Conference misery::feline

	Oh, Linda - you have our sympathy for the loss of Sity.  She
	sounds like she had a wonderful and happy life with you.

	Sandy 

    Linda my deepest sincere sympathy.  I pray for one of my cats to
    live to be 20!!!  Bless Sity's heart for giving you  all those wonderful
    years and beautiful memories you must have.
    
    Sandy
    

    Linda,
    
         My condolences to you as well.  My first cat was an apple-head
    Siamese, so I have a special place in my heart for them 8-) .
    
    					- Andrea

    My deepest sympathy. May she be in your heart forever.
    
    ng

    Linda,
    I am saddened to hear of Sity's passing.  I think almost everyone has a
    token applehead somewhere in their heart.
    Wing Tu sends her love,
    Karen

Linda, I'm so sorry.....my first cat, who was only on loan to me from a
neighbor, was an apple head Siamese named Ming.  I was never a cat person
till I met him.  And with tears, I'm looking forward to your new 'brag' note...

Mary

    Linda, I'm so sorry.  What a wonderful, happy life Sity had with you. 
    I hope I will have my babies for 20 years.  May Sity live on in your
    heart.
    
    Steffi

    Linda, I am sorry too.  Sity had a wonderful life, and the few times I
    met her it was obvious just how happy and content her 9+ lives were,
    and how much love for her both you and Bob had in your hearts.
    
    Hold onto those precious memories!
    
    Off to the brag note now for some cheering up!
    
    Sniff, (pass the kleenex please)
    -Roberta
    

    I am sorry to hear the news.  I know how it feels to lose a cat after
    so many years.  But, think of the 20 years of wonderful memories Sity
    has given you and that will help you go on.
    
    Jo

    
    
      I am very, very sorry to hear about your lose.  It's very
    heartbreaking to lose such a close, loving furry companion.  It's
    nice to hear that you did have 20yrs to share together.
    
    
    Diana

    It's late and I need to write so I can stop thinking and crying. 
    Something in my heart tells me that its going to be time to say goodbye
    to my Sausha.  She is 17-1/2 and has had a wonderful life and been the
    best friend I ever had.  Over the past months she has lost quite a bit
    of weight and I feel that most of it is just attributed to old age.  I
    have had her in to the vets and everything has checked out okay..she
    just doesn't eat much anymore and is very tired.  
    
    When I came home tonight she was walking sideways.  I called my vet
    immediately, but unfortunately its after hours and the nearest clinic
    is far and I don't want to have her poked and prodded by somebody I
    don't know....I also would feel much better making in decisions with
    my vet who I trust.  She's not in any pain, she just seems very weak.
    I've been cuddling with her all night and my tears just can't seem to
    stop.
    
    I just wanted to be close to others who I know understand the depth
    of my love for my little feline friend.  I'm taking her in to the vet
    first thing in the morning, but its going to be a very long night.
    
    My Sausha...who came into my life when I was 16-1/2...my first pet,
    my first pal.  We got an apartment together when we were both so young.
    She was my family and my roommate.  I can remember when she was just 6
    weeks old and I would put her up on the dashboard of my car whenever
    I went out.  We travelled to Arizona three times, stopping in Barstow
    so I could get her a turkey sandwich.  She has been there for me thru
    good times and bad.....I can't imagine coming home and not having her
    here...never did I realize a pain of such magnitude could exist in my
    heart.
    
    How do you say goodbye?  How does one come home and get on with life
    when a part of your life isn't going to be there?
    
    I am ever so grateful for the 17-1/2 years of companionship with her.
    I'm happy that she has had a healthy, happy, love filled life...I just
    wish she was imortal..silly huh?  I can't imagine her living days if
    they are going to be anything like tonight...its just not the way my
    Sausha would want to feel.  I know I'm rambling, but I need to work
    thru some of this pain and hurt...
    
    I'm so grateful that late in the night I can come to a place and speak
    openly about my feelings with others that understand...thank you for
    being here.
    
    I'll let you know how she does after I take her to the vets.  I pray
    that she has a comfortable night and if it is her time to go to kitty
    heaven that its the place I always dreamed it was.
    
    ...Lori

    Lori,
    
    do not say 'good bye'. Say 'see you again, Sausha', if it comes to
    that. There IS a place for kitties and us to meet again, I know that.
    And until you meet again, just you have to endure the time which will
    be filled with joy remembering Sashua - and share with other furballs
    and furless friends: like us. And Sausha will have time to wait for
    you, playing with all the others that have already gone. My old doggy
    and my grandpa for instance will be glad to comfort her over there -
    untill all we meet again.
    
    Old Nat

    Kitty prayers for Sausha....and my heart is with you today.  Please
    keep us posted.
    
    Sandy
    
    ps...there is a kitty heaven where we will all meet again someday!!

    It's 5:30 CA time.
    
    I've been up all night...still can't stop crying.
    
    Sausha can barely take a couple of steps and then she lays down.  I
    slept with her under the kitchen table...she keeps on moving to dark
    corners of the house.
    
    See ya is much better then goodbye and I do believe in kitty heaven.
    
    If I have to put her down this morning I want to be with her.  
    
    It doesn't hurt them does it?  I hope its just like going to sleep
    for her.
    
    It helps to write and talk.  I just am going to miss snuggling with
    her at night so very much...she's my binky.  
    
    It's so comforting to be able to have friends right at my fingertips.
    
    I'll keep you all post...
    
    Thanks again for being here.
    
    ...Lori

    Lori...
    
    I just sent my baby Sass to heaven last Thursday...and one of my
    biggest fears was not knowing when the time was right.   But...somehow
    you do know!  I do feel in your notes...you are truly trying to
    prepare yourself for the worse.   
    
    My wonderful hubby is the one that went to the vets with Sass and he 
    said it was pain free and very fast.  If it is time...Sausha will go 
    down the path of no pain or suffering....and she will meet all our 
    friends who have already left this earth...they will take care of her!! 
    
    Hang tough...and thoughts and prayers are coming your way.
    
    Sandy
                                                                           

    
    Lori,
    
     My thoughts are with you, I know how hard it is, I've been through
     same just recently. Like mentioned, your vet can help you with the 
     decision. Prayers for Sausha, she's had many years of fun and loving
     with you and it time those memories will supersede any hurt.
    
     If the final decision had to be made, no it will not be painful
     for her, she will peacefuly go to sleep.  In both cases, I chose
     to be with mine. Just know that if you had to make such decision, 
     it is the final loving gift that you can provide her, to free her 
     from any pain and discomfort. 
    
     Prayers and hugs!
    
     Shaw

    
    Hi Lori - good luck with Sausha.  Give her lots of kisses and hugs for
    all of us.
    
    Sandy + 7
    

    I am here and think of you.
    Nat

    We will keep you in our thoughts, Lori.
    
    Hugs,
    Roberta, Kelsey, Taja, Herbie
    

    You both are in my thoughts, Lori.
    

    I'm thinking of you both too.  This is still very fresh for me
    and I understand how you're feeling.  You'll definitely know when
    the time has come.
    
    Jan

    What a wonderful 17 1/2 years you have had with Sausha!  You are very
    lucky to have her company for so long; so many times, here in Feline,
    our furry friends leave us early.
    
    Sausha's seeking out dark places is a sign that she is ready to move on
    to kitty heaven.  Take comfort in the fact that she knows you love her
    and she has enjoyed a happy and long life.  Sass, Bailey, Ebony, and
    Smokey, among others, will take care of her and love her until you
    meet again.
    
    Best wishes for you and Sausha,
    Michelle

    Sausha is in Kitty Heaven.
    
    She was very dehydrated and had lost another 2-1/2 pounds...which
    brought her down to 5.  The vet said he could hydrate her, run tests,
    give her antibiotics...and it might give her another 6 months.  He
    felt she was just ready....a good ole kitty at 17-1/2 that has had
    a wonderful life.
    
    I felt so torn.  I felt guilty for making a decision of ending her
    life...I felt good about her going peacefully and not having to watch
    her life go from quality to no-quality...I truely didn't want to have
    her poked with needles and put in a cage, just for me being able to
    have her around...whatever amount of time...something just seem to
    say to me "Lori, let her go...its her time and you have had a wonderful
    friend for 17-1/2 years, but now she wants to go to Kitty Heaven and
    eat all the food she can and sleep on clouds and play with her friends"
    
    I wrapped her in one my of daughter's receving blankets.  My girlfriend
    met me at the vets.  We took pictures together and had a nice snuggle.
    When it was time, I laid my head on her chest while he gave her the
    shot...she looked so peaceful afterwards.
    
    Thank you all for being here for me and my Sausha.  Your replies meant
    so much to me and really do help ease my pain.  I just need to curl
    up with Misty and Freeway....let these gut wretching sobs find a way
    out of my heart until they soften....and thank God for my wonderful
    little furface who brought more happiness and friendship into my life
    then I could have ever wished for.
    
    Love You All,
    
    ...Lori

Lori,

I'm so sorry that Saucha's time has come.  I'm sure she loved you very much,
and loved you even more for having the courage to help her when time came.
It's not easy, but we're a family here, and we're here to listen and to shed
some tears and share some love with you...

Mary

    Lori,
    
    I'm sitting here shedding some tears with you.  I had my first cat
    Boomie 17 1/2 years before she left me.  I was very lucky that she
    threw a blood clot in her sleep and went peacefully.  I hope I would
    have had the courage to help her, like you did Saucha.  She loved you
    very much and she trusted you to help her when the time came and you
    did.  
    
    Treasure your memories, 
    
    Steffi

    Lori,  I am so sad for you.  Although its' been a while since we traded
    our cat stories, what brought us together across 300 miles was the love
    we shared for our kitties.  We knew this day would come.  It is sad. 
    Your pain has made me remember mine, when I shared the same wretching
    decisions.  But,  knowing it was right, and is still right allows you
    to go on.  Your fellow kitty friends will be there to help you, your
    family, including that new daughter!, and all of us.
    
     God bless, Denise

    Thanks everyone for the wonderfully warm notes.
    
    Denise...sorry so much time has passed since we have talked...I'll
    write so we can catch up on things!
    
    I'm still in the zombie mode...couldn't sleep last night...eat or stop
    crying.  I just have this huge lump in my throat and nothing seems
    right.  I missed sleeping with her so much and I couldn't stop seeing
    her in my mind laying on the table at the vets.  I am trying very hard
    to keep good thoughts, but I think right now that the grieving process
    only allows room for tears...when those have a chance to work their way
    out, I'm sure smiles and warm memories will fill their place.
    
    Misty and Freeway keep on looking everywhere for her....I hope they
    will be okay....I know that Freeway is gonna miss her a bunch...Sausha
    and Freeway had a huge age difference, but you would never know it to
    seem them wrapped in each other tossing around on the floor together.
    
    I did have one thing happen yesterday that brought a smile to my face.
    This was a little strange...but here goes....I was sitting out on my
    balcony after I got home from the vets...sobbing away and I was talking
    to God asking him to take care of Sausha in Kitty Heaven.  I asked him
    if He could give me a sign that she was doing okay up there and I was
    staring up at the sky....this huge white cloud came by and maybe it
    was my active imagination (I don't think so!)....but as I stared at it
    it took the shape of a big ole kitty face, with a huge sh_it eating
    grin on it...had a hat with a feather in it....I smiled up at the kitty
    and said Thanks God.
    
    ...Lori

    Hugs to you, Lori.  
    
    I know how hard it is to let go of a beloved fur-face.
    
    Nanci
    

    Hi Lori,
    
         I'm sorry for your loss.  We lost our 10-year-old, Amber, to a
    kidney infection last summer.  She was such a friend.  My housemate and
    I both like to think the spirit of our beloved Amber drops in from
    time-to-time.  We both claim to catching glimpses of her from time to
    time in her favorite places.  Whether there's something really there
    or not, it is always a pleasant reminder.  Remember that your friend's
    memory and spirit will always be there for you and take comfort in
    that.
    
    Denise Simon

    If it is not allowed for a male to have tears in his eyes, then I did
    something unallowed reading your "Sausha is in Kitty Heaven" note,
    Lori. God bless you - and Sausha is well, believe me.
    
    Nat

    When I read the notes about recent experiences with Cardiomyopothy
    it was with dread as Mistral's litter brother died of cardio at a very
    young age ..and several others from his line suffered the same fate.
    There will be no more kittens from that line as the sire and dam, both
    apparently cardio free, have been neutered and spayed.  Mistral made it
    past the age we considered the highest risk so I have done my best to
    deny that it could happen to him.
    
    Unfortunately, denial does not ward off reality and I am saddened to
    report that Mistral threw a clot sometime during Friday night. I rushed
    him to my vet, and though we knew his chances were slim, I could not
    make the decision to put him down without giving him whatever chance he
    had.  Sometime during Saturday night he lost the battle. He appeared happy
    and playful late Friday evening and I haven't had time enough yet to
    accept that he is gone.
    
    He was my first Birman male, my first show cat and my first Grand.
    Though I've been lucky enough to have my cats go on to later, and
    sometimes greater wins, no show win will ever be as much of a high
    for me as when Mistral was placed 2nd best cat and best AB champion
    in Boston the year I was showing him. I was *so* proud of him.
    
    I know you other breeders/showers already know that there is no ribbon
    or glory of winning in a cat show that can be worth the kinds of losses
    that go with it. We would trade every win if it would keep our feline
    friends with us even just a little longer. What does make it worthwhile
    are the memories of the wonderful times we shared, ..the closeness that
    develops when you are showing a cat regularly ..and the hours and hours
    we share at home keeping them as content and safe as we can.
    
    Mistral was a big teddy-bear of a cat ..loving nothing better than to
    be held and hugged. He made my life richer in the many ways that only
    other cat-lovers can understand.  
    
    Mistral will rest at the edge of the edge of the garden where Sity was
    so recently placed ...along with Lovey, Magic, Mooner, TiJai and Sheba.
    
    I'll miss ya' big guy...
    
    					Much love...
    
    						Linda 
                            

    We're very sorry.  I hope it's some comfort that he was well
    and happy almost up until the end.
    
    Karen, Sweetie, Holly, and Little Bit
    

    We're sorry, too. Mistral had a wonderful, love-filled life; always
    remember the happy times!
    
    Best,
    Michelle, Nicodemus & Lasher

    Linda, I am sitting here with tears in my eyes as you so
    graciously and flawlessly echoed the sentiments I felt when losing
    Murdock a year ago.  I am so saddened to learn of Mistral's passing. 
    I remember when he achieved that win at the Boston show, and how we all
    stood in the ring beaming with pride and smiles.  It was a wonderful
    day and those happy memories will remain with you forever.
    
    Mistral lived a rich and full life, and he didn't suffer in death.  We
    both know how cats with cardio can cling to life by a thread, and the
    human intervention they need to remain alive is sometimes more
    difficult on them than just passing peacefully from this world into the
    next.  You made all the best decisions for Mistral while he was with
    you, and you should be proud of the life he had as a result.
    
    Love and hugs to you and your family.  We will be thinking of you.
    
    -Roberta (Kelsey, Taja and Herbie)

    Linda,
    
    I am so sorry to hear the sad news about Mistral.  
    
    Steffi, Misty, Lizette, Misha & Marnie

    And from Cardio-East, we, too, send our sympathies.  I don't know when
    Blue's time will come, but when it does, I hope he feels as loved as
    Mistral.
    
    Sniff sniff....
    
    Mary
    

    So very sorry for your loss.  We've lost so many wonderful kitties
    to cardio recently.  Perhaps Mistral and Bailey will share some 
    time together up in kitty heaven.
    
    Just want to add my good wishes to all those kitties who are 
    continuing to survive their bout with cardio.  May your humans
    have you for many more years to come.
    
    Jan (Amelia, Carrie and Onyx & foster kitties Dusty and Bill)

    My heart is with you at this very sad time.   Once the pain eases
    the beautiful memories and love with shine through.
    
    It's truly sad how Cardio has taken so many of our babies.....
    
    Sandy

	We send our sympathies too.  Seems like we've lost so many babies
	lately! <sniff>

	Sandy + 7

    Roberta, thanks for the words of encouragement. We've shared many
    similar losses these past few years and it doesn't get any easier does
    it?  I still haven't completely come to terms with losing Sheba yet,
    ..let alone Sity and Mistral. But I will ..and the support of others who
    have "been there" helps alot. You knew Mistral ..as I knew Murdock and we
    have many happy memories of just how special they were.
    
    Jan, I shed several tears and talked about it with Bob for days when
    you lost Bailey. I knew Bailey only from your notes, but I felt your
    love for Bailey and the depth of your loss and my heart went out to
    you.
     
    Mary, I don't think there is any doubt about Blue feeling loved. I
    often think that loving our 'kids' is what brings out the best in us.
    It has been a joy to read of Blue's triumphs over impossible odds.
    
    Thanks to all for the expressions of sympathy ....and, like Jan, I wish
    the very best to our cardio-kitties out there who are so couragously
    fighting against the odds. 
    
    Linda 
                                                                          

    
    Linda, I am sitting here with tears in my eyes and an ache in my heart.
    Please accept my most sincere condolences.  "So much love..so little
    time" rings so true in my ears.
    
    Marlene, Bailey, Callie and Kisa
    
    

 I got word this morning that my dear sweet Em died in the night, apparently
 from an allergic reaction to a vaccine.  I can't hold back the tears for 
 more than one reason, but the worst is not having had the chance to say
 good-by.

 A year ago my husband and I separated. I knew I would be living in an apart-
 ment and that Emily would probably fare better remaining at "home" than in
 making yet another move. A hard decision, but I did what I though was best for 
 her.  At least she could still go outside.

 We got Emily in 1977 when my daughter was 3.  She had quite a few adventures
 most cats could only dream of.  When we moved to California from Ohio in '78
 Emily became a real traveler.  We took 21 days to get there, camping along the
 way.  Emily rode on the ice chest behind the driver's seat of our VW bus where
 she could watch all the scenery fly by.  When we visited the National Parks, 
 she walked better than most dogs on her leash -- with her head and tail
 held high, strutting along beside me.  More than one person commented on how
 unusual it was to see a cat heel!  Personally, I think she craved the 
 attention!

 In 1980 we moved to Germany and natuarally Emily moved with us.  She has moved
 back and forth across the ocean and from end to end of the continent twice.
 She wasn't the most affectionate cat I've had, but what a lady!  She was a 
 long-haired calico and kept her baby face all these 16+ years. 

 This past year has brought its own share of challenges, but having to deal 
 with Emily's death is the toughest yet.  I've read about all the dear pets the 
 noters have lost since I began reading FELINES, and I've cried my share of 
 tears over your respective losses.  It's so hard to accept what has happened
 since I no longer shared in her daily life.  I really couldn't "visit" her 
 either and I dreaded that this day would come before I could get her back 
 with me, once my living arrangement changed.

 She learned to recognize the sound our cars made and would trot to the door 
 from wherever she was when she'd hear the car coming down the street. She's 
 been through a lot of moves and adjusted to every new situation so well.  She 
 used to come out to the garden with me while I'd work in the flowerbeds.  She 
 was a good and constant companion.  I will miss her terribly.

 Sleep well my dear princess Emily,

 -K  
  

    
    
    	I'm so sorry Karren  =(
    
    	JJ
    

      Emily sounded like one heck of a cat!  Sure been around more than
    I ever will!   
      
      Condolences from Denise and the Gang

    So sorry to hear about Emily passing...and your heart must be
    broken.  You spent many happy years with Emily...so just keep
    those wonderful memories close to your heart.   
    
    What a little traverler she was...and she sounds like such a lady.
    
    Sandy

    
    Karren - sorry to hear about Emily.  I'm sure she knew how much you
    loved her, and will be with you in spirit forever.
    
    Take care,
    
    Sandy
    

    I'm very sorry to hear about your Emily.  Unfortunately, I understand 
    a large part of what you are feeling - I had to put my lovely lady 
    Midnight down yesterday, due to a large tumor in her chest.
    
    Like your Emily, Midnight was also a well-travelled cat, including a
    trip to Germany.  We got Mids as a starving 7-month old back in 
    Indiana in January 1976, and even the vet didn't think she'd survive.
    But she did, and became a beautiful, dignified lady.  She was always
    a bit nervous, and terrified of boxes, and had obviously lived feral 
    for a while.  But over the years she came to trust us, and love us as
    we loved her.   She had a glossly black short-hair coat, and 8 white
    hairs on her chest.  In just the last couple years her whiskers changed
    from black to white, and she was stunning with them.  
    
    I've been having trouble keeping weight on her, but we put it down to 
    age, as she seemed to have no other trouble.  Then yesterday morning
    she had a convulsion.  We rushed her to the vet, and, after a second 
    smaller one, they kept her for observation, and x-rays.  My daughters
    and I went back in the late afternoon to spend about an hour with her, 
    and then I held her as they gave her the shot.  I know it was for the
    best, but I still feel like a traitor!  
    
    I will miss her sitting on whatever I'm doing, and her sleeping with
    me, and insisting on being loved whenever she wanted.  But I will
    always treasure some of the wonderful memories she left me with, 
    especially the first time she let me pick her up and hold her in my
    arms - just 3 years ago.  Before that she wanted to be close, but not
    held.  
    
    Goodnight my love, play again with your friends, and make lots of new
    friends.  Cuddle again with Cinnamon.  Someday, I'll see you and 
    cuddle with you again myself.
    
    Linda
                                

    Linda...I'm so sorry to hear about Midnight!!  Those
    X-ferals are something specials and all of them hold a special
    place in my heart!!
    
    I'm sure it was a very tough day for you....but you did do the right
    thing and Midnight knew that!
    
    Hold those memories close....
    
    Sandy 

    Sausha, the days have passed and it's now been a year,
    I'll be the first to admit that I've shed many a tear.
    Though you have been gone only in body, your spirit lives
     daily in my heart,
    So many precious memories from which I'll never part.
    Your unconditional love and friendship taught me how great life could be,
    We shared the good times and the bad, and always, you made me so happy.
    The nights are lonely without you close by, spooning by my side,
    It's hard to get comfortable, so often I have tried.
    I miss giving you head noogies and scratching your tummy,
    How I loved to find that special treat you thought was extra yummy!
    All the trips that we took and the miles we shared,
    Your companionship to me just can't ever be compared.
    For seventeen years you were always there for me,
    I thank God for the gift of you, He gave so lovingly.
    Everynight I say a prayer and wish upon a star,
    Though you play in Kitty Heaven, from my thoughts your never far.
    May your days be filled with all the love you gave me thru the years,
    Please know that when I think of you there is much joy behind these
    tears.
    Forever come to me in dreams and snuggle with me during the night,
    Because your spirit fills my soul and makes each day I live,
     filled with the brightest light.
    
    I LOVE YOU SQUISHERS!
    
    ...Mommy

         What a *beautiful* tribute ...

    
    Sorry to hear about all the losses of "loved ones" recently.....
    
    Our Condolences to all........
    
    Lynne & Casey, B.K., Pepper, Rusty, Dominique & Moochie

    That was beautiful.  It's obvious that it jumped right out from your
    heart to the page - well, *screen*  ]:3 
    
    Leslie

    Hi All,
    
     Karen Kolling asked that I enter a note for her to let everyone know
    that the stray she was trying to help, Tommy, tested positive for FIV,
    in two different tests, and was progressing tio the second stage of the
    illness, so the vet recommended he be put to rest. She decided he was
    right, and Tommy is now with all our other furfaces that have gone
    before him. 
    
     Rest in peace Tommy.
    
    Yonee
    
    Tommy has been added to the SLM. 

    Goodbye to the queen, goodbye to Neely

    You were the queen, Neely
    the first animal of the household
    you never did accept the others
    in what was YOUR domain.

    You were the queen, Neely
    with YOUR special place,
    YOUR special box,
    YOUR special food.

    You were the queen, Neely
    making sure no one invaded those spaces
    until the end was near
    and you no longer seemed to care.

    We tried to keep you with us
    we wanted you around
    you made it to 16, we hoped for 17
    but the bad days started to outnumber
    those that were good
    we knew you were in pain
    and you started to lose your regal look.

    You were the queen, Neely
    even as we said goodbye,
    purring, cuddling with your mistress
    allowing me to take your final pictures,
    you posed, serene, regal, peaceful
    as if you knew.

    You were the queen, Neely
    and so you always shall be
    noone will take over your throne
    noone will take your place
    your mistress will always 
    keep you in her heart
    as you will be in ours as well.
    Rest well, dear Neely, rest well.
    


	Neely Chamberlain, August 1977 - January 1994
	owner of Virginia Chamberlain
	and loved by all the Burrage Ave menagerie

    Deb and Ginni....my thoughts and prayers are with you at this
    time and the tribute to Neely was beautiful.  Keep all those
    beautiful memories close to your hearts...
    
    Sandy