Author Topic: Saying Goodbye to a Feline Friend (Read 6177 times)

David_CA · « **on:** September 24, 2008, 09:27:28 pm »

A week ago today, hubby and I had to say our final goodbyes to Maggie, one of our cats. She was small and feisty and took no shit from other cats. I don't think I've ever seen one that could be as fierce as she often was. She had always been a bit standoffish, as many cats are, but was often very affectionate.

It was just a matter of a few days from when we noticed the lump in her mammary area, saw the x-ray of the 'mass' between her lungs, and got the diagnosis of cancer and some sort of lymphoma that she started to fade quickly. It got to the point that she had no strength in her rear legs to even stand up. On Tuesday, it was obvious what we had to do.

It's one thing to take a sick animal to the vet to be healed but to find out there is nothing that can be done. It's entirely another to take an animal to the vet with the intention of euthanizing it. This is something I haven't had to do in eleven years. We were there with her 'til the end. It's kind of funny... they administer a sedative prior to the second injection. She just relaxed and purred; that cat felt no pain and was high as hell! I know she had a decent life (she was just a kitten when I got her) and had never been sick, but it sucked seeing her fade so quickly at the end

I know those who aren't animal lovers will likely not understand what it's like to have to do this. Out of habit, I still catch myself looking for her seeing me off to work in the morning and greeting me when I got home after work. It amazes me how attached one can get to pets. Anyway, here are a couple of pics I took Wednesday right before we took her to the vet.

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prayerblue · « **Reply #1 on:** September 24, 2008, 09:31:36 pm »

Truly, truly sorry for your loss... she was a pretty kitty and she isn't suffering now...

bocker3 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 24, 2008, 10:23:09 pm »

David,

I'm sorry for your loss. I know what you are going through -- I had to do the same to one our cats a few years back. They do become part of the family and leave a hole.

Maggie definitely was a cutie -- she looks like a smaller version of our current cat -- Charlie.

Hugs,
Mike

AlanBama · « **Reply #3 on:** September 24, 2008, 10:26:13 pm »

Oh David, I am so sorry about little Maggie. I commend you for doing the right thing in having her put down though; I know how tough it is. I did not have the emotional strength to do it when my schnauzer was dying, and she died in a vet's office, rather than in my arms where she belonged.

I know she will be missed by both of you.....

hugs, Alan

RIP Maggie

fearless · « **Reply #4 on:** September 24, 2008, 10:44:57 pm »

vale Maggie. sorry for your loss guys.

she's the spitting image of my Serena.

komnaes · « **Reply #5 on:** September 24, 2008, 10:45:12 pm »

The last time I had to do it I promised myself not to have another pet again.. it was 8 years ago and I am still not able to bring another cat into the family, so I can definitely relate to it David.

I am so sorry about Maggie, sending you and hubby some good vibes.

Hugs, Shaun

Jeff G · « **Reply #6 on:** September 24, 2008, 10:59:13 pm »

I'm sorry to hear about Maggie David .

I try every day to give my dog Zita the best life a dog can have . I feel she has earned every bit of it for all the love and comfort she has given me .

prayerblue · « **Reply #7 on:** September 24, 2008, 11:04:24 pm »

sorry to post and no intent to hijack, but does having a pet make things easier to deal with? jg's comment about the comfort, and david's comment about the pretty kitty seeing him off and being affectionate...

BT65 · « **Reply #8 on:** September 24, 2008, 11:05:36 pm »

David, I'm so sorry for your loss. I've had to make the decision to have a couple cats put to sleep in the distant past, and know the hurt and hole that can cause.

I have a kitty now that greets me when I get home from school and I can't imagine having to make that decision now.

Maggie was a gorgeous cat and looks spunky. She suffers no more. RIP Maggie.
Luv,
Betty

Longislander · « **Reply #9 on:** September 25, 2008, 01:08:50 am »

Sorry about Maggie, David.

HopeandCope · « **Reply #10 on:** September 25, 2008, 02:03:14 am »

Maggie is now playing catching butterflies and sunning her self in a beautiful place. I am so sorry for your loss. May the good times she gave you give you peace now.

Jude

anniebc · « **Reply #11 on:** September 25, 2008, 02:11:41 am »

{{{{HUGS}}}}

It's never easy saying goodbye to our beloved pets... they rely on us to do the right thing for them...you did the right thing.

More hugs
Jan

lucas clay · « **Reply #12 on:** September 25, 2008, 04:12:20 am »

Sorry about Maggie buddy.
Ill say it again "there not animals, there family members"
Taking one to the vet is a very hard thing to do.

Lucas

randym431 · « **Reply #13 on:** September 25, 2008, 05:07:20 am »

So sorry about your loss. Its really hard. Pets can be your best friend after a bad day,
or when you need a lift. Just remember the good times, and that you were loved
as much as you loved.

David_CA · « **Reply #14 on:** September 25, 2008, 08:38:24 am »

Guys & gals, thanks for the words. As to her chasing butterflies now, knowing Maggie, she's more likely to be catching (big) birds and chasing other cats out of 'her' front yard and only then lounging in the sun! When she wasn't doing guard duty in the yard, she would often be on the roof (when it wasn't hot), high in a tree, or just chillin' on a post. I've never seen another animal, besides a squirrel or bird, be comfortable sitting on top of a 4X4 post. Inside, her favorite spot was above the kitchen wall cabinets way up high. She was an odd one, but I guess they all are. They really are more like family members / non-judgmental friends than just animals.

David

(edited to correct damned typos)

bear60 · « **Reply #15 on:** September 25, 2008, 08:46:27 am »

Hi David....
Having pets is a wonderful experience....losing them is like losing a friend.
Joel

Cliff · « **Reply #16 on:** September 25, 2008, 09:01:59 am »

Hey D&D,

Sorry for your loss.

Cliff

woodshere · « **Reply #17 on:** September 25, 2008, 09:09:10 am »

David, So sorry about your loss. The bonds between people and their pets are amazing, making lossing one very difficult. My thoughts are with you both,
Woods

Basquo · « **Reply #18 on:** September 25, 2008, 09:22:55 am »

She was beautiful! I'm sorry you had to let her go, but she's no longer in pain. My condolences to you both, and to the cats whose asses she kicked.

Alain · « **Reply #19 on:** September 25, 2008, 09:29:48 am »

David,

Sorry about dear Maggie, but you guys did the right thing, no matter how hard it is.

Take care and be well, Alain

GSOgymrat · « **Reply #20 on:** September 25, 2008, 10:11:31 am »

Very sorry about Maggie. It is so difficult to lose a pet.

RAB · « **Reply #21 on:** September 25, 2008, 10:47:25 am »

D & D:

((((HUGS))))

Sorry guys for your loss. We've had to put 3 down over the years, it's the hardest thing, even when you know it's the right thing.

RIP Maggie.

RAB

leatherman · « **Reply #22 on:** September 25, 2008, 11:06:34 am »

having had to make that decision for the 8 cockers that I've lost since my first partner passed away (we owned a pet store and bred cocker spaniels. Now I'm down to only 3 left out of 11 that I've had from this line over the last 20 yrs. The 3 boyz I have now are the great-grandkids of my very first spaniel), I can only offer my condolences. Making that decision is never easy, even when you're sure it's the right decision. I've very sorry that it had to come to you to make this decision and I've very sorry for your loss.

Though their lives are much shorter than ours, I'm firmly convinced that the years of love, companionship and playfulness from a pet are worth so much more than any of the sorrow from their passing. Mourn for Maggie now; but keep those good memories of her in your mind, and you'll find she's still there with you, in your heart.

hugs,
mikie

PeteNYNJ · « **Reply #23 on:** September 25, 2008, 11:14:28 am »

David

Sorry to hear about your cat, but you did the right thing. I wish I could go the same way when my time comes - high as hell and in no pain

I remember having to put my dog to sleep when I was in high school. It was so sad. My mother still gets chocked up when we talk about Liberty.

Pete

Texan38 · « **Reply #24 on:** September 25, 2008, 01:16:02 pm »

I'm so terribly sorry about Maggie. <<Texas size hug>>

Florida69 · « **Reply #25 on:** September 26, 2008, 09:50:15 am »

I am so sorry for your loss. June of 2007, I lost my creepers last year, I had for over 20 years and he was grown when I got him, he was my first and only cat. I understand what you mean, creeps had his last stroke on the way to the vet when I was going to put him down. He did not recover, so I did not have to make that call. It sucks loosing an animal. The guy that I have been dating went out the next month and adopted me 3 cats, I had to take one back due to personality issues, and ended up taking on a stray in May of this year. I love my new cats, but would trade them in for my creeps. Now I feel like the cat lady... D

David_CA · « **Reply #26 on:** September 26, 2008, 10:13:20 am »

Quote from: Florida69 on September 26, 2008, 09:50:15 am

Now I feel like the cat lady... D

Yeah, same here. We still have four cats. Maggie and her brother Sam were adopted from the shelter 11 years ago, but we also already had a cat, Bobbi, that was rescued from a trailer park. The redneck whose trailer she hung around was going to dump her (a small kitten) in the woods with lots of foxes. It was a particularly cold time in November... she wouldn't have lasted long. Then, my ex- took in a neglected long-haired female. She was named Mona after the character in Tales of the City.. that was 10 years ago. Finally, our neighbor had two cats. One, very slow, somewhat retarded but very sweet and overweight Sid, decided our house was more fun. She moved but he didn't want to go; that made number five. Fortunately, we have a pet door and no litter boxes! I know what you mean about feeling like the (crazy) cat lady!

David

denb45 · « **Reply #27 on:** September 26, 2008, 10:31:57 am »

I had to put down my Chow Chow back in 2004 ( she was 14 w/ cancer) david she's in a much better place now, and if she was purring as she was being put down, you can find some comfort in that, that was her way of saying THANKS FOR TAKING GOOD CARE OF ME

Buckmark · « **Reply #28 on:** September 26, 2008, 02:38:41 pm »

Quote from: David_NC on September 25, 2008, 08:38:24 am

They really are more like family members / non-judgmental friends than just animals.

I think this is why I feel so close to my dogs -- they are in some ways the ideal family members / friends: they are non-judgmental and love unconditionally.

David, I'm sorry to learn of Maggie's passing.

Hugs,

Henry

Ric Wilke · « **Reply #29 on:** September 26, 2008, 08:27:12 pm »

Dearest D & D,

We are so sorry to hear of your great loss. But just remember this, Maggie is waiting for you both on the Rainbow Bridge where she is playing with our dear Pippin and Raggs.

Please remember the happy times she had with you two wonderful Dads and how much she loved you.

Love and hugs to you both, Ric & Thom

Joe K · « **Reply #30 on:** September 26, 2008, 09:21:32 pm »

David, my deepest condolences on your loss. I have had animals all my life and each one occupies a special place in my heart.

J.R.E. · « **Reply #31 on:** September 27, 2008, 07:51:29 am »

David,

Sorry to hear about Maggy. It's tough to loose a pet.

Take care---Ray

cjc · « **Reply #32 on:** September 27, 2008, 09:38:43 pm »

David, sorry for your loss. I've only had to have on cat euthanized but it was very hard to watch him go. My condolences. Cristy

MOONLIGHT1114 · « **Reply #33 on:** September 27, 2008, 09:59:58 pm »

I echo Ric in saying that my Casie Beagle is welcoming Maggie at Rainbow Bridge as well. I'm so sorry for your loss.

http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm

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Author Topic: Saying Goodbye to a Feline Friend (Read 6177 times)