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08/18/2006 11:50:55 AM · #1 |
Sorry, long, Sad post but I am hoping this will help me. I'm a wreck.
Cassiopia in Happier Days
Cassie has lived a wonderful life for 17 years. Living indoors for all those years she has had the best that life can offer. My wife got Cassie when she was a kitten and the two have been through much together. I have been with the two for the past 12 years.
Cassie's quality of life has deteriorated to the point where there is no quality at all for her. Everything is a chore, but she keeps on trying. Kidney's gone, Blind and Deaf over the past couple of months, muscles in the legs becoming weak. Once a 16 pound Maine Coon, now half that in weight.
We have decided the time has come to allow Cassie to be at peace with all the other cats in that final resting place. This is one of the hardest decisions one will ever make... I keep telling myself it is for Cassie's comfort.
Now 45 year old former Marines are supposed to be able to handle this, but it just isn't working for me. Seasons in the Sun and the line goodbye my friend it's hard to die...when all the birds are singing in the sky...keeps playing over and over in my head...
Old age and Cats is a very hard thing to go through, they fight right to end...Purring, Licking your face (even though they can't tell who's face it is) they really really try... making the decision so much harder...
It happens in a hour...I am a mess...
Cassie I will miss you!
Thanks for listening.
Andy
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08/18/2006 11:53:05 AM · #2 |
you're making the right decision. life is no good without a kidney. I know you know that, but I'm saying it in case it helps to hear it.
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08/18/2006 11:53:23 AM · #3 |
My thoughts are with you. I have been there times before, and nothing makes it easier. Sometimes, though, the hardest things to do are the best things to do. I can only hope that someone will offer me that same kindness if I need it at the end of my life one day.
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08/18/2006 11:54:14 AM · #4 |
Andy...not much I can say here to help ease your pain. {{{{{{{hug}}}}}}} Hope that helps you some
Linda
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08/18/2006 11:58:34 AM · #5 |
I had to do it with my Border Collie who had cancer and couldn't walk (10 years old and a perfect dog), and it was one of the hardest most emotional days of my life. I lost two grandparents whome I loved dearly that raised me and I think I cried more for Reggie our dog. I was a blubbering mess when we took him to the vet and carried him in. We signed the papers and my son and I said our goodbyes, and as if Reggie knew, he raised his paw off the ground to shake one last time...I am getting emotional now thinking about it. I broke down and my son had to help me to the car. I don't cry hardly at all (although I would like to), but that day, man...that was tough.
I know EXACTLY what you are going through. May God give you strength to cope...
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08/18/2006 11:59:45 AM · #6 |
That's just too sad.
As I'm reading your post my little orange tabby, Wally, is lying on my desk (and on top of all my papers, etc) purring.
I work at home, and she follows me around all day long.
I know how hard it is to let go of a loved pet. These animals look to us for love and protection, and they offer so much in return. I don't know what I would do without Wally's constant companionship.
There's nothing anyone can say that will make this any easier for you.
Keep your chin up...and cry as much as you need to.
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08/18/2006 12:05:34 PM · #7 |
Andy, this is hard and my heart goes out to you. I've been through it several times myself. But you're doing the right thing.
Robt.
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08/18/2006 12:10:30 PM · #8 |
I lost my 17 year old cat a few weeks ago. I share your sadness.
Maybe Cassi and Sammy can look each other up!
say Hi to Sammy for me! 
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08/18/2006 12:12:29 PM · #9 |
Peace in heaven. 17 years is a lot. And it was right and good. You're doing the right thing.
Tibi
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08/18/2006 12:15:21 PM · #10 |
You are doing the right thing. Feel comforted with that knowledge.
Message edited by author 2006-08-18 12:15:29. |
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08/18/2006 12:15:56 PM · #11 |
Andy - here's another
{{{{{{{{{{{hug}}}}}}}}}}}
You need all of them you can get right now.
Alice |
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08/18/2006 12:22:49 PM · #12 |
Man, it is incredible how we got attached to our pets. I also have been in that position a couple of times and it is soo damn difficult. Nothing we say will help you but you are doing the right thing.
Try to convince yourself that keeping her any longer is selfish on your part, you have given each other alot of love and it is your time to pay her back right.
So big hugs to you and your wife big guy.
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08/18/2006 12:23:25 PM · #13 |
The way I see it, you are stronger and better by taking care of your cat's welfare by going through with the decision of putting your cat down. It's hard as hell to do and most people can't help but feel a little guilty, but the animal's best interest should always, always come first.
Some people hang on to very sick pets because they say to themselves that they don't have the heart to go through with euthanasia. In my book, that's being egotistical. Some people make animals suffer so that they don't have to deal with the grief of a loss right away. You are taking the proper path.
You, your family and Cassi are in my thoughts. I truly hope Cassi gets to meet a good bud of mine that passed away a few years back: Borris, our beloved Maine Coon.
Take care and be strong.
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08/18/2006 01:02:56 PM · #14 |
Andy - (hi i'm katie we haven't met yet) ::hugs:: ::hugs:: it's never easy having a pet die or having to put them down.. they weasle their way into your heart so far that it tears it all apart when they die.. ::hugs::
Katie
edited to add here's my kitty i had to put down :(
Message edited by author 2006-08-18 13:13:47. |
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08/18/2006 01:14:08 PM · #15 |
Lots of hugs for you and your family....my husband and I have two cats as well, and I understand how you must feel. They are certainly part of the family :-) Take comfort in the fact that you gave her a wonderful home and a happy life. It's never easy....but the pain only means that you were important to each other in a truly special way.
I'll send my warmest thoughts your way. |
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08/18/2006 01:14:19 PM · #16 |
I've been through this several times. I grew up with cats and currently have a cat of my own. It's never easy.
Take care. |
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08/18/2006 01:16:40 PM · #17 |
My cat was my best and only friend for the better portion of ten years. He suddenly died for some unknown reason right before I left for college. Exactly one year and a couple of days has passed, and I still feel the empty spot, especially when I visit home and his usual sunbeam is empty.
It doesn't matter who you are or what you've been through, there is no reason to not feel like you're being torn to pieces from losing a friend like this. Dog lovers who say cats don't care about people and aren't as warm and friendly don't know what they're missing.
They're not just pets. They're really not.
Cassi will love you forever.
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08/18/2006 01:22:06 PM · #18 |
Originally posted by modgethanc:
They're not just pets. They're really not.
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They're people too. Just a little fluffy, that's all. And cats know it too well. :) |
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08/18/2006 01:29:15 PM · #19 |
| Sorry for your loss. As I type this my vet is doing all that she can to save my little guy too. He's 16 now and has cancer. He also has hyper-thyroidism and I've been treating him for that for a few months. I went in on Wed. for his routine blood work and they discovered the high white blood cell count. I brought him home on Wed. and since he's not been eating or drinking. I brought him in this morning thinking that it was his time. The vet said however that he needs to be hydrated and there are a few other things they are going to try - like steroids to help him out. I don't want to prolong his life if it's not going to be enjoyable for him. I know that his time is very limited, but if this buys him one more month of some happiness and joy than so be it - otherwise I know what I have to do. Animals are a hard thing to lose and the quality that they bring to life is wonderful. |
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08/18/2006 01:48:09 PM · #20 |
| I was devastated to eventually lose my two cats (great characters - walked at heel and sat on a bar stool next to me!) - one of them in my arms, the other put down with my wife present - and it's no flippant experience. |
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08/18/2006 02:11:42 PM · #21 |
Andy and family, I will try to respond better at a time I am not at work. (crying just thinking of it).
You are doing the right thing, and I know you know it. I'm late on this, but please stay with your kitty during this time. It was the hardest thing ever to do, but it also got rid of any myths of how horrendous this would be. Amadeus, fell asleep in my arms, rubbed his chin on my hand and kissed me goodbye..I know he was saying "its alright"
Message edited by author 2006-08-18 14:12:28.
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08/18/2006 02:16:55 PM · #22 |
I'm so sorry.
We had our 12-yr-old dog put down on Good Friday of last year (cancer), and our 16-yr-old cat just a few months later. Watching them decline and suffer, then making that final decision was the hardest thing I've ever done but I'm grateful that I was able to hold them, stroke them, talk to them as they made the final journey. They knew they were loved even as they drew their last breath.
I still miss them terribly... the tears are flowing down my face as I type this. Yes, we understand your pain. |
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08/18/2006 02:53:47 PM · #23 |
My parents had to make this very same decision only a few days ago. Fred was a member of our family for over 18 years. He had cancer. He had been around for nearly half of my life so saying goodbye was so hard…so so hard. We have so many wonderful memories, he could be quite the silly beast and boy was he a pest at meal times…no food was safe from Fred’s grip! Just last week I was eating a piece of chicken while visiting with my Mom, turned for a moment, then looked back down at my plate and the chicken was missing…sly little critter even up to his last moments. You know when it’s time to say goodbye and it’s never easy…my father is still so upset, he and Fred were best buddies. At least there are lots and lots pictures and good memories…years and years worth.
: }
Oh goodness...I think we need a group hug! {{{sniff sniff}}}
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08/18/2006 03:54:40 PM · #24 |
*gulp & swallows a big lump in my throat*
:( |
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08/18/2006 06:17:07 PM · #25 |
| (((hugs))) for you and your family Andy. |
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