Conference misery::feline

    I forgot to put in my original message.  When I called the vet after
    Shelley died, he said he hadn't been concerned about Shelley not
    urinating because he had been giving her about 150 cc's of water 
    directly under the skin while she was in the hospital and that she
    had been urinating fine there.  
    
    He said we were only giving her 20 - 30 cc's of water by mouth, which
    was why he wasn't concerned about her not urinating.
    
    He said he feels she probably died due to the blood being cut off
    to her kidneys by something such as a blood clot, which shut down
    all her systems.
    
    Gayle

    My sympathies; and hope that memories of brighter times will eventually
    help erase your grief. 

    
    	Gayle,
    
    	I am so sorry about your Shelley. I know it dosen't help much, but 
    	I know what your going through. My Monroe passed away three
    	weeks ago and its so hard to cope. Like you I wanted all the
    	answers, but know they all can't be answered. Please don't
    	blame yourself. I still have a hard time not blaming myself,
    	but looking back I did the best I could and so did you.
    
    	I know that Shelley, Monroe and all our animals will always be
    	with us in spirit.
    	
    	I try to remember Monroe the way he was and how special it was to
    	be with him. I will cherish memories of him forever and will never
    	forget him. 
    
    	Liz
    
    	
    
    	

Us, too, We're so sorry...

Mary & 7

    Gayle,
    	
    	You mentioned that you're thinking about changing vets over this. 
    It's not good to blame or think "If only..." Had the vet responded
    earlier, he may not have been able to save Shelley.  However,I think what's
    important is how he spoke with you.  I should think that he'd be
    familiar with grief and that he'd be sensitive to that.  Implying that
    YOU were at fault because you didn't ask him to see her sooner is
    unkind.  It was not your responsiblity to diagnose Shelley.  You
    wouldn't go to a physician and say "I think I have an apendicitis. Will
    you operate on me Thursday?"  It was the vet's judgement call to make
    and you trusted his judgment.
    	I wouldn't say that the vet was right or wrong in his treatment of
    Shelley.  However, he made you feel bad when you were already grieving.
    I would look for someone more gentle.
    
    -SLT-
    
    p.s.  Shelley knew you loved her.  She died in a warm, loving place.  I
    know she's at peace.
                                                                 

    
         we are so sorry about Shelley....
    
         Denise and the gang of 11

Hi.

   I'm very sorry about your loss!

>    I'm thinking about changing vets because of this.  I don't feel that
>    he did all he could to help Shelley, and I don't think I'd ever trust
>    him again.  Am I wrong in feeling this way?  Is my grief getting in
>    the way of how I am thinking about this whole situation?

Whether or not the vet did all that he could is really irrelevant at this point.
Placing blame on the vet or yourself is just one way to vent your sorrow and
frustration.  It really doesn't help.  What is important is your trust in the
vet.  Even if he did all that he could do, if this trust is gone, then you will
never really feel comfortable seeing this vet again.  Then it is time to find a
new vet.  Your peace of mind is all that really matters at this point.

Again, I am very sorry.

Dave (who should probably introduce himself and his 'child' one of theses days).

p.s.

> I trusted that vet.  When he didn't want to see her, I figured he's
> the vet--he knows best.

This touches on a subject that I feel pretty strongly about.

Vets (like doctors) are just people.  They do not know everything, and they do
make mistakes.  You cannot blame them for that, they're human.  However, people
often think of them as infallible (which would be nice, but is not possible),
and place too much trust in them.  In any situation with a vet (or doctor), you
must remember that he/she *works for you*.  You must work *with* them to figure
out what is best, since they usually have knowledge and experience that you and
I do not.  But remember, you have the final say.  If you
want them to do something, or don't understand something they they are doing,
make sure that your concerns are heard.  If your vet (or doctor) has an attitude
like "Well, I'm the Vet/Doctor and you're not.  You can't possibly understand
what I'm doing, or what needs to be done", then I would suggest finding a new
provider of health care!

    I'm so sorry to hear about your Shelley - think about the good
    times and the times she made you laugh.  Remember, she's not in
    pain any more.

    As for your vet, I would consider talking to your vet about your
    concerns around trust.  Tell him how you are feeling.  And if you
    change vets, tell him why (give him a chance to improve that part
    of his practice).

    My vet is always very good about saying "if you have questions or
    anything, call or come in".  Sometimes I have what I think are
    stupid questions, or I'll call if he hasn't returned my call.  I
    always apologize, and he always encourages me to keep
    asking/calling.  He has also coached his staff to tell his
    customers to ask and call.  Everytime I visit the vet with a sick
    animal, a couple days later I get a followup phone call or post
    card, asking if everything is ok.  It's a small gesture, but it
    helps when you are worried about something, and my vet knows it.

    Our sympathies,

    Sue B + Smokey, Spike, Trouble and Lucy the foster dog.

    I'm so sorry to hear about Shelley.  And I'm sure your grief was
    very acute, as would be mine if one of my four died.  I would
    definitely tell your vet how disappointed you are in the lack of,
    or breakdown of, communication that occurred between you.  I 
    know that I am constantly on the horn with my vet about even the
    smallest little ailment, and each time they give me their 
    undivided attention and sympathies....and they always say, "If you
    feel uncertain, by all means bring her in and we will take a look
    at her.  Better safe then sorry."  Of course, I either put things into
    perspective and realize my animal doesn't need the vet, or I rush right
    down there and they take her immediately.  I like that about my vet.
    They understand that my animals, to me, are like family...like a child.
    They never brush me off or say that my fears are unfounded.  Once my
    vet even said, "Nancy, I wish more 'parents' were like you. It's a good
    thing you brought her down because this is what we've found...."
    
    And I leave feeling good.  I feel so badly for you.  But you mustn't
    blame yourself.  You did everything you could for Shelley and I know
    that through your caring and tenderness, she knew how you tried to help
    her and make her feel loved.  That is all any person can do for their
    pet.  And I know it is appreciated.
    
    Time will heal the wound, though it may seem now as if that may never
    happen.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
    
    Nancy and her crew:  Cyrano, Suki, Zuzu and Bear

    I also wish to express my sympathy at the loss of Shelley.  I have
    added her name to the Silver Lining Memorial List for this quarter.
    
    Regarding you vet:  Based, solely on what you said in your mail and
    not knowing what other experiences you've had with your vet, I would
    say that you have good reason to be concerned about this vet.  I have
    always been told that a cat that won't eat or drink is a very sick
    cat.  And a cat not urinating is an emergency situation that can
    result in death in 24 hours.  (FUS) 
    
      IMO your vet should have had you bring the cat in immediately. 
    Knowing what I know, I would have insisted that the vet see the cat.
    But vet is expected to know that, not you.  Personally, I feel that
    the vet made a mistake in this case and telling you that you should
    have insisted that he see the cat was just a way of avoiding admitting
    he goofed.
    
    Vets are human and they DO make mistakes.  Whether or not your vet
    erred in this case I can't say for sure.  I can only offer my 
    opinion based on the information you have provided.
    
    If you feel you can not trust your vet, then you must find one that
    you can trust.  If you post your location I am sure that folks in
    this file can recommend vets that they trust.
    
    Condolences,
      Nancy DC
    

    
    	I too send my sympathies in your loss of Shelley.  Most of us
    	have been there and we know how you feel.
    
    	I too had an experience with my Vet regarding my dog.  He didn't
    	want to come in the middle of the night to his office (even though
    	it was in his house).  So he SUGGESTED I wait till morning and 
    	bring Tasha in.  I spent the whole night with a dog in pain who
    	just stood (she couldn't lie down) with her head hanging down 
    	whimpering in pain.  I cried myself dry believe me.  When I
    	brought her in at 8:30 the Vet was off for the day and his
    	associate saw her.  She was put to sleep while I held her head
    	in my lap.  She suffered needlessly in my opinion.  I'm sorry,
    	but I can not forgive this Vet and have since changed to a more
    	carrying Vet.
    
    	I too THOUGHT the Vet knew what was best for my Tasha, but I'm
    	afraid he didn't.  True, he probably couldn't have saved her,
    	but he COULD have made the suffering shorter.  I was hurt, upset
    	and angry because I felt I was part of the reason she suffered.
    	I did what he said - give her more medicine and brought her in, in 
    	the morning. When I called that night I was sobbing, so he KNEW
    	I was upset, yet he still said wait.  Maybe too many people call
    	over nothing, but I never called asking for immediate attention
    	unless it was an emergency.
    
    	So I guess what I am saying is that you did the right things, now
    	it is time to get a new Vet to make YOU feel better in case another
    	emergency comes up.  You need to have confidence in your Vet.  At
    	the moment you do not.  CHANGE VETS.
    
    	-dee
                                                                          

    
    My thoughts are with you also...
    
    On the subject of vets. A vet like any other health care professional
    is not infallible. The response that one gets depends upon alot of
    variables from how things have gone at the office that day to how much
    expertise/experience they have had with certain problems as well as
    the relationship that you have built with that person.  I have learned 
    (as I know many other people have) to go with my gut feeling.  I believe 
    each of us KNOWS when our babies are in a threatening situation.  If
    you don't agree with him/her tell them so. We know our cats.  They not
    always do.  If they do not listen to you go to someone else (even if it 
    is an emergency hospital as I have done). They provide a service for
    us. We pay them. I feel that it is better to be safe than sorry.  Go
    with your gut.  Mine has not steered me wrong yet.                       
    
    

    I'm so sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you as well.
    
    Giudi +3

         My deepest condelences to you, Gayle, on the loss of Shelley.
    
    					- Andrea

    I'm so sorry to hear about Shelley.
    
    Best wishes,
    
    Karen (and Georgie)
    

    I really need some support.

    My best pal and companion of 12 years passed away Saturday night.
    Kidney failure.  It was very sudden....the Vet did all he could
    Clare just went to sleep after about 8 hours.
    
    I really miss him and have never experienced a loss like this.  I live
    in Northern California and there is a area in Napa that he will be
    taken with many other pets and his name put on the plaque.
    
    I know in time it will get easier..the nights are hardest when
    I get home and he isn't there to meet me.  
    
    Jannie
    
    

    Words are not enough, yes nothing. I feel with you and have my warm
    thoughts. I fear the day I myself will be mourning. I send love to you.
    
    Nat

    Jannie,
    
    I'm so sorry. I, too, lost a cat after 12 years. It has been 6 years
    since I lost him, and I still miss him. 
    
    Clare must have been a special cat to have someone love him so well!
    
    ng

    Oh, gosh...Jannie.
    
    My absolute deepest sympathies.  I'm still hurting from my own loss,
    and definitely know how you feel.
    
    My poem, "Precious Memories" was written for my Tiki.  If you have it;
    read it.  If not, let me know, and I'll send it to you.
    
    All of our best (and I PROMISE to write!)
    K.C.

    How fortunate you were to have such a loving pet. I can't imagine
    a nicer area than Nappa to place a pet at rest.
    
    Keep your chin up and it does it easier as time goes on.  Hopefully
    there will be room in your heart for another cat someday.
    
    Barbara

>    How fortunate you were to have such a loving pet. I can't imagine
>    a nicer area than Nappa to place a pet at rest.
    
in fact, I have our dobe, Brandy, and our Siamese cat, Tabitha, and my
gray tuxedo cat, Sir Nicholas Longtail, all at the same place.  Over the
years, I have had to say goodbye to several beloved companions.  It never
gets any easier, but I do find that I treasure every moment with my current
feline and canine companions with a keener sense of delight.  It makes our
times together fully satisfying and heart-warming -- perhaps ever more so
than when I was younger and had not yet felt this loss.

You will remember...and it will always hurt, at least a little, but there
is a cat or kitten out there who needs a loving human companion like you...and
when the time is right, you'll find one another.  When that happens, a circle
will be complete, and the next circle will begin.  The most important thing
to remember is the gift of love, freely and uncritically given.  That is
what your friend taught you  - and it is a lesson best shared.

    I'm very sorry about your loss.  I know the unbelievable
    emptiness of coming home and not having your baby there.  I'm
    glad for Clare that he didn't suffer, and that you and he had
    years of happiness.  I hope that in time you will be able to take
    in another cat, perhaps from a shelter, one who needs you very much.
    

    I'm so so sorry to hear of you loss.  My thoughts are with you.  My
    first cat, Ting is burried in Napa as well.
    
    giudi

    
    Someone sent this to me, and maybe it was from FELINE.  But if not,
    here goes.....  For you :
    
    Small one, now that you have departed, I remember.
    I remember the misadventures of kittenhood,
    When enthusiasm courted disaster at every turn;
    But who could remain angry at the little furball,
    Wrapped to a small pile of sleeping and purring fur?
    Or when you were grown, could I forget the way
    You would greet me?  A meow, a head-bump, a cheek
    to the leg, just to say "hello."  I remember the way
    You played, every once in a while the kitten would
    Surface in you as a grown cat.  I recall you being
    Spooked at the most trivial thing, and fascinated
    By something I couldn't see.  I remember the gentleness
    Of your paws and the softness of your step.  I remember
    The gracefulness of your leaps and the ease with
    Which you relaxed.  The cries for attention, the need for
    Solitude.  The times you wouldn't be satisfied no matter
    Which side of a door you were on.  And I remember your love.
    
    You have left me now, little one.  Your place cannot be filled,
    But then, with the memories, is it ever empty?
    
    Walk proud, head high, to wherever good little ones go.
    May you know happiness, and love, and a life of sleeping,
    prowling, exploring, and those thousands of things that kept
    You occupied when you were with me.
    
    May your pawprints be eternal, my faithful one.
    
    				-- Author unknown?
    
    
    
    My thoughts are with you in your sorrow.  
    
    Nancy

    
            Condolences on the loss of your friend.  Having been through it
    several times myself,  I know what you feel.  It hurts because  you
    loved your friend so much,  but you'll always cherish the memories. 
    They will bring a smile and warmth everytime you think of them.
    
    Denise and the gang

    You have all been so supportive and your words have helped a great
    deal.

    Thank you for the mail that some of you sent too.  It is still very
    hard....especially when I get home at night and the cuddle moments
    Clare and I always had together many times during the day.  I think
    I miss that the most.

    Thanks again!
    
    Jannie

    Warm wishes and hugs from all of us.   Over time the hurt will go away
    and all you will remember are those happy memories.
    
    Someday I'm sure you will want another needed furface to cuddle with...
    you will know when the time is right!!   But I will admit that after
    losing Tamba last October I thank the lucky stars I had more kitties
    at home to go hug and cry in their fur! 
    
    So sorry...Sandy  
    
    

RE: .27

Yes Sandy, I know exactly how you feel.  I was SO glad to have my other 
furr faces around when I lost my Michaela .  To cry in their furr and
just to cuddle with them.

Jannie,

As I said in my mail, I am SO sorry to hear about Clare.  I know how much
you loved him.  I remember talking to you at night and hearing that Clare
was right there with you.

Remember that Clare is in good hands now.  He's with all of our feline
friends who have passed on.  Michaela and all of the other will "show him
the ropes". (-:  I'm sure that he misses you just as much!

Your friend!

Holly

    I don't know if anyone remembers my note in the last Feline file,
    but I had written about my kitty Brandy, and her cardiomyopathy
    and brain tumor.
    
    Brandy left me last Saturday.  The Sunday before I had noticed that
    her gums were black, and in talking to the vet learned that her
    circulation was slowing down, nothing more could be done.  She had
    a rather quiet week, and alot of attention from me knowing the end
    would be coming soon.  
    
    She slept her last night with me (she'd been on the couch for the
    last two months).  Saturday morning she couldn't walk or eat.  I
    knew it was time.  My vet came over and she died in my arms.  Like
    I said before, she was the love of my life, and I can only say that
    I miss her with all my heart.  I am lucky to have five other 
    kitties to help me, and they do.  
    
    Thank you to everyone who has written to me, it surely does help
    to know that I don't grieve alone.  
    
    deb

    Deb,
    
    My condolensces.  I know how difficult it is to lose a beloved pet.
    
    Lucky Brandy to have had a special person like you to live out her life
    with.
    
    Take care,
    Roberta
    

    
             condolences for you,
    
             Denise and the gang of 10

    I'm really sorry, too, Deb.  I was looking at Brandy's picture
    last night, and she was really beautiful.
    
    Karen
    

    My heart is with you....and you did all you could for Brandy! 
    
    I also lost a kitty to cardiomyopathy last October and I will admit
    it still hurts to think about him but I can atleast remember the
    warm memories with a smile on my face.  They say time will heal...but
    it will take a long time.   I was also very happy that I had many
    other cats in my house to help me through this sad time!!  I couldn't
    have done it without them.
    
    Warm kitty thoughts...
    
    Sandy
    Sandy

It was only last month that I finally introduced our family, and now it is
very hard to write this note.

The gang went out after dinner Sunday to play, and Hemi didn't come back in.
Although everyone is usually back in before we go to bed, there have been
exceptions, so we weren't overly worried.  But as time went on, our concerns
grew.

I came home from work sick Tuesday afternoon (cold/allergy stuff) and asked
Bill (also home sick) to help me look around a little, in some of the obvious
places, just to feel like we did what we could.  No luck.

We were both home sick yesterday (Wednesday).  Bill noticed the dog next door
barking quite a bit and watched through the kitchen window (through the woods,
and from a distance) as the neighbor came out and did something in the woods,
and went back into the house.  Bill called her, and said that we noticed some
commotion, and that our cat was missing, and wondered what was going on.  Yes,
her son (4-5 years old) had found a dead cat in the woods, and yes it was
"multi-colored".  We went over; I'm amazed my legs were still working at
that point, and confirmed that it was indeed our Hemi.  It felt like something
out of a movie, I was so detached at first.  Bill and Mary went in to get
something to carry her home in.  I asked the son "you found her?"  and he
nodded yes, and I think he was afraid I was going to be mad at him, but I just
said "thank you".

We came back to the house, and put her on the ground, and looked at her, and
touched her.  Nothing seemed to be "wrong" except some blood in her ear.  And
we cried together for our first "baby", only a year and a month old, gone
so soon and so quickly.

We buried her in the woods by the "perc test" hole, as it made a good landmark
and because she loved the water.  She gave us a lot of joy, and we gave her
a lot of love.  And we are thankful that we took pictures of all the kids this
past weekend during the wild catnip birthday fest, and that we know where she
is, and that she's not lost or suffering.

Hemi, we won't forget you.

Jill, Bill, Tigger, CJ, and Penny

    I know I wrote off-line...but I just want to say it again.
    
    Your note touches a place in my heart that hurts...it brings back
    memories of losing my loved one....and the pain you feel is felt
    by all of us.
    
    Take comfort in knowing you gave Hemi a wonderful, caring, happy
    and pain free life.  She was young...but cats do not measure years...
    they only measure love and kindness.  (another feliner shared that
    with me when I lost Tamba...and I repeat it daily)
    
    Hang in there....and time will heal.
    
    Sandy
    
    

    Jill and Bill,
    
    I am very sorry, and share your grief and sorrow.
    
    -Roberta

    Our sympathies...
    
    K.C., Leigh, Rico, Alex, (Tiki)

    
    Jill,
    
    I am SO sorry about Hemi.  All I can think of is that night we sat
    together after most everyone had left the FELINE dinner.  You and I and
    your gang...and trying to tell them apart.  In that few moments I fell
    in love with all of them, and so I want you to know that I am out here
    grieving with you.  If there is ANYTHING I can do to help you, please
    don't hesitate to call.  I know how much you loved Hemi.....and it is
    always harder for us who are left behind when they go...
    
    Nancy

    Jill, I'm very sorry about Hemi, too.
    
    Karen
    

Thanks, everyone, for the kind thoughts here, in mail, and in your hearts.

love,
Jill

    
           we are sorry for your loss,
    
           Denise and the gang

    I just had to pop in an express my condolences also, Jill.  We've
    already talked off-line and I wanted to add my support here.  I'll
    NEVER forget what it was like to lose my Kathryn so suddenly and I
    am also grateful that I know what happened to her.  I really think
    its harder when you lose a young one so unexpectedly.  
    
    Hemi will be added to the Silver LIning Memorial.
      Nancy DC
    

    Jill,
    
         Just wanted to express my condolences too.  If you want someone to
    talk to, I'm just down the hall ...
    
    					- Andrea

	We all send our love and sympathies, too, Jill (and Bill).  It's
	so sad to lose even one baby so suddenly.

	Sandy

    We are also very sad to hear about Hemi, we will remember all of you
    in our thoughts and in our prayers.
    Kate, Happy, Preschie, Kissy

    Jill,
    
    We are so sorry about your loss. If you need an ear, I'm am here.
    
    Hugs,
    Roslyn, Escoh & Brandy

    For those of you who may not remember, Stitch's mom was the last feral
    from the gardens that we, after years, were able to have spayed. 
    "Momma" as we called here, didn't have the best of lives, even tho we
    did our best to supply her with food and water.  Endless litters, abuse
    from nasty toms and the elements had started taking their toll.  I
    think her slowing down partially enabled us to capture here and get her
    taken care of.
    
    She was returned to the gardens as she was so very wild - but would
    wait in the very early mornings for either Gordon or me to feed her. 
    In the afternoons you could catch her sitting on one of the benches
    bathing or sleeping.  She started looking so good, gained weight, her
    fur becoming think and shining.
    
    At least she had a year and a half of something better because she's
    been missing for over a month.  She was last seen by one of the
    neighbours in the early morning looking like she had been hit by a car
    and hasn't been seen since.
    
    Thanks "momma" for allowing me to take one of your kittens - he's
    beautiful and has a little of you in him.  I hope that you've found
    peace - some place warm to sleep and all you want to eat.  Perhaps
    there are angles up there who go around scratching chins and holding
    kitties who have never had love and affection.
    
    I miss you - the mornings aren't quite the same as I look down the
    street ..........
    
    luv
    Giudi

    Guidi...sniff sniff.  Momma is probably the most happy and
    peaceful kitty right now and Heaven will treat her wonderfully.
    
    I have worked with ferals too...and I know deep in my heart that
    no matter how wild she was...she knew exactly who has been taken
    care of her in the last years.   
    
    Give Stitch a big hug....because he is definetly part of her and
    she will live on.
    
    Sandy            
    

    Sniff.  I'm sure she's with my Pussycat, curled up together dozing in
    the nice warm sun.
    
    Karen
    

Well even though I truly thought Ernie and I was prepared for this
day....we have realized that you can truly never prepare yourself.
On November 5th at 10:00AM we put our Sass (Sasquatch) to rest.  For
those that don't remember Sass was our terminally ill stray we took
in six weeks ago.  Sass will be cremated and we will spread his
ashes on our property line leading to the woods...this was his special
place to gaze down at our home and he can rest there forever.

To Sass:

   What can we say....you have brought Mom and Dad to a new level of
   cat caring.  Never in our wildest dreams did we ever feel we had the
   strength to take in a stray that we knew had a very short lifespan.
   You have proved we have the strength to put aside our own weakness and
   fear of hurting to help a needed furface...you have taught us that
   love is stronger then any emotional feeling we felt during this
   timeframe.  I remember driving home with my stomach in a knot...so
   afraid to open my door for fear of what state I might find you....but 
   to see you look so happy...jump down to greet us...munch out on 5 oz of
   food and lazily jump up on your favorite chair and clean yourself
   for 1/2 hour before you snoozed...was heaven!!

   We feel you were very content because you never cried,,,you never tried
   to get back outside,,,and the way you use to lay on my dresser on  
   sweatshirts with your belly fully exposed...proved to me you must have
   been pretty content.  I hope you enjoyed all your food treats because
   you cost us alot of money trying to find your favorite food....and
   I do know now...sliced chicken was the best.  We sure hope you were as 
   happy as you appeared.

   I personally apologize to you for making you go visit Dr Shunk (a 
   specialist) earlier in the week.  I'm sure this was pretty stressful
   on you, but for my own piece of mind...I just had to make sure there
   were no open options we might have missed.  I just had to do it....
   and do feel guilty for making you go through this.

   You were a special kitty who has touched a special place in our heart...
   we will miss you so...but we know it won't be long until the pain in
   our hearts goes away...and we can cherish the six wonderful weeks we
   spent together.  Right now we feel we couldn't deal with another terminally
   ill kitty...but you have taught us how to...and I can guarantee the
   next kitty that shows up at our door step and needs us..we will be 
   there with open arms.

   I know Tamba has met you on your way to heaven...and will show you
   the path which has no more pain or suffering.  Wait near the big
   kitty box in the sky...and someday we will join you!

   Love forever.....

   Mom and Dad (Poco, Barkley, Angus, Chloe, Dewey, Abby
                Bogart, Van Gogh and J.C.) 
                                    

   

         Oh, Sandy, I am so sorry.  Sass had a beautiful time with you,
    enjoying love, treats and warmth.  I believe that in those few short
    weeks, you made up for what he went through during the rest of his
    life.
    
         My deepest condolences.
    
    					- Andrea

    God love you and Ernie, Sandy.  You are so compassionate and Sass must
    have been sent to you for his last days.
    
    Rest in peace, Sass.
    
    Pat & Clan
    

There are tears up here, too.  I know how easy it is to get attached so
quickly, and you're right, it's hard to take in a kitty who's past--and 
future--are unknown.  You gave Sass a miracle--to go to heaven loved,
warm, and cared for.  He couldn't ask for more....

Bless you,
Mary

    
    Sandy, My condolences, Sass was so luck to run into you. How wonderful
    of you to give him so much love to take with him. 
    
    Shaw

    Sandy,
    
    What a wonderful tribute to Sass!  You really do have a way with words.
    
    Our condolensces too.
    
    -Roberta, Kelsey, Taja, Herbie
    

    Here I am, crying into my terminal.  Love to you both.
    

    Oh Sandy, how sad.  I can barely see the screen because of the tears
    welling up in my eyes!  It's so wonderful that Sass had a safe and
    happy home during his last few weeks.  From all your notes, I feel like
    I've lost one of my own catfriends.  To tell you the truth, I was
    hoping against all hope that Sass would pull through and make a
    miraculous recovery because of all the love you gave him.
    
    Our best wishes for you and your hubby,
    Michelle, and Nic & Lasher

    Sandy,
    
    What a beautiful tribute to Sass.  I'm sitting here with tears in my
    eyes.  You gave Sass such a wonderful life, full of love and comfort
    and peace.  That is the most precious gift you could give.  And he
    certainly loved you in return.  You and Ernie are both very special
    people.  Sass certainly knew where to come when he was hurting.
    
    My condolences to you.
    
    Steffi, Misty, Lizette, Misha, Marnie

    Sass was very lucky to have found you.
    
    Our sypathies,
    
    Jan, Amelia, Carrie & Onyx

    Our condolences, Sandy.
    
    Lynne & Crew

    So many kitties are leaving us lately. My deepest condolences.
    
    THE FIRM and Deb

    Condolences, Sandy. I'm sure he'll be in your heart forever.
    
    ng

    
    Sandy, I know we spoke offline....here's hoping at the gates to heaven
    Lancelot awaited Sass's arrival.....  two old warriors.
    
    N

    TO THE OWNER OF SHELLY (GAYLE I BELEIVE IS HER NAME),
    
      I WOULD HAVE GOTTEN A SECOND OPION, OR HAVE GONE TO AN EMERGENCY PET
    CLINIC.  ON THE THANKSGIVING DAY.  I HAVE FOUND THROUGH PAST
    EXPERIENECES WITH VETS THAT IF YOU GO TO A ANIMAL HOSPITAL THAT JUST
    CATERS TO CATS YOU WILL GET MORE UNDERSTANDING TOWARDS YOUR CAT AND
    YOUR OWN FEELINGS, AS A PET OWNER.  BUT I CERTAINLY AGREE WITH YOU, I
    WOULDN'T TRUST THAT VET AGAIN, HE SHOULD ACTED UPON YOUR MANY ENQUIRIES
    ABOUT SHELLY'S HEALTH.  IF YOU HAD JUST PHONED ONCE, THEN HE COULD PASS
    IT OF LIGHTLY, BUT YOU HAD PHONED MANY TIMES.  I HOPE THIS HELPS.
    
                                                   JO-ANNE
    

    Sunny Bunny died yesturday.  He had tested positive for feline lukemia
    a year ago.  Experience with my 14 year old led me to believe that you
    don't do anything to the cat unless they start getting sick.
    
    His appitite gradually decreased.  By the end of the month he had
    really stopped eating, was getting bonier by the day, drinking lots of
    water, etc.  I guess I knew something was wrong, but didn't want to
    admit it.  Anyway, his kidney's were 2-3 times bigger than they should
    be, and I was told that they were shutting down.  Instead of prolonging
    his suffering, I had him put to sleep yesturday.  Hardest thing I ever
    had to do.  
    
    Sunny Cat ---Sunny Bunny to me
    Sunshine of my life.
    
    I'll miss you.

   re:-1
       My deepest sympathies, Sunny Bunny was lucky to have you to make
       the right decision for him when it was time.  
    
    Shaw

    I'm so sorry for your loss.
    
    Deb
    

    Thanks.  I keep wondering if I did the right thing.  But he couldn't
    eat, and was getting worse and worse.  
    
    Thanks 

    My sincere sympathy.....your heart made you make the right
    decision for you and your cat...so try not to question your
    decision.
    
    Keep all those wonderful memories close to your heart...
    
    Sandy

    Thanks...

   So sorry - you did what you felt was best and in the best interest of
   SunnyBunny, so don't beat yourself up about it !

   I'll add SunnyBunny to the SLM listing

   My sympathies,
   Debbi J

    I don't question your asking if it was the right thing.  In your heart,
    deep past the greif, you know it was right.  We would all do the same
    thing too. Our love to you, we are sorry....
    Karen and all the little "moonsta's"

    After losing 3 loves myself years ago to Feline Leuk, I feel a special
    pain when hearing of someone else suffering in the same way.
    Condolences,
    Denise

	I'm so sorry to hear you had to put SunnyBunny to sleep.  I know how
	hard that is to do, you have my heartfelt sympathies.

	Laura

         So sorry to hear of your loss.  Please be gentle with yourself ...
    
    					- Andrea

    I have started to feel better about things.  But I made the mistake of
    reading some notes in here about cats that pull through certain kidney
    ailements.  Now I'm back to the "did I do the right thing" question
    again.  Sunny tested pos. for feline lukemia, couldn't eat,became boney,
    kidneys shutting down, and would just sit in one spot.  This all
    happened in about 2 weeks.  The vet said I could prolong this-ie let
    him suffer for a while, but there was nothing he could do.  No
    operation, or treatments.  
    
    I can't reverse what was done.    I don't know.  Thanks for listening.
    
    
    Donna

  All too often we see owners who are just too attached to their pets to let
them go. I should know - I kept our cat (liver failure) alive until he was a
4-pound walking skeleton. It was too easy for me since I have easy access to
things like fluids that I can bring home. In retrospect, I'd wished I let him go
months earlier as I don't think he could have been enjoying life. While it's
very hard to put an animal to sleep, sometimes I wish the people could see how
much they're suffering (like a feline infectious anemia cat that's essentially
dying from lack of oxygen - you know it'll most likely be gone in 48
hours but the owners want to prolong its life). Sometimes I think that with
animals staying at the vet's people just don't really fathom how serious the
situation is and how much suffering is going on. I've seen renal-failure animals
get so ill as the toxins build up in their body that they can't even stand up;
the best they can do is sit up and vomit stomach bile. It paints a pretty
depressing picture and that's exactly my intention. There isn't a doubt in my
mind for even a second that you did the right thing. And as much as it hurt to
let Sunny go, it's much better than the pain he would have experienced as his
condition continued to worsen.

Trace_who_has_the_Rainbow_Bridge_poem_posted_in_his_work_area_at_the_vet's

    Thanks.  I need a nudge every now and then.  I did the right thing.  He
    was already suffering and didn't even want me to touch him.  Just hard
    letting go.
    
    ps..if you have the rainbow connection online, can you send it to me? 
    If not, don't worry about it.
    
    Thanks again,
    
    Donna

    You did the right thing.....about 5 1/2 years ago we had to make the
    decision about our Tala.  She was 9 yrs. old with FeLeuk.  We kept her
    at home until the end.  For the last two weeks of her life she stayed
    on one of our dining room chairs.  She was incontinent so several times
    a day I would fix the identical chair with plastic and several soft
    towels - quickly move her to the clean chair and wash the soiled stuff.
    I would sit by her chair and pet her and try to coax her to eat or
    drink.
    
    Finally, she reached the point that she would start yowling in the
    middle of the night - it would scare me to death and she sounded so
    sad.  She literally began to smell like she was already dead.  My
    husband finally convinced me to call the vet.  I had wanted her to 
    die at home so badly but she just wouldn't give up.
    
    In retrospect I wish I had been able to let her go earlier.  But, we
    basically did the same thing with our dog, Bailey, last year.  He had
    cancer and we resisted having him put to sleep.  The one thing we did
    decide was that as soon as he started showing signs of intense pain
    we would have the vet come to our house and help him go.  Bailey made
    up his own mind about when to go - 1 year ago on January 24th - by
    a heart attack.
    
    As I said, you did the right thing....
    
    Linda

    Thank you for sharing that with me.  I feel like I did the right thing. 
    Every thing happened so fast.  Wish he could still be here with me. 
    But I'm glad he didn't suffer any more than he did.
    
    Thanks for the comfort, everyone.
    
    
    Donna

    I agree that you did the right thing and know how you are feeling. 
    I had my first cat put to sleep four years ago and even now sometimes
    wonder if I could have kept her a little longer even though I know deep
    down that I did the right thing.
    
    She was a feral cat which I rescued when she was less than a year old
    and pregnant.  Unfortunately only one of the kittens made it and I
    found it a home - I had Tiptoes for the next fifteen years.  She was
    very independant and spent alot of time out of doors, we lived in the
    country.  So when she went blind very suddenly i.e. within a week she
    was totally blind she just couldn't cope.  
    
    We struggled on for a couple of weeks but she was so confused and
    unhappy it was breaking my heart.  Her quality of life was non
    existent, I think because she had been so independant.  I couldn't bear
    to see her bump into things and fall off things, also she had never
    used a litter tray and was now scared to go outside.
    
    After alot of soul searching and talking to vets I did what I know she
    wanted me to do and in the process I lost my best friend who had helped
    me when I was growing up.  I was only seven when I rescued her so she
    saw me through my adolescence.
    
    As I said at the beginning of my note, now and again I still wonder if
    I did the right thing but when I think of the last couple of weeks of
    her life I am left in no doubt that I did.  For most dogs and some cats
    being blind isn't too much of a problem to them, unfortunately Tiptoes
    didn't fall into that category. I just have to be thankful she had
    sixteen happy years and although I have two cats now she will always
    have a special place in my heart.

						Trace

    Thanks.  I hadn't read that before.  What are you trying to do?  Make
    me cry all over my terminal!?!
    
    Sniff.  I want to let each of you know that when you share your stories
    it helps me more and more.  I feel stronger about everything now, and
    you've all played a part in that.  
    
    A heart felt thanks (or MEOW!)
    
    
    
    Donna

Christopher Robin was hit by a vehicle and died last Monday 
evening around 6:00pm, he was about 7 years old.  To say that 
his family is heartbroken doesn't begin describe what we are feeling.  

I am thankful that our neighbor found him around 6:20 before he was 
hit by anything else.  There was almost no external damage, he must 
have died very quickly, there was still snow on his paws. 

Chris walked in on us one Thanksgiving 6 years ago.  He was unlike 
any cat we had ever had before, he ran faster, jumped higher, was 
bigger and braver, smarter and stronger than any cat I have met in 
the last 50 years--we never did manage to stop him jumping on the roof.

He was the classic heart-throb, a charmer and con-man.  He charmed 
his way through life, secure that he could win over anyone he wanted, 
and did.  He was the classic hunk and if Hollywood had gotten hold of 
him he would have left Fabio sitting in the dust.

I can't begin to describe what made him different in under a 1000 words 
so I won't try, except that if he had been a human he would have been a 
sky diving, bunjie jumping, mountain climbing, race car driving, adrenalin 
junkie.  He was for ever leaving his dash for the door till the last 
minute, just as you had started to close it, but he always managed to 
slip through the crack and make it out.  I guess this time he pushed the 
envelope one time too many and lost.  

He was not the kind of cat you could keep indoors, he had to be out and 
if it was too cold or wet, he would mope and get depressed.  He enjoyed 
rain and shine alike and his greatest joy was early morning no matter 
what the weather.  I am glad that Monday was a beautiful day, he had been
out all afternoon and must have had a great time snoozing in the sunshine 
and hunting down by the lake.  He did what he wanted and went where he 
liked--I wouldn't have denied him any of it.  He had never been a "pussy 
cat", never chased string or balls, there was nothing trivial about his 
personality.  He was big, warm hearted and generous, often bringing home 
less fortunate cats for me to feed, and kept dingbat Cho Cho away from the 
road.  OH Chris, if only you had taken as much care of yourself.

We will have other cats and will love them all for themselves, but nothing 
can or will take Christopher's place in our hearts. Rest in peace my love,
we'll see you again at the pearly gates.
  

        God Bless... Prayers and Thoughts are with you... 
        Remember all the Happy Times..
        
    	Hes crossed over the bridge to play with his many friends...
    
        Big Hugs and Purrssss from all of us...
        
        SueJ
    

         So sorry to read of Christopher Robin's passing.  He sounded like
    such a character, with a real zest for life.
    
         The Bridge is getting awfully crowded these days ...
    
    					- Andrea
    					  Loki & Midnight

    
    
    	Sniff......
    
    	I'm so sorry to hear about Christopher Robin.
    
    	JJ
    

    So sorry to hear about Christopher....it sure sounds like
    he lived a very happy 7 years, was quite the character 
    and lived for the moment.   
    
    His zest will add happiness and fun at the Rainbow Bridge...
    
    Sandy 

    I'm so sorry about Christopher Robin.  He sounds like a
    wonderful cat and you must have had such happiness together.  I know he
    is waiting at the bridge for you.  Hugs from
    
    Karen, Sweetie, Holly, Little Bit, and Blackie
    

    What a lovely eulogy you've just shared with us.  Goodbye for now, 
    Christopher Robin  :-(
    
    Leslie

    I'm so sorry. A unexpected loss of a cat is so hard, especially one as
    magnificent as you described.

    Our thots are with you at this time.

    Deb and The FIRM

    very sorry to hear of your loss. Your eulogy to Christopher-Robin was
    wonderful. It made me think of our first "rascal"- he was very much
    like CR and he too was hit by a car. I'm sure they are exchanging
    stories and adventures together.
    
    It's very hard. The shock wears off and the hurt gets deeper. But then
    the good time/memories become stronger then the hurt. Good luck to all
    of you over these next few weeks.  Kitty hugs coming your way!
    
    janetb.
    Merlin & Rascal II

    
    I am so sorry to hear about your loss. 
    
    Eva

Sympathies on your loss, hang onto those golden 
memories of his energy... 

As has been said I'm sure he's brought a new 
level of energy to the bridge, I can just see him 
a energetic and keen officer watching over the 
little kitties alongside the likes of Merlin. 

Maybe he'll keep an eye out for my mums friends
kitty who went in for essential surgery to his 
leg (kitty thrombosis) at the end of last week 
but didn't even make it to the op thanks to 
his weak heart not surviving the anaesthetic. 


Jo. 

What a touching story about Christopher Robin, he sounds like he was an
incredible cat.  So sorry that you had to part with him after only 7 short
years.  The sweetest cat I ever had, Tiki was hit by a car and died when he
was only 7, on Dec.23, 1989.

Keep the good memories in your heart.

Hugs,
Laura

    Jo, I am sorry about your mum's friend's kitty,
    
    Karen
    

    Jo,
    
         My condolences as well.  That is so sad ...
    
    					- Andrea
    					  Loki & Midnight

I would like to thank everyone who replied, both to this note and
by mail, for their kind words.  It has helped me deal with the
brutal loss of Chris.  It's going to take me a long time to
really recover as I probably loved him more than any other cat
I have known, and there have been quite a few.

Those who have gone through this themselves understand that to
lose a cat at any time is like losing a child or a loved one.
The pain we feel couldn't be more if it were our own son or daughter
that had been lost, because to us they are our adopted children.
But when the loss is sudden, in the prime of their lives, the 
pain is so much more.  

My heart felt condolences for those who have also lost their
so loved companions.  I wish it were all different.

Thank you all,

Rosemary Gaskell