Saying Good-bye to an Old Friend

Today I had to put a dear friend down. After 18 long happy years with my beloved kitty, Chynna - the time came to say goodbye.

I noticed last week that she wasn't herself, and was visibly slowing down and had lost the light in her eyes. I went to TN this weekend to visit my folks in Pigeon Forge while Karl took care of the critters.

When I got back - it was clear that Chynna was in her last days - she didn't touch her food while I was gone, was unsteady on her feet and barely able to walk. She would raise her head in pitifully mewl at me and I promised her as I held her last night that I was going to let her go peacefully.

Karl and I just got back from saying goodbye at the vets, and Dr. C was his usual kind and gentle self, even giving her a sedative that he didn't charge me for, to completely relax her and give us time to say goodbye while she was painfree.

Sadly, her veins were too small for him to get a good injection to put her to sleep - even though he tried so that she could pass quietly in my arms - so he had to take her to the back to inject her directly in her heart. He gently gathered her in his arms and gave me a hug and kiss on the cheek and said that she'd be gone quickly. I told him that I didn't blame him for not being able to get into a vein, as I could tell he was pretty distressed about thinking he was upsetting me. She was clearly out of it from the sedative, and her last conscious memory was me holding her and whispering to her what a great friend and loyal companion she'd been and that this was my final gift to her.

Here's pictures of my wonderful friend - it was a wonderful 18 years. :(

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...ttyChynna2.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...dandChynna.jpg

Sorry for your loss Robin. :(

Thats so sad Robin. I feel for you, losing such a long time friend. :hug:

It's a bummer, and that's an understatement if ever I made one, but you did the right thing the right way.

Aren't cats recycled endlessly? Something to do with the 9 lives and all? Let's hope so.

She was beautiful, Robin. I'm sure you guys were a great team. My heart goes out to you.

Sorry to hear of your loss. I know how hard it is. I am glad she went peacefully. You'll be in my thoughts.

I'm so sorry for your loss. I just had to put my dog down of 11 years, so I know exactly what you're going through. You have my deepest sympathies.

ohhh ROBIN!!!

I am so sorry to hear that. You have my number if you need to talk. My heart goes out to you.

:( I'm sorry for your loss. *big hug*

I am sorry for your loss :hug:

Oh good heavens, I wish I could just hug you right now. You made the best decision for her, one that she couldn't make for herself. She's in a better place now, and no longer suffering the restraints of her aging body. I know she had a wonderful life in your house and your lives. She was lucky to find you and I'm sure that works in the reverse as well. Sending love your way girl. :hug:

im so sorry for your loss robin. i know how you feel. 18 years is a long time and im sure she had a great life with you.:hug:

Sorry for your loss! :(

aww Robin. so sorry to hear of your loss. She's a beautiful cat that will live forever in the best place possible, your heart and memories. I too recently had to put my cat down of 17 years. he was diagnosed with cancer in his lungs. We put him down before he had any pain. sending love and hugs your way.

Sorry about your loss Robin.:( To have such a long life, she must have had a lot of love and care.

so sorry for your loss... that must be so tough. :(

Justin

So sorry for your loss Robin. My thoughts are with you! :hug:

Awww Robin, what a hard thing to face for you and Karl but what a loving last gift you gave her - a peaceful, pain free ending surrounded by those that loved her best. I know you have a wonderful vet and I know he also did what was right for her.

What a gift for an animal to live a long life in a loving home. Chynna was a very blessed animal as you were for having shared so many wonderful years with her.

Please know you can call anytime my friend. The coming days will seem odd and empty without her around the apartment. It took me a good while to stop looking for my own dear old cat when she passed but it does get ease a bit after some time has passed. Give Diamond a big hug from me as I'm sure she'll miss her old kitty buddy.

I'm sorry for the loss and my heart goes out to you!

Sorry to hear Robin!!

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss Robin. My thoughts are with you today.

Oh god Robin I'm so sorry. :(

Robin,

When we love unconditionally and deeply, loss is amplified that much more. In light of that knowledge you continue to love & comfort, care & provide for every living being in your charge with the same generosity and selflessness that I've come to know as a great part of your character.

The dignity & respect you show your animals both in life and in passing should serve as an example to us all. I'm sorry that words just can't do justice to the impact some creatures have on our lives, especially in times like this.

Grieving with you...

:grouphug:

K~

:hug: I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear friend, Robin. You've got a big heart, and I know you'll continue to love every other companion in your care. Your big heart means you can love hard, but you also hurt hard. If you need to talk, drop me a message any time.

Thank you to everyone who expressed their condolences - they mean more than you can possibly know. I would have replied yesterday, but I couldn't see through the tears after reading your kind words.

Thanks again - this is just one small reason I love this community.

Robin, I am so sorry for your loss, as I told you on the phone, you definately made the right decision, although it is so hard, you have to think of the animals over your self, and even though you feel as if you are missing something now, they have now gained so much!! Try to keep you head up because Chynna is much better now!!

I'm very sorry for your loss! My cats are my life, and I understand how hard it is to lose a pet you are close to.

I'm so sorry Robin.. at 18 years, you can tell that she was very well cared for.

That is so sad... but she is in a better place now. May she rest in peace.

I'm so sorry, Robin! :hug: Saying good-bye is so hard to do. How wonderful that you were able to have 18 years with her.

The end of the road is the inevitible hardest part of pet ownership. I have had to put down an Irish Setter that I had for 14 years and a mutt that I had for 17 years. Although it has now been almost 20 years since The Irish Setter had his last trip to the Vet I still can't think about it without getting choked up. I'm sorry for your loss of your old friend.

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I strongly believe that pets go to heaven, it may sound silly but I do believe that. Hang in there.

Kyle :snake:

Very sorry for your loss Robin. I assist in euthenasias often at work and the next one is never easier than the one before it. I also have seen cardiac sticks and the animals go just as peacefully as IV. Kudos to you for not prolonging her suffering when it was time for her to go.