My small elegant gray tabby cat Shadow (an unoriginal name but appropriate because she used to follow us all around meowing) died on St. Patrick's Day. She had breast cancer, and it metastasized and her breathing became very labored, and the vet said it would be best if we put her to sleep at once.
I've had her since I was six or seven, and she was my responsibility until I left for college. She had a minor jaw problem that caused her tongue to stick out a little bit when she was happy, and she did not think it necessary to move for the convenience of anyone in the family (or to move with any speed for a car she recognized). In her youth she was a mighty huntress and presented us with rats and mice and heads of cardinals and once a small snake, which my younger sister took to school for Show and Tell. She liked to sleep curled up in the sun in our front garden, or in the shade of the azalea bush by the oak tree.
I can hardly remember a time that she wasn't around. She got hit by a car about a year after we got her, and the experience convinced her to stay close to the house, so she was usually on or around the porch and front yard. I miss her every time I walk into the house and don't see her lounging on the front steps. I really had no idea that I was going to be this undone by losing her; I suppose because I never seriously thought of losing her. In the extremities of sickness she always remained tough and agile and vocal, and she was that way to the end. She tried to jump off the table at the vet's as the tranquilizer was kicking in.
Avadaru held her head and whispered to her while she died, for which I'd thank her in person if it wouldn't make me cry.
I'm sad.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
I'm sorry Fyfe. I've lost pets too, and it's always hard.
Posted by ludosti (Member # 1772) on :
It is really hard to have to put the kitty you grew up with to sleep. I still cry when I think about my Maxx I had to put to sleep 5 years ago. I'm so sorry you're going through the pain of losing your furry friend.
Posted by Swampjedi (Member # 7374) on :
I'm sorry. Your story reminds me of the pets I've had to put down, myself. The memories still bring tears. Posted by Avadaru (Member # 3026) on :
Hey, I love you.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
I'm sorry.
Posted by accio (Member # 3040) on :
Fyfe,
I am so sorry for the loss of Shadow. You gave her wonderful life and she is truly lucky to have you. (((hugs)))
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
I'm so sorry, dear! That is very sad. We will remember Shadow always, and know that she's curled up in the lap of God now. It's right that you should grieve, for she was like a daughter to you in many ways. May you find comfort in your grief, and may her memory stay alive in your heart with joy.
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
I'm sorry, Fyfe. It's hard.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
I'm sorry Fyfe. I've lost pets too, and it's always hard.