The last ride to the vet--it's time for my cat to go

[Mist]

I've done this with several cats over the years, but it's always hard. Realized this morning it's time for my old kitty to be euthanized. I knew it was coming for the last couple of months, but this morning, suddenly, she can't walk. She had very high blook pressure and a thyroid condition. Being 16 she slept a lot, but seemed to still enjoy her food, a cuddles, and going outside once in a while. This morning she ate breakfast but had trouble walking. I feel it's the right time. I cuddled her and told her how honored I was to have her choose to live with me, how she was an ornament in my life, and to have a safe journey to Summerland. She's not in pain, but seems very tired and a bit confused. I think she's ready, and I'm ready to let her go. A friend is riding me to the vet so that my last ride with my old girl won't have to be with her in a carrier. Even though we outlive our animal friends, it's always hard to say goodbye.

[Sanity Claws]

1. Condolences

on the loss of your cat.
I'd love to see a picture of her, if you get a chance. Sharing a photo may help with the grieving.

[Mist]

2. Thanks--just got back from the vet--friends took me--I've had a couple

of months to say goodbye, but still it's hard.

Here's a pic of her in January this year:



It's one of the few I have of her, as I didn't have a camera for over a decade until I bought a cheapie digital as my Christmas present to myself.

Anna looks a bit unfriendly and truculent in that photo, which was not her personality at all. In the summer her coat would lighten up and her tabby stripes would be more in evidence. In the pic, she's on a pillow on my bed, which is where she took her morning nap most days.

Be well and safe in Summerland, sweet Annabelle!

[livetohike]

4. My sympathy on your loss of Anna

:hug: I hope the memories you have of all the years you had together will bring you comfort and help ease the sadness of watching her decline. R.I.P sweet little one.

[Sanity Claws]

10. Anna looks like a sweet girl

Her face looks gentle.

:hug:

Let us know if you have a dream about her in a couple of days. A lot of people do have dreams with their recently deceased pets.

[TuxedoKat]

22. So sorry

for the loss of your beloved Annabelle. She looks like such a sweet, cuddly kitty. This month is the anniversary of when two beloved cats of mine died.

[Coyote_Bandit]

3. .

:hug:

[Mist]

5. Thanks livetohike and coyote--I did most of my crying this morning while hugging

her, but I expect I'll tear up now and then the next few days. She had a good life, and only had health problems the last year or so of her life. She wasn't in pain, but seemed very tired and confused the last few days. It will be odd to be completely petless now--I've had "overlapping" pets for most of the last 30 years.

[emilyg]

6. I am so sorry. Hugs.

[murielm99]

7. I am so sorry for you loss.

We all love our pets, don't we? It is hard when we have to let them go.

[Obamanaut]

8. Hugs to you from the humans and furkids at our house. nt

[Mist]

9. Thanks for all the condolences--I'm actually pretty calm about it, but sad. I keep thinking I'll

see her napping on the footstool, or at her food bowl, or coming over to the sofa that's my "command center" and coming up for some cuddles. It's just odd not having her here. I'll get more pets, because I'm a pet person, but not for a while. I have friends who said they'll come to a memorial service when I have it. I've done that for pets several times: a few nibblies of their favorite foods (human form of the food--no tuna cat food for example, just a dab of tuna salad!) I remember my time with the pet, from when they first came to live with me, and what their personality was like, and what they gave back to me. Maybe a poem will be read. Then good wishes expressed as the ashes are scattered. I'm happy to do that for my companion of 14 1/2 years.

[alstephenson]

18. I know just how you feel.

I went through the same thing with my Shadow about a month ago. I miss him so much.

[Curmudgeoness]

11. I am so sorry. It is always hard, even when we know it is time.

Been there, done that. It is never easy. RIP kitty.

:hug:

[Stinky The Clown]

12. ".....it's always hard to say goodbye.."

Yes, it is. Always. Even when the time is right.

Condolences to you.

[glinda]

13. I am sorry. It is a very sad thing but she had the best life with you. I know

saying this really doesn't help but.....

[virgdem]

14. My deepest sympathy to you for your loss...

It's so hard to lose them when they have been so much a part of your life for 16 years. I've lost a few over the last several years and it never gets any easier to say goodbye, but you seemed to be as prepared as you could be. Peace and hugs to you as you grieve for your beautiful kitty.

[Kookaburra]

15. Aw, Mist, I'm so sorry

This is the hardest and kindest thing you can ever do for your pet, and I'm sure she is thankful to no longer be encumbered by her failing body.
Sending you love and light to get you through the grief with ease and grace.

:hug:

[1620rock]

16. At 65 yrs. I have had to say goodbye to so many of my cherished kitties...

I still greive for every one of them...it hurts so bad. Peace and healing to you.

[japple]

17. Little Annabelle looks so sweet. She had a good life with you

and I'm sure she is happy to be out of a sick body. Her little cat spirit is flying!

It never gets easy, no matter how many times you do it.

Peace & comfort to you at this sad time. :hug:

[jillan]

19. Sending you big hugs. It sounds like she had a wonderful home with you.

[badgerpup]

20. Sorrow for your loss...

I truly believe that they stay where they've been loved...don't be surprised if you do 'see' her...and not just in dreams.

It doesn't get easier, and knowing that you're doing the kind, loving, unselfish and right thing for them doesn't seem to help right away with the grief.

It's later, when the first edge is off, that you know that you were thinking of Annabelle, and not yourself...you loved and respected her enough to allow her the dignity of an easy and clean release and didn't make her drag it out just to keep her a little longer.

They trust us to care for and do the right thing for them...and you did.
:hug:

[The Wizard]

21. Always a difficult day

On Wednesday, a day that should have been a day to celebrate my 43rd anniversary of returning from Vietnam, I found my sweet and gentle pal Edmund on the kitchen floor panting. By the time I got to the vet it was too late. Edmund could make anyone smile. He was a friend to all and he will be missed. On a winter day in 2001 he sat outside our kitchen door looking forlorn with snow falling on him. When we opened the door he walked into our kitchen and our hearts.
Here's something that has helped me get through these difficult times in the past. I hope it helps you.

On January 4, 1993, the cat in this book and the books that preceded it was put to sleep in Kerrville, Texas, by DR. W.H. Hoegemeyer and myself. Cuddles was fourteen years old, a respectable age. She was as close to me as any human being I have ever known.
Cuddles and I spent many years together, both in New York, where I found her as a little kitten on the street in Chinatown, and later on the ranch in Texas. She was always with me, on the table, on the bed, by the fireplace, beside the typewriter, on top of my suitcase when I returned from a trip.
I dug Cuddles' grave with a silver spade, in the little garden by the stream behind the old green trailer where both of us lived in the summertime. Her burial shroud was my old New York sweatshirt and in the grave with her is a can of tuna and a cigar.
A few days ago I received a sympathy note from Bill Hoegemeyer, the veterinarian. It opened with a verse by Irving Townsend: "We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own live within a fragile circle…"
Now as I write this, on a gray winter day by the fireside, I can almost feel her light tread moving from my head and my heart down through my fingertips to the keys of the typewriter. People may surprise you with unexpected kindness. Dogs have a depth of loyalty that we often seem unworthy of. But the love of a cat is a blessing, a privilege in this world.
They say when you die and go to heaven all the dogs and cats you ever owned in your life come running to meet you.
Until that day, rest in peace Cuddles.
Kinky Friedman
Madina, Texas
February 5, 1993

[Mist]

23. Thanks for all the caring expressed in this thread. I'm getting used to Annabelle's

being gone. She was old and fading, but I have many happy memories of her. A couple of friends are coming over this evening for some grilling, and first we'll have a memorial for Anna. It's odd to be actually alone in my house after so many years of having a variety of cats. I love dogs, but there's something about coming home to a dozing cat that just makes a house cozy...

[WillParkinson]

24. Our sympathies...

We've been in your shoes and just hated it but knew it was best to be there.

[Mz Pip]

25. It's always tough

no matter how much you prepare.

It sounds like she had a great life with you. :hug: