jceman 1 #1 July 1, 2004 to do what my mind and my heart tell me. Our kitty Bugs hasn't been herself lately, she's kept herself in the kitchen and only occasionaly came to my chair when I was reading the newspaper to "help" me. She's been eating and drinking just fine and using the litter box with no problems. She hasn't been as active as usual, but at almost 20 years, I think that can be accepted. Today as I left Lisa and Amber after lunch at Capt. Hiram's, Lynn called me; Bugs had just tried to use the litter box and couldn't find the opening. She finally gave up and "wheeed" on the floor in front of it, turned and walked into the wall of the hallway opposite. Bugs has been laying in the kitchen and seemed to be panting, she didn't want to be picked up and held at all. (She's never been big on being picked up, but tolerated it if held in the manner she felt safe.) Lynn tried to give her a treat, but she almost had to choke it down. . . When I got home, I called her and she stood and tok a step in my direction then just stood there. When I picked her up, she purred a bit but made it clear she wanted down. Her eyes were completely wide open and her pupils do not react when a flashlight is shown into them. In other words, her quality of life has diminished to the point that it is painful to even look at her for long. I placed her on the arm of my chair and stroked her before I read the paper and she purred but would not lay down, though she seemed to know where she was. When I let her down onto the carpet she walked across the room slowly until she bumped into the cabinet, then turned to the left and found her way back into the kitchen. This is all a long-winded intro to why I need strength. Lynn stopped by the vet on her way to work this afternoon and made an appointment for us at 10 tomorrow morning. At first I thought "I can't be there" then realized that there is no way I can't. I will not let her go only in the company of strangers. No matter how much it will hurt, she will be in my arms and I'll be crying as hard as I am right now. I am thankful that we had the pleasure of Bugs' company for so long. Am I being selfish for wishing it could be for longer? Yes, but so what? This will be the first WFFC since '99 that she hasn't accompanied us btw, and the motor home will feel strange without her. She is the daughter of our last Manx and got her name because her coloring and marking are so much like his that we named her Baby Bugs; we just dropped the "Baby" after he passed. She will leave another hole in our hearts, but we know she's not enjoying life now. Sorry I rambled on so much, but I needed to. I miss her already and she's not even gone; at least not in body. Give me strength, please. Give me strength. Faster horses, younger women, older whiskey, more money. Why do they call it "Tourist Season" if we can't shoot them? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheAnvil 0 #2 July 1, 2004 Prayers and vibes dude. Pets are family too.Vinny the Anvil Post Traumatic Didn't Make The Lakers Syndrome is REAL JACKASS POWER!!!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunshine 2 #3 July 1, 2004 As i look over at my bed to see my Peanut curled up sleeping, i send you all the strength i have. When the time comes for my babies, i don't know what i'm gonna do. Wishing i was there to give you some hugs. You & TLML wil be in my thoughts and prayers tonight as i snuggle with my kittys to fall asleep. And Jack, it's ok to cry. ___________________________________________ meow I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diverdriver 5 #4 July 1, 2004 Jack, I don't send out vibes much but I'm sending big vibes your way man. It's the right thing to do. Dang it man, you're not supposed to make a young guy like me cry. Ok? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
benny 0 #5 July 1, 2004 I almost cried when I read your post, really, I know how hard it can be to say goobye to a good little kitty cat. I wish you the best in your situation, to know, that sometimes going easier than staying. Never go to a DZ strip show. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VanillaSkyGirl 6 #6 July 1, 2004 Oh. After all the craziness of today, now your post has made me cry. Please know that like others have said, it's ok for you to cry. Your kitty will be missed, but she always will remain in your heart. I am so sorry that you have to go throught this. Take care of yourself. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
moodyskydiver 0 #7 July 1, 2004 Jack, I'm so sorry you have to endure the pain of losing a member of your family. I went through the same thing with my childhood pet last year.Saying goodbye is one of the hardest things you will ever have to do. I know its no consolation and will never replace Bugs, but try to think of those 20 great years you were loaned such a wonderful spirit to be a part of your household and your heart.While age and time may take them from us, they are never truely gone. Your precious friend will be blessed to be surrounded by those that have been with her always and love her unconditionally when the time comes for her to leave. You will carry her memory with you until the time when you can join her again. You and Lynn have my deepest sympathies. *hugs* "...just an earthbound misfit, I." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hooked 0 #8 July 1, 2004 Sending you hugs and vibes for strength...........This will not be easy to let her go, pets are family. Last year I lost my dog, so I know how difficult it will be for you. J -------------------------------------- Sometimes we're just being Humans.....But we're always Human Beings. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
efs4ever 3 #9 July 1, 2004 The cat might not be in as much trouble as you think. Remember, they do have NINE lives. Blindness is not a reason to put her down. I know this because I've been privy to a 23 year old who is blind, but otherwise doing OK.Russell M. Webb D 7014 Attorney at Law 713 385 5676 https://www.tdcparole.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
D22369 0 #10 July 1, 2004 No matter how much it will hurt, she will be in my arms and I'll be crying as hard as I am right now. *** I wish you didnt have to go through this...... but our animals deserve our presence when its their time..... and it hurts us to lose a loved one..... blue skies, major vibes my friend; RoyThey say I suffer from insanity.... But I actually enjoy it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Evelyn 0 #11 July 1, 2004 OMG, I am in tears writting this and going through the exact same thing. Although our kitty Felix is only 8 years old he has kitty lukemia and aids. Although he's lived with it for the last several years each time he gets sick his recovery is slower. We took him to the vet a couple days ago and got new medication but it doesn't seem to be helping this time. Although he purrs and cuddles you can tell he is not feeling well. He's descheveled because he doesn't have the strength to clean himself and one eye is swollen shut. Not trying to take away from your grief, just want you to know that I am going through the same thing and feel your pain. I'm just thankful for the time we had with Felix. Know our lives were happier because of him and like to think his life was happier because of us. Be strong, you will get through this. And yes, be there for her at the end. You were there for her from the start, you need to be there at the end. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing ~ Helen Keller Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #12 July 1, 2004 Give Bugs some lovin' from me and Molly. I've always liked this story. Says it better than I can. Hugs to you and Lynn. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Squeak 17 #13 July 1, 2004 My thoughts are with you JC I had to do the exact same thing with Kahli, when she developed cancer at 16yo. I held her in my arms when the Vet injected her. I cried for hours. I'm not certain I would do that again but I'm glad I was there for her end.You are not now, nor will you ever be, good enough to not die in this sport (Sparky) My Life ROCKS! How's yours doing? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shawndiver 0 #14 July 1, 2004 As hard as it is, you are making the right decision to be there with her. Max vibes to you and your family... Shawn_________________ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ACMESkydiver 0 #15 July 1, 2004 So sorry that you have to let a member of your family go... Have strength and know that you are doing the right thing for kitty. ~Jaye Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crwmike 0 #16 July 1, 2004 Hang in there, bro. You're doing the right thing ...you know that. It still hurts, but you know it's the right thing to do. Michael Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
reggie 0 #17 July 1, 2004 love and prayers to you guys... there is a book called doggie heaven.....i believe they also make one for cats.....order at any walden's or barnes and nobles or amazon..... it was a great help.....they show the pets in heaven sleeping on cloud beds, and everytime they pass an angel, they get a treat! Play with your children.....it's the best investment you'll ever make. www.discoverytoyslink.com/amysbluesky Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ladyskydiver 0 #18 July 1, 2004 Many hugs sent.Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shananay 0 #19 July 1, 2004 All the strength I can muster is all for you. I am sending you the most powerful vibes and emotions I can gather right now. <<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> My heart goes out to you!!!!! I bet those years were the best years of all, with your little kitty bugs. Hold onto the good memories and keep that warmth with you always. Be strong and know that she will be with you forever. You give me hope that I too might be so blessed and my best friends will be with me for that many years. I can only hope. Be strong!!!! Do it Again! P.M.S. #22 LaLa Gang #4 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mouth 0 #20 July 1, 2004 As I sit here crying with you I send you lots of hugs and hope that you will both find peace. Try to remember the good times. -- Hot Mama At least you know where you stand even if it is in a pile of shit. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flygirl03 0 #21 July 1, 2004 Prayers for peace... for you and your family † ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ earthbound misfit Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nightingale 0 #22 July 1, 2004 talk things over with your vet first, if you haven't done so already. the catbox issue can be aided with a ramp in and out of the box (my grandmother's cat had a hip issue, and that's what she used to solve the problem), and the blindness may not be as big an issue as you might think, since cats are pretty big on other senses like smell. make sure your vet is aware of your concerns, and make the decision together, because you don't want to have to wonder if you were overly hasty. Listen to your vet...its their job to advise in situations like this. I wish you the best, and hugs and vibes to you and your kitty. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Slappie 9 #23 July 1, 2004 Oh man, I'm dreading the day that happens to me. My kitty isn't right and I can't afford atm to take him in. So I'm not big VIBES giver but jceman you have my greatest sympathies and courage. "Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jen1129 0 #24 July 1, 2004 I am so sorry... I have 4 cats and I love them like they were family. Well, they ARE family. Anyone who has loved a pet will understand. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
reggie 0 #25 July 1, 2004 thanks for the story...it is beautiful!Play with your children.....it's the best investment you'll ever make. www.discoverytoyslink.com/amysbluesky Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
