our condolences. It's heartbreaking, so feel how you feel, without apologies. You were a good cat dad, and your kitty knows it.

[jimd]

Eichaan,

I am really sorry for your loss. I could have written your post myself. We lost our Mooch in June after a 6 month battle with cancer. We went through chemo and it helped for quite a while. But eventually she got very very sick. It was a hard decision to put her to sleep but I know it was the right one. My wife and I both miss her terribly. I wish I could tell it will get easier but it is still tough for me. But, please know he is in a much better place now and will be waiting for you when you get there.

[stantheman]

Originally Posted by Boubou

My thoughts go with you

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 who 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 unknown...


Here is a shemless post of some of my departed dogs
Dogs
I miss them
Get some new pets,
i amsure some of them are willing to give you a lifetime of love

It's not petty at all - it's totally HUMAN and makes me proud that You're here on The TDPRI. I'm owned by three cats and one "terror of the mountain" and
I completely share You and Your Wife's grief. I Pray for all The Animals everyday and I should really Pray just as much for all those who do their very best to look after them too. I lived without a Cat or Dog for close to ten years and I consider those years to be an absolute waste. Promise Yourselves that You won't wait too long to let that Spirit re-enter Your lives.
I believe to live without a Cat or Dog is to live with Your Soul "on hold".
Please have a good cry and grieve but remember that Someone is waiting for You to come and bring them Home.

[Stevie 202]

Brother, you have my sympathies as well 'cause I know how it feels. My dear ol' bud was with me almost 20 years. He got diabetes at 17 yrs old and we fought the good fight for a few more years. One day we knew it was the end of the line and we had to let him go he was so sick.
It's a heartbreaker that we live so much longer than them, but even tho' I know this I do not regret knowing him. Fact is, we adopted another, very UNLIKE my ol' bud and I'm glad we did.
Hang in there mate and don't let anyone tell you it's trivial to lose a pet 'cause it sure ain't.

[Gilamnstr]

Condolences and best wishes to you and yours from another cat lover, Eichaan. We've got two cats that we love greatly, and reading posts like this put a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes every time. May Sammy rest in peace, and be waiting for you at the "Rainbow Bridge".

[eichaan]

Wow. I've told friends of mine that they should check out the TDPRI, because it is the nicest forum on the Web, full of the nicest people, and this totally confirms it for me. Today has been a very hard day, but all of you have helped a great deal. Courtney and I totally appreciate it from the bottom of our hearts.

It is funny that you mention another adoption. On Saturday night, one of the boys in the dorm came to me with a little black kitten he found stuck in a tree. The kitten was very nice, and we took him to the SPCA, where they told us that if no one called for him we could adopt him. We'll pick up "Hal" (short for Halloween") later this week.

Nothing can REPLACE Sammy, but this will be a good start to recovery. And it just feels too serendipitous to pass up.

Thanks again so much!

Ethan

[halouis]

hey Ethan. sorry to hear about your cat. I'm a cat guy myself. have 4 right now. Lost a 22yr old cat a few yrs ago. Seems to me that every time I lose a pet, another one shows up somehow to help fill the void.

best of luck with your new kitten, "Hal" (I like that)

twang on--

Hal

here's a pic of 2 of mine. Bubble (black) and Teeny (calico)

[bluetele54]

...I have a 13 year old Red Abbysinian female w' green eyes...she's had some health problems herself recently,but with proper care,she's bounced back quite nicely...I'm not looking forward to HER passing,so I have simpathy for you and how you are feeling,as Annie (her name "Annabelle")is one of the best friends I'll ever have!!!...I feel that,once she passes,I'll not have a cat around for a while,but one never knows,as all it takes is some direct contact with a loving,and playful spirit to make my heart melt...

[Frank_Kimball]

Add condolences from our household too, eich. And hearts out to all the other stories expressed here. Musicians and our companion animals, we've got quite a bond. I'm going to go give my cat a scratch behind the ears and tell him he's a Good Boy, and we'll send cat-zen thoughts and purrs to all...

[furrfurrfurr]

So sorry about your loss. My cat is 16 and I'm dreading the day he's gone.

All the best.

Furr