Karen8

You are not alone in how you feel. Just over 3 years ago I put my cat to sleep. He was in kidney failure. Like you, it was the hardest decision of my life. He died in my arms. Afterward I doubted myself. I cried for days. But I know I did the right thing for him. You were Lady's mom and only you could have made that decision and I'm sure you made it from your heart. It is always hard to see your babies in pain. Try to think of how she is pain-free now and looking over you. Maybe she will come to you in a dream like my boy did. It was awesome. He told me he was good and that it was ok to let him go because he was tired. I know it's hard but stay strong and you'll always have the memories. Good luck to you.

Chris, You are very normal as you will see on this site. Everyone here is very supportive. I'll share my story with you... Dinty, my cat, also had to be put to sleep because of chronic renal failure. He was about 15 years old and he was the love of my life!!! He was put to sleep on May 3, 2009. It has been over a year and just this week I heard a song on the radio that made me think of him and I started crying. I will always miss him. There is no time limit for grieving so please don't let anyone tell you otherwise. My thoughts are with you. Take care, Karen

Renee, This is a very nice tribute you wrote about Cal. It sounds like you two loved each other so much. I also believe that all the furbabies we lost are waiting for us when it is our time. I'm waiting to see my Dinty! I'm so sorry for your loss. Karen

I am so sorry to hear of this. You must be so upset. I had to put my cat to sleep last May (he was very ill). This is no comparison to why you had to make that hard decision, but in a way it is. I still question myself on whether I did the right thing. I know I did, but that doesn't make it any easier. Everyone has their own way of greiveing and your husband is choosing to do it quietly, which is fine. There are many people who have gone through the loss of a pet and going through what you are right now. I turned to some animal communicators which helped me get through the bad times. I actually had her "check in" on my cat and he is doing GREAT on the other side! He was playing with other animals and eating something like clam chowder! This was really good news because he didn't cross over at first - he didn't want to leave me. I can suggest someone if you want to try it, no pressure, just think about it. Most importantly, take care of yourself. Your other fur babies need you! Karen

Elaine, I loved reading your story about Rocky and the strong connection you had with him. I don't think you are crazy at all! I think it is wonderful how you found peace. I lost my cat, Dinty, on May 3, 2009. The grieving was almost unbearable. I still think of him and cry some days. I believe that some day we will be together again at the Rainbow Bridge. Stay strong - I know how hard it is to lose a little angel. Karen

I have used Bridget (www.petsaretalking.com) too and I agree. She has a great talent and can be trusted 100%!

I'm so sorry to hear about your sweet Trixie. I recently had to put my cat to sleep after almost a year of treatment for renal failure. He was taking to the treatment pretty good for awhile, then made a fast decline. You asked about an animal communicator. I had one talk to Dinty to make sure he was ok with me putting him to sleep. At first he didn't cross over (I guess pretty rare), he said he wasn't going to the other side because he wanted to stay with Mom. The animal communicator explained that he could cross over and then come visit me from there. He did! He is doing very well and he said he was ok with me putting him to sleep because he knew his body was failing. He has a lot of friends up there! This made me feel so much better. I also used another animal communicator to talk to my cat that is still living. I can give you the names of the animal communicators that I used if you like. Let me know. Best wishes, Karen

Dear Pippin, I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet little Gregory. You said it yourself in the 2nd line of your post - "accident". That is what is was, an accident. You shouldn't feel responsible, it was an accident. Sometimes things happen in a split second and we wish we could turn the clock back. I wish I could say something to make the hurt go away and I know it hurts. Take care of yourself.

Charlie is a beautiful cat! I lost my cat, Dinty, on May 3, 2009 (I had to make the same hard decision you did). So, it has been just over 4 months for me and I still cry every once in awhile. I touch his urn at least once a day and tell him I love him and miss him. Certain songs I hear make me cry too. You are not crazy and I'm sure you did the right thing. I too went through a lot of vet visits and treatments, and medication and hospital stays, etc. I have another cat, Onyx, and I love her, but the bond that Dinty and I had was amazing. Maybe it is all of the "stuff" we went through together like you and Charlie did. I have to believe that one day we will be together again with our little fur babies. I can't wait to hold him again. This is Dinty about 2 months before he died. Take care, Karen

Ebsmom/Depotsmom, I LOVE that you shared the pictures! My favorite of Ebony is with the toilet paper - my Dinty used to do the same thing!!!! Depot looks like a super precious puppy! I can't believe he is only 9 months! I'm glad you found each other and I'm sure Ebony is watching over all of you. Karen

Bailey's Mom, I know you are going through a really rough time right now. I had my cat put to sleep on May 3, 2009 after almost a year of being diagnosed with a chronic illness. Everything you are saying is exactly what I felt. Was it too soon, did I do enough, the not getting rid of her dishes and vacuuming her hair, etc. It sounds like it was poor Bailey's time. I'm sure you did not let her down. She knows that you love her and you will always have that. That doesn't make it any easier, believe me, I KNOW! Keep checking back on this site, it helps to know that there are people who understand and are willing to listen. Hugs to you and your family. Karen

Ebsmom, No, I don't think getting another dog is betraying Ebony at all. Just think about all the dogs out there who need a good home and someone to love. You seem to be very caring with lots of love to give. Any dog would be happy for you to be their mom. And getting another dog would not replace Ebony. I thought about getting another cat after Dinty died. I still have one cat, Onyx. I thought she might get lonely and want a companion, but she is getting old and I think she is happy with all the extra attention she is getting now. When Dinty was alive, for the past 11 months, he was on medication. He got medicine every morning and medicine and fluids every evening. I would schedule everything around him. Some days, I was just tired and didn't want to go through the "hassle" of giving him his medication, but I always did. In a way, it is a relief that I don't have to do that, but if I could have him back, I'd do it again in a second. I don't think you will ever stop missing Ebony (and you shouldn't), but it will get easier. I'll listen any time! Karen

I received this poem from a friend of mine when Dinty died. I want to share it with you. MY FOREVER PET There's something missing in my home, I feel it day and night, I know it will take time and strength before things feel quite right. But just for now, I need to mourn, My heart -- it needs to mend. Though some may say, "It's just a pet," I know I've lost a friend. You've brought such laughter to my home, and richness to my days. A constant friend through joy or loss with gentle, loving ways. Companion, friend, and confidante, A friend I won't forget. You'll live forever in my heart, My sweet, forever pet. -- Susanne Taylor Karen

Dear ebsmom, I feel so sad that you are having such a hard time. Believe me, I understand the guilt that you are going through. I put my cat, Dinty, to sleep on May 3, 2009. He had kidney failure and I was treating him for 11 months. He finally got so weak and stopped eating and that is when I decided it was time to say good-bye. I also undestand how there aren't many people who understand how close we get to our furry babies. Dinty and I were like "soul mates". We understood each other. I questioned my decision to have him put to sleep and it was eating me up that maybe he wasn't ready. I don't know how you feel about this, but I had an animal communicator "talk" with him. At first he didn't cross over because he "wanted to stay with Mom". The animal communicator asked him if he was ready to pass on and he said "no". I felt horrible. She helped him cross over then in a couple days I asked her to ask him again if it was ok for him to pass and he said "yes, my body was failing and it was my time". He told her that he visits me (she described me sitting on a couch and him on the floor - which he always did!). I wanted her to tell him that I was proud of him crossing over and he said "of course she is proud of me". She told me that whatever she said, he seemed to already know. He said he has lots of friends and he is doing very well. I don't want to push this on you, but if you are interested, you can send me a note and I'll give you more information. My boyfriend thought I had totally lost my mind by doing this, but he said if it made me feel better than that is all that mattered. I feel a lot better knowing that he is safe and happy and out of pain. And yes, I feel I will see him again! Take care - I know it's hard and you are not alone. Karen

Yes, Julie, you brought up a good point about the anesthetic being so fast. I guess I was thinking after the first shot I would have time to say my last goodbyes, but he was "asleep" immediately. Thank you for your kind words!