My little old lady is going to sleep tomorrow

[kimi]

and I thought I was prepared for this. But I'm not. I know it's time, she's tired, and she's put up a good fight, and my miracle worker of a vet - and I have long forgiven him his "McCain-Palin" bumper sticker - has done wonderful things to keep her comfortable and peaceful for this long, but it's time. I've lost kitties before, but she's been with us for almost 19 years, and has crossed the US with us 4 times, traveled to Japan and back with us on military transport, and now, when my husband is in Afghanistan and I have no adults to really commiserate (and I shouldn't need them, but gosh-darn it, I do) it's time to say good-bye to a family member. I wish I knew how to do this better, but I've never had to have a pet put to sleep, and it's much more difficult than I thought. I know it's the right thing, but it's just - so hard.

[BrklynLiberal]

1. I am so sorry that you are going to have to part with your sweet little girl.

19 years is a very long time to have a cat..it is longer than most marriages last these days.

Of course you will miss her, and wish she was with you..but if you know in your heart that she is suffering, then you
must do the right thing and let her go.

It would be far worse if you let her linger, and then regretted that...knowing that she had lingered in pain due your own needs.

I have found that only time and tears help the pain to ease a bit. Of course you will miss her, and cry for her...
but she has been a part of your life for so long that she could never be truly gone. She will live in your heart and your
mind.

Perhaps if you can create an image of her becoming a young kitten again, healthy and playful...able to do all the things she can no longer do..it will help you to get thru this.


There is a part of me that believes that their spirit hangs around a bit afterwards...just to let us know they are ok and to make sure that we are doing well.
If you are open to it, you will see the sign..and then you can relax knowing that she is ok. And of course, you will still miss her.

:hug: :cry: :pals:

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...

[kimi]

2. Thank you, BrklynLiberal

It makes going to sleep on this last night easier. I appreciate it more than you can know.

[BrklynLiberal]

3. How are you doing today?

:hug: :pals:

[kimi]

4. We leave for the clinic in a couple of hours

so right now it's sort of surreal. I keep thinking "In 3 hours it'll be over", or "This is the last time I'll do this for her." And to make things harder, there was a mix-up with the appointment time - I wanted to get the latest appointment so that my oldest son could get there in time after he got off work at 5, so I was told to call this morning and they'd check with the vet to see if we could come in at 5:30. The girl who answered said she'd check with the vet and call me back in a half-hour, she hadn't called back in 2 hours, so I called her, she'd forgotten to ask him, so she said she'd do it then, and call me in 10 minutes, and finally called back to okay 5:30 in another hour. I just waited around on pins and needles all morning, it seemed. It was no biggie for her, maybe, but for me, watching my kittie, it was - not easy. Ah, I hate to complain. It'll all work out, but this last day, I don't know how people do it. I sit here and do what I can for my girl and talk to her, and cry some.

Thanks for letting me vent. I appreciate it. :hug:

[BrklynLiberal]

8. Well..I guess it has come to pass by now.

I hope that you and your family are hanging in there...and hopefully laughing thru your tears as you remember some of the more comical things that your furbaby has done over the years.

I wish your baby a peaceful and easy journey to the Rainbow Bridge. She will have regained her youth and health and will be scampering around playing with all our beloved babies who are waiting there for us to join them.

[japple]

5. Kimi, your kitty knows how much you love her and that is why

she tried so hard to stay, but her little earthly body has worn out. You are doing the right thing in letting her go. She is so grateful to you for giving her such a long and happy life. Blessings and peace to you in this time of sorrow. She is waiting for you at the rainbow bridge.

I have had visits from departed kitties who would do their nighttime routine--kneading and rearranging themselves on the bed before finally settling down to sleep propped up against my legs.

[BrklynLiberal]

7. Your description of the kittie "night time routine" is so perfect.

I sleep with 3 cats and a German Shepherd. All three of the cats do that...and even my dog circles around before finding his spot.

I am sure that I will still feel them there long after they have left this earthly plane.

[livetohike]

6. Wishing you peace and comfort as you send your little

sweetie on her trip over the bridge :hug:. It's never easy (having had many dogs in my life to take that final trip to the vet with), but know that you are doing the right thing. May all the good memories you have of her life cause you to smile and help ease the sadness.

[Zoigal]

9. My sincere sympathy, kimi.

Loosing a beloved pet is never easy. Am facing the same situation with my two beloved borzois...z

[cheri010353]

10. May I Go?

I'm so sorry, Kimi, that you're furry love is leaving. This helped me when I had to have my precious Muffin put to sleep.


May I Go?

Do you think the time is right?
May I say goodbye to pain filled days and endless lonely nights?
I've lived my life and done my best, an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond, and set my spirit free?
I didn't want to go at first, I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now to a warm and living light.
I want to go, I really do; it's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can to live just one more day.
To give you time to care for me and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and afraid, because I see your tears.
I'll not be far, I promise that, and hope you'll always know,
That my spirit will be close to you wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me. You know I love you too,
And that's why it's hard to say goodbye and end this life with you.
So hold me now just one more time and let me hear you say,
Because you care so much for me, you'll let me go today.

by Susan A. Jackson

[emilyg]

11. You got me crying. Thanks for posting.

[spooky3]

13. thank you - I am crying too.

[Sanity Claws]

12. My condolences

I hope her passing was peaceful. RIP.

[spooky3]

14. kimi, I am so very sorry.

She is such an integral part of your life. There is no best way to do this but you have done the most loving thing you can possibly do.

She loved you and will live in your heart forever.

:hug:

[Coyote_Bandit]

15. .

:hug:

[virgdem]

16. I'm very sorry for your loss Kimi

It is so difficult to part with our fur kids but you made the right decision. I've been where you are many times and it never gets any easier, but you knew when the time was right to make the ultimate decision to end your baby's suffering. I wish you the best in the coming days as you adjust to your loss. This much I know - you will always have wonderful memories of your sweet kitty.

[Stinky The Clown]

17. I read these stories and cry right along with you.

It **is** hard.

:hug:

The Rainbow Bridge is a good place.

[badgerpup]

18. It's so hard...

...but you have enough love, courtesy and respect for your furbaby to put her needs ahead of yours.
That takes a lot of courage, especially when you know what you'll be up against.
:hug:

I too believe they stay where they're loved...she'll stick around and keep an eye on you, make sure you'll be OK.

Mine have done so...

[kimi]

19. Thank you so much, everyone

It was an incredibly hard day. I tried to make every minute count, and my little old lady had a wonderful time where towards the end, she was so comfy that she had some baby food, and afterwards purred and I lay down next to her and we just passed some time.

I really have no doubt that she'll be back. My other kitties come back in their own ways, I know, and it's been a real comfort. This is the first time I've had to make this decision, and it's been very hard, especially when she's been with me longer than almost anyone else in my life. Although I'm a military brat, separations have gotten harder through the years, not easier, and my cats have gotten me through some very emotional times. So, it's been hard to say good-bye.

Thank you all, really. Your sympathies make a huge difference.

[BrklynLiberal]

20. Keep your heart and mind open for the signs that she is watching over you.

[Kookaburra]

21. Hugs to you kimi

I'm so sorry that you had to experience that, but her last day was a good one, and you know she loved you -- she knew you loved her.

She'll definitely be back. I believe that too.

Give yourself some grieving time.