Very, very sad kitty news

[Dreamstalker]

We had to have McGriff put down this morning. He had been acting not-quite-himself over the weekend, and we were finally able to take him to the vet's last night. He was dehydrated so they pushed fluids, and the head vet took X-rays and stayed late to call us with the news.

He was in the late stages of congestive heart failure, which had probably been brewing for awhile and something just tipped it over the edge. He was in a LOT of pain when we went up to the private room at the vet's to see him (he was hissing at us which he never ever did). I couldn't stay for the actual injection so I went downstairs; they had a full waiting room and all the staff were in tears.

We saved his life, and we know he was grateful for 18 years. The little guy had too many close calls to count. We did crazy things for him; mad dashes to the MSPCA hospital at midnight, special trips to the supermarket for King Oscar sardines in oil, mysterious breakfast preparations involving baby food, egg, chicken, etc...





RIP McGriff April 1 1991--January 26 2009. You'll be missed, silly boy.

We're having him cremated, and will go to the pet cemetery to pick up his ashes in about a week. The MSPCA hospital has a "memorial tree" in the lobby, so we're going to see how much a small plaque will cost.

[Amina516]

Im so sorry for your loss. He was a beauty. Heres a poem i like to remember for pet losses.
Youve probably heard it before, but I hope it comforts just a bit

THE RAINBOW BRIDGE POEM



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....

Author unknown...

[Dreamstalker]

Awww, thank you. I've read the Rainbow Bridge poem before, but it's completely different when you've actually lost a pet.

[XCashier]

I'm so sorry about McGriff. He sounds like a special kitty, and you had the privilege of knowing him for eighteen good years. He loved you every bit as much as you loved him.

[Plaidman]

I'm sorry for your lost. I hated it when my kitties died when I was a child. I never had one for 18 years. Thats like freaking raising a kid. The cat should have been going off to collage now.


In anycase, if the plaque is too much, send a PM. I might be able to send some money.

[Crossbow]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is to lose a furry loved one that's been part of your life for so long.

[Jack T. Chance]

I am so sorry for your loss.

It's been nearly a decade since my last cat had to be put to sleep, and I still miss him all the time. He was the sweetest, gentlest, most beloved pet I've ever had. He was a good friend and he is greatly missed. After he had to be put to sleep, we found a special picture frame just for such an occasion, and we honor his memory by displaying the best picture we have of him in it:

(Click image to enlarge)


Unfortunately, we bought that frame several years ago and I no longer remember where we found it.

[trailerparkmedic]

I'm very sorry for your loss.

[JustaCashier]

Sorry for your loss, Dreamstalker....


Mike

[HYHYBT]

I'm sorry about your cat; he must have been a good one. I remember once picking up a book formatted as questions and answers about cats; to the question "How long do they live?" the short answer was "never long enough," and it's true.

But the joy of having them while they're around more than makes up for the pain of loss.

[tropicsgoddess]

Sorry for your loss.

[Cat]

So sorry about your loss

*hugs*

18 years is a great long life for a beloved cat

[BlaqueKatt]

one of my friends had a stuffed replica made of one of her cats when it died and actually had the ashes sewn inside it so she could still "hold her kitty" when she needed to-I was one of few people that got to/wanted to pet the stuffed kitty(she kept it at her desk.

[Der Cute]

Oh, I'm so sorry.
It hurts so much to lose a furbaby, especially when they've been with you for so long and you've got so many stories.

Big hugs, and many sniffles from me.

Cutenoob

[RavenStarr]

I'm so sorry for your loss. *Goes off to find kitty and hug him extra close*