BS: Our cat died today

Subject: BS: Our cat died today
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 26 Sep 13 - 01:06 PM

I know it's small beer compared to what others here are going through, but it still hurt.

Dyan had been showing signs of an upset tum for a few days (sporadic, loose output) so we took him to the vet yesterday afternoon. Vet examined him and could feel a tumour in his bowel "about the size of a marble". Said the only way to find out exactly what it was, i.e. benign or otherwise, was to operate so he was kept in overnight and had the op this morning. Vet phoned at 9.10am to say it was cancer and that it had spread so much there was really no option but to euthanise and would I consent to that.

Sadly, I didn't have much choice.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: Elmore
Date: 26 Sep 13 - 01:15 PM

Sorry to hear this. We've been through similar experiences with our cats over the years, and it's never easy. Regards, Elmore.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: David C. Carter
Date: 26 Sep 13 - 01:28 PM

I hope he's resting in peace in moggy heaven.

Been through this too.

Take care.

David

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 26 Sep 13 - 01:41 PM

Sorry to read this, Pete. It's hard to lose your friends. Non-pet people sometimes don't get it. We've been through this with some of our cats. It's some comfort knowing you gave them a good home and they shared their lives with us.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: jacqui.c
Date: 26 Sep 13 - 03:14 PM

Having been through that one with a dog and cats I know how hard it can be. Leaves a big hole in your life.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 Sep 13 - 03:31 PM

(((PJ)))

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: GUEST,Ed T
Date: 26 Sep 13 - 03:31 PM

Sorry to hear it.

I know the feeling of such a loss - with me, it always leaves an empty place inside for awhile.

I found it healing to write down all the good things I remembered about my cats, that I could reflect on clearly in the future.

A new pet can eventually cover over some of the feeling of loss, but is never a direct replacement, of course..

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: fat B****rd
Date: 26 Sep 13 - 03:35 PM

Right with you there, Pete. Take care.
Charlie.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 26 Sep 13 - 03:57 PM

And me :-( Our poor Homer lost his fight against the big C a couple of years back. We were with him when they euthanised and it still brings a tear to my eye to think of it. My sincere commiserations.

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: GUEST,Leadbelly
Date: 26 Sep 13 - 04:40 PM

Dear Pete,

its always the same bad feeling when loosing a dear pet.
And it is very difficult to overcome the loss.

Two years ago, one of my cats has had a tumour next to his left ear in his head so I am aware of what you are feeling now.

I gave her a burial in my garden next to numerous other pets of mine.

Best wishes from a friend in mind!

Sorry for my english,

Manfred from Germany.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: Wesley S
Date: 26 Sep 13 - 04:42 PM

Yeah we lost Gypsy the Indoor Cat early this year. I still miss her. She was the only pet my wife and I had together. But we gave her a good home and she had a gear life.

Just a week ago we got ourselves a dog from a rescue service. Buster is a Chiweenie. Part dachshund and part chihuahua. Twelve pounds soaking wet and I assume he was abused. He loves my wife but cowers around me. I think he'll warm up to me eventually.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: Anne Lister
Date: 26 Sep 13 - 06:01 PM

So sorry, Pete - sending love and sympathy. We too know how it feels. They twine their way into your heart.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: Stringsinger
Date: 26 Sep 13 - 06:05 PM

I am a cat lover and I am so sorry Pete. We have nine cats and each one is precious to me.
I echo Anne's sentiments entirely.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 26 Sep 13 - 06:30 PM

Our beloved six-year-old moggie, Monty, died extremely suddenly in my arms last Wednesday. We were aware that he wasn't feeling too good only twenty minutes before he died. There was no warning and no time to get the vet. I'm a hard-nosed bastard in most respects but I simply can't tell you how devastated we are. At least he had me there with him. We've had cats, usually multiple, for the last 38 years (with just one six-month "sabbatical" in all that time), and we've loved and lost and I wouldn't have had it any other way. But I think we've had our last pussycat now.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: GUEST,Cats [cookieless]
Date: 26 Sep 13 - 06:33 PM

Hugest hugs to you and special purrs from my 4. It is heart wrenching. I know, I've been there xx

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 26 Sep 13 - 08:08 PM

My wife brought home a flea-bitten, watery-eyed kitten from a west London street market; she was staggering and far to young to be taken from her mother.
The shop-owner had taken pity on her because the old man who brought her in said he would drown her if he couldn't find a home for her.
We despaired of her surviving but she turned out a magnificent, self-possessed companion for over ten years of our lives.
Our friend, Walter Pardon, the Norfolk singer, stayed with us a few months after she arrived and immediately christened her 'The Contessa' partly because of her disdainful disregard for humanity and partly because his favourite book was 'Tess of the D'urbevilles' - the name 'Tess' stuck.
On the day we took her for her first shots at the local vets, a family (wife, husband and two children) went into the surgery before us with an extremely sick-looking moggie literally draped over the father's arm - they emerged five minutes later, minus the moggie - all helplessly in tears.
To our shame, we thought them ridiculous to be so emotional about "just an animal" and swore we'd never become so stupid.
Ten years later Tess became sick and we made an appointment with the vet - I was snowed under with work, so Pat took her in and agreed she would phone me at work to tell me what the diagnosis was - she had cancer and was in considerable pain, so Pat agreed she should immediately be put down.
I was working at comedian Jack Dee's house, and when Pat delivered the bad news I was in such a state that Mrs Dee had to sit me down and made me a strong cup of tea.
Been there too - I know how you must be feeling
Deepest sympathy
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: Bobert
Date: 26 Sep 13 - 08:26 PM

Bummer, Peter...

I loves all kitties and it makes me sad to hear about any of them dieing...

R.I.P., Dyan...

Sniff...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: Janie
Date: 26 Sep 13 - 08:38 PM

We call them "pets."

They really are beloved family members who happen to be of a different species from ourselves.

{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: ranger1
Date: 26 Sep 13 - 10:22 PM

So sorry. Bad enough when they go from old age, so much worse when we lose them too soon from illness or accident.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: My guru always said
Date: 27 Sep 13 - 03:57 AM

So sorry to hear this! Been there too and feel for everyone who's lost friend or family. Sounds like he didn't suffer, keep the good memories!

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: Jack Campin
Date: 27 Sep 13 - 06:17 AM

We've had cats, usually multiple, for the last 38 years (with just one six-month "sabbatical" in all that time), and we've loved and lost and I wouldn't have had it any other way. But I think we've had our last pussycat now.

They can stay with you to the end. Number 10 here:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/10/cat-best-investment_n_3876550.html

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: Becca72
Date: 27 Sep 13 - 07:43 AM

Like Steve, I came home one evening this Spring to find my 7-year-old Mikey (the world's greatest kitty) had passed while I was out for the day...absolutely no warning or indication that he was sick. 6 months later I still miss him horribly every day and get teary just thinking of him.
So very sorry, Pete. The loss is awful.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: GUEST,CS
Date: 27 Sep 13 - 08:58 AM

We've had numerous cats over the years, and as such we've lost many too. I find the best therapy for a loss, is to get another one, preferably an adopted unwanted adult who needs a good home; there are so many of them.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: Mr Happy
Date: 27 Sep 13 - 09:13 AM

I'm so sorry for your loss, cats can be very affectionate companions

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: GUEST,Lorgain Guest
Date: 27 Sep 13 - 10:18 AM

Guest CS he has the best idea.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 27 Sep 13 - 12:12 PM

Yes, it's heartbreaking isn't it. One correction: in my distracted state of mind I misspelled his name, it's Dylan (yep, after you-know-who).

We got him from a local rescue centre when he was about seven years old, back in January 2004. At the time he was called Bramble, which seemed a bit off given that he was a big bruiser of a cat (19lbs and no fat – he was just big). He was black with white chin, tum and feet.
Apparently his first years had been spent on a travelling canal boat and he used to go AWOL often so his owners eventually got fed up with him.

When we chose him, he was sitting upright on a worktop away from the other cats in the room and he never took his eyes off me from the time we walked in to when we left. We took to him straight away.
When we brought him home he walked all round the house, downstairs and upstairs, purring like mad, and he settled in immediately. He loved lying on the settee with us although he was never that affectionate, which we put that down to his previous existence (during which he had developed a curious fear of kitchen tin foil).

Better day today for both me and Judi, but a little early to be thinking about another cat. We're lucky in that the house isn't empty because we have Timmy the tortoise (who's been out in the sunshine today) and Bobby the German Shepherd. Bobby's another big bruiser, weighing in at some 90lbs, but like Dylan he's a gentle giant – he even got pushed into the canal by a smaller female Shepherd on Wednesday morning!

Thanks for all your kind thoughts, it's much appreciated.

Pete and Judi.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 27 Sep 13 - 12:46 PM

So sorry Pete. It's absolutely heartbreaking, I've cried buckets over the years when losing an adored cat. But knowing they've been much-loved and had a kind, caring home is a great consolation. A big hug from Norfolk... Eliza X

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 27 Sep 13 - 03:12 PM

Oh, no. I'm sorry, too, Pete, and also sorry that I must have missed this thread yesterday.

I used to be allergic to cats though I loved them but couldn't own them unless they were outdoor stray (not feral) cats. I lived in a rural area and they lived in our barn. I kept my contact with them brief, putting out food and water and occasionally giving them brief strokes, then immediately washing my hands. Then a woman friend had several. I took antihistamines before visiting her, but when my visits went longer than the meds lasted I would stay as long as I could bear it. Eventually I got over the allergy! Even when I was still allergic, it hurt when those barn cats died. I can't imagine how sad it is too lose a cat that has been a close companion.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: ragdall
Date: 28 Sep 13 - 03:22 AM

Pete and Judi,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Its amazing how a small creature, (although big bruiser for a cat), can leave such a large emptiness behind, isn't it?

I'm sure that you made Dylan's time with you very comfortable and happy and when the sadness lessens there will be many happy memories of Dylan that the two of you can share.

Big hugs,
    rags

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: GUEST,Brian Peters
Date: 28 Sep 13 - 04:12 AM

What a lovely thread. I've loved and lost some dear companions of the feline variety and sympathize completely with Pete. I hope the comments have been a comfort.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: Peter the Squeezer
Date: 28 Sep 13 - 04:16 PM

So sorry to hear this.

From Socks and her Human slaves.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 29 Sep 13 - 03:48 AM

A drift away from the subject, but talk of the loss of a loved one always brings to mind an incident which happened when I took on a large (for me) electrical job when I lived in London.
I had contracted to re-wire and re-design the electrical installation of a large, empty, gloomy Norman Bates-ish type early Victorian house in Catford, a job which involved my working in semi-darkness for a considerable amount of time.
I had driven into the town centre with the owner to purchase light fittings and when we parked, she spotted the previous owner, an elderly lady who had occupied the house with her son for may years - it was the family home.
My customer was away for a while and when she returned she appeared somewhat flustered.
On enquiring how the son was, she received the reply, "He's in the car, would you like to say hello?".
They went off to the car, only to find it empty of occupants other than a funerary urn on the passenger seat.
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 29 Sep 13 - 08:54 AM

Spooky, Jim!

We were offered Dylan's ashes, but declined. Like people here have said, we'll treasure his memories. Here's one we often laugh about: when we got Dylan we had a siamese chocolate point called Brownie (we had also had his brother, McGee...). Anyway, Brownie used to taunt Dylan, nothing serious but probably annoying. One day Dylan had had enough and gave Brownie a right-paw jab on the nose, just like a proper boxer. Boff! Sorted Brownie out good and proper: he knew his place after that.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 29 Sep 13 - 10:09 AM

They leave you with good memories, don't they?
We used to dog-sit a bachelor workmate's pooch until we got Tess and had to stop because they just didn't get on.
Both were great companions and we missed Russell's company (silly name - long story).
In an emergency we relented and took him for a week-end.
Both avoided each other studiously until Saturday night when a spectacular thunderstorm erupted outside.
I was sitting at the kitchen table; Tess landed on my shoulder from across the room and Russell on my knee - they squatted, shivering with fear, their noses literally inches apart, staring hostilely at each other.
Good days, if somewhat confusing sometimes
Jim

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: GUEST,CS
Date: 29 Sep 13 - 12:06 PM

We buried all our cat's in the garden of my mothers house. They were laid underneath an ornamental currant bush. As the years went on each time a new cat was buried there, there was the increasingly uncertain feeling about possibly digging up a pre-existing occupant! Never happened thankfully, but it did become a bit of a running joke!

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: Charmion
Date: 29 Sep 13 - 08:31 PM

We have a feline columbarium in the bottom shelf of a bookcase in the study -- the ashes of four cats, all in tiny urns, waiting for us to move to a place with a bit of garden. Or perhaps waiting for me to pop my clogs; I told Edmund to put the cats' ashes in with me if I should go before he does.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: ranger1
Date: 29 Sep 13 - 09:54 PM

In the loft, lined up in front of the window, are the little urns containing Clancy the Wonderdog and Caitlin the World's Most Clumsy and Stupid Cat. In life, Caitlin would never have been allowed in the loft, as she would have fallen out and onto her head on the tile eight feet below. And Clancy would have never gotten that close to her - all the dogs were terrified of her.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 30 Sep 13 - 05:55 AM

Years ago we had two Siamese Red Points, brothers, called Scampi and Chips. They used to go across the road and miaow at the neighbour's dog, who would then chase them back across the road to our side fence. Cats would be up and over the fence. Dog would crash into it. Every time. I swear they did it for a laugh.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: GUEST,Charmion's brother Andrew
Date: 30 Sep 13 - 08:34 AM

Nine years ago, our lurcher's medication made her kidneys fail and, consequently, killed her. Her ashes rest in a box in our secretary desk. Once I get the go-ahead from my wife, I intend to scatter them around the base of a huge white pine in Ottawa's Greenbelt, likely one that was a sapling when the area was logged over. Until that time, she will have to wait to be one with nature.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: Mrrzy
Date: 10 Nov 14 - 12:21 PM

I had a feeling there would be a thread on this already.

Our beloved family calico of only 11 years died this morning, in the arms of one of the twins on whom she's been sleeping and whom she had awakened having some kind of fit.

We are going to bury her in her favorite hole, a low spot in the garden from which she liked to pounce at people on the walkway to the door, when the other twin gets home from school.

He doesn't know yet. The other cat hasn't shown any signs of getting it. We other 2 are very sad.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: gnu
Date: 10 Nov 14 - 12:36 PM

My condolences. The choice of where to bury her shows the love and sorrow. Makes me eyes water.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: LilyFestre
Date: 10 Nov 14 - 12:36 PM

:( I'm so sorry for your loss. Our 4 legged babies sure leave a big hole when they go.

XOXOXO

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: Elmore
Date: 10 Nov 14 - 01:17 PM

Sorry about your cat. It's always sad, like losing a family member.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: fat B****rd
Date: 10 Nov 14 - 01:54 PM

What Elmore said.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: Anne Lister
Date: 10 Nov 14 - 05:57 PM

So sorry, Mrzzy ...and it IS losing a family member, when all's said and done. Our cats are very definitely part of our family and we are theirs. Sending love to all.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: GUEST,Mrr
Date: 10 Nov 14 - 05:58 PM

Thanks, Tabster, and everyone.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: GUEST,Mrr
Date: 10 Nov 14 - 06:31 PM

And we will play And The Mouse P'Lice Never Sleeps.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: Ed T
Date: 10 Nov 14 - 07:34 PM

A few years back, my fairly young cat died with complications related to diabetes. I did not think it would hit me so hard-it lasted a couple of weeks to get over it. An adopted rescue cat helped to fill the void.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 10 Nov 14 - 08:51 PM

Oh, Mrrzy, I'm so sorry. I know it's hard to lose an animal that has been part of your family. Love and hugs.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 10 Nov 14 - 10:07 PM

sending hugs

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: JennieG
Date: 11 Nov 14 - 12:03 AM

It is hard to lose an animal. Earlier this year our Binky crossed the rainbow bridge at the ripe old age of 17, she had lived with us since she was 8 weeks old so her passing left a huge hole. We still have Bianca The Beautiful (but slightly brainless) White Cat though.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: Ebbie
Date: 11 Nov 14 - 02:04 AM

In my opinion no other animal can take the place of the one we have loved and lost. However, the loss frees up a space and then the 'new' one makes its own place.

After I lost the last one I thought that perhaps I didn't need another, I really hated the thought of ever going through such grief again. I must not have been serious though, because I found myself checking the local Humane Society offerings online daily and
"accidentally' stopping in from time to time. Within a month I had my new dog; I love him dearly.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 11 Nov 14 - 09:47 AM

It's never easy. And grief at the loss of a furry friend is just as legitimate as grief at the loss of a human.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: ranger1
Date: 11 Nov 14 - 09:52 AM

So sorry for your loss, Mrrzy. For such small creatures, they sure do leave big holes.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: Mrrzy
Date: 11 Nov 14 - 11:28 AM

Funeral music: THe Mouse Police Never Sleeps (Jethro Tull); The Small Black Cat (our very own Anne Lister); Burial (Peter Tosh); and Kitty Come Home (Kate & Anna McGarrigle). Just about 15 mn.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: Anne Lister
Date: 11 Nov 14 - 04:38 PM

I'm so pleased you used my song! There is another song now, yet to be recorded, about the death of much loved pet. I can actually sing it without tears now, but I felt there should be something specific about something so important. It's called "Summerlands".

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: GUEST,LynnH
Date: 12 Nov 14 - 04:45 AM

Back in 2012 a local animal refuge was looking for someone to give a 'problem' cat a home/'hospice' for his remaining time. The problems? FIV and diabetes- and it had turned out that he was resistant to insulin. The animal clinic had sent him back to the refuge with the recommendation 'put to sleep', which the refuge hadn't the heart to do since he was so lively, friendly and alert. When I took him on he'd been off insulin for a couple of months and although the staff at the refuge wouldn't/couldn't commit themselves, with hindsight it was clear that they reckoned he'd got 6 months, at best a year, left and, since they were supplying his diat food, they'd budgeted accordingly................

Two and a half years later, end June 2014 and ca.13 years old,, the rising blood sugar levels had started switching off various vital functions in his brain so it was time for that last, one-way trip to the vet. Nobody had thought that he'd hold on for so long (OK, I took it on a day to day basis) and yes, even though I've since collected another cat, I miss him. Then again, over the years I've had 4 cats and they are all (OK #4 is very much alive!) missed in some way since they're all individuals with their own catsonalities.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: GUEST,Mrr
Date: 12 Nov 14 - 07:34 PM

Catalities. Great word.

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: Leadfingers
Date: 12 Nov 14 - 07:46 PM

Best I can offer is Sympathy , and an MP3 of 'The Body in the Bag' - Starts "Our Old Tom Cat Died Last Night"

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 13 Nov 14 - 12:04 PM

Condolences, Mrrzy, we all know how you feel.

Pete

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Nov 14 - 05:52 PM

Susan, Pineapple and myself were saddened to hear of your loss. We lost Astra about a month ago. Susan and I are dealing with it pretty well; but Pineapple is still at a loss. Perhaps this will help a little:

The Body in the Bag

BODY IN THE BAG DT

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: bbc
Date: 14 Nov 14 - 11:58 AM

Very sorry for your loss!

Barbara

Subject: RE: BS: Our cat died today
From: olddude
Date: 14 Nov 14 - 11:59 AM

I don't know how I missed this thread I am so sorry I know how you feel it hurts