My cat Mackey has died ...

[mackeysmom]

My sweet Mackey died earlier this week - I've tried to write this post a few times, but was never able to finish it until today as his death has completely devasted me and today was the first time I could get through it without crying.

He was my baby - would have been 15 on May 2nd. He has battled diabetes and a slew of other medical issues for the past six years, but ironically had his best check-up in ages just last month. His blood sugar was finally at a point where it was under control with his insulin, he was weaned off his daily Prozac (had anxiety/stress issues) since Christmas and just seemed so much better.

Sunday night/early Monday morning he suffered a neurological episode which included seizures, loss of bladder and bowel functions, extreme agitation, etc. I brought him to the 24-hour vet ER and they were unable to stabilize him or bring him out of the trauma. At 4:30 AM on Monday, I had to make the awful choice to end his suffering. I got to hold him one last time, and got to sing him "our song" (the Golden Girls theme song "Thank you for being my friend" with the words changed to fit him.) I used to sing it to him every night before we went to sleep. Yes - I am the crazy cat mother .

Right now, the only thing keeping me sane is taking care of Blackie - Mackey's little brother ( 2 1/2 years old). It breaks my heart though - Blackie keeps walking over to Mackey's "spots" and looks at me and meows. I can tell that he misses him terribly, too.

The house just seems so quiet without him - he used to follow me around all day and would lay at my feet while I surfed the Disboard

Here is a recent photo of my boy:

- Laura (Mackeysmom)

 

[hereyago]

I am so sorry for your loss. He was a handsome cat.

 

[klmall]

So sorry; you have lost a loved part of your family. Take consolation in the fact that you got to say goodbye to him. I always did a similar thing; telling each one that I loved them and how they were special and held them as they left this earth. I think of that when I remember our furry babies and it makes me feel a bit better and I hope it helps you.

There is a thread on the Photography Board for pictures of our pets and we write about our losses there also.

Thinking about you!

 

[Singledad]

*hugs*

I am always so sad when one of my fur-babies goes on to the bridge to wait for me. *hugs again* Not sure if you ever read this, but it is what has helped me cope in the past:

"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... "

 

[chisnpeke]

I am so very very sorry. I can tell he was a special kitty from your post. I know that you ended his suffering doesn't make the pain any less. There really aren't words that can help but I am truly sorry. Prayers and love for Mackey and his brother and his mommy.

 

[christiane]

Dear MackeysMom, my condolences on the loss of your beautiful, boy. He couldn't have been loved more. Mackey was a lucky boy to have such a great Mom.

Christiane.

 

[chell]

Aww, Sweetie I'm so sorry. HUGE HUGS to you & Blackie! He had a wonderful live and knew he was loved beyond imagination. He was blessed to be with you!

This may sound odd, but if Blackie starts getting sick you may want to look into adopting another cat. I'm sure it may seem to soon to even consider. What I learned in 2004 was that animals grieve too and they can get very physically sick over the loss of a brother/sister furbaby. Kelly, a stray I had taken in, died about 6 months later after an unexplained illness. Within a week of his passing my dog Auggie was so sick. When I took her to the vet the doctor said she was in mourning. She suggested we adopt another cat and that's what she & I set out to do. She helped me pick him out. He doesn't know he's a cat though. Auggie started getting back to her old self right away.

I'm not saying this to make you feel like you need to rush out and get another cat, but just so you can be aware if something like this happens with Blackie. The void left by a lost pet can never be filled but a new one sure does make you smile and your heart warm again.

 

[Mrs.Malone]

So terribly sorry for your loss.

 

[Hannathy]

ahhh I'm so sorry I know how much it hurts. You are a wonderful Cat mother to have nursed him thru so long with a serious illness and to have taken such good care of him. I wish I could make it hurt less. He was a very blessed cat.

You did everything possible for him, try to take comfort in that and consider yourself hugged, I'm sorry.

 

[rie'smom]

I'm sorry for your loss.

 

[Lehuaann]

I'm so sorry to hear about your boy. Your story has brought tears to my eyes. There are no words to describe the pain associated with losing a loyal, furry family member.

We recently had to make the difficult decision two days after Christmas to put down our female dobbie, Xena. At 8 yrs old she went from being fine one day to collapsing the next, paralyzed in all four legs. Unbeknownst to us she suffered from degenerative spine disease and it finally got her spinal cord. The hardest part about putting her down was that her mind was still sharp. However, she appeared depressed/confused and couldn't walk. Since that time we have gotten another dobbie that looks identical to her and we couldn't be any more in love. Xena will never be replaced, but the joy Nala has brought into our lives has helped tremendously.

You are in my thoughts and prayers for much peace.

Singledad...I've always loved that poem about the Rainbow Bridge. Thank you for posting it.

 

[SookieStackhouse]

I am very sorry for your loss.

 

[katesorad]

I am so very sorry for the loss of your baby

 

[jackemail]

Beautiful cat...so sorry for your loss. YOU were a good friend to end his suffering.

 

[ursulaforever]

I'm so sorry. I agree with Chell. When you feel ready, maybe start thinking about getting a kitten, for both yourself and Blackie. My cat was killed and we just got another kitten a few days ago. Of course, it would never replace your sweet Mackey, but it might help you to feel better in the long run.

 

[lovephotography]

I am sorry for your loss.

 

[bitohoney]

So sorry. Everytime I read one of these posts I cry. I have 3 cats and will feel like it's the end of the world if I lost one. If you can, think about getting a kitten, not to replace dear Mackey (like another poster said) but for your own healing.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Sad to read you lost your friend

 

[Jennasis]

Oh I am so sorry. Hugs for you.

 

[Danauk]

I am so sorry for your loss, I know how hard it would be to loose a fur baby. It sounds like she had an amazing life with a wonderful mum.