Pretty tough day today.

A while back I had to have my one cat Scooter put to sleep. She was about 16 years old, and got really sick. Today I had to make the same **** decision for my other cat Sniffy. Sniff was about 17, and had been in great health right up until a couple days ago. I started noticing her sleeping more and generally staying all by herself. Last night she jumped up on the couch arm next to me and I noticed she was breathing very rapidly and shallow. I kind of knew that the day I had been dreading might be here.:(

I took her to the cat hospital today and they did a lot of tests and took some xrays.................bottom line, she had heart problems. They gave me the options, one was to send her to a specialist who would do more tests and put her on medicine to try to get the fluid from her lungs, and to find out what was wrong with her heart. The other option was to put her to sleep. The Doctor said the prognosis was not good and that at most we might buy her a few days or maybe three weeks. He said he might even come in to work tomorrow and find she had died overnight. She had just gotten old.

Toughest decision I have had to make since doing that for Scooter, but I couldn't stand to see her suffer. She was like a kitten right up to the end, and about the most gentle cat you could imagine. After giving it a lot of thought I told him we had to do what was best for her, and that was what we did.

Some people probably can't understand how a pet can become so very important to someone, but I am really broken up over this. Pet lovers like me will know exactly how I am feeling right now..................rotten. I also hate myself for being such a coward and not staying there with her to the end, but I just could never stand to see that happen. I prefer to remember her as that kitten we adopted right after Hurricane Andrew. She was one of the pets rescued from the storm, and when I heard they had lots of animals to adopt we went over and picked her out. I think it was Dan who went with me, because Don and I picked out Scooter from a shelter a year later.

So I'm kinda bummed right now, and know it is just starting to sink in. If you are a pet lover like we are, give your loyal friends a big hug tonight and maybe a little treat. You never know when their time might come. My only solace right now is that she and Scooter might be playing together again.:)

Sorry to bring this subject up, but I have a lot of good friends on here and I needed to talk about it. Here are some pictures of Sniffy and Scooter in happier times. Sniff is the small cat and Scooter was our big girl. Thanks for listening.

Don

We've had to do those things over the years with our dogs and cats. I don't think death at an old age is a tragedy (whether it's pets or people). I always deal with it by assuring myself they had a "good run" with a playmate, plenty of chow, toys, treats and affection. It also helps to know that the average life expectancy of a cat, living outdoors is about two years!

We have a male cat "Stickers" that is 17. That's 72 in people years. He's doing alright, but when he starts to deteriorate, we'll have him checked out, and if necessary, will help him along quickly, so he doesn't suffer.....just like we did for "Muffin", "Studie", and Zeke". After that, our other cat "Pogo" will get a new playmate in the form of a young kitten. That is also very theraputic for people. :-) Maybe that would help you, too.

I am so sorry for your loss and i totally understand. Watched my 11 year old cat die of feline aids a few years ago. I think of him often.

I know how you feel Don, last year had to put down my 16 yo Lab, this year her sister will going soon she's 14 (eye sight, hearing and right rear knee ). Vet says she not in alot of pain. She doesn't have to much trouble going down the stair to go outside but I put a ramp in for her.
BradC

We too had to put a cat down after 16 plus years as a part of our family - sad day and my heart goes out to you...

So sorry to hear about all of your loses too. It is something every pet owner faces at some point, but we keep thinking it is a long way off. Time flies though.

I'm done owning pets personally. Dan has 3 cats that live with us, and I am very close to each of them. Lucky is the youngest (2) and even though he is technically Dans cat he and I are good buddies. As soon as he sees me get out the quilt for a couch nap he curls up with me and takes one too. :)

Don and his GF have two cats, and Don thought he might have to make the same hard decision this week on one of them. She is older too, but they were able to correct her problem and she is doing fine now.

Then there are the 4 or 5 strays we feed at the shop................:D

Don

Don,
I'm really sorry to hear this, I remember the last time you went threw this. The sad thing is we really can't do anything, just know we are thinking about you.
Ken

Thanks Ken. I'm a little better this time than with Scooter, not because I loved her more, but it was just the first time I had to go through this. I just really had no choice, it was killing me to see her probably suffering. I'll shed a few tears and remember all the funny things both of them did, and how loyal they were to me for 17 years.

Life is tough sometimes.:(

Don

Sorry to hear the news Don.... As adults we all know that there is no logical reason to get so attached to our pets, but we do anyway.... Read your post and had to give Pepper an extra hug....Yeah, my 30 pound Cocker Spaniel still likes to sleep in Dad's lap...... Condolances, man. It never does get any easier, does it????

My grandpa's cat died about a year after grandma did. I am surprised he survived the heart ache. I am so glad his last cat outlasted him.

Sorry for your loss, but I honestly believe the best advice would be for you to get another kitten.

Sorry Pops, never easy. You brought back a flash back on our ol' Arnie. She had the same symptoms at about the same age, congestive heart failure. Bad day when we had to send her along. They are a joy!

Thanks everyone for helping me get through a not so pleasant day.

Don

Its a cat.

Don, we have 3 new kittens about 3 weeks old. Black, black tortoise, and black and white. Whch ones would like to have me drop off to you when I come down in later this month.:D Might have a few more by next week.

Also got one that looks a lot like Bob's. She's older and quite the bitch, but she is getting friendlier. I'd be happy to Fedex her to you tomorrow.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BigTruckDriver

Its a cat.

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You ACTUALLY took your time to type that? I really feel sorry for you. Your life must really be something. :rolleyes:

Don

sorry guy. we have 2 at around 12 and a lab about the same age. so we have it to do all over again . never easy . and i say no more pets every time ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BigTruckDriver

Its a cat.

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it`s a member of the family :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BigTruckDriver

Its a cat.

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That comment is pathetic. You don't have to care, but it would have been easier to keep your ignorant mouth shut. Don't respond any more, you have tainted this entire thread. You've just shown disrespect to someone that is highly regarded around here.

Don, I'm sorry. I (as most of us do) understand how you feel.

Dustin

sorry don for your loss we lost 4 dogs in less then 1 1/2 years time it was hard to deal with .i hate to see any thing suffer. it was hard for me to . i could not stay when they put my dog down .i told the vet to do it fast .it just got to the point that the dog was in pain and there is a time were they need to be in peace

Sorry, Don. We (most of us, anyhow) know how you feel; our furry kids are just as much a part of our lives as our human kin. We have three elderly one with us just now, and I'm always worrying about them. I have a bunch of buddy's gone on and waiting for me at The Rainbow Bridge. :(

Sorry to hear about your cat Don.. kinda reminded me that my cat is getting older (14 ), he has a 1 of a kind personallity, smart, often acts like a dog, tries to help me with things.. it's too bad they can't outlast us.. and you can't just get a new 1 because each and every 1 is diffrent and it's those diffrences that you'll always remember

Thank you to all of you who understand the relationship between our pets and us. It isn't anything that can be explained, you either get it or you don't. As we who do love them know, our lives are made so much better by simply having them around. They ask nothing more than a bowl of food, water, and an occasional pat on the head or a chance to lay on our laps. When we get home they are there waiting patiently, and go out of their way to make us laugh and smile.

We also know that each one is very different from all others, the absolutely have a distinct personality, and the longer we live together the more we become like them and they like us. We adapt very well to each other.

In the meantime, I still have 3 at home and 4 or 5 at the shop who are depending on us every night to put out some food and water, so I am not going to go out and get another one. If I do I am going to have to get a part time job just to pay for their upkeep.:LOL:

Again friends, thank you for your condolences and sharing your pet stories. They helped immensely. :)

Don

Sorry Don, it ain't easy. Our best buddy Gemini, a 14 year old Shepherd mix, is sleeping more now and we figure the end is in sight. She has lost most of her sight, so taking her on her nightly one hour walk requires watching her closely. Just getting her ready for the walk, putting on her harness is a hoot in itself. She starts to jump around and howl like a wolf baying at the moon in anticipation of going to the park across the street. It makes me laugh out loud every time. She's also the best watchdog we've ever had. When those kids come around putting door-hangers on the door knob, you'd think she was a 400 lb man-eater.

It's gonna be tough.

Hehe, how could you look at that beautiful face and NOT smile and chuckle? :D:D Thanks for that picture. :D

Don

Nothings feels worse than making a decision to have one of your best friends put down except when someone steels your best friend ...... ala my Scotty dog of 7 yrs.

Although I'm not a "feline guy" I am a pet lover, of all types, and feel your pain.

Time heals all wounds ....... visible or not.

My heartfelt thoughts go out to you Don.

Some people just don't get it ... and never will.

Paul aka/ Ratty 46

how could you not love the mugs on the two pugs i have ? well ok they grow on you:LOL:

LOL's. I like em Pat.

Don, sorry for your family's loss.

Sorry for your loss Don . I know the feeling just like you but we always will remember our friends who loved us unconditionally .

Thanks Paul, and that must have been really bad having your dog stolen. That's about as low as you can go to do something like that.

Pat, I understand Pugs are a great breed, very family oriented.

Thanks Stovebolter and Bobby.

Like I said, we still have 3 at home. They are technically Dan's cats, but they see more of me than Dan because of his schedule, so we are really best buds.

The black and white one is Chewy, he is our resident bad cat. Always into something and only sleeps like half as much as a cat should.

Lucky is the one Dan found at a traffic light a couple of years ago. He was a little kitten and crossed traffic and crawled up into the wheel of a stopped car. Dan got out of his car and climbed underneath and extracted him. That is why we call him Lucky. If the light had changed he would have been killed for sure. Turns out he doesn't have a mean bone in his body and is Chewy's pal. Just a big Teddy Bear who loves to nap with me.

Finally, the multi colored cat is Alto. She is Dans original cat and is about 14 or 15 years old. Funniest cat ever. If you are petting her and stop she nips you, just enough to let you know you aren't done. :LOL:

Can't imagine what the house would be like without them around.

Don

Wow Don, I just got through reading this thread. My heart goes out to you. It choked me up just reading everyones stories. Got a few tears thinking of our Lab we put to sleep a few years ago.
These little crittles get under our skin! They become family and fathfull friends. Being the decission maker is a tuff repsonsibility. I'm glad you had so many years to share with your cats, and I'm sure they were happy you adopted them. Here's a picture to cheer you up. Pretzel just does it with his eyes!
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/c...frame003-1.jpg

That's FUNNY Steve! :LOL: I think that is one of the things we love about them the most, they are always doing stuff that makes us laugh. :D

Like this.............

Don

Yes they do.

Well, that didn't look so funny until he did this...........
Sorta like he's thinking, "this one's mine."

And I bet you gave it up willingly too. :D:D

Don

I think when you start talking about animals, It's like children. There is just a special place in our hearts for them. Here is Max and Otis sending there regards to you Don.
Ken

Nice pictures...
Don that's a classic with the Mc D's bag!
Bob - I think he was trying to tell you he likes Fords!:LOL:
Ken - what expressive mugs those two have! You can just feel how happy they are! Is that an electric scooter in the back ground? My wife noted Ken's dogs look similar to a painting we just bought which has the three elements of our life in it. The painter uses classic vehicles, beautiful scenery and of course dogs and other pets! Just reinforces what a huge impact they have in our lives. Again sorry for your loss Don, I'm glad you still have other furry friends to take a nap with. Just something nice to curl up and hear the little purr of their engines!
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/c...s/001512C3.jpg

Don, I haven't been on here for awhile, just logged on and saw your post.

We know how it feels, we moved to the country and the Cats came for food, after a period of time they adjust to you, and you adjust to them. When something happens to one you hate it, we had one that someone shot with an arrow; he survived after us taking him for help. This guy is my buddy he never comes in without wanting me to rub his head, and scratch his back.

The people who don’t get it, are the people who dump them for people like us to care for them.

As long as we live,
They too will live.
They are part of us.
We remember them.


Richard

Sorry for your loss. I thought this might be appropriate even though it refers to a dog, not a cat:

They don't asked for much but they give a lot. All you have to do is look into their eyes.

Richard

Thanks again everyone for your kindness. The pictures of your pets are the best, hope more get posted. They make you laugh just to look at the expressions on their faces.

Only we who love animals can understand the loss we feel when one of ours dies. Every once in a while I think back to something Sniffy or Scooter did and I choke up. But we had a 16 and 17 year run that I wouldn't trade for anything.

Don