BS: Another animal companion departs

Subject: BS: Another animal companion departs
From: freightdawg
Date: 23 May 04 - 12:57 PM

So many recent threads have mentioned the passing of an animal companion. I have responded to a couple of them, and mentioned the impending loss of our "first adopted." Well, Thursday p.m. it finally happened, me and the Mrs. Freightdawg had to have our kitty put to sleep.

We had been married just six months when we gave shelter to his mother, a very pregnant silver tabby. We watched him come into this world, protected him and his litter mates and then, when he was not even completely weaned, got permission from his less interested "owners" to adopt him. We had to feed him with a eye dropper for the first few days, until he could lap milk and eat some solid food.

He was just a little past a month older than 19 years when the end came. We were all together when the doctor administered the drugs. We were able to complete the circle with him - birth through life and through the portal into death.

We could never have children, so for 19 years he was the one solid constant in our lives. We've moved repeatedly, changed jobs and even careers, even came precariously close to divorce, but that little silver tabby was always by our side.

We have two others, a long haired tortoise-shell and a short haired tortoise shell/tabby cross. They are wonderful companions, and a bridge to the future. We will probably adopt others after a suitable time to grieve. The only thing keeping Mrs. Freightdawg from having as many cats as she wants are city zoning ordinances.

One of these days, when the old 'Dawg gets around to posting some pictures in the pictures section, little Half-Pint will be there too.

To those who have also lost companions recently, our thoughts continue to be with you. It truly is amazing how deeply they touch our lives.

Freightdawg

Subject: RE: BS: Another animal companion departs
From: Bobert
Date: 23 May 04 - 01:28 PM

Sniff...

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: Another animal companion departs
From: Ebbie
Date: 23 May 04 - 01:43 PM

{{{{{Hugs}}}}}

Subject: RE: BS: Another animal companion departs
From: SINSULL
Date: 23 May 04 - 02:08 PM

So sorry. I have a three year old kitten who was born in my closet. I understand the ties.

Subject: RE: BS: Another animal companion departs
From: Peace
Date: 23 May 04 - 03:45 PM

Wow. Bless you guys.

Bruce M

Subject: RE: BS: Another animal companion departs
From: Mudlark
Date: 23 May 04 - 04:40 PM

Very sorry to hear of the passing of this great companion. I know that no matter how long they live, our (other) animal companions don't last long enough, but I'm truly grateful for every moment of this wonderful cross-species connection. I'm glad you have two more kitties in the household to help you through the pain of losing Half-Pint.

Subject: RE: BS: Another animal companion departs
From: GUEST,MAG at library lab
Date: 23 May 04 - 04:44 PM

thank you for posting. Last Monday I had to have my Mama Cat put down. she was blind and ailing; hiding in new places constantly instead of begging for lap time. I took her in as a pregnant stray 17 years ago. I still have one from the litter, who misses her too.

Subject: RE: BS: Another animal companion departs
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 23 May 04 - 05:19 PM

You know it's coming, but that doesn't make it any easier, and it didn't for us two weeks ago with our Tilly, who was 16. Thanks to freightdawg, and MAG, as well for posting.

They come into your life almost without you realising it sometimes.

I like that phrase "a bridge to the future".

Subject: RE: BS: Another animal companion departs
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 23 May 04 - 05:42 PM

Hugs to you and Mrs. Freightdawg- you've had a lot of love to share, and your little friend will be missed.

Allison

Subject: RE: BS: Another animal companion departs
From: Gypsy
Date: 23 May 04 - 08:26 PM

My heart goes out to all...........being childfree, our dogs are in the center of our lives. Many hugs and prayers your way.

Subject: RE: BS: Another animal companion departs
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 May 04 - 01:06 AM

So sorry to hear of your losses, Mr. & Mrs. Freightdawg, MAG, and Kevin. The longest-lived one we had was 17 and none have ever matched her, but they all endear themselves with their own sense of style/love/personality. They are incredible and we miss them so when they have gone.

{{{{{{HUGS to ALL}}}}}}}

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Another animal companion departs
From: Lin in Kansas
Date: 24 May 04 - 02:45 AM

Shortly after moving to Kansas, my 10-year-old cat Bandit became ill with leukemia and I had to have him put him to sleep, as he was in pain all the time. I had Bandit longer than I had my first husband, and the cat was a far better companion and conversationalist. I still miss my kitty, 6 years later and even with three others to ease the hurt.

Lin

Subject: RE: BS: Another animal companion departs
From: freightdawg
Date: 24 May 04 - 10:38 PM

Thanks to all. McGrath was so absolutely correct. We knew it was coming for a couple of years now - we were just hoping that the little fellow would help us out and just not wake up some morning.

Another aspect of the story - our vet was wonderful. She let us have some time with Half-Pint, completely explained the procedure, and helped us so thoughtfully. All the technicians in the clinic that night spoke to us, several had tears in their eyes. One tech, who had just lost her kitty, helped us pick out an urn for his remains. I told them later that I did not know how they could deal with us wacked out owners when we have to put our pets to sleep. They just smiled very sweetly and said that they cared a lot.

Kind of restores my faith in the goodness of humans. Or, at least some of them.

Thanks again to all, and our thoughts are with you owners of Mama Cat, Tilly, Bandit and the many unnamed little bundles of unconditional love.

And Bobert, you always have just the right words. :-)

Freightdawg