I could use a hug...

It's time...I made the appointment today for the vet to euthanize my cat Cato, who is suffering with diabetes...and...I could use a hug. :(

Very sorry to hear about your cat. Not much I can say to make it easier. Sending hugs your way.:hug:

I'm so sorry! :hug: It's never an easy decision to make. Would you like to share some pics or stories?

(((((((Cassandra))))))))

You're trading suffering for heartache, and giving your beloved Cato peace. It's better for us as humans to shoulder that burden instead of leaving animals to hurt for reasons they can't understand. It's a sacrifice, but one that will always leave you knowing that you gave Cato every bit of love you could, in return for all of the times you've shared. The heartache you're feeling now will mellow to a bittersweet twinge, one that reminds you that your sorrow will be tempered by the amazing experience of sharing your life with such a precious little creature.

Godspeed, Cato.

With a heavy heart...

K~

Kara said it so beautifully.... You're doing the right thing, hon. But I know that doesn't make it hurt any less. In fact, I believe the more you hurt, the more is the proof of how much you love and are willing to sacrifice for your kitty. :hug: I'm SO sorry!!!

Oh Cassandra, I'm so sorry you're going through this tough time. :hug:

Thank you all for your thoughts and hugs...I really appreciate it.

He's going to pass on just one month shy of being with me for 12 years...I'm trying not to cry again but I dunno if it's working.

Poor Cato...we decided, once the diabetes was confirmed, to not begin the twice daily required insulin therapy and frequent blood testing. Rick and I didn't want to put ourselves nor Cato through that. While he seems a bit sluggish as of late, he's always ready for a scritch or treats and still sleeps with me after all these years. But the condition has emaciated him. Cato weighed 16lbs in January, 12lbs in May and is now hovering under 8lbs - there's no muscle left, hardly any sinew...it's time. Okay, crying now...

Keep his littermate Nicky in your thoughts. I don't know how Nicky will react when his brother is gone...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cassandra

I'm trying not to cry again but I dunno if it's working.

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Let it out, Cass... a good cry is always therapeutic. :petting:
I'm really sorry about your cat. Losing a pet is always tough and it's never easy to decide "when" to ease their suffering. I'm sure you have lots of warm, fuzzy memories to help you through this, though.

Take care... :hug:

Cass, I'm so very sorry to hear this. I don't know if it makes any difference since you have made the decision - but I believe I mentioned that I have a diabetic kitty that I give twice daily shots to. She doesn't even flinch and I don't believe she even feels it. She's 14 years old and has been treated for the diabetes for six years now and is doing wonderfully! I think she actually enjoys all the attention that she gets at shot time.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Rick and your precious Cato! I know you're making the best decision that you can!

Oh Cass, I am so sorry about this. I do think it's the best choice though; my mom recently had to put down one of our family cats that we had since I was an 8-year-old, and I know it is tremendously difficult; but as a true owner, we know when it is time.
All we can do, is know that we did our best with the time we shared with them while they were on Earth, and we gave them the best life possible.. I am sure he is thankful.

Cass my heart and thoughts are with you and Rick. This is a horribly hard decision and one I've faced twice myself in recent years with our very aged kitties. It's never easy to be the one that makes this final act of love happen but I truly feel it is an act of love to let them go quietly to their rest when that time has come. I found this prayer long after dear old Pusster Kitty and Barney left our lives but I saved it hoping it might bring another person a bit of peace and comfort.


A Parting Prayer

Dear Lord, please open your gates
and call St. Francis
to come escort this beloved companion
across the Rainbow Bridge.

Assign her to a place of honor,
for she has been a faithful servant
and has always done her best to please me.

Bless the hands that send her to you,
for they are doing so in love and compassion,
freeing her from pain and suffering.

Grant me the strength not to dwell on my loss.
Help me remember the details of her life
with the love she has shown me.
And grant me the courage to honor her
by sharing those memories with others.

Let her remember me as well
and let her know that I will always love her.
And when it's my time to pass over into your paradise,
please allow her to accompany those
who will bring me home.

Thank you, Lord,
for the gift of her companionship
and for the time we've had together.

And thank you, Lord,
for granting me the strength
to give her to you now.

Amen.

- © Brandy Duckworth, 1998

Very sorry for your loss Cass. :( :hug:

:petting: Cassie, I'm sooooooooo sorry!!! LOTS and LOTS of HUGS!! to you.

My heart bleeds for you, and I'll shed some tears for Cato. I KNOW U cared for him and loved him w/all your heart. How could you NOT care for your beloved pet?? You're here sharing joys and sorrows in a great community.

Wished there was something that I could say or do to help ease your loss. As you told me w/Smudge's death and Stripe Kitty's being PTS, then I'll return the sentiments in saying that we mourn with you and celebrate the loving memories you'll always have of your loving pet.

He'll be out of pain and romping across the Rainbow Bridge with all the other well-loved and missed pets, knowing that he was special in your heart, you cared enough to do what was best for him and he will be treasured.

Heartfelt Sympathies,

RuLyn
:tears: :tears: :hug: :hug: :hug:

Cass,


I am so sorry to hear about your current circumstances, it is always so hard to lose a beloved pet. Most of us on this forum have lost a loved one or someone dear to us. It is never easy to say goodbye but in time your heart will mend itself. Look towards the future and remember Cato for all the funny things that he did as he grew up. As your family grew older physically you did also mentally, he knows you love him and don't ever forget that.
I send :grouphug: Hugs for you and your fiance.:(

-Danny

P.S. Don't say goodbye, say see you later, because you will see him once again.


This is a Poem I read and it brought tears to my eyes. I received permission to use it for Cato.

Time to Say Goodbye
by Michael Tate

You lay in my lap with your amber eyes looking up at me.
We both knew this day would come.
As I run my hands through your coat, you let out a low sigh.


Don't cry, don't ask why, it's time to say goodbye.


You've been my best friend, the one who has seen it all with me.
You've been there through the good and the bad.
You were there to stand with me when I felt tall,
and there to comfort me when I felt small.


Don't cry, don't ask why, it's time to say goodbye.


I tell you I love you and you whine a low whine.
We knew it would come and we wouldn't know the time.
Forever is an illusion we create to avoid the pain.
It's a lie we tell ourselves to keep ourselves sane.


Don't cry, don't ask why, it's time to say goodbye.


You've guided me through some rough times in my life.
You've believed in me when nobody else would.
You've kept me sane and out of harm's way.
You couldn't talk words but you had lots to say.


Don't cry, don't ask why, it's time to say goodbye.


I guess they say that all good things must come to an end.
You've truly been this (wo)man's best friend.


Don't cry, don't ask why, it's time to say goodbye.


You feel my pain and hurt my hurt.
As I sob and cry, you look up at me and whine with a paw on my thigh.
You do know that the time has come and your body is telling you why.


Don't cry, don't ask why, it's time to say goodbye.


Your heart aches.
We know this isn't for fake.
They say that a heart is a big place.
I guess that makes this easier to face.


Don't cry, don't ask why, it's time to say goodbye.


As we sit together and face this gloom,
we both know that our hearts
are going to have to make room for another.
As I sob and I cry, oh why, oh why, oh why, God why?
You lay your head on my thigh as if to say...


Don't cry, don't ask why, it's time to say goodbye.


With the wagging of your tail and many a tear in my eye,
I know you'd work for me 'til the day you die.
To know you and make you feel pain would drive me insane.
I always heard
that you've got to love somebody enough to set them free.
This isn't the first time this pain has happened to me.


Don't cry, don't ask why, it's time to say goodbye.


I know you'll be a star in your new home.
It's comforting to know
that neither of us will really ever be alone.
We carry each other's spirit and memories into eternity.
We'll meet again someday in the here after
and there will be smiles and laughter.


Don't cry, don't ask why, it's time to say goodbye.


Goodbye isn't forever; it's a temporary thing.
Knowing you'll be happy and not in so much pain makes my heart sing.


Don't cry, don't ask why, it's time to say goodbye.

:hug:heres a hug, so sorry for your loss. its always hard to lose a pet especially something that loves you back. dont feel bad about putting her to sleep, shell be much happier once shes in heaven:( :)

:grouphug:

We lost Bastet, our maine coon a few years ago - never could have predicted I would be so affected by a feline loss so I know what you're going through, chica.

:hug: :hug: :hug: :grouphug:

So sorry to hear it Cass.. I know how attatched we become to our kitties.. mine sleep with me every night too. :hug:

Sooo sorry your going through this. Don't ever doubt that your doing the right thing.... And I'm sure his brother will miss him, be he might have known Cato was sick, long before you did?.?. At any rate, your in my thoughts....:hug: Laura

Here are my favorite things you have said about Cato :hug:

"Cato luuuuurves to be combed forwards, backwards, sideways, just - keep - combing (purrrpurrrpurrrpurrrrrrrrr)"

"The bad news was it looked like Nicky was crossing his little legs cuz he had to go and that Cato had already gone before I cleaned the box. GAAH!
Ever sit and watch a cat, hoping he'll go pee? =P"

"whereas Cato either hasn't seen her or doesn't care, hehe"

"And it worked! A test tube of Cato pee is now residing in my fridge...good thing Rick isn't home because storing "output" from animals in the fridge gives him the heeby-jeebies."

"they haven't become total pigs and I think Cato is actually friskier now"

"so I named him Cato as in the Pink Panther"

Oh, I'm so sorry!!!!! *big hug* I know what you are feeling. About 3 months ago I lost my Dovovan. I had him for 16 years. He adopted me when he was a young adult in the animal shelter I was working at.

I know it does not help much, but take some comfort from the fact that you are doing what is best for him, not for you, and that is showing him just how much you love him.

Thanks guys...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cueball

Here are my favorite things you have said about Cato :hug:

"Cato luuuuurves to be combed forwards, backwards, sideways, just - keep - combing (purrrpurrrpurrrpurrrrrrrrr)"

"The bad news was it looked like Nicky was crossing his little legs cuz he had to go and that Cato had already gone before I cleaned the box. GAAH!
Ever sit and watch a cat, hoping he'll go pee? =P"

"whereas Cato either hasn't seen her or doesn't care, hehe"

"And it worked! A test tube of Cato pee is now residing in my fridge...good thing Rick isn't home because storing "output" from animals in the fridge gives him the heeby-jeebies."

"they haven't become total pigs and I think Cato is actually friskier now"

"so I named him Cato as in the Pink Panther"

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Hehe, that's so cool...thanks Cue =)

I held him for a long time last night and gave him lots of shrimps to eat...Rick and I played with him for a bit with his favorite feather toy...:(

BIG HUGS! :grouphug:

It's just me and Katie in the apartment and I don't know what I'd do without her. It's crazy how attached we get to these little guys... I'm so sorry to hear about your loss.

I'm so sorry to hear about Cato Cass, its unfortunate that our furry and scaly kids can't live forever. As long as you filled his life with love and happiness and he did the same with yours, it makes every moment of it worthwhile even through the good and the bad. It was a hard decision for you to make, but its probably the best for him, and I commend your courage.

Just know that you have a great group of people here on BPnet that will be here for you!

:grouphug:

So, my Cato is gone. I spent the afternoon hugging him and crying with Rick there to support me.

His only cry happened when we were getting into the truck to drive to the vet, otherwise, he was, like always, the bestest kitty, purring and looking content.

I felt bad for bawling so loudly in the vet clinic, but my vet and her assistants were all very nice and supportive. We had brought and old towel with us so that he wouldn't have to lay on the ice cold table, but the vet had a nice thick towel and blankie already on the table.

She first give him a big shot of narcotics to relax him; she said it would take from 5 to 25 minutes to take full effect, but he was limp within a minute -- poor thing just didn't have any body left to fight the drug.

I held while he relaxed...it felt like he had died then, so limp.

The vet came back, placed him on the table, shaved a bit of fur from his leg and administered the final drug...he was gone very quickly.

I never doubted this was the right thing to do for him, but...oh I miss him so much...

I'm trying not to cry because I have already cried enough. Please tell me this pain stops soon.

I'm so sorry cassandra.. just remember his pain is gone now. You will feel better, we always do, just go and hug your healthy animals let your grief take it's course. That's all you can do..

So sorry for your loss.
Someday without realizing it you will find the pain has been replaced with happy thoughts and memories. You will catch a small kitten doing something the same way as Cato always did and you will find yourself crying, but tears of joy over the memories that are brought back. It took a long time for me to get over my dog Ginger, but one day a puppy just flipped over the way she would always do, I laughed so hard I cried. I cherish those memories so much. Your Cato will still be with you in so many ways, The pain will lessen, right now is your time to grieve. I'm sending hugs your way, take care. :hug:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cassandra

cry

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:hug: :tears: :hug:

Just remember the good times you had together :hug: :hug: :hug: .When we lost our Rottie it took some time to get over it.In due time you will also get thru this,just remember we are all here for you :love: :love: :love: .

Thanks guys...sorry for being so needy.

My afternoon today, in comparison, was stellar. I talked to one of my favorite customers who is a dear friend of mine and we shot the poop for a while. Then I left work, went to the next town east on the 10 (in the scary California desert, OOooOoOoOooO...and that's "I-10" for you Easterners) to Calimesa to go to a German deli, George's Market (you SoCal people *MUST* go here! it's AWESOME!) and bought Dutch bacon, Nuremberger brats, and braunsweiger ( <3! ). While shopping, I drank a draft Warsteiner beer (seriously, all grocery stores should sell draft beer to drink while you are shopping).

Right now I'm cooking spaghettit alla carbonara with that lovely Dutch bacon and drinking a nice cool dry white wine...in comparison, a zillion times better than yesterday.

Nicky doesn't seem to have noticed, but Rick says that when I'm away on business, it takes him 3 days to notice I'm gone. At this point, I think I can handle it.

Thanks you guys. =) I can feel your virtual hugs. Keep'em comin'. =)

Cassandra,


Take the time you need to mourn. We'll cry with you and support you all you need. There's no such thing as being TOO needy (or needy at all) right now!!!!!!

The pain may not go away for days, or weeks, or ? but it WILL lessen with time.

I'm shedding tears for you in support.:tears: :tears: :tears:

Remember the fun, good times, and keep in your heart that Cato knew he was loved as he purred and cuddled and had a good life with you while he was a part of your family.

:hug: :hug: :grouphug:

We'll be here for you as long as you need it.

RuLyn

(I hope he won't chase and hassle Smudge......Does he like old grumpy grandma cats, do you think?????)

Love and warmth and caring thoughts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Im so sorrry Cassandra! !! Do you know who is there rubbin' his tummy? Steve Irwin!!!! Remember that when your sad! Hope it helps!

sending huge hugs your way! today and for as many days as you need them :)

love and light,
aleesha

Many hugs Cass and hoping that you are doing okay with all this. I can only tell you, having had to put down to very aged cats in the past few years, that time does eventually soften the hurt. One day it seems you just gently move from remembering the last awful day into smiling and remembering all the wonderful days before that. For me now I can look at pics of them and just think "thanks old friends". Sure I still shed a tear or two for their dear old kitty faces, but I'm thankful for their years of companionship and that they ended their time here surrounded by a lot of love.