So we decided to put our old cat down

[Calgary Flames]

It wasn't a hard decision because his condition is not improving and is only getting worse... He had a stroke about 5-6 months ago and has been on a decline every since. He's fallen off of chairs, lost a TON of weight, his legs, paws go into semi-paralasys from time to time, something that has been happening alot more recently... he goes into dizzy spells, he's had loose stools for months now... He bumps into walls, and we are positive he's had another stroke recently, the past couple of weeks he's really taken a turn for the worse and I just cannot leave him in this condition any longer... It's got to happen, I don't want him to suffer anymore.

It's bittersweet because you know you're sending him in to end his life (I've had him since the 4th grade and have always been very attatched to him) But at the same time you know his suffering is going to be overwith.. It's something our family has decided would be for the best. We have 1 more cat so it'll make the loss easier to take but I'm never going to forget this one. He was a great pal to have around for all those years.

My dad is going to take him in a couple of days, One thing is for sure, i'm too damn emotional to take him in myself... I just can't do it. I'll break down... so I decided to say goodbye to him from home and to stay with our other cat until my dad get's back from the Vet

We're going to make a memorial for him by taking his collar, his favorite treat, some cat nip and burying it in a park close to the house where we brought him home as a kitten.

Anyhoo, sorry for the sob story but I really needed to let it out... thanks

[FireInTheHole]

What you are going through is one of the hardest parts of being a pet owner. You know the day you get a new pet that one day this day will come. I've been through it as well and know all too well how much it hurts. Pets are a part of the family, and it's so hard to have to finally say goodbye. Know that you are doing the right thing, as your cat won't have to suffer any longer.

[Calgary Flames]

To me, it's a sad time... you don't know what to feel really. You tell yourself it's the humane thing to do, but you have a feeling of guilt because you're basically pulling the trigger on a friend. There are times when he looks 100% and has energy but it's taken a huge turn for the worse and I just can't keep him in that pain/condition any longer than I have too... The place we plan on taking him is right next door to the Petland we got him at almost 12 years ago so it's kind of full circle.

[Bill Bumface]

Originally posted by Calgary Flames@Aug 31 2005, 11:40 PM
You tell yourself it's the humane thing to do, but you have a feeling of guilt because you're basically pulling the trigger on a friend.

If he could talk, he'd be asking you to pull the trigger right now as one last favour anyways. You are just helping your friend out.

[Otto-matic]

I think someone posted this on the old board.

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....


Sorry to hear about your cat Jordan

Just makes me think my dog is getting up to his wonder days now and I dont know how long I have left with my buddy but one thing I will do in all my power is make him happy and content untill that fatefull day comes to part ways for a time being.

Its like your loosing a part of your body that cant be replaced like a family member.

[Patek23]

I had a dog that was like 13, he was blind, deaf had dog diabetes and arthritis, we put him down, now we have a large dog who is 6, but I heard large dogs only live up to 8 or 9.................. :tdown:

[shoestring]

I am crying for you buddy.
It is so tough losing a good bud, a good cat bud.
The bonds we acheive with our pets are so important and so personal that
we hardly have a memory in our life that they weren't involved in it. They
hear it all ,feel it all and it seems know it all.
And they did and were satisified and happy.

Nothing bad about feeling emotions for a friend.

[Buff]

Sorry to hear about the looming loss of your cat, Jordon. It brings back memories of my dog and the day we decided that it was best to have him put to sleep. Not an easy day at all. Physically his health was in order, but the older he got the more "testy" he got and was starting to bite people. He had snapped at me a couple of times and bit both of my parents once. It got to the point where you couldn't pet him because he'd get mad at you.

They day we decided to have him put to sleep was made even harder when he sensed my sorrow and cuddled right up into me and didn't care how much I pet him. We had to get my dad to take him to the vet, and the day it was to happen, was like any other day, I left for work and my dog sat at the top of the stairs watching me go, beginning the count down until I came home again (and probably waiting until I was out of site so he could run down the stairs to go sleep on my bed for a bit).

To this day I still miss Chubbins, a beautiful purepred Cocker Spaniel, golden in color. It has been 6 years since he went to doggy heaven and it is very likely that he wouldn't be with me today even if he grew old. Each pet we have always has a special place in our hearts. Our pets are just as much a part of our familes as our parents, siblings or children.

[InTheSlot]

Sorry to hear about your loss.


My brother and I each have a cat in our house, they're still young so I know hopefully I'll have a lot of good times with them in the years to come, but I also know that one day that dreaded time will come where I have to say goodbye. I've had 2 or 3 other cats that I've had to part with in the past (1 lost in a blizzard, 1 hit by a car, and another of old age), so hopefully I'm more accustomed to the grieving process.


Time will heal your pain.

[Cowperson]

Originally posted by Calgary Flames@Aug 31 2005, 10:24 PM
It wasn't a hard decision because his condition is not improving and is only getting worse... He had a stroke about 5-6 months ago and has been on a decline every since. He's fallen off of chairs, lost a TON of weight, his legs, paws go into semi-paralasys from time to time, something that has been happening alot more recently... he goes into dizzy spells, he's had loose stools for months now... He bumps into walls, and we are positive he's had another stroke recently, the past couple of weeks he's really taken a turn for the worse and I just cannot leave him in this condition any longer... It's got to happen, I don't want him to suffer anymore.

It's bittersweet because you know you're sending him in to end his life (I've had him since the 4th grade and have always been very attatched to him) But at the same time you know his suffering is going to be overwith.. It's something our family has decided would be for the best. We have 1 more cat so it'll make the loss easier to take but I'm never going to forget this one. He was a great pal to have around for all those years.

My dad is going to take him in a couple of days, One thing is for sure, i'm too damn emotional to take him in myself... I just can't do it. I'll break down... so I decided to say goodbye to him from home and to stay with our other cat until my dad get's back from the Vet

We're going to make a memorial for him by taking his collar, his favorite treat, some cat nip and burying it in a park close to the house where we brought him home as a kitten.

Anyhoo, sorry for the sob story but I really needed to let it out... thanks

Sorry to hear of your loss.

Its inevitable that they will pre-decease us . . . . you know that in the back of your head when you get them as kittens or pups, that there is a dark day ahead. You can only give them a great life and take what they give.

But the first time hits you hardest I think. Later, you're a little more pragmatic.

Best wishes.

Cowperson

[habernac]

a sad day for sure. I still miss my dog, and she's been gone for almost 9 years. My only regret is that I wasn't there for her last moments. Yeah, it would have been tremendously sad, but I still feel like I should have been there too. Hang in there, Jordon.

[pope04]

Sorry to hear this, Jordon. Even though it is obviously the right time, it's still hard to lose a good friend. Take care.

[Clarkey]

Sorry to hear that. We put down our cat 2 months ago. It takes a while to adjust, especially seeing the other cat walking around looking for her friend.

[Eastern Girl]

Originally posted by Flaming Homer@Sep 1 2005, 12:08 AM
I had a dog that was like 13, he was blind, deaf had dog diabetes and arthritis, we put him down, now we have a large dog who is 6, but I heard large dogs only live up to 8 or 9.................. :tdown:

not necessarily true. When I was 16, we had to put my dog down. He was 13. He was a very big dog. It just depends I guess. The dog I have now is a Sheperd/husky mix and he is a monster. He is going on 13. You just have to make sure you keep their weight down cause they are more prone to getting arthritis in the hindlegs than smaller doggies.

And I am very sorry to hear about your cat. It's terribly difficult to put down your pet. THey really do become such a big part of your life. I cried for about a week when we put my dog down.

[Cheese]

sad day Jordan...much regrets!
Ive been thru the same scenario a few times now...and although Cow is right about becoming pragmatic, its a hole that can never be filled.
If its not too late, go with your dad...be there for the animal...dont be afraid to show an animal who gave you 100% unconditional love your feelings on his/her last day.

[Calgary Flames]

Originally posted by Cheese@Sep 1 2005, 12:29 PM
sad day Jordan...much regrets!
Ive been thru the same scenario a few times now...and although Cow is right about becoming pragmatic, its a hole that can never be filled.
If its not too late, go with your dad...be there for the animal...dont be afraid to show an animal who gave you 100% unconditional love your feelings on his/her last day.

My grandpa is/was a vet and put down hundreds of animals... my dad even assisted on some of them and even he can't go into the room. We just decided that we don't want our last vision of him of his body going lifeless. We're content letting the vet who first saw him as a kitten do the duty.

Full circle for old Max. Then we're going to make him a nice discreet memorial in a park and that'll be that.

We plan to get a new kitten down the road to keep the other one company. Because even he knows that his old buddy isn't there anymore... even now, he knows he can't tackle him or play fight him... cats are smarter than you think.

Thanks for the support guys, it's definetely a decision that was tough but made easier due to the decline in his health.

[Reaper]

Jordon, hang in there, man. It's going to be tough but the hurt will pass in time.

Guys, I feel so bad for everyone that has lost their pets over the years.

All this talk about people having to put their pets down is making me sad about the day that is coming in the near future when I will have to take Rufus, my rabbit, to the vet when his time comes.

He's such a tough little guy that I don't think I'll have the "luxury" of not having to take him in for euthanization. He's too stubborn to give up the ghost even if he ends up getting really sick.

He's still happy and enjoys hanging out with me and getting treats. Some days he's lethargic but he still comes around when treats are offered.

I just hope things are really clear when he has to go as I don't think I'll be able to live with myself if I thought I put him down to soon or allowed him to suffer needlessly.

[Flashpoint]

Sincerest condolances on your loss.

[Bertuzzied]

Ugh what a sad topic. Are you going to buy another cat now? My dog is only 2 years old and i'm already dreading the day she will pass on. I don't think i'm meant for this pet thing. I like fish. I don't get emotional when they die.

[Calgary Flames]

Originally posted by Bertuzzied@Sep 1 2005, 02:10 PM
Ugh what a sad topic. Are you going to buy another cat now? My dog is only 2 years old and i'm already dreading the day she will pass on. I don't think i'm meant for this pet thing. I like fish. I don't get emotional when they die.

Not right now, in a month or two for sure. Already got the name picked out. "Harvey"

Thanks again for the support. It means alot