I lost my best friend today.
Last edited Sun Mar 6, 2022, 10:44 PM - Edit history (2)
We had to put my cat, Chairman Meow, to sleep this morning. I suspect he had a stroke yesterday since he suddenly had trouble walking, eating, and drinking, so it was time to say goodbye and let him go.
I found him as a stray kitten in the summer of 2006. I'm 99% certain he was part of a litter that someone didn't want, so they just dumped the kittens somewhere. I made kissy noises at him and he started following me. The girl I was dating at the time insisted that I retrieve him and take him to a shelter. I wrapped up him up in a bath towel to make sure he didn't bite/scratch, and when I got him upstairs and let him loose, he immediately ran over to me and climbed up into my lap... so I decided to keep him.
He was with me through a lot over the years. He was there when that girl dumped me, something I took very hard. He was there when I started a new relationship with the woman who's been my wife for over 10 years now. He was hyper-jealous of her. He was the vanguard of my move to Canada, making the move two years before I did. He was there through my struggles with substance abuse. He was there as I built a career and helped me relax after a rough day.
He was diagnosed with diabetes in 2017 because he was kind of a little sausage roll. My fault, I suppose, for letting him graze rather than feeding him at set times. The vet this morning told us that ordinarily cats only live 1-2 years after that diagnosis, so I suppose we did okay taking care of him.
He came into my life wrapped up in a bath towel, and he left it the same way. I held him in my arms as the vet gave him the shot and bawled my eyes out. My heart is breaking all over again as I type this. It's hard knowing that when I wake up tomorrow morning, he won't be sitting outside the bedroom door waiting for his breakfast.
Love your fur babies, folks. In a just world they'd live as long as people do, but unfortunately that's not the case. They give us all they have to give, and all they ask in return is a little love and a little kindness... and some treats here and there. They'll be gone before you know it.
A friend of mine said this when I talked to her about my loss, and I think it's rather beautiful, so I'll share it. "Grief is love with nowhere to go."
ETA: Thank you, everyone, for the kind words and good wishes. One of the greatest things about DU is that we're a family, and we share our joys and our griefs with family. Thank you for helping me through this rough moment, I appreciate it more than words can tell. Please give your fur babies a hug from me, in memory of the Chairman.
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You’ve got to think about getting a kitten. Or maybe another stray kitty will choose you. I know it’s excruciating pain
memory you have always make you smile. It’s never long enough .
you and Chairman Meow found each other.
It's soon to mention, of course, but with all that love, I hope that before too long another lost and frightened kitten's incredibly fortunate enough to be found by you.
Of your beloved kitty you gave him a great life and he is waiting at the bridge for you and watching over you. Run free Chairman Meow 🌈❤️🐾🐈
I have been through this too many times and it never gets easier. It is the price we pay for their devoted, truly unconditional love. Thank you for saving him 🤗
May your little buddy rest in peace, and may you find solace in your memories of happier times.
I'm so sorry.
It hurts so much to let them go; what a blessing to our lives they have been. And Chairman Meow has been through so much with you - what a great partner.
I'm so very sorry for your loss.
A fitting tribute to your best friend.
It hurts me to read about it so I can imagine how you’re feeling. But you should take comfort in the fact he lived a tremendous life thanks to your great kindness and he will always be with you as he was for his long and abundant earthly life
For Chairman Meow...
🌻🇺🇦❤🇺🇦🌻
if not more so, than losing a member of the family. I know what you are going through and it is awful. Be kind to yourself and don't try to do too much for a while. 
For Chairman Meow. 🐾
I posted yesterday that our dogs and cats are family and I sincerely mean that.
Hoping one day, after you recover from some of your heartbreaking grief, you'll adopt another kitty. There are so many needing homes.
Take care. 🤗
My cat also was a feral kitten when she entered my life, just 16 years ago. I love her to bits and don't know how I'll be able to handle the day she leaves me. She's just been diagnosed with Moderate Renal Kidney Insufficiency. Vet says she could make it 6 months or another 2 years. I'm praying for the 2 years.
We both send our heartfelt sympathy out to you.
We had to do the same with our beloved Chloe about a year and a half ago (renal failure).
during the Pandemic. So so hard.
My heart goes out to you. So very very sorry.
you gave him made me smile. I smiled and shed a tear. RIP Chairman Meow.
There's something about losing a pet that leaves a gigantic hole in our hearts. We really don't deserve them. And this song is about dogs, but it holds the same feeling.
This grief is the price we pay for having them in our lives, I think. It's very steep, but it's worth it. Cherish your memories of your buddy, they'll see you through the hard times. I know it's wrenching at first but I hope soon the memories will start to feel more like a blessing.
Beautiful tribute you've written to him here. Thank you for sharing him with us.
I'm so sorry to hear of his passing but what a wonderful and sweet life he had with you.
I'm bawling like a baby too after reading your story...
Light and Love to you, others' who were in his life, and to Chairman Meow....
I know how you feel.
My dog who I adopted from rescue at 5 months turns 16 this month. And though he's fine except for a recurring ear infection (going to the vet for a scheduled exam on Tuesday), I admit that I'm scared. I've been in recovery since 2008 and have never lost a pet since I've been sober.
And yes, our pets are with us through so much. Someone once said that losing a pet is the hardest since they're always with you. The only helpful words that I have to offer is to remember that the Chairman was so incredibly fortunate that he had you... 
R-I-P Chairman Meow
((((((Hugs))))))
I hope it helps to know you gave him a beautiful life and that you were his best friend, too.
And I hope that when the time is right, you will have another cat in your life and that your grief will ease when your love has a place to go.
RIP
for most of us our pets are family. Hugs to you.