Having trouble getting started today
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Having trouble getting started today
I'm having trouble getting started on my projects and cleaning today because I had to have one of our household cats put to sleep this morning.
He was an old fellow (16 yrs), who actually belonged to our neighbor. When neighbor's baby was born 4 years ago, Cat decided it was too scary inside that house. He lived in our backyards, until he discovered the catdoor to my basement and a cozy basket of clean laundry. I made him his own basket, and eventually figured out that he wasn't just paranoid; he was deaf. It took years for him to feel safe enough to wake up without being startled by our presence. Lately, he even has liked being in the room with us, as long as we weren't too active.
Anyway, complicated situation (picture tearful DD who suspects I didn't do enough, DH who thinks I do too much, money concerns, Neighbor coming to gaze at sick cat, etc) but the bottom line is: I took him to vet this morning at 8:00. Called neighbor to come from work, as she had requested if Cat needed to be euthanized. Left tearful neighbor with Cat and the world's nicest vetrinarian staff, who were also in tears. I figured neighbor would like the privacy to say bye and the staff were better comforters than I was at that point.
I've cleaned up about 3/4 of the mess of Cat's final two days-- this involved bleach, rubbing alcohol, incense, disposable bedpads and just plain throwing away one sofa cushioncover.
Pretty soon I'll tackle the litter boxes (to minimize infection risks for OUR cat), and clean up Cat's favorite napping places, but right now it's just real nice to be able to write this and figure that it will get read by people who understand what it takes to take care of any creature great or small (human or animal). I didn't get teary over this cat's death, but I was the one who made his life decent for the past three years and I was the one who knew how sick he was.
Thanks, other moms.
I am sorry for your loss!!
((((((hugs))))))
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...
I am so sorry. We had to put down our 17 year old dog this past Spring.... I know how hard it is. ((hugs))
Mlee, I'm sorry to hear about Cat. You were so kind to take him in and care for him! It sounds like he was very loved and comfortable being with your family. You were equally kind taking him to the vet so that Cat wouldn't suffer.
We went through something similar with our neighbor's elderly dog. Since I was home with dd most days, the sweet old dog would come over and lay by our screen door. Eventually we were given permission to take him on short walks daily. He basically "adopted" us for his final two years. We were the first to notice when his health started to deteriorate. My dh convinced the neighbor to take him in to the vet. We knew what the outcome would be, and as hard as it was to say goodbye, we knew we did the right thing. We loved him like one of our own.
((HUGS))
I am so sorry for your loss, you were so kind to take in the cat and help take care of him. I have cat who lives with my mom now and I think of her as a child, she's getting older in years and it makes me so sad that she won't be with us forever. I hate thinking about when that time will come.
((HUGS))
I'm so sorry for your loss. Even when it is the right choice, it's still hard to say good-bye. When we had to say good-bye to Honey, she was 9, but had only lived with us, the last 4 years of her life, although, we knew her for 5 years. Time with pets goes too fast.
Thank you all. I had been feeling a bit alone about this and you all made me feel better.
Rainbow Bridge is really sweet. And Nicky, I really got a kick out of the old dog waiting at your door. He knew where the fun was!
We had to say good bye to our 16 year old dog last spring also. Time with pets does go too fast.
Thanks again. Right now I'm feeling relieved to have one less eccentric beastie to take care of, but you know I'll miss the weird old guy.
Yes, Mlee, he was smart! He'd come around every morning as soon as we started making breakfast. He lost his hearing the last year, but his sense of smell was excellent.:-)
I hope you do all right today. The first few days after we lost S. I thought I kept hearing his collar jingle. It takes awhile, doesn't it?
((HUGS))Mlee.
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