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Archive through February 19, 2006

The TVClubHouse: General Discussions ARCHIVES: 2005 Dec. ~ 2006 Feb.: Hairball Haven: Cats (ARCHIVES): Archive through February 19, 2006 users admin

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Cndeariso
Member

06-28-2004

Saturday, February 18, 2006 - 5:15 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Cndeariso a private message Print Post    
i'm so sorry to hear about smudge. you are in my thoughts.

Ophiliasgrandma
Member

09-04-2001

Saturday, February 18, 2006 - 6:00 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Ophiliasgrandma a private message Print Post    
I am just so very sorry to hear that Smudge's end looks very near. Take heart in the truth that you will see him again one day.

Mamie316
Member

07-08-2003

Saturday, February 18, 2006 - 6:10 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mamie316 a private message Print Post    
{{Resortgirl and family}} I am so very sorry that you and Smudge are going through this right now. I'll keep you in my prayers.

Pamy
Member

01-02-2002

Saturday, February 18, 2006 - 6:12 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Pamy a private message Print Post    
RG, I am so sorry, my heart goes out to you. (((Smudge)))

Resortgirl
Member

09-23-2000

Saturday, February 18, 2006 - 6:27 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Resortgirl a private message Print Post    
I'm just going to write for a bit because I don't know what else to do...
This is how Smudge came to be with our family~
Our dog was barking at the ditch one day about 7 years ago, for over an hour she just barked and barked... finally my hubby went over to the ditch to investigate and found a box with 4 little kittens. He grabbed two and my mom grabbed two and started back across the street. From behind a 5th little kitten came screeching across the road as if to say, HEY don't leave me here alone!! We brought the 5 into the house, and since we didn't know what there potty habits were we blocked them in the kitchen where there was a vinyl floor. But the one little kitten wouldn't be contained. "She" found a way over, under, in between the barrier and would find where we were, climb up our pant leg and plant herself on our shoulder. We were officially adopted! She had what looked like grease all over her chin and neck so I figured if we were going to keep "Lucy" we better clean her up. I scrubbed and scrubbed but Lucy's smudges were permanent. A couple days later we took her to the vet and found out that she was a he.... so we renamed him Smudge! We found good homes for the other 4 and Smudge made himself at home... he was always very very friendly and visited each and every resort guest we ever had. Even the die hard cat dislikers came to love our Smudge. He even spent the night a few times, and was always there on the guests steps for morning bacon... he sat on the dock and watched every child catch their first sunnie... tried to steal a couple. He always greets us when we come home with a great big purrrr, and lots of ankle rubbing... sometimes even nibbles if we try to ignore him. He learned to knock on the door when he wants to come back in, and is always around when someone needs a cuddle. I don't know what it will be like without him. I don't think I can bare to think about it. When we brought him home today my son was carrying him in a box with his favorite blanket. He lept out of the box (much to my horror) stumbled a bit, but then sprinted to the front door! I"M HOME!! It was the last energetic thing he's done today. He's failing so quickly, right before my eyes. Eyes that in a few days will never see him again. I've never had to deal with the death of one of my beloved pets this way. We've gone through the heartbreak of a death by car accident, but never had to hold a dying loved one. It's so damn hard and I hate it! Hate the stupid vet who misdiagnosed him. It's easier for me to be mad right now. Sad is too too hard. I'm sorry if this sounds stupid. I've never had my heart broken like this before.

Seamonkey
Moderator

09-07-2000

Saturday, February 18, 2006 - 6:41 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Seamonkey a private message Print Post    
Oh, RG! I'm just catching up here and share your tears for Smudge. What a wonderful little being. You gave him such a great life and it is just too sad that it is to be so short

I'm also proud of Michael for taking Smudge away from those uncaring people and at least he was given a chance by the new vets.

So sad. I hope you all get adopted again because you are all so loving.. but for now, I know you are giving Smudge a million kisses and letting him know how loved he is.

Resortgirl
Member

09-23-2000

Saturday, February 18, 2006 - 6:54 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Resortgirl a private message Print Post    
Thank you Sea, for your kind words. I don't want to be adopted again. I never want to feel this way again. It's the most horrible thing. I've always had compassion for those going through something similar, but I truly didn't "get" it.
He's sleeping in Michaels arms right now... he is just so sick. This is one emotion that I have not been through before, and I'm having a very hard time with it. Struggling to keep it together. wow

Watching2
Member

07-07-2001

Saturday, February 18, 2006 - 6:54 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Watching2 a private message Print Post    
Oh my...... I can't even express what I'm feeling for you RG and Happymom. Having lost my last cat to kidney disease and knowing just how much it hurt and how much I still miss her, even though my Misha gives me great comfort and joy, it makes my heart just ache for you and your families.

I thought I was going to be so good like others have been and held their "babies" while they were put down, but the minute the vet told me what was happening and I made the decision, I fell apart crying. They let me stay in the room w/her for as long as I wanted and to just knock on the door when I was ready. I held her and told her what a great cat she was and how much I loved her and cried and it took me so long to get the nerve up to knock on the door, but I finally did and told them they better take her because I would never be "ready." I didn't even ask if I could be there. I was too much of a mess. They were really wonderful to me though, brought the papers & the bill in the room so I didn't have to go out in the waiting area until I was ready to make a dash to my car. They brought her to me when it was done and by then I was such a wreck I had to go back inside to the bathroom! Making it home was so hard and then I didn't want to get out of the car even after DH came and took her off the passenger seat. I can feel it like it was yesterday because I relate to what you're going through. I really can talk about her with fondness and happy memories, but knowing what you all are going through, brings it all back. Take care of yourselves and know that you're beloved are doing much better than you.

You and your families have my prayers. {{{{{{{Happymom & Resortgirl}}}}}}}.

Rosie
Member

11-12-2003

Saturday, February 18, 2006 - 7:08 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Rosie a private message Print Post    
It won't help you one darn bit but just have to tell you that I am tears reading about your current situation and loss.

I lost my 15 year old kitty to kidney failure several years ago. I cried and stomped my feet. Anger is good! I did not want another kitty. No way! It is almost like you are being disloyal to the memory of the previous kitty?

Several months later, I ventured into the shelter and Sandygirl grabbed my heart. She has her own personality and is living the good life.

Hugs to you!

Mamapors
Member

07-29-2004

Saturday, February 18, 2006 - 8:10 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mamapors a private message Print Post    
Resortgirl--I too have weepy eyes. I am sooo sorry. You and Michael have loved Smudge and given him a good home. Hold him tight tonight. He knows how much you care and love him. Be mad, be sad, be anything you need to be. I too held by last kitty all night when she too had kidney failure. She died in my arms. I cherish those last 12 hours we spent. I still miss her after 3 years. It took me a while, but now I have two kitties that have my heart.

My prayers and hugs are being sent you way.

Seamonkey
Moderator

09-07-2000

Saturday, February 18, 2006 - 8:24 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Seamonkey a private message Print Post    
RG, I know how you feel, so hurt and angry and just so much pain, but some bold wee kitty may find the right time, in the future, and you'll not be given a choice. I know. Smudge has this huge place in your heart and I'm betting that some day, a day you cannot even imagine right now, Smudge will pick some little creature who will open up that space once again.

For now, though.. I wish I could be there to just give you a hug (preferably surrounded by cozy chic) and I couldn't make it one bit better but I'd try.

Mameblanche
Member

08-24-2002

Saturday, February 18, 2006 - 9:13 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mameblanche a private message Print Post    
With tears dripping onto my lap, I'm typing this message to you, RG... I KNOW the pain. I GET it. I've been there. And there is no getting around the pain right now. You 3 have to walk through the 'fire' together. But at least the little guy, is not alone. He is with his mommy and daddy who love him to pieces. And although I agree he's way too young, evidently his time has come and he's where he needs to be. In your loving arms.

And although its probably way to soon to mention this, I do believe that you and Michael will find yourself 'adopted' once again, when the time is right.

Native_texan
Member

08-24-2004

Saturday, February 18, 2006 - 9:53 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Native_texan a private message Print Post    
RG, I'm so sorry about Smudge. Just before I started reading about him, I had admonished Miss Dolly for behaving in a very unladylike fashion by passing gas practically in my face while she was sitting between me and my monitor watching the cursor move around. Now I'm telling her how much I love her and am about to go find Sarabelle (whose sole purpose in life now is sitting in my bedroom window teasing my canine boys in the backyard) and tell her too.

My thoughts and prayers are with all three of you.

Skootz
Member

07-23-2003

Sunday, February 19, 2006 - 4:05 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Skootz a private message Print Post    
I too have tears in my eyes remembering my beloved Wolfe. I had him since a kitten and he was a special cat that I got shortly after the tragic death of my cousin. I found out when I got that kitten, that he was born on the date my cousin was killed.

At one point, my cat must of gotten into something that he got so sick and the meds from the vet made him worse. I had to make the decision to have him put down. The last night he slept with me and in the morning his head seemed to perk. He was within an couple of hours from his final destiny, and decided it was time to get better. We took him to the vet and found out that his body was fighting the medications.

Years later, I still had this cat. When dh and I got married he moved into the house with us. I knew the year before Lisa was born that it would be his last year. He was getting old, doing things where he shouldn't be etc. and it was getting his time. He was moved to the barn with the other cats and finally started to get along with them and enjoy himself when he got sick. I spent what seemed like hours with him in his box. On his last day, I went to see him, sat beside him while he laid down. He again perked up a bit for me like he really knew I was there. I spoke to him like a real person, stroked his head and told him it was time to go and not worry about me that I would be here. A few moments later, he raised his head, looked at me, he let out a meow as it to say good bye and thanks, laid down his head and passed on. Just as this happened, dh and kids came into the barn, almost on cue. There were there for me when I needed them and were able to say Good bye to Wolfe with me. It was November 11, 2001. A day I will never forget.

I never thought I would ever be able to face this day, I did and know that Wolfe is in a better place now and at peace. Even though it is over 4 years ago, everytime I catch a glimpse of picture of him, I smile, remember him and all the silly personality quirks that he had and happy I was able to have such a wonderful companion for so many years. It does get better a bit by a bit.

I know this is not what you want to hear, but I just want you to share my experience with the death of a beloved cat to know that it will get easier down the road and NO ONE can erase all the memories that you have.

Hold him tight (well not too tight), enjoy your time with him over the next day or so, remember all the silly, funny & quirky things he did; talk to him and know that I am only an aim or phone call away (my cell number is on the answering machine with same 519 area code)

love ya

(((((((((((((((~RG~ and family))))))))))))

Resortgirl
Member

09-23-2000

Sunday, February 19, 2006 - 5:43 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Resortgirl a private message Print Post    
Thank you guys~ We stayed on the couch with him last night, taking turns cuddling with him. He's such a good boy.. spent 1/2 an hour cleaning himself even though he can barely walk. He got up twice to go potty too. His purr isn't working anymore... that makes me so sad. I hope I hear it one more time. We got up a bit ago and gave him some water with a dropper. He looks at his water bowl, but just doesn't drink. I also heated up some canned food (I read that their sense of smell is diminished so warming it makes it more smellable) and he licked a teeny bit off of my finger. Some got on his fur, and being the clean boy he is he licked that off too. I was thinking of covering him with cat food, but that probably would make him mad at me. He really doesn't seem to be in any pain at all, other then being so tipsy on his feet... maybe the bazillion tear filled prayers I said worked. Probably not though

Thank you to all of you who have taken the time to write memories of your own little ones. My husband may ban me from the computer because every time I read in here there is a new round of tears. But tears aren't all bad I guess.

I have to head over to the My Story thread to express some other feelings I'm having. Thanks for listening.

P.S. Please say a prayer for my son Jordan too. He is very shook up by this. He is a very sensitive young man, but doesn't often show his emotions. He's come upon me crying several times the last couple of days and puts his arms around me and tells me it will be ok...

Jbean
Member

01-05-2002

Sunday, February 19, 2006 - 6:19 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Jbean a private message Print Post    
oh RG, i am just now reading (and crying) about what's going on with smudge. i'm so sorry for what's happening to him. i, too, have never had to deal with losing a pet that is truly my own. my kitty is the same age as smudge. she will be 6 on march 3. that is way too young! i can't even begin to imagine what they day will be like when i lose her, or miss lola for that matter.

i will keep you and your family, including dear smudge in my prayers.


Prisonerno6
Member

08-31-2002

Sunday, February 19, 2006 - 6:46 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Prisonerno6 a private message Print Post    
{{{{{RG and Jordan and Smudge}}}}}

It's so hard to let them go.

Hukdonreality
Member

09-29-2003

Sunday, February 19, 2006 - 6:51 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Hukdonreality a private message Print Post    
RG, I too, was moved to tears to read about your sorrows. I have never shed tears simply by reading posts before, but yours touched me so deeply.

I lost my kitty, Katie Scarlett O'Hara, at age 16 from kidney failure about 2 1/2 years ago and I know how difficult this is for you. I am only now looking again for a new kitty, and none of them quite measure up to my Katie girl. I know that one day a new kitty will choose me again, as I know one will choose you.

Although I do not know you personally, I want to tell you that I am rooting for you to stay strong and resist any self-destructive behaviors. Remember that the struggle is to get through only a day or an hour at a time. Use your family and friends as much as you need to...they love you more than any bottle does. Always, be strong and be brave. You are worth it! (((RG)))

Resortgirl
Member

09-23-2000

Sunday, February 19, 2006 - 7:39 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Resortgirl a private message Print Post    
I won't falter... it was a fleeting thought. I'm in denial right now I guess. I called the vet to tell him about Smudge this morning, that he ate a little, went potty, and drank a little. I also made him some homemade chicken broth (the canned stuff has onion and that's bad) and gave him about 4 droppers full. His eyelids (the extra one that cats have) has receded a bit this morning, normally all good signs... the vet said to bring him in this morning for an IV. I know I'm am probably hoping for something that can't happen, but I have no choice. The reason these feelings are all so unfamiliar is that I have always tried to keep from being sentimental. I don't save cards, or put much value on "things", and withhold a tiny bit of myself from most people because I'm always afraid of being left, or hurt. I've always loved Smudge, but thought I was holding back enough in order not to get hurt if he left us for whatever reason. I guess I didn't do a very good job, because this pain is something I could have never imagined.

Biloxibelle
Member

12-21-2001

Sunday, February 19, 2006 - 7:46 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Biloxibelle a private message Print Post    
{RG, Michael, Jordan & Smudge}

RG, Smudge has brought such a wondeful gift to your family. Thank you for sharing his story with us.

We lost our Silver to kidney failure less then a year ago. He lived the last 2 years of his life out of my house with my son. I thought I wouldn't be so effected by his death. I was wrong. They have a way of getting into your heart no matter what.

There is nothing wrong with holding out hope. I'm going to hold onto that hope with you .

Goddessatlaw
Member

07-19-2002

Sunday, February 19, 2006 - 7:53 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Goddessatlaw a private message Print Post    
I'm sorry about your sweet baby Smudge, Resort. You're not wrong to hope, I think Smudge will do everything he can to stay with you, but I'm also sure you will do what's best for him overall. It hurts like hell, though, I still think of Julio the Mexican Humiliator every day and it's been 18 months now. You're so lucky that Smudge picked you.

Resortgirl
Member

09-23-2000

Sunday, February 19, 2006 - 7:57 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Resortgirl a private message Print Post    
Thank you Gal and biloxi. We are leaving now to take him to the vet. Please pray for a miracle.

Hukdonreality
Member

09-29-2003

Sunday, February 19, 2006 - 8:32 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Hukdonreality a private message Print Post    
((We're all thinking of you RG)). Give Smudge a hug from his TVCH pals, too.

Grannyg
Member

05-28-2002

Sunday, February 19, 2006 - 9:02 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Grannyg a private message Print Post    
RG, I'm just now reading all of this. Oh my, I had no idea. I'm praying that the vet will give him his IV and he'll perk up a little bit. Just so you can hear him purr one more time. Just remember that he loves you unconditionally and he loves just being with you.

granny goes to find sam and cry her tears

Resortgirl
Member

09-23-2000

Sunday, February 19, 2006 - 9:11 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Resortgirl a private message Print Post    
We're back. Equipped with two days of IV fluids and a lesson in administering them. I had just told someone a few days ago that I'm glad that God has people in mind for the medical field, because it's NOT me! Funny how when someone you love is sick you will find the strength somewhere inside to rise to the challenge. I don't know if the vet is letting us do this so that we feel we are doing everything humanely possible, or because there is a real chance for a turnaround. For today, I'm going to think it's the latter. Thank you Granny and Hukdon!