Saying goodbye...

[Lavender Brown]

My cat is going to be put to sleep today. She is over 19 years old, and the only pet I've ever had (not counting goldfish). She's old and sick and it is definitely time to say goodbye, but I can't imagine her not being here. She's been around for 2/3 of my life.

She was the sweetest, best cat ever. I'm going to miss her so much. :cry:

[lost-in-nj]

1. I'm so sorry

she had a great,long life thanks to you.....


she'll miss you to



:hug:



lost

[Lavender Brown]

36. Thank you

:hug:

[Radio_Lady]

52. Can someone give LB the link to the rainbow bridge site? I found it really comforting when...

my daughter's 10 year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel -- Porter -- died from heart failure.

Thanks,

RL Ellen

[Rhiannon12866]

70. Here you go. It was sent to me, too. But this always makes me cry... ;(

https://www.rainbowsbridge.com/

[lizziegrace]

2. I'm so sorry

she'll leave a hole in your heart that can never be filled, but that's a small price to pay for having had the love of a pet. :hug:

[Lavender Brown]

37. So true...

thanks :hug:

[Heidi]

3. Safe passage to your girl, Lavender Brown.

If you don't mind, I'll light a white candle for both of you. :hug: :hug:

[Lavender Brown]

38. Thank you, Heidi

:hug:

[WillParkinson]

4. They give so much love...

And it hurts so much to lose it.

My family sends many loving thoughts your way.

[Lavender Brown]

39. Thanks, Will

[RoseMead]

5. I wish I knew what to say to give comfort

:hug:

She must have been well cared for to have lived such a long life. She knows you love her very much. Peace to you both.

[Lavender Brown]

40. Thank you for the kind words...

:hug:

[khashka]

6. I hate to hear that

but sometimes it's time. And you have to do it. I had one I had to put to sleep. I held her while the vet did it ( my lover says that proves I'm really creepy), and the vet lost it - she was sobbing.

Get a new cat, many need safe, loving homes.

hugs,
Khash.

[Lavender Brown]

41. Thank you... I can't think about getting another pet right now

but I know I will someday. :hug:

[terrya]

7. My thoughts are with you, Lavender Brown

This is a such a hard decision to make. But your sweet cat has had so many wonderful years of love from you...and it was reciprocated.

I'm sorry, Lavender Brown.

:hug:

[Lavender Brown]

42. Thanks, terry

:hug:

[Guava Jelly]

8. It is never easy

I had one pass away at 9 years Lord knows what of.
And we had to put down or cat Mandarin. I made sure I was there so the last face he saw was a friendly one.
Let me assure you that it is very peaceful and humane and you will cry.
I almost want to writing this.
You are doing the Right and hard thing to do . This just proves that you love your kitty. :hug:

[Lavender Brown]

43. It was so hard... I hated that her last moments were in the vet's office

She looked so scared. But I know it would be worse to let her suffer.

Thank you :hug:

[AAARRRGGGHHH]

9. I am so sorry

I'm sending my best thoughts to you and your cat. I wish nothing but the best for you and her during this trying time.

[Lavender Brown]

44. Thank you

[Wcross]

10. You love her so you do what is best for her.

I know it feels like somebody ripped your heart out and stomped on it. You do it for her regardless of how it makes you feel because your friend is more important to you than your feelings. She will be waiting for you at the 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....

[Lavender Brown]

45. Thank you for sharing that...

:hug:

[auntAgonist]

11. That is so hard ...

I'm sorry you're losing your friend. :cry: You will miss her and cry for her and you will remember all the loving times you had together.

:hug:

aA
kesha

[Lavender Brown]

47. Thanks kesha.

It's rough. :hug:

[laylah]

12. I am so sorry

Lavender Brown! :hug:

[Lavender Brown]

49. Thanks, laylah

:hug:

[Haole Girl]

13. Oh no

It's one of life's cruelest ironies.... that our pets can't live as long as we do. :cry:

Hugs for you... :hug: :hug: :hug:

[Lavender Brown]

50. I know...

I feel lucky because she lived that long. But I wanted her to live forever. :)

Thank you. :hug:

[nuxvomica]

14. I'm very sorry, Lavender Brown. My thoughts are with you.

In honor of your friend, a poem by Jorge Luis Borges:

To a Cat

Mirrors are not more wrapt in silences
nor the arriving dawn more secretive;
you, in the moonlight, are that panther figure
which we can only spy at from a distance.
By the mysterious functioning of some
divine decree, we seek you out in vain;
remoter than the Ganges or the sunset.
Yours is the solitude, yours is the secret.
Your back allows the tentative caress
my hand extends. And you have condescended,
since that forever, now oblivion,
to take love from a flattering human hand.
You live in another time, lord of your realm --
a world as closed and separate as a dream.

Peace to you and your dear friend. :hug:

[Lavender Brown]

53. Oh, that's so beautiful...

Thank you :)

[Rhiannon12866]

73. I still have that poem, which you printed out for me.

That really is just perfect...:hug:

[helderheid]

15. I am so sorry.

:hug:

[Lavender Brown]

55. Thank you

:hug:

[lightningandsnow]

16. I'm so sorry.

:hug:

[Lavender Brown]

56. Thanks..

:hug:

[bigwillq]

17. I am so sorry for your loss.

:hug:

[Lavender Brown]

57. Thank you

:hug:

[jus_the_facts]

18. I'm so sorry...I lost my 17yr. old girl Jan. 5th....

...my sweet Angel....may they rest in peace for the years of pure joy they gave us. :cry: :hug:

[Lavender Brown]

58. I'm so sorry justhefacts... she was beautiful

:hug:


Bella

[jus_the_facts]

72. Thank You...your baby is beautiful too....

....my heart goes out to you! :hug:

[Forkboy]

19. Been there, done that, and it sucks.

Sorry you have to go through that too. :(

:hug:

[Lavender Brown]

59. I know there are bigger problems out there... but it really does suck.

Thank you. :hug:

[stuntcat]

20. what a lucky life

She's been so important and so loved.
Right now is the sad part but she's lived a long, happy life.

[Lavender Brown]

60. I know

Thank you...

[BuelahWitch]

21. I am sorry about your kitty

but you are doing the best thing for her. Hugs to both of you.

[Lavender Brown]

61. Thank you.

:hug:

[Duer 157099]

22. Oh, I'm so sorry, so many of us know exactly how you feel

I had to do that more than 7 years ago to my 21-year old cat, and it still hurts like hell, even now. I wish I could say it gets better, but we both know it doesn't. I even have a new pet, a dog, whom I love with all my heart, but each one is completely special and they never replace each other. Try as best you can to not stress out with her during her final hours, I know it's hard if not impossible. I insisted on being with her until the very end and I don't know if it helped or made it worse for her, but she went with me saying goodbye to her (now I'm crying again, this still happens whenever I think about it).

[Lavender Brown]

62. Thanks.

I stayed until the end too... :hug:

[I Have A Dream]

23. I'm sorry that you're hurting, Lavender.

:(

:hug:

[Lavender Brown]

63. Thanks

:hug:

[mitchum]

24. My thoughts are with you and everyone who knew and loved your sweet kitty

[Lavender Brown]

65. Thank you

[Arugula Latte]

25. Oh, no. I'm so sorry.

I have a 15 1/2-year old female (and two males) and the love I feel for her is just ... indescribable. I know how bereft you feel when you have to put down a beloved kitty. I've had to do that and it HURTS. :hug:

[Lavender Brown]

74. Thanks for the hug...

:hug:

[Wetzelbill]

26. My condolences

It's always rough to have to put down a loved pet like that. I had a dog once for maybe around 17 years, she had been with us longer than my youngest brother. When she finally passed away it took awhile to get over it, but, you know, she was old and in pain, and it was her time. You'll be fine, just remember her for all the happiness she brought your life. :)

[Lavender Brown]

75. Thank you...

[yellowdogintexas]

27. oh baby that is so sad, but they are so kind at the vets

we had a 19 year old cat put down a few years ago. We got her when our daughter was 18 months old and the cat was a mere handful. Even though she was failing it was so hard. I still miss that cat, her nickname was Queen Bitch of the Universe.

:hug: :cry:

[Lavender Brown]

76. LOL...

Thank you for making me laugh. :hug:

[Fla Dem]

28. So sorry to hear you will be losing your sweetheart

I've only had my Baby Girl for two years and love her to bits. Don't know how I would ever deal with her passing. Recently a friend of mine lost her 13 year old Samatha "Sammie". I sent her this. I hope it brings you some comfort.

There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth.
It's called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors.
Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge, there is a land of meadows, hills, and valleys with lush green grass.

When beloved pets die, they go to this place.

There is always food and water and warm spring weather,
the old and frail are young again, those who are maimed are made whole.
They play all day long; with only one thing missing...
they are not with the special person who loved them on Earth.

So each day they run and play until the day comes, when one suddenly stops playing and looks up...
the nose twitches, the ears are up, the eyes are staring, and this one runs from the group.

You have been seen

When you and your beloved pet meet, you take her in your arms and embrace.
Your face is kissed again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting and beloved friend.

Then together you cross the Rainbow Bridge, never again to be separated.

[Lavender Brown]

77. Thank you so much...

it is comforting. :)

[Adsos Letter]

29. I am really sorry to hear this, and am sending you condolences...

I hope the hurt passes, and leaves you with only the good memories.

[Lavender Brown]

78. Thank you.

[Call Me Wesley]

30. Safe passage to your compagnion.

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

[Lavender Brown]

80. Thanks, CMW

[chknltl]

31. Chuckanut's story

Oh God, now I am missing my lil bud 'Chuckanut' again. I had to have him put down years ago. Here is his story:

Two and a half decades ago, a litter of kittens was born in our home. One kitten was polydactyle having 7 toes on each of his front paws. I was rather fond of this little black and white fella but I knew that someday we'd be givin' him up. The lil guy seemed to like me too, followed me around the house everywhere once he had gotten his legs going.

One day my ex, (well she wasn't my ex back then), called me downstairs to the living-room and informed me that a neighbor was coming over to choose a kitten. No problem...we had an abundance and that WAS the plan after-all. The neighbor owned a logging truck and wanted a companion kitty to hang with. He selected the then unnamed Chuckanut and had him in his lap and was about to leave when Chuckanut bit him, (the ONLY time Chuckanut EVER bit ANYONE!), and escaped from the grasp of the logger.

Chuckanut then scampered across the few feet between us and clawed his way up my pantsleg...then up my shirt to nestle his head next to my ear for protection. I swear this is true!!! Obviously there was NO WAY IN HELL I would give this guy up after THAT show, so the logger was forced to select another kitten.

Chuckanut and his curious paws was my little bud for perhaps 15 or so years. I named him after Chuckanut Drive, a scenic road which overlooks the San Juan Islands up in the N.W. corner of Washington state. He liked to nestle in my laundry or near my shoulder when I was in bed or in my lap while I drove my van. I was HIS human period!...I was there when he was born and I was there when I had to put him to sleep. He knew what was up I think, and was terribly scared.... I am still after perhaps 5 years in deep pain from his passing.

I know what you are going through Lavender Brown. There are many here in the DU who equally understand what you are going through...Few of us have any advice to offer but we DO understand your pain. I wish I could say it will get better...but in my case this hasn't happened.

An aside: the logger and his kitten where in a horrible accident a few months after they teamed up. His logging truck was involved in a rollover accident where he lost both his legs just below the knees and the kitten he selected lost it's life.

:grouphug:

[Lavender Brown]

84. Thank you so much... what a story

My cat had extra toes too... :)

[mike_c]

32. if you know it's time, you're doing one of the best things...

...you've ever done for her. Damn, but it's hard. I'm sorry for your loss, Lavender Brown, but happy your cat has someone who cares about her enough to give her nineteen years of love and help at the end. When you know it's time, you know you're doing the right thing. :hug:

[Lavender Brown]

86. Thank you.

:hug:

[devilgrrl]

33. I am so sorry for your loss.

It's really hard to say goodbye. :hug:

[Lavender Brown]

87. It really is.

Thank you. :hug:

[XemaSab]

34. Aww...

That's hard. :(

[Lavender Brown]

88. Sigh...

:(

[graywarrior]

35. Man, that is sad.

So sorry Lavender Brown.

[Lavender Brown]

89. Thank you.

[ThomCat]

46. My Gray is on his way.

He's losing weight, the tumor is getting visibly huge, and his fur isn't growing back in any of the places he was shaved. The tumor is taking everything out of him. I don't know how much longer he has.
:cry:

But he's still a happy, social cat. He follows me around and loves to be held in my arms or in my lap, and he purrs for hours at a time. He doesn's seem to be in any pain at all. So I'm going to keep him going as long as he's willing. I just don't know how many more weeks that's going to be.

[Lavender Brown]

90. ...

Hopefully you have more time with him than you expect. I am so sorry, Thom. :hug:

[MonkeyFunk]

48. I'm sorry

it's such a difficult thing to do.

It won't always hurt this much. I now remember my old cats with fondness, not with sorrow.

[Lavender Brown]

91. That's good to know.

It's going to be hard this first week.

[Radio_Lady]

51. Dear Lavender Brown... losing a pet is sometimes as sad as...

losing a parent or a child.

We do take them into our lives and hearts.

I still remember my pure white cat from my childhood. She was Cleopatra. But then I developed allergies and we gave her to a friend. After that, it was dogs, dogs, and dogs! And horses, too!

For now, we have no pets because we travel a great deal. But I stop and pet and talk about pretty much any dog owner I meet!

Dry your tears and try to remember the happy times.

Peace, love and happiness,

Radio Lady Ellen

[Lavender Brown]

92. Thank you, RadioLady.

:hug:

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

54. I'm so sorry.

[Lavender Brown]

95. Thank you.

[Darth_Kitten]

64. I'm so sorry...........

:hug:

[Lavender Brown]

96. Thank you...

:hug:

[malta blue]

66. I am so sorry Lavender Brown.

:cry::cry:

You have given her a great life.

[Lavender Brown]

97. Thanks Malta.

:(

[BarenakedLady]

67. I'm so sorry.

I know how hard that is.

:hug:

[Lavender Brown]

98. Thank you.

:hug:

[Rhiannon12866]

68. Oh, Christ, my friend, I am so very sorry...

I sure understand, since I adopt the older ones, and have lost a few, particularly my tiny dog who was with me 24/7, who I lost exactly a year ago and there is still a huge hole in my heart and in my life. ;(

My heart goes out to you, but you can take comfort in the fact that you've given her an amazing life, long for any pet, and a lot of love. She definitely hit the jackpot when she found you.:hug:

My thoughts are with you. Anytime you need to talk, I'm here. Give your little one my love...

Rhiannon:hug:

[Lavender Brown]

100. Thank you so much Rhiannon...

I knew it would be hard, but I still can't believe it. :( Thank you for the kind thoughts.

Do you still live upstate? We have to get around to having that DU meetup one of these days. I know there are more of us around here...

[SalmonChantedEvening]

69. So sorry to hear this Lavender Brown :(

:hug: :cry:

[Lavender Brown]

101. Thanks.

You guys are the best. :grouphug:

[applegrove]

71. So sorry.

[Lavender Brown]

102. Thank you.

[Brigid]

79. (((vibes)))

and :hug:

My hamlet will be waiting to greet your kitty when she crosses the rainbow bridge.

[Lavender Brown]

103. Thank you, Brigid

:hug:

[warrior1]

81. I'm so sorry

bless her heart.

[Lavender Brown]

105. Thank you

:)

[Erva]

82. I am truly sorry for your loss.

Sending a hug, a blanket and a hot cup of tea.

[Lavender Brown]

106. Thank you...

just what I need. :)

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

83. I'm so sorry

I know the agony you must be feeling. RIP to a much-loved kitty. :hug:

[Lavender Brown]

107. Thank you, very much

:hug:

[Fran Kubelik]

85. I am so sorry.

I know how much it hurts to say goodbye to an animal friend. :hug:
You will be in my thoughts.

[Lavender Brown]

108. Thank you, Fran

:hug:

[Dystopian]

93. Peace be with you.....

Lavender ~ I just saw this thread....I know that now she is gone. I am so very sorry, I feel your pain, and just shed tears....My daughter and I held our sweet Maxi as the vet put her to rest. She was suffering....and I still miss her. It's been over twelve years, and I've never been able to get another dog. May you find peace in knowing she had a beautiful and long life with you...
Sending love and condolences...

peace~

[Lavender Brown]

109. Thank you so much for your kind words.

It helps a lot. :hug:

[GreenPartyVoter]

94. I am so sorry! I think I may be in the same boat with one of my kittehs too *sad hugs*

[Lavender Brown]

110. I'm very sorry GPV...

I hope not. :cry: :hug:

[Redstone]

99. It's never easy. No matter how necessary. But that's the responsibility we take on

when we bring pets into our lives.

The only consolation I can offer you is to remind you that your cat had a good life because you gave her one.

But it still hurts to let a pet go. I know.

Redstone

[Lavender Brown]

111. Thank you, Redstone.

[billyoc]

104. I'm sorry to hear that, Lavender Brown.

She had a good long life, due in no small part to you, I'm sure.

[Lavender Brown]

112. Thank you...

[dark blue]

113. saying goodbye...

i'm so sorry to hear about your cat!!! i just lost one of mine this spring and it really hurts....but it gets easier as time goes on and you remember all the funny, loving things they did.

[Lavender Brown]

114. Thank you... Welcome to DU

[UrbScotty]

115. (((Lavender Brown)))

[Lavender Brown]

119. Thank you

[Lilyhoney]

116. Hugs, hugs, hugs, hugs, and more hugs. And more hugs. Hugs.

[Lavender Brown]

120. Thanks very much

:hug:

[swag]

117. Oh, my.

I am so sorry. Please take care of yourself in the weeks to come. That's a big loss. Remember how well you loved one another throughout her life. You were her best friend, I know.

[Lavender Brown]

121. Thank you, swag!

[Digit]

118. Awww, I am SO sorry!

All I can offer is hugs.:hug:

[Lavender Brown]

122. Thanks Digit

:hug:

[Deep13]

123. Sounds like she had a very good kitty life.

Still, I'm sorry for your loss. :-(

[Lavender Brown]

127. Thank you

[Sequoia]

124. I'm sorry.

I had to do that too. I still miss the little furry creature.

[Lavender Brown]

128. Thanks...

[Parche]

125. Big Hugs

Its been 5 1/2 years for me, and it is still tough
It is the hardest thing to do in life

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hi:

[Lavender Brown]

129. Thanks, Parche

:hi:

[ceile]

126. So sorry.

Just put my girl down on Friday, so I feel your pain. :hug:

[Lavender Brown]

130. ...

:hug: It's the worst. Thanks, ceile, and I'm sorry too.