Archive through November 17, 2002
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TV ClubHouse: Archives: My 17 year old Cat is dying. I just need to vent.: Archive through November 17, 2002

Twiggyish

Tuesday, November 12, 2002 - 07:13 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I understand. My thoughts are with you. We had a similar situation with our dog about 7 years ago.

Cricket

Tuesday, November 12, 2002 - 09:43 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Ginger, I'm so sorry to hear about your heartbreak with your cat, Mitzi. I just went through the same thing with my beloved dog the end of September. We thought he had a blood disease and hoped for the best and then he quit eating again and the vet said it was cancer.

We didn't know what to do and he got progressively worse very quickly and soon the choice was taken out of our hands. He couldn't even get up to go to the bathroom. We had to let him go and it was the hardest day of my life. We did end up going into the room with him. I too never thought I could do it, but I did. It was very quick and peaceful.

I think if I had to go through this again, I might take Nimtu's advice and ask the vet to come to the house.

Like everyone says, these websites and your vet are the best advice. I was on the phone daily with my vet, so unsure what to do. You have at least thought it through and are going to get the ashes. I was so distraught, I couldn't even think straight and just kept saying no. So we are planting a tree and putting a plaque on it in memory of him. I hope you have someone to go with you, as this isn't something you should have to do alone.

My prayers and thoughts will be with you and Mitzi.

Take care.

Sia

Tuesday, November 12, 2002 - 10:12 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Oh, Ginger, I'm so sorry that your beloved Mitzi is so sick. I have a 17 1/2-year old cat, too, and the thought of losing her just destroys me. I don't have any advice to offer; I just know how much you love your kitty and that she knows it. Mitzi loves you, too, and appreciates all you've done to take care of her for so many years. Prayers and hugs for both of you.

Ginger1218

Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - 04:06 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I cannot even begin to tell you all, how much your support and hugs mean to me. It has helped me in so many ways. I am going to call the Vet today and plan on putting her down within the next week. I want to make this next week for her, her last heaven on earth.

Again, thank you all sooo much for everything, and please keep Mitzi in your prayers and thoughts for the coming week. It will be her last.

I started to come here because of Big Brother, but this site has become so much more. It is amazing to me that the people at TV Clubhouse are so warm and caring. It has been easier for me to talk it through here than it is for me to talk to the people who are close to me and around me every day.

You are a wonderful group of caring, loving, witty and bright people. I am glad to belong here.

Pagal

Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - 05:46 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Ginger,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Mitzi. Losing a beloved pet is so very hard, making the decision to put them down only harder. Everyone has shared such wonderful thoughts and sentiments - I would like to share a slighty different view.

I had 2 of my beloved cats, Sugar & Sam, pass away and will not let how they passed happen to my two other kitties, Max & Batboy.

Sugar was very ill and we knew the end was near - we woke up one morning to the most horrific wailing I have ever heard in my life. We found Sugar under our curio cabinet - she was obviously in pain and near death. We rushed her right to the vet but she died in my arms before we got there. The staff at my veternarian's office were very kind and let my husband & I stay with her a bit until I felt I could leave her.

My kitty Sam died several years after Sugar, and again, was in terrible agony when we realized his time was near. We were able to get him to the vet and have them put him down before it got too much worse. Again, the staff was wonderful and I sobbed and sobbed before being able to leave the hospital.

I'm sorry this is long - but what I wanted to convey is that having my cats in such agony and know that they were in pain was absolutely heartwrenching for me. I pray that my Max and Batboy will stay with me for a long, long time but, if they should become ill, I will not allow them become so ill that I must rush them in to be put down. I want them to die peacefully in my arms held close to my heart which is where they've been for so many years.

God bless you both.
Sandy

Earthmother

Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - 07:04 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I'm so sorry to hear about your cat. I had to have one of my animals euthanized a few years ago and it was the hardest thing I ever did. I found comfort in the fact that the vet put down a banket for her and I was able to sit on the floor with her and hold her while she received the injection. She was finally at peace and out of pain. The last face she saw was mine and she felt safe.

I know nothing I say can help you, but I know for me I did it for my baby not for me, she was in pain even though she never showed how much. She began to move slower and ate less, but I owed it to her before the pain became unbearable. My best to you and I hope you are able to make your decision with as little hurt as possible.

Conejo

Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - 07:33 am EditMoveDeleteIP
So sorry that you or any of us have to make such a decision. I had my 13 year old cat put to sleep about 2 years ago and it just about killed me. She had been sick for a few months and I agonized over when the right time would be. Then, one night she looked me in the eyes with a look of please put me out of my misery and I knew it was time. Took her to the Vet the next day and had her put to sleep. (now crying)

Also, I had a friend drive me to the Vet's office and this really helped as I was such a mess I could never have driven back home.

My prayers are with you.....

Misslibra

Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - 08:05 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Ginger so sorry to hear about your Cat.
(((Ginger)))

Curiouscat

Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - 01:49 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
{{{{{{Ginger}}}}}} After having a good cry I've built up enough strength to type. My heart goes out to you! Hold on to the happy memories of your fur baby and know that you are in my thoughts. This hits so close to home with my kitty, Coco, right now. I pray I will be as strong as you are when his time comes. {{{Hugs to you and your baby}}}

Moondance

Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - 02:17 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
{{{Ginger}}}

Ginger1218

Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - 04:17 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Well, I have made a decision. I am going to do it next week. I am going to spend the next week with her and give my sweet pussycat enough love to take with her. I have made an appointment and now just need to decide if I can be with her or not at the "moment".

I hope I can make it through the next week. I hope she can.

You have all helped me put this into perspective.
Again, thank you all soo much.

Hugs to you all.

Wargod

Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - 04:26 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Aw Ginger, I'm so sorry. We will be here anytime you feel you can't make it or anytime you want to talk.

{{{{{Ginger}}}}}

Rig

Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - 04:43 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Ginger, you are doing the kindhearted and unselfish thing by making the hard decision to have it done. If I may, I thank you on behalf of all people who love animals.

Jim

Pottedplant

Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - 05:00 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
(((Ginger & Mitzi))) you will know in your heart.

I hope this week brings more precious memories, that in time you can look back on & remember Mitzi with a smile. They say they wait for us at the Rainbow Bridge, & I would like to think I will meet a few there, from my past.

Theowl

Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - 05:15 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I think you are doing the right thing, Ginger. My biggest fear is that one of my "kids" will leave me without me being able to say good-bye, and give them a final kiss-kiss. I've never had to do it yet, and I'm scared to death that it will come about someday. Please be strong, and give Mitzi a big kiss for me.

Babyruth

Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - 05:41 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Ginger,
From what you've shared with us, it sounds to me like you have made the most kind and loving choice for dear Mitzi. You don't have to decide right now whether or not to be in the room when the doctor ends her suffering....wait until that day...and whatever you choose, it will be the right thing.
(((((((Ginger, Mitzi))))))))

Lucy

Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - 05:45 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
My heart goes out to you and Mitzi. Your baby knows that you love her and you are doing what is best for her.((((Ginger & Mitzi))))

Twinkie

Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - 11:05 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Ginger, I have agonized over coming to this thread because my precious boy (cat) was killed by a car 3 years ago and to this day just thinking about it, as I am now, has me sitting here crying my eyes out. I can't imagine having to make the decision you are having to make. Even tho I now have 2 precious little ones I will never forget my boy. Hubby and I both cry sometimes when we talk about him. Hubby found him and brought him home and I made him wrap him in something I had worn recently before he buried him in our backyard so that he would always be held by mommy. Needless to say we will never let our 2 cats be outdoor cats. So I can't know exactly what you are going thru but i certainly know the pain with losing your baby. My heart goes out to you. {{{Ginger and Mitzi}}}

Ginger1218

Thursday, November 14, 2002 - 11:34 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Twinkie, Mitzi has been an indoor cat since I got her 16 1/2 years ago. I have never let her out. I live in an apartment. Sometimes she used to run in the hallway to go visit neighbors. I don't even let her out on the wired terrace without me there. Not that I would have to worry, she has never done anything wrong. She is the perfect pussycat. She has made people who dislike cats, fall in love. She is very special. My first pet. My baby girl.

Twinkie

Thursday, November 14, 2002 - 12:05 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Ginger, I can only hope I go before my babies do. I don't think I could live with losing another one. Hold your baby lots this week.

Nimtu

Thursday, November 14, 2002 - 08:02 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Ginger, Just stopping in to let you know that I hope you are doing o.k. I'm still thinking of you and your Mitzi.

Cricket

Thursday, November 14, 2002 - 08:52 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Ginger, hoping you and Mitzi have a nice week together.

Serate

Thursday, November 14, 2002 - 10:19 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Making the decision to or not to is a hard one and very VERY easy for others to say "If it were my pet I'd do it no problem". You do what is best for you and Mitzi, and remember that Mizi will ALWAYS be with you in your heart, and she'll be in a better place, running and jumping and pouncing and purring will waiting for you to cross over the Rainbow Bridge.

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....

Author unknown...

http://rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm

Pottedplant

Sunday, November 17, 2002 - 11:39 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Ginger & Mitzi, just want you to know I am thinking about you.
And what a beautiful place the Rainbow Bridge is.

Webkitty

Sunday, November 17, 2002 - 12:44 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Ginger, I have been through this and know what you are facing.
There are no words that I can say that will turn back the hands of time for Mitzi. Only that you are doing what is best for her, as you always have. I can tell that you have given her a life full of love and comfort.

I chose to be with my baby at the end. The vet was kind and sensitive to the situation, and let me cuddle her as she purred and went to the rainbow bridge, it only took an instant, and it was peaceful. I didn't even realize she had crossed over.

I hope with all my heart that things go as smoothly as possible for you and sweet little Mitzi. God bless you both.