My son just called me to say that the kitten he was fostering died this afternoon. He found her a couple of weeks ago curled up on his driveway, she was very tiny and both eyes were infected. He called Kitten Aid and they came to pick her up to take her to the vet etc. The woman asked them if they wanted to foster her when she was back to better health, they couldn't say no after having her in the house most of the day, she was so tiny and adorable. They got her back a few days later and things had been going well until yesterday when she appeared to be ill again. The agency came and picked her up to bring her back to the vet, but she didn't make it. Poor little thing.
My wife and I got through it today. But man oh man, it was so, so hard. I'm crying right now as I type this, but I thought it might be good to get it out and tell someone. The vet got us in quickly this morning and it was taken care of very carefully and tactfully. We decided to stay with Max until he was gone. The vet who took care of this told us not to be concerned, but she cries every time she has to do this and indeed she did. She says the day she doesn't cry, is the day she stops doing it.
She warned us that Max could cry out and lose bodily functions, so to be prepared, but he just looked at us and was quiet as could be. It almost looked like he was finally happy to be out of pain. He passed away quietly and extremely peacefully. He didn't cry out or even utter a sound and passed within mere seconds.
It was indeed the hardest thing I've ever had to go through. I told my wife I never, ever, ever want to do that again. She then reminded me about our 13 year old cat. Hopefully he is with us for quite some time longer.
I can't believe the emptiness it leaves though losing a pet. You just never realize how you take for granted this loving animal who greets you at the door and lies by your feet and how excited this friend gets when you grab the leash for a walk. We're never going to get to do that again. Never going to see his excited face when we give him a bone he so loves to chew on for an hour.
Thanks to those who offered condolences and I feel for those that have gone through this, as we have. If you still have your dog, please give him or her a hug and remember how lucky you are.
RIP Max my friend. You were so loved and will truly be missed.
Edit: Thought I would post a pic for those that want to see our shaggy buddy...
Spoiler!
Last edited by Igster; 08-22-2014 at 07:58 PM.
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I'm very sorry to hear that bigtmac19. That little kitten sounds like she was a quite a fighter.
Every time I open this thread I have to go find my cat and give her a big hug. I have never had to put down an animal but I've had my cat for just over a year and I can't imagine life without her.
My wife and I got through it today. But man oh man, it was so, so hard. I'm crying right now as I type this, but I thought it might be good to get it out and tell someone. The vet got us in quickly this morning and it was taken care of very carefully and tactfully. We decided to stay with Max until he was gone. The vet who took care of this told us not to be concerned, but she cries every time she has to do this and indeed she did. She says the day she doesn't cry, is the day she stops doing it.
She warned us that Max could cry out and lose bodily functions, so to be prepared, but he just looked at us and was quiet as could be. It almost looked like he was finally happy to be out of pain. He passed away quietly and extremely peacefully. He didn't cry out or even utter a sound and passed within mere seconds.
It was indeed the hardest thing I've ever had to go through. I told my wife I never, ever, ever want to do that again. She then reminded me about our 13 year old cat. Hopefully he is with us for quite some time longer.
I can't believe the emptiness it leaves though losing a pet. You just never realize how you take for granted this loving animal who greets you at the door and lies by your feet and how excited this friend gets when you grab the leash for a walk. We're never going to get to do that again. Never going to see his excited face when we give him a bone he so loves to chew on for an hour.
Thanks to those who offered condolences and I feel for those that have gone through this, as we have. If you still have your dog, please give him or her a hug and remember how lucky you are.
RIP Max my friend. You were so loved and will truly be missed.
I'm so sorry Igster. My most sincere condolences on your loss. Letting your dog go was the most unselfish thing you could do for him.
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So sorry to hear that Igster. Glad to hear it went as smoothly as something like that could go. I actually didn't even realize there's a potential for them to yelp or whatever while it goes through them, I would've been a disaster if my cat reacted like that when we went through it 2 days ago. My condolences man, remember the good times and know he's out of pain now. I'm still working on that myself
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My condolences Igster / Sainters7 on your loss. Likewise to all others who have lost a precious family companion.
I could never open this thread until I lost my oldest Dog (Neiko) suddenly October 10th, 2013. It was nice to have a place in which to share my grief and where others understood. Unfortunately, our second Dog (Kono) went to be with his brother on March 7th of this year. It was certainly no easier considering less than 5 months had passed since we lost Neiko. Not a day goes by that I do not think of my Guy's, I miss them dearly and touch their urns before I leave the house each day. Time does heal, and the special memories last forever.
Last edited by FLAME ENVY; 08-22-2014 at 08:55 PM.
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Empathy for everyone who has had to deal with this decision and the loss in the last few pages of posts. Look back a couple months and you know I completely understand the situation.
I'm happy that I could be there for my cat (Biz) at the end, but unfortunately over 2 months later those final moments in the vet clinic is where my memories end up when I think of him. That sucks. I have all those great, amazing, wonderful moments with my little buddy but it always ends with the pain and strain on his face, his blindness & panting, the injection, and the vet placing the stethoscope to his heart and declaring that he's gone. It's all so vivid in my mind, including the feeling of him going cold as I let go of his paw and left the room.
I don't know if that's normal, but it's where my mind goes everytime I walk past his paw-print casting on the bookcase in my living room. It's heart-wrenching, but it's not like it overshadows the fond memories. It's just where the train of thought always ends. I will probably never, ever let go of the second guessing of whether I made that decision too early. I really, really hope none of you have that lingering feeling or those perpetual thoughts.
On the lighter side, we actually ended up adopting a beefy, mischievous, black, medium-hared domestic dubbed Hank at Petland in Red Deer. I visited the adoption center about 4 days after I let go of Biz as a sort of self-healing process. 3 days later I felt the compulsion to go back, and Hank was there. His personality reminded me of Biz, and after visiting with him in the open room I really made a connection. Just before I filled out the papers to adopt him I found out he was brought to the temporary shelter the same day we let Biz go.
Since I only adopted him about 11 days after Biz had passed I felt extreme remorse, as if I betrayed Biz in some way. I'm happy that has passed, and it started when Hank curled up in my lap that first day, purring away as though he was thanking me for saving him from the streets and that tiny cage in the Petland adoption center.
For those of you with that ache in your hearts and soul, I can't say it necessarily completely disappears. However, I can say that the experience of sharing your life, love, and hearth with your friend carries into everything you do and everything you become. Remember them fondly and be thankful for the joy and affection you shared. It's a relatable yet utterly unique relationship that everyone and no one can understand. You should be contented with the idea and fact that if they could, at some point in their lives, express thanks and appreciation for everything you provided them then they most certainly would. And, more importantly, if you could do the same for them then you truly should understand how incredible, special, and complete that time was.
__________________ "It's a great day for hockey."
-'Badger' Bob Johnson (1931-1991)
"I see as much misery out of them moving to justify theirselves as them that set out to do harm." -Dr. Amos "Doc" Cochran
Last edited by Yamer; 08-22-2014 at 11:16 PM.
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Looks like my wife and I are going to go through this today. Our dog has taken a very hard turn for the worse. Max has had a good life but is approaching 14 and can't even get up to go outside anymore. One day he's walking and fine and then next day I watched him try to get up, fall over and now he can't even get up at all. We knew it was coming, sooner, rather than later, but it's still extremely hard.
Our cat, who usually is quite noisy and causes hell, knows something is up. He has been very quiet and just laying quietly, not bothering Max at all, like he usually would.
This is going to be a really, really crappy day...
Very sorry to hear what you're facing.
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This clip is beautiful and moving. From the movie What Dreams May Come. The scene when the character played by Robin Williams dies, goes to heaven, and the first thing he is greeted by is his Dalmatian dog, Katie, who's health and youth have been fully restored:
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So very sorry for your loss, Igster. My very deepest sympathies. Talking about your pet really does help. Trust me it does get better over time. The memories you have will be so beautiful.
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I think we're going to have to put our cat down soon. She's 13 years old, stopped cleaning herself, wont poo in the box (will pee in it), and she's lost a lot of weight lately.
I think we're going to have to put our cat down soon. She's 13 years old, stopped cleaning herself, wont poo in the box (will pee in it), and she's lost a lot of weight lately.
13 isn't that old. Could be thyroid related if there has been weight loss. Very easy fix. One of our cats we had the drug made into a cream and we only had to rub it on the inside of her ear. Saved giving her daily pills - which would have been a nightmare. I'd be interested what your vet thinks. Good luck.
Could have diabetes as well. One of our cats had it and turned into a mess in very little time, like a couple months. Fur was tattered and messy, lost a ton of weight, could barely use his hind legs to walk or stand. Put him on insulin and he's done a 180. Back to his old self which amazed me. I thought for sure he wasn't going to make it.
I lost my first dog Sarah when I was 14 due to old age. We had to put her to sleep and I was a wreck then. I'll always remember her friendly disposition and happy attitude. I wish I had a picture of her, but it was back before digital media... Gorgeous Shih Tzu, not your typical one either... hard to describe.
I had to give my second dog Willoughby up for adoption 5 years ago when he was 9 because I couldn't give him the time he deserved. I was fortunate to have such amazing adopters, and it became like an open adoption. I see him at least 4-5 times a year still. He just turned 14, and is now getting to that point where I know I'll have to say goodbye soon. He's a Wheaton Terrier, and is the most friendly and loving dog I've ever known. I can't even thank him enough for the times he's lifted my spirits just by a simple snuggle or kiss. I truly believe that dogs just know when we need a lift or support, and adjust their temperament to put a smile on our faces.
Reading all of your stories about your love for your best friends has been inspiring, and given me plenty of laughs, smiles, and tears all at the same time.
I thought this would be an appropriate thread to post it in, but I recently read a book, 'The Art of Racing in the Rain'. An easier read, but the story made me do what all your stories have. I highly recommend every dog lover to read this book. I absolutely loved it, despite knowing what the ending would be, but not realizing how wonderfully it was told.
Thanks for the stories guys. I'll continue to read them.
Reading all of your stories about your love for your best friends has been inspiring, and given me plenty of laughs, smiles, and tears all at the same time.
I thought this would be an appropriate thread to post it in, but I recently read a book, 'The Art of Racing in the Rain'. An easier read, but the story made me do what all your stories have. I highly recommend every dog lover to read this book. I absolutely loved it, despite knowing what the ending would be, but not realizing how wonderfully it was told.
Thanks for the stories guys. I'll continue to read them.
Well, less than 3 months after having to put down our dog Max, Igster, our cat, had to be put down today. He stopped eating, hardly moved and after a few tests, we were told that surgery would be required to possibly save him, but even then, odds were, he wouldn't make it at 13 and the issues at hand. Another awful day. RIP Igster. Please make sure you say hi to Max.
No more pets for my wife and I. I just can't do this again.
Edit: Not a great picture, but here is a pic of Igster:
Spoiler!
Last edited by Igster; 11-15-2014 at 07:28 PM.
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Thanks Puxlut. The day indeed sucks. So many great memories though. I just have to try and remember those for both Max and Igster. Watching the game tonight, it just feels so strange. Usually Igster would watch with me. Feel like I'm missing my copilot.
My son just called me to say that the kitten he was fostering died this afternoon. He found her a couple of weeks ago curled up on his driveway, she was very tiny and both eyes were infected. He called Kitten Aid and they came to pick her up to take her to the vet etc. The woman asked them if they wanted to foster her when she was back to better health, they couldn't say no after having her in the house most of the day, she was so tiny and adorable. They got her back a few days later and things had been going well until yesterday when she appeared to be ill again. The agency came and picked her up to bring her back to the vet, but she didn't make it. Poor little thing.
. Sorry to hear this.
