Hole in our hearts

I'm sorry for your loss. I still miss our 12 year old black Lab Buddy that we had to put down over 3 years ago due to a cancerous tumor. They become beloved family members and leave us much too soon. We just have to remember all the great times that were shared with them.

I know the feeling. We had a 10 yr old Persian tortie Put down due to cancer 5-6 yrs ago. The house seem awful empty without her around and we missed her meows. It wasn't long before my wife decided on getting another cat. We now have a Blue point Ragdoll and a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel. Now the house isn't so quiet anymore. LOL!

It's hard. Friday was the two year mark for my best friend. I was blessed to be graced by his presence for 15 and a half years...at least I have that

Also a black lab named Buddy...aka, Budro, aka, Junior!

Lee -

My condolences and sympathy, there are no words that can ease the great sense of loss. The house will seem a lonely place for some time, but soon enough the warm memories will replace the hurt that you're now feeling.

Our very old long stripe tabby left us last year, she was mature when she came to us, found abandoned and meowing at the door of a friends apartment. She was not able to keep her or she would have, so she told us a sweet little kitty, (she certainly was,) needed a home and she became ours for nineteen great years. She did well until the last day, then she let us know she didn't feel well, our vet said the internals were shutting down, to let her go on would be only misery for her. An easy call for us, time for a good sleep, no more hurt.

We lost our two old lab's one year apart, Maggie at 17, Lucy at 14. Luckily we found a black lab litter was ready, we brought 9 week old Ellie home ten days after Lucy passed, a ball of fur and energy, the house seemed a pleasant place to be again. Ellie was born on Christmas day, four years ago this year, had we been thinking, Holly would have been an appropriate name. 

So, Lee, somewhere there is a nice kitty that needs a good home, you have that home and you sure need another kitty. Milo would be pleased if you were not so unhappy.

Best regards

Patrick 

Midnightpro, I think I know what you and your wife are going through. I got my first cat, Sam, in 1962. He was eight weeks old; I was in the fifth grade. He made it to 1981, by which time I was a 30-year-old bachelor museum curator living in an apartment. (My mother had been persuaded to let me take him with me when I moved out of the house.) The day I had to drive him to the vet for the last time was, quite simply, the worst day of my life up to that point. (I hadn't yet experienced the loss of a parent.) I never imagined that a little 2-bedroom apartment could be so big and empty.

I've had to have several other cats put down in the 34 years since then, and I can tell you it never gets any easier. The most recent one was last Christmas eve. I'm not sure I'll ever really enjoy Christmas again.

There's no cure for what ails you. There is, however, a pretty effective form of therapy. You and your wife need to get yourself a kitten. Better yet, two. (A second cat doesn't cost much more to raise, and the interraction between them will be a source of delight and astonishment.) Such a new addition to the family will give you and your wife something to laugh about, and they'll be glad of all the affection you care to give them.

Milo would want it that way.

A friend gave my wife and me a plaque that has the words "Cats leave pawprints on our hearts" on it. Fewer words were rarely spoke.

 I'm sorry for your loss. I feel your pain and I have a tear in my eye. I am a cat lover too and had to say goodbye 3 times to my sweet furry friends. Real men love cats I like to say. I have another great cat now and I hope you have or get another one asap. Think how great you made that bag of fur feel for all those years

patrick206

 Ellie was born on Christmas day, four years ago this year, had we been thinking, Holly would have been an appropriate name. 

Patrick

We went to the local rescue shelter on Dec. 25, two years ago  and adopted a 4 month old Lab/Rottweiler female and named her Holly because of the day we got her. And now she's 85 lbs. of pure love.

Hi Lee;

    I feel your pain my friend . I had to do this three years ago to my Daschund " Lillie "  . I do have a cat and yes , real men have cats . Oh , that's wrong . We don't have them .They have us .They can't be owned , those furry , purry critters .

   They are their own person , in their eyes , I think .They choose who they will stay with and give our lives fullness . Milo would want you to be ready for another cat to take up his duties , proving that humans are an easy loving touch .

I feel your pain, when I read your thread I remembered a cold October night.  A neighbors dog chased a kitten up a tree.  Since I owned two cats, he came to my house for help.  I got the kitten down and brought Oliver home.  Infested with fleas and ear mites he cleaned up really quick and well.

18 months later, my family had to put him down due to illness.  I'll never forget that day.  I went into a deep depression, I couldn't understand how such a great and loving cat can get sick so young.  It was my fond memories that brought me back up.  In the end no matter whom passes, we will always keep those fond memories within our hearts forever.  I'm so sorry for your lost.

toshi

Hi Lee,

Milo looked like a sweetheart, and I'm sorry for your loss. I am holding back the tears thinking of my losses.

Steve

those of us who have pets know your loss. we have but down 5 dogs, all rescues and all over 12 years old, mostly labs. it's the price we pay for the joy we get. there is no alternative. 

As much as my cat prevents me from modeling (she loves my lap and I am a sucker) I know how I will feel when she leaves this world.

My condolences.

Thanks all for your kind words. They help more than you can know.

I'm very sorry for your loss.  I know just how you feel.  October first I had to let go my 12 year old German Shepherd and best friend.

This poem is for dogs but you get the idea:

THE LOSS OF A HEART-DOG
Author Unknown

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying, you found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you so softly as you brushed away a tear,
"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea.
You were thinking of the many times your hands reached down to me.

I was with you at the shops today, your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wished I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, you tend it with such care.
I want to reassure you that I'm not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said, "It's me."

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.

It's possible for me to be so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."

You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew...
In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over now ... I smile and watch you yawning,
And say, "Goodnight, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out ... then come Home to be with me.

So sorry for your loss Lee. I echo what everyone else has said, pets aren't just pets, they are truly family. I have a 15 year old jack russell that I got for my 13th bday. She would go to my little leauge and high school baseballs games, following me around, even sleep with me most nights She still lives at my parents house (she's too old and set in her ways to move LOL!) so I don't see her as much but I still dread the day she passes. Here is too enjoying every moment with have with them and always remembering them fondly. Hang in there friend.

Thanks guys! It is good to know others are standing with you. I work with some idiots that think pets are stupid and all cats should be killed. Sick, just sick.