Not as bad as some of the things some of you are going through, but difficult nonetheless. On Friday, we had to put down my 16 1/2 yr old Himalayan cat, Keebler. We got him from a breeder as a kitten when we lived in TX. He has moved with us to three other states, endured the addition of 2 humans, 2 basset hounds, a mutt dog, another cat, and a short-lived adoption experience with a rabbit. He has been my faithful friend and dear companion for all that time.

He has been losing weight over the past year and was on a prescription high protein diet and medication for high blood pressure. I knew he wouldn't survive the year and I had said just a few weeks ago that he probably wouldn't last the summer. When I got home from work Thursday he could stand, but couldn't walk or hold up his head. I got to the vet at 5:00 and she stayed late (until 6:40---they close at 6:00). After a bunch of traumatic tests we found out that he had severely low potassium (the head droop is a huge clinical indicator), poor kidney function, and was very dehydrated. His weight was down to 4 lbs, 14 oz. After giving me various options I decided that putting him down would be the most compassionate choice. She was willing to do it right then, but I needed my DH with me and so I brought Keebler home for one last night. My wonderful DH slept in his study, so I could sleep on the our bed with my kitty (we have a double bed and DH moves a lot). We snuggled, he purred, and I fed him turkey that night and the next morning. He went very peacefully with DH and I both petting him and talking to him. he is buried in our backyard by some wild irises and we planted a lily on top.

I miss him more than I ever imagined. I cried all night Thursday and almost all day Friday. I know I made the right choice, but it does hurt so hard to lose a furry baby.

By Trina~moderator on Sunday, June 22, 2008 - 09:46 pm:

Oh Pam, I'm so sorry to hear about Keebler. I've heard so many stories about him over the years. It's obvious he was a beloved family member.

(((((HUGS))))) and prayers for your family during this difficult time.

I fear I will be posting similar news over the summer.

By Deneen1 on Sunday, June 22, 2008 - 09:49 pm:

I am so very sorry for the loss of Keebler. Pets become such a huge part of our world they are another member of the family. Making the decision to be humane to the animal is difficult for those left here to mourn them. You were very brave to make the decision. I am sure that the night spent with him will be a comfort for you as you heal from the loss.

By Luvn29 on Sunday, June 22, 2008 - 10:00 pm:

Oh, Pam. I am so, so sorry to hear of this. Lots of hugs to you.

By Hol on Sunday, June 22, 2008 - 10:08 pm:

Pam, I am SO sorry about Keebler. I, too, know the loss of a beloved fur baby, and how wrenchingly painful it is. It also leaves a horrible void for a very long time. However, you and your DH have the comfort of knowing that he had a wonderful life. He always knew that he was loved, and even when he left his poor little body, you were with him to the end.

Tonight, he is running and playing on The Rainbow Bridge. (((HUGS)))

By Bellajoe on Sunday, June 22, 2008 - 10:09 pm:

awww, it is so hard putting down a pet. I'm sure you made the right choice though. So sorry.

Big hugs!

By Marcia on Sunday, June 22, 2008 - 10:14 pm:

I am so sorry, Pam. Losing fur babies is so hard. It sounds like your last night was very special, but so bittersweet. Sending lots of gentle hugs your way.

By Tunnia on Sunday, June 22, 2008 - 10:16 pm:

I'm really sorry for your loss.

By Dawnk777 on Sunday, June 22, 2008 - 10:17 pm:

Pam, I'm so sorry. Losing beloved pets is so hard. {{{HUGS}}}

By Yjja123 on Sunday, June 22, 2008 - 10:40 pm:

I very sorry for the loss of Keebler!!!
I know how hard it is and am sending you a great big ((((((hug))))))

By Cat on Sunday, June 22, 2008 - 11:05 pm:

Pam, I'm so sorry. Many hugs.

By Conni on Sunday, June 22, 2008 - 11:24 pm:

{{{Pam}}} I am so sorry about your cat. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

By Nicki on Sunday, June 22, 2008 - 11:46 pm:

Pam,I'm so sorry about Keebler.

By Reds9298 on Sunday, June 22, 2008 - 11:55 pm:

I'm so terribly sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is to lose a pet, and I remember thinking that I might never stop crying. The grief was overwhelming. They are such a part of you, just like your human family.

I'm so sorry. {{HUGS}}

By Jackie on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 05:30 am:

I am sorry for your loss.

By Ilovetom on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 06:43 am:

I am so sorry. I am crying reading this because I know the attachment to my cats.

By Happynerdmom on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 07:33 am:

I'm so sorry, Pam. (((Hugs)))

By Colette on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 08:27 am:

I am sorry Pam.

By Trina~moderator on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 10:01 am:

And God asked the feline spirit,
"Are you ready to come home?"
"Oh yes, quite so," replied the precious soul.
"And, as a cat, you know I am most able
To decide anything for myself."

"Are you coming then?" asked God.
"Soon," replied the whiskered angel.
"But I must come slowly
for my human friends are troubled.
For you see, they need me, quite certainly."

"But don't they understand?" asked God.
"That you'll never leave them?
That your souls are intertwined for all eternity,
That nothing is created or destroyed,
It just is... forever and ever."

"Eventually they will understand,"
Replied the glorious cat.
"For I will whisper into their hearts
That I am always with them,
I just am... forever and ever."

Author Unknown

By Karen~admin on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 10:19 am:

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{PAM}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

I'm SO sorry. :-( I also remember your posts (and even a pic or two) about Keebler. Our fur babies are not just *pets*, they truly are family members, and I understand your pain. I'm glad you were able to have one last night with Keebler.

By Bea on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 11:36 am:

If It Should Be....

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep
Then you must do what must be done
For this last battle can't be won.

You will be sad, I understand
Don't let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day, more than the rest
Your love and friendship stands the test.

We've had so many happy years
What is to come can hold no fears
Would you want me to suffer?
So when that time comes please let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend
But stay beside me to the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you do for me
Although my tail its last has waved
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Do not grieve, it must be you
Who must decide this thing to do
We've been so close, we two, these years
Remember joy among your tears.

anon

By Pamt on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 11:42 am:

Thank you guys so much for understanding. Some people just don't "get" that it hurts every bit as much to lose a pet as it does a human. Fortunately, my DH, kids, parents, siblings, and inlaws do understand that. I am doing better with each passing day. Thanks for your sweet thoughts.

By Angellew on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 11:48 am:

{{{Pam}}} I really am very sorry to hear about Keebler. I know how terrible it is.

By Angellew on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 11:48 am:

{{{Pam}}} I really am very sorry to hear about Keebler. I know how terrible it is.

By Mom2three1968 on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 12:13 pm:

I'm so sorry about your kitty, they are like our babies. I am glad that your are doing some better...

By Nicki on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 04:31 pm:

Pam, I think our pets have such a special place in our hearts. They love so unconditionally, and for me losing one feels like losing a part of myself. The grief is very real, isn't it?
I'm glad you're feeling a bit better today.
((Hugs))

By Rayanne on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 04:50 pm:

I'm so sorry sweetie. {{{{{HUGS}}}}}

By Vicki on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 06:36 pm:

I am so very sorry!!

By Texannie on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 07:13 pm:

i am so sorry. i had to put my first pet down last october and i still ••• when i think of it.

By Ginny~moderator on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 08:04 pm:

Been there, had to do that, Pam, and it never gets any easier. That is the price you pay when you give your heart to a pet. Personally, I think it is worth the price no matter how much it hurts. And I suspect you do also. You know you did the right thing, though that doesn't make it any easier, but it would have been a lot worse if you had kept him until his pain was unbearable for him or you.