We have to say goodbye today...

[babswhyit]

In 3 hours we have an appointment to put our oldest cat down because she is having major bathroom behavior problems. She has been to the vet 3 times in the last month and a half and they cannot find anything physically wrong with her.

Everyday, sometimes twice a day, she is pooing in the living room (we have hardwood floors, so a very easy clean-which I do!) and in the last few weeks, she has had some urine problems (in the fireplace, kitchen counter-all over my coupons).

I know we cannot continue to live like this and we have 4 other cats but I gave Mittens to my 2 oldest children (now 23 and 19) when they were 11 and 6, so we have had Mittens a long time.

My husband grew up in the country and treats animals like animals but I am different. I think they are part of the family and it is sickening me to do this, especially since Mittens is otherwise healthy.

I am trying to tell myself that something is wrong with Mittens to justify putting her down. The vet said she could have some dementia but I really don't think so.

My 19 year said her goodbyes to Mittens last night and it killed me. My husband is taking Mittens to the vet today because I cannot go (emotionally I cannot). We had to put pur cat Gunther down 2 years ago and he was quite sick and it was very difficult.

Thanks so much for listening. My husband thinks I am a bit nutty for acting like the cats are part of our family but I feel like any pet is a part of the family.

[twomoms]

I am so sorry for your loss, I am just like you all of my animals are a part of my family I would be just as emotional if (and when) any of my boys pass on....

[Lori63]

I am so sorry! My 'baby girl' is 14, and I know we won't have her forever.

[angeleyeza]

I know how you feel, our one of the 3 kitties we have is about 13 yrs old and every day I just cherish that he is here. Im sorry for your loss. ((((HUGS))))

[hugnkiss0211]

i am so sorry too. animals do become part of your family, our dogs are our babies. sending hugs and prayers your way to help you through this hard time.

[Lurkergirl]

Very sorry to hear this .

[mshopper]

I feel for you. It's always hard to do this. Every time I go through it I swear that I won't get another pet, but somehow I always do anyway. Mine are definitely part of my family, too.

[bugweena]

I know it's hard, I've had to do it 4 times now. It never gets any easier. But in time your heart will heal. I am tearing up thinking about my four now. You will always have good memories of your kitty. Try not to dwell on the sad times, although those are an important part of the grieving process, too.

My pets are my 'children' and wouldn't have it any other way! They deserve to be spoiled and made a fuss over because they give SO much unconditional love to us in return.

Your DH is probably hurting, too, just showing it in a different way. I am glad he is taking your kitty to the vet--he's showing his support by doing that.

:hug29:

[cpaige]

Oh sweetie ~ My heart goes out to you! I have been through that, so I do understand. My animals ARE a part of my family.....they are my babies, and I love them dearly! Stealy Mae will be 11 next year, and my BF asked me what is going to happen when that time comes ~ Tranquilize me, please.

Huge hugs to you......

[trekkieinsc]

<<<HUGS>>>

I was a basketcase when I finally had to make the decision to put our diabetic cat, Tiger, to sleep. Same issues in regards to bathroom habits - we had a new sofa completely ruined, our new hardwood floor was stained in some areas. His issues were due to his diabetes, which we tried and tried to get under control, but we just couldn't. :sad: It was then that I realized that it just wasn't going to get any better.

Anyway, I completely understand where you are coming from....

[Mikki 316]

((Hugs)) DH had to take my little mini-doxie last summer. I just couldn't. I had her for 13 years. It still bothers me. (She was having renal failure, so please don't wait too long. It was horrible to see her suffer.)

[Riann216]

Hugs, hugs, and more hugs! I was a wreck when I had to put mine down. He was only 3 but was having constant UTI problems and got blocked for the 3rd time in 9 months. I still feel like I should have been able to do more to help him. My pets are part of the family, you're not crazy.

[cluttercollector]

I can relate to being emotional @ having to put a well-loved pet to sleep...
I first learned this lesson @ 6 yrs old when my late mother's dog had to be put to sleep.
Ma thought I was too young to understand but I insisted on being there to say goodbye.

Even so, when my Baxter (a white cat) passed @ 5 years ago (he was 15), I was crushed.
I didn't have your option of being there when he slipped away...I was @ work & came home to him already gone.

Youre very lucky to have that opportunity to say goodbye...

[Colinsgrandma]

We had our 12 1/2 year old much loved lab put down this year. My husband was out of town and I had to take her to the vet. It was actually peaceful the vet let me stay with her and pet her while she passed. It was hard but when their quality of life diminishes it's for the best.

[terrisue]

I know it's hard, I've had to do it 4 times now. It never gets any easier. But in time your heart will heal. I am tearing up thinking about my four now.
:hug29:

I feel the same way--it never gets easier, and sometimes, I feel like it gets harder. I'm so sorry. :sad22: Hugs to you and your family.

[babswhyit]

Thanks you everyone for your support. My hubby and 8 year old son got back from the vet about an hour ago and Mittens (we call her Mimi) is now buried in the back yard, along side her brother cat Gunther, who we lost 2 years ago.

The vet had to give Mimi a pill to make her sleepy because when they tried to give her the injection, she moved her paw and they did ot want to keep trying to stick her with a needle.

I watched from the window as my husband and son buried Mimi. My 8 year old was just crying and crying, as I am right now typing this. I calm down for awhile then cry. It will get better, I know that. It's just hard to say goodbye.

[Maxie1101]

(((Hugs))) :hug29: I teared up reading your post. I know what a difficult decision it is to make. I think of my pets as my children also, you are not alone. Here is a poem I always read when the difficult day comes.


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...

[frugalstafar]

I have tears in my eyes thinking of what you are going through and remembering my Boomer who I had to put down almost three years ago.

[LaLabrowneyes]

:hug19:

I'm sorry for what you're going through right now, I think of my 3 dogs 1 cat as family and if you ask me how many kids I have I say 5 :giggle2:(I have a 12yr old DD) I think of them as my babies.

[puterperfect]

We as children are taught by our parents to love each other. As we love our pets and as we grow older and our families grow. So do our choices of pets .They are our friends or secret keepers. But most of all they are our trust worthy companions and for this we love them til death due us part.
god bless

[selah]

Oh, I am so sorry......life is just hard somedays, isn't it? I remember when we had to put one of our dogs down.....I just went out on the porch, hugged her, and told her what a good dog she had been......it is hard. You get attached to them and you grieve when they die.....just cry :sad:....and know tomorrow will be a better day.....you did the right thing....so don't beat yourself up.....the animals just don't live forever.....time will heal.:biggrin: Plant something really pretty at the grave or even buy something to put on the grave....let your son go with you and help pick it out. Be Blessed.:smile:

[terrisue]

Plant something really pretty at the grave or even buy something to put on the grave....let your son go with you and help pick it out. Be Blessed.:smile:

When our wonderful orange tabby died last year, my DD and I bought a plant that had orange blossoms to put where he is buried. This past spring we got an unexpected bonus when a daffodil popped up and bloomed there too--I guess a squirrel must have buried a bulb there. It is a really nice reminder of what a great cat he was, and how much he was loved.

[judymd]

ugh, I just had to put our cat down too a couple weeks ago.

Similar issues and the vet pretty much said she's had a good life -its not really worth it to keep her going. So did no heroic treatment and kept her around for another 2 yrs until she was just too sick and it was OUR pure selfishness to keep her alive.

So sorry about your loss.

[neysa423]

Thanks you everyone for your support. My hubby and 8 year old son got back from the vet about an hour ago and Mittens (we call her Mimi) is now buried in the back yard, along side her brother cat Gunther, who we lost 2 years ago.



I'm so very sorry for your loss.

[stitch1769]

I am So very sorry for your loss, I have 2 real kids and 4 furry kids, 7 years ago I had to put my beloved maltese(i had him before kids and my ex hubby) down due to renal failure, and it was like losing another child, I still cry for him from time to time and i dream of him occassionally. he will always be a part of me and even though i was w/ him in the end and i did what was best it was the hardest thing i have ever done..
we have a "Rule" in our house that once an "animal" comes into our home- no matter size- may it be rodent, feline, dog or even elephant, it becomes family and we never get rid of family no matter what! and they are treated w/ the same respect and love as everyone eles and anyone who enters our home does the same or they can leave.

I read in your post that you buried your mittens, I had my Mr. Squeakers Creamated and I keep him on my desk, but I also have a large collage picture hanging in our living room of him and it still makes me smile when i look at it.I will never apologize for grieving for my squeaky and I was lucky enough to have some very good friends who allowed me to cry for hours in person and over the phone and I hope that you also have the same support. my thoughts will be with you.