My kitty crossed the Rainbow Bridge today :-(

[hemispheredancer]

Well it is time. Mittens is just an old man now and his body is giving up on him. What was once a 14# cat is now down to about 7. He has a tumor in his jaw and the drooling is becoming unbearable. At the last vet visit it appears that the cancer has infiltrated to his liver. His eating habits have drastically changed. He still desires affection but sleeps most of the time. His four beautiful white paws have now become stained with blood-tinged saliva. He has quit grooming himself. I can't bear to see him like this and I don't want him to suffer. I called the vet and he has a 1:15 appt to go to heaven. He would've been 17 in June. I know he has lived a great life. He was never allowed to roam, but only allowed outside on a leash. He was fed the best food, given a great roof and soft blankets to sleep on. He has received a lot of love and never any harm.

 

[DawnCt1]

I am so sorry. I can't imagine how heartbreaking it must be to have to make that right decision. Bless you.

 

[Pixiedust34]

 

[smilie]

I'm so sorry to hear about Mittens. It definitely sounds like he had a great life and knows how much he's been loved. It's never an easy decision to make, but it sounds as if you've made the right one. That's a great picture, beautiful cat.

 

[MzDiz]

I'm so sorry about your pretty boy. I'm sending lots of positive thoughts your way.

 

[Quinn222]

I'm so sorry, there are no words.

 

[PrincessDeb]

to you. I had to make that decision for my kitty last week. She was only 11 but she had multiple problems as well. That was one of the hardest things that I ever had to do.

 

[Evil Queen]

I'm so sorry.

 

[Lilo's Mom]

I am so sorry about your Mittens. This past November my beloved Skittles Marie who was 17 passed away laying next to me while I was watching television. Skittles had been having a little diarrhea for two days but other than that never cried, she ate, drank her water and was alert and affectionate as she always was. In the grand scheme of things passing over to the rainbow bridge in your sleep laying next to someone who loves you was a wonderful way for her to go. It left a giant hole in my heart and I grieved daily to the point that my family was worried about me.

The day after Valentine's Day my DD decided that I really needed to have another fur baby and bought Lilo for me, she is in my avatar. Although I love her more than I can say, I will always carry a part of Skittles with me.

There is a wonderful website www.catster.com and www.dogster.com where you can post pictures and stories about your pets. You can build a memorial on there for Mittens. It is a wonderful community of pet lovers who know all the joys and sorrows of the four legged members of our families

 

[AllyandJack]

I am so sorry.

I had to put my 21 year old cat down in 2000 and it's heartbreaking. One thing I did before was say a proper good-bye. I took her out on the porch (she was an indoor cat, but we think she always wanted to see it outside). She was only 3lb, so I held her and thanked her for being my best friend (I got her when I was 4 and I was 25 when we let her go). I needed her to know how much she meant to me and how thankful I was that I had her in my life. A lot of people say they feel comfort if a loved one dies knowing they said everything that needed to be said. I think the same is true for animals. I told her she could let go now because I was going to be OK and she didn't have to take care of me anymore because I was going to be OK. It was very peaceful and the vet even sent us a condolence card.

I'm so sorry you have to go through this today.

 

[UnderTheMistletoe]

This is never, ever easy. Remember the wonderful life you have given him- with much love and affection, and the very best medical care. Enjoy the time with him this morning. I am so, so sorry. You have me in tears...

 

[munchkin bunchkin]

I'm so sorry ! I know exactly how you must be feeling,as I am an animal lover myself(preferably cats).I had the same decision to make (once in 93 & again in 04) My Crystal Annie also had cancer(of the nasal cavity) and held on for a few months and then one morning started to hemmorage.I knew it was my duty to help ease her pain ,so fortunately the vet we use came to our home to help her start her journey to Rainbow Bridge.The lose was very painful for me but I had her cremated and have a memorial shelf for her in our living room and I made a tribute to her on the web. It helped ease my sorrow but the lose will always be with me.If you are interested in the web it is:http://www.in-memory-of-pets.com

 

[Planogirl]

Aw, he's a beautiful cat. I once had a great cat who was also a tabby that looked almost just like him.

I'm so sorry. There's no words to describe this I know.

 

[Laz]

I hope you get this before you go...

Tell him to look up a cat named Amber. She went over the bridge last month at age 17. She will be great company, as she was our best friend all her life.

 

[Mimi Q]

 

[escape]

{{{{{{hemispheredancer}}}}}}} many, many hugs to you.

Oh, what a handsome little man! Mittens looks like the perfect gentleman in that picture.

I've been in your shoes several times. It is a very difficult decision to make but it is the right one when our little furbabies are no longer able to have a life free of pain.

I will tell my Tif, who passed to the Bridge this past week, and my other furbabies that are there to look out for Mittens. Rest assured, he will be whole again, free of pain.

hemispheredancer, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers today. I know this will be a difficult time for you.

 

[Virgo10]

I am so sorry.

I will lend to you for a while a kitten, God said.
For you to love while he lives, and mourn when he's dead.

Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe two or three.
But will you, 'till I call him back, take care of him for me?

He'll bring his charms to gladden you and should his stay be brief,
you'll always have his memories as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return.
But there are lessons taught below I want this kitten to learn.

I've looked the whole world over in search of teachers true,
And from the folk that crowds life's land I have chosen you.

Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain?
Nor hate me when I come to take my kitten home again?

And in my heart I replied, "My Lord, Thy Will Be Done."
For all the joys this kitten brings, the risk of grief I'll run.

We'll shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may.
And for the happiness that we've known, forever grateful stay.

But should you call him back much sooner than we planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.

If by our love we've managed your wishes to achieve,
in memory of his sweet love, please help us while we grieve.

When our cherished kitten departs this world of strife,
Please send us another one to love for all its life.

 

[perdidobay]

I'ts never easy but it's the right thing to do

 

[luvmesometigger]

BIG HUGS
I had to put my dog Fritzi down in 2/04 and my dog Peyton died in a freak accident last June. I am still grieving her and it is almost a year later. We have 2 cats who are littermates who are almost 12 years old and I know their time will be coming soon also to go to the Bridge.
I will be thinking of you today.

 

[thelionqueen]

I know this will be a very hard thing for you today and I'm sending hugs your way to help you through. Do be thankful that you will be there when your beloved kitty crosses the bridge. Just think, tonight he will be runniing around and having a great great day.

My 21 year old cat died in 2000 and I was not able to hold her when she passed. It hurts very much to this day. Enjoy your time with him and he will be in a better place soon.