My heart is heavy today!

[Callalily]

My dear, dear cat passed away sometime yesterday. When I got home from work, I knew something was wrong right away. She usually greets me at the door demanding to be fed. It's one of those cat rituals, yes she trained me well.

Anyway, I went to look for her and she was just laying peacefully on my den floor, looking like she was asleep, but I knew that she wasn't.

She was an old cat but she had just been to the vet a couple of weeks ago and all her levels were great. She's been on a few meds for a couple of years now. But for her age (17) she was doing remarkable well.

Called my best friend and through many tears convinced me to call the vet. My vet advised me to wrap her up and to either bring her in right away, or I could wait if I chose too. I opted to wait b/c I just couldn't pick her up. I just did busy things around the house for several hours until I calmed down and was able to deal with it.

I got the plushest towels I have, and gently wrapped her up. This morning I'll take her to my vet.

She was the smartest, most beautiful, cat one could ever hope for. She got me though many a hard times. I miss her dearly and will miss her for a long time.

[Guava Jelly]

1. Oh Simply I'm sorry

I have felt the loss of a very loved cat.
Just try to focus on the life you gave your kitty and the times shared.
It's hard i know.
:hug:

[Callalily]

4. Thank you

for your kind words. I'm having a hard time this morning. The house seems so empty.

[SeattleGirl]

2. SF, I'm so sorry.

I know how painful and heart breaking it can be to lose one of our four-legged children. My condolences to you. :hug:

[Callalily]

5. Thanks SG

I think today is going to be hard, but I plan on keeping busy.

[SeattleGirl]

7. Keeping busy can help.

But if you feel like crying your eyes out, and are in a place where you can do that, just let it go. Sometimes, doing that can provide us with a needed step toward comfort and healing.

:hug: :grouphug:

[Callalily]

9. Yes, I do think

that I'll be taking advantage of the healing powers of crying. What a wonderful mechanism, what a wonderful survival skill.

[gr8dane_daddy]

3. My condolences...

My older brother lost his cat of 15 yrs last year...it really tore him apart.

I pray the passing was peaceful. Remember all the cuddle times and that you were the best pet she ever had.

[Callalily]

6. Thanks gr8dane

She has been my steadfast companion for a long time. Yes, I do think that she passed away peacefully which I'm most greatful for. I think she just laid down to sleep, but her sleep was permanant this time. I found her in one of her favorite sleeping spots.

[u4ic]

8. My condolences to you, Simply Fugue

If there is any consolation, please realize your beautiful kitty was loved and cherished by you and your family for many years. You will definitely need to grieve, but she lived to be 17 because you all took such good care of her, and gave her much love. :hug:

[Callalily]

10. Thank you for your

kind words. And yes, that's what my vet said. She told me that my cat lived such a wonderful, healthy life because of my care. I'm honored that I could do that for her.

[haf216]

11. I 'm so sorry for your loss.

Rest in peace good kitty. And may you find peace in your heart.

[Callalily]

13. Your words

are very comforting - thank you.

[MissHoneychurch]

12. Simply I am so sorry

:hug:

My heart weeps with you :cry:


It is so hard to lose a (furry) family member. I am sure she had a wonderful life with you. She crossed the rainbow bridge.

[Callalily]

15. Oh MissH . . .

when I read your words, she crossed the rainbow bridge a smile immediately came. Thank you!

It's been a tough morning. She usually sits behind me in the mornings when I'm on DU. And I find myself doing cat things, like putting the rubber band over my kitchen cabinet handles so she can't poke around in the garbage. I went in the basement to scoop her litter box, and caught myself half way down the steps.

It's going to be hard taking her to the vet. I'll have to pick her up again. I'm so sad.

But she did have a marvelous life living with me. I always said that if there was an after life, that I'd want to come back as a cat and live with someone like me.

[MissHoneychurch]

17. I know how you feel

when we had to put Octavia to sleep almost two years ago we took her to the vet. My mom and I went. She was so weak, we didn't even put her in a carrier, my mom just took a basket and we put her in there (with a blanket underneath of course). She was so weak the vet said she wouldn't even have survived the anesthesia. After she left us we put her in a paper box and took her home with us again and burried her in the garden. Eveytime I am at my mom's I can look at her grave. It is peaceful underneath a bush. Shortly after we burried her another cat came along and sniffed and scratched at the fresh soil of the grave.

I am sure your friends will help you through the next days. :hug:
Do you mind if I come back as a kitten to live with you? :hug:

:loveya:

[Callalily]

19. My friends will

be here this afternoon, and yes, it'll be nice having them here. The place won't feel so empty. And they are staying until Monday, so by then my heart hopefully won't feel quite so heavy.

Oh MissH, if you'd come back as my kitty, I'd take extra good care of you, as I know that you would for me.

[lizziegrace]

14. I'm so sorry

They're the best of friends to us. She'll leave a hole that will never be filled but while she was here, what joy.

:hug: for you.

[Callalily]

16. She certainly

was a joy. She brought me much happiness and comfort too. Thank you for your understanding and kind words.

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

18. What a beautiful kitty

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Take all the time you need to grieve - I know how much it hurts to lose a beloved furry friend. Take care. :cry: :hug:

[Callalily]

20. Yes, she sure

was beautiful. As she got older her grooming skills weren't as impeccable or meticulous as they once were, but I brushed her often because I knew that she took great pride in her appearance.

And thank you for your kind words.

[S n o w b a l l]

21. My heart breaks for you....

:cry: My dogs and kitty are like my children so I can understand the terrible loss you're feeling. I'm so very sorry.

:hug: :hug:

[Callalily]

39. I'm keeping

busy today. I truly appreciate your kind words. :hug:

[derby378]

22. I am so sorry

Those are beautiful pictures of your kitty. Just remember that she was loved and she returned that love for you.

:hug:

[Callalily]

40. Yes, she sure

was a beautiful cat, both inside and out. Thank you. :hug:

[AirmensMom]

23. Oh, SF, I am so sorry.

:cry: She was just beautiful. :loveya: Sounds like she had a good, long run. I'm glad she had you for a friend. :hug:

[Callalily]

42. Thanks AirmensMom

I just got back from the vet. Cried all the way there and back. It was really difficult picking her up, all wrapped cozy in those towels. We were such great pals. :hug:

[In_The_Wind]

24. I'm so very sorry for your loss.

There are no words that will ease the pain.

I believe my beloved Billie is waiting just over The Rainbow Bridge for me.
I was blessed with her company for 18 years. I still miss her after saying goodbye back in '87. She gave so much and only demanded my my undying love in return.




:loveya:

[Callalily]

43. Oh Joanie,

you truly know what I'm going through. I'm sure my heart will ease in time, but she'll always be there forever. :hug:

[RFKHumphreyObama]

25. My thoughts, prayers, sympathies and condolences

I lost a beloved pet this year as well -I know how it feels :hug: :hug: 17 is a remarkable age (incidentally one year older than my pet)

She looks like she was very cute. You were fortunate to have had her as a pet and she was fortunate to have had you as an owner

:hug: :hug:

[Callalily]

44. Thank you,

and we should all be grateful that our pets were sent to us, and that it was a privilege to be able to care for them. :hug:

[kimsterdemster]

26. So sorry for your loss...

I found out about the Rainbow Bridge here on DU, 17 years, WOW, she had a good life

Rainbow Bridge

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...
O8)

[Callalily]

45. Thank you for

sharing that story with me. It comforts my heart. :hug:

[ThomCat]

27. I'm very sorry for your loss.

I've been through the loss of a beloved cat too. I hope you have many good memories and photos. :hug:

[Callalily]

46. Yes, I do have

tons of photos and even more fond memories. Thank you for your kind words. :hug:

[Maestro]

28. I am so sorry.

I know how much this hurts. Only time will heal the pain. You will always have the memories. Again my condolences.

[Callalily]

47. Yes, time is a

great catharsis, and my memories will be with me always. Thank you for your kind thoughts. :hug:

[RetroLounge]

29. So Very Sorry...

:hug:

RL

[Callalily]

48. Thank you!

:hug:

[Jo March]

30. I am so sorry for your loss

This is such a hard thing and having it happen right at the holidays is even worse.

I lost my beloved Patches on 12/23/98 and I still think about her every day. I talk about her in order to keep her memory alive. You should do the same. It will bring you comfort.

17 great years - what an awesome gift you were given.

I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful friend. :hug:

[Callalily]

49. That is truly

a grand way to look at this - 17 great years - what an awesome gift you were given . Very comforting - thank you. :hug:

[Jo March]

77. .

:hug:

[NC_Nurse]

31. I'm so sorry to hear that.

My parents just lost their beloved kitty too. They were heartbroken.
My condolences to you. :hug:

[Callalily]

50. Please extend my

condolences to your parents. Yes, it's a difficult thing to go through, but we were blessed to have our pets in our lives. It truly is an honor to be the caretaker. :hug:

[DixieBlue]

32. Oh, I'm so sorry.

I don't know what else to say. As a slave to two cats, I can't imagine what you're going through.

[Callalily]

51. You made me smile

with your comment, as a slave to two cats - a true cat lover. :hug:

[miss_american_pie]

33. I'm sorry

:hug:

[Callalily]

52. Thank you.

:hug:

[La Lioness Priyanka]

34. so sorry..

:hug:

[Callalily]

53. Thank you.

The Lounge has been very comforting this morning. :hug:

[TBreeze]

35. so very sorry

:hug:

[Callalily]

54. Thank you

for your kind thoughts. :hug:

[Taverner]

36. My condolences

You can take solace in the fact that she went peacefully, happily, doing what she loved

[Callalily]

55. Yes you are right.

She did pass peacefully, in one of her favorite sleeping spots. Thanks for your comforting words. :hug:

[Bridget Burke]

37. I'm very sorry....

I lost a 20 year old cat a few weeks ago. He had a few health problems & I'd been watching for signs of suffering. But he lost strength quickly & didn't seem to feel much pain. I laid him down on the couch & lay down beside him, so I could touch him & talk to him. I'm glad I was there for him--he did seem bweildered a few times. He was gone in a few hours & is buried in the garden.

His "brother"--adopted at the same time--was confused & distressed. Now he's OK, but doesn't leave my side when I'm home. (Unless he's eating!)

[Callalily]

57. Oh what a marvelous

way to help your cat pass over the rainbow bridge. Glad to hear that his "brother" is doing better. I'm sure you had a lot to do with his transition. :hug:

[AlienAvatar]

38. MY heart goes out to you

This is so sad. Losing a beloved pet can be more traumatic than many people realize.

I'm grateful for people like yourself. People with a kind heart. Take care.

[Callalily]

58. Thank you for

your kind words, but it's our pets that bring out the kindness in us, they teach us. We are the ones truly blessed to have them in our lives. :hug:

[bullwinkle428]

41. I am very sorry for your loss...

...I lost one of mine on Christmas night last year, so I have an idea of what you're going through right now. I can only offer my deepest sympathies... :hug:

[Callalily]

60. I'm sorry to hear

of your loss too. I'm sure your cat is still in your heart. And thank you for your kind thoughts. :hug:

[bullwinkle428]

85. She most certainly is still there - I think of her all the time. I do have plans

to adopt one just after the New Year, as I think I'm finally ready to have another one in my life.

[AlienAvatar]

64. I had a similar experience.

4 summers ago a strange cat showed up. I'll skip the details and just say that I took him in. He was very friendly and obviously came from a home. Get this, he used the toilet to go to the bathroom! A very loving cat with a beautiful disposition.

He had feline leukemia, and never seemed to be entirely healthy, always thinner than he should be. Two days before Christmas he took a turn for the worse. Late Christmas night I knew it was time. I was going to take him outside and shoot him in the head. He died in my arms after I lifted him up. That was a very sad moment and makes me sad to this day whenever I think of him.

ps: To some "shooting him in the head" might sound awful. My thinking was that taking him to the vet, in that clinical and strange room with strange people, is not what I wanted. I wanted him to be as happy and comfortable as I could make him, I wanted him to feel my hand petting him, reassuring him. That would be the moment I would pull the trigger. I did this with a dog some time ago. It's horribly difficult to do, but I'm glad I did it that way.

[Callalily]

65. I would certainly not

judge you, you did what was best for you. We all cope and handle situations in our own ways. And yes, I can imagine that it's a very difficult thing to do.

<<<<< for you

[AlienAvatar]

72. Maybe I should explain

that I didn't want to subject the cat to the "scary" environment. I was only thinking it would be extra stress. I'd like to go quickly and unexpectedly, and I tried to provide that for him. That's the only reason I'd do it that way. I didn't make that very clear.

Thanks for the consoling gesture! I appreciate it.

[bullwinkle428]

86. That would be tough for me to do personally. I totally understand where

you're coming from, but I think I'd need the assistance of vet to help take care of it...I'd still be there for her as it took place. We knew she was dying for all intents and purposes when we brought her to the emergency vet, and she was pronounced dead by him after a last chance to try and save her.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

56. What a beautiful cat...

I'm so sorry for your loss. :hug:

[Callalily]

61. Yes, I humbly

agree. She sure was a beautiful cat. Thank you. :hug:

[Fla Dem]

59. Brought tears to my eyes. You gave her love, which she returned.

No one person or animal could ask for more. Celebrate her life with you.

[Callalily]

62. Yes, I did give her

love, but she returned much more than that. I was truly blessed to have her in my life. Thank you. :hug:

[Flaxbee]

63. oh, I'm so sorry

I sit here with 5 cats either on or near me, and I very much know the love a cat can give and accept. Your girl was beautiful. I know it would have been tough at any time, but I'm also sorry she died around the holidays when people (at least I do) often feel lonely.

She knows she was loved, no doubt. And that she died in her favorite sleeping spot makes me think it was a peaceful death.

:hug:

[Callalily]

66. To be surrounded

by five cats would be heaven. Sometimes they can be so demanding but they are so giving. They fill our lives with joy and happiness.

[MISSDem]

67. You've made me cry.

You and she had 17 beautiful years. You have all of those wonderful memories. Remember when our work here is done it's time to go. Peace be with you. You'll meet her again someday.

[Callalily]

68. Thank you MISSDem

for your kind words. I've been keeping myself busy today, and guests will be arriving in about an hour. And you are right, I am left with wonderful memories. She was the best! <<< to you for your kind words.

[mike_c]

69. oh damn, I'm so sorry....

I wish there was something else I could say. One of my cats is on my lap right now as I type this. She has kidney disease and it's a gift that she's still with me. Our pets are among our best friends, but they must go when their time comes. We honor them by making their lives comfortable and happy while they're with us. Best wishes to you, and my heartfelt-- and tearful-- condolences. :hug:

[Callalily]

70. You are right mike_c

"we honor them by making their lives comfortable". My cat too had kidney disease, but with meds, she was comfortable and doing very well. I just had her to the vet and she remarked how well my cat was doing, so yesterday was a complete shock.

Give your cat (s) some extra kitty massages. They all deserve the best.

Thank you so much for your kind thoughts and words.

[NewWaveChick1981]

71. I'm really sorry.

:hug: That must be awful. My heart goes out to you. :pals:

[judaspriestess]

73. what a beautiful baby

I am soooooooooo sorry for your loss. Its going to be really hard. I lost my cat a year and a half ago and I still can't get over it, like society expects you to cause its just an animal.
She's is there with you right now and will always be. My kittyboy comes to me in dreams all the time to say hi.

[KayLaw]

74. Bless you.

I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that as time passes your pain will lessen. She's adorable - what a terrible loss.

[barb162]

75. It's the worst thing to lose a beloved friend. I am so sorry

What a beautiful cat.

[Call Me Wesley]

76. Safe passage to your cat.

Might she be free from suffering. Peace and comfort to you and yours. :hug:

[skygazer]

78. I'm so sorry for your loss

What a beautiful kitty. Of course you will miss her - you've lost a member of your family. But feel comfort in the knowledge that you gave her a warm and safe life and that she was able to leave it in the peace and safety of her home. :hug:

[graywarrior]

79. So sorry to hear this.

[wain]

80. I feel so sad for you. What a pretty kitty with yellow-green eyes.

Mrs wain and I came close with our 15 year old cat as her kidneys have started to slow down. We spoon-feed (force - the cat's not too happy with the process!) potassium supplements into her mouth by hand and inject fluid solution every 10 days. So far she has responded wonderfully.

I know how someone special is now missing in your life - someone to talk to. I hope the pain diminishes quickly, but the memories linger. I really believe a pet brings a balance and calmness to one's life.


:hug:

[Arugula Latte]

81. Oh no. I'm so sorry.

She is lovely. You gave her a good life. Still, I know how much it hurts. :hug: :hug:

[sarge43]

82. She'll be waiting for you on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. n/t

[Whoa_Nelly]

83. A love of a lifetime

:hug:

[GenDem]

84. I'm so sorry!

My mother just lost her 18 year old cat a couple of weeks ago...and he also died quietly at home, when my parents were out.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

87. So sorry.

It's hard to lose them -- but you gave her a good, happy life. :hug:

[SPKrazy]

88. I'm Sorry For Your Loss

Losing pets is really hard, and some people look at one who talks about losing their pet like they don't get it. I think there are some people who don't get it. There are some people that don't bond to animals like others do I guess. It sounds like yours was a special cat and you had her a long time and you were deeply bonded.

Again I'm very sorry,



:hug: :hug:

[Kajsa]

89. I am so sorry for your loss, Simply.

It's so hard to lose a beloved member of the family.
I've been there.

She was beautiful.
You were both fortunate to have each other.

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

:hug:

[UrbScotty]

90. My sympathies, Simply Fogue.

:hug:

[Vidar]

91. Sorry. Tough to lose a friend.

[Mad_Dem_X]

92. I'm so sorry for your loss. n/t

[buddhamama]

93. i am sorry for your loss

of your dear friend and companion. May She at peace. :hug: :hug: :hug: