February 15, 2008
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Saying Good-bye
I took my dear Jesse-boy cat to the vet today for another steroid shot. When I picked him up this morning to put him in the carrier, he felt very limp.
He got a steroid & antibiotic injection and the vet commented Jesse-boy had done better than he had expected after the shot he received last month. I guess he thought he wouldn't live this long.
It wasn't a very great ride home. He got sick in the carrier and was really miserable. We arrived home and he had a lengthy seizure shortly after Jesse left to do the grocery shopping. I called the vet and made arrangements to bring him back in to be put to sleep. He said a tech could give him a general anesthesia shot to sedate him until he came back and could give him the final shot.
Jesse-boy was very content in the car and quiet (at one point, I thought he had died in my arms), so Jesse asked the tech to come to the car to give him the sedative. We carried him in and he had another seizure while asleep. I think moving his hind quarters pinched a nerve that triggered the seizures. The tech was wonderful. She got a cardboard box and said she wouldn't leave him alone in a kennel if he was having seizures and said she would keep him by her at the front desk. Even though he wasn't going to wake up, I couldn't stand leaving him unattended knowing he might have another seizure.
So, he's gone now. I knew this day was coming and have been giving him extra love and attention for the past couple of months. I have never believed in NOT telling people how much they mean to me or leaving kind words unsaid. I had done the same with Jesse-boy: giving him lots of kisses and whispering "sweet nothings" in his ear. I found I had nothing left to say when I said good-bye today. No tears. No regrets.
I'm so glad he is no longer uncomfortable. I also feel so grateful for having a cat for 18 years who was a comfort to me during so many of the bad times I experienced. He was one of those really special pets and I have lots and lots of good memories.
Somehow (Lori K?????) a few of you found out what happened a few hours ago and have left sweet messages for me. Thank you so much. Your kindness and prayers have moved me to tears more than the actual decision I had to make today.
Comments (7)
Sorry you lost a "friend" this close to you...18 years is a long time...am glad you have the good memories.
Blessings,
Tina
My heartfelt prayers are with you. As I am writing this, I have shed a few tears. It's so hard to lose a beloved animal. I wanted to share this poem with you, because when my mom's beloved yorkie, Brutus was put to sleep, she found this on the internet and it comforted us:
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...
Blessings, Jill
I'm so sorry for your loss.
So sorry about Jesse boy! It's so hard losing a beloved pet! He's been with you so long and through so much. How are the girls taking it?
Hey sorry about cutting you off the other morning while chatting. The phone rang and it was something I had to take care of! We will have to try again!
So sorry you lost your little pal. We had to put down our little Tigger a few years ago--he was 14 years old, & we'd had him since he was 9 weeks old. It's very tough. God bless!
I hate saying good bye to a pet, it's so sad. I'm sorry for your loss.
My prayers are with you, its never easy losing a beloved "family" member like a pet.
Love and prayers,
Kristie
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