Oh, thank you so much for your kind words, they always come when I most need them! Yes, he knows I was so devoted to him, that's what makes it worse in a way because I feel like I let him down. But if I never see him again here, I know he is waiting for me and wouldn't want me to be sad. He was such a great kitty, wonderful personality, so lovable, played with my dogs like he was a "big guy", too! Well, I miss him, but then I miss all the other animals I have ever lost. I lost my "baby" Candy, my white Lhasa Apso, who was almost 16, in January this year, and in June, our Aussie, Teddy, wandered out in the road and got hit. I expected my Candy to go because she was old, but not Teddy and Kitty Puss. It has been a rough year with animals - I never lost this many so close together.

I called the animal shelter again just to check and see if they had a 3-legged tabby cat turned in, and of course, they didn't, I didn't expect it because we live in a rural area. BUT, she said they have 2 tabby cats for adoption, SO.........you know what that probably means! I'm just "going to look" later today - LOL! I might be a new mommy before the day or week is over! I really don't have the money, but I might just do it anyway. We'll see! Thank you again for the encouragement - this has helped me so much. Have a blessed day.

Pat

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You are very welcome! I know your sadness, my Persian kitty, Precious, lived to 18 until she began having seizures due to an enlarged heart. I tried to give her medicine but one night when I was late with it, she had ANOTHER seizure in front of me and I knew then that it was time. I probably should have went right away to the Emergency room, but I wanted to save money and waited until Monday after work to take her. I'm sorry now that she had to suffer those last days. I didn't really realize how much her lungs were filling up...I felt, and still do, major guilt! I just keep reminding myself that I did the best I could for her, I loved her, and she loved me! Anyway, that was extremely hard! I stayed with her as she passed...not sure I could do that again! Now my 2nd kitty, Sparkles, is 14 and diabetic. He's doing well. Needs two insulin shots a day and I am rigid about getting those to him. He has bad cataracts but still sees everything. I only recently got another animal since losing Precious 6 years ago. I now have my first dog, a mini-schnauzer named Sportster. He's adorable but what a handful. Sparkles doesn't seem to mind him much, except when he's always trying to play with him. Sparkles would much rather just relax and not be bothered. Anyway, that's my pet story. Just wanted to share and take your mind away from your grief. It's REALLY not your fault! Your kitty should have been safe! Your message made me LOL when you asked what it means that two tabby cats are up for adoption!
You are a blessing to all your animals! Keep loving and God bless!!! :)Sheri

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Sheri, you are a true blessing! I haven't seen the kitties yet but plan to either today or tomorrow at the animal shelter.

I'm so sorry for your loss in your kitty, too. BUT, I am so glad you got a mini-schnauzer! They are one of the most wonderful pets anyone could ever have. We had one, her name was Friday, she passed away in 2002 at the age of 17. She had developed lymphoma, and exactly one month to the day after she was diagnosed, we had her put to sleep, she was suffering. I thought we would never ever get over that. My husband was a long-haul trucker for many years. One week-end he had a layover in Bakersfield, CA, had too much time on his hands! Decided he would really like to have a dog to ride with him, so checked the papers and found this little schnauzer (we had never had one before), called the number, went to see her, the rest is history!! She logged thousands of miles in that Peterbilt - and loved it! She was so loyal and devoted, could do everything but talk - she did her own animal talking! What devotion and love, you could see it in her eyes. We buried her in a perpetual pet cemetery, got her a headstone and everything. Nothing was too good for her!!!

I guess we could all write hundreds of animal stories, I know I could. We counted up one day, that in less than 30 years, we have had over 30 dogs, many of them were "finds" or "rescues", so we have been blessed with so much love with the pets God sent to us. They ask so little in return.
God bless you, have a great day, and thank you again for your support. I'm doing better, but I guess I will always look for him and pray that one day I'll open the door and there he will be.

Pat

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Pat, It's been so nice sharing our pet stories! Sounds like you and your husband are wonderful friends for our beloved animals!
I've really enjoyed sharing with you. I'm glad to hear your insight into schnauzers!...I've second-guessed my choice sometimes when
Sportster does certain things like nip at family members! :) he
definitely has a mind of his own. Like when he doesn't always come when I call or stop barking when I ask or when he barks or even tries to bite someone that wants to pet him when he doesn't know them!!! :)
He's a handful, spoiled-rotten, but I love him to pieces! He's added so much to my life! I can't help spoiling him...he's got those
Eyes that look up at me with such eagerness to please! ...plus he's my first dog! So I have to spoil him!!!
Well, you keep on keepin' on! May God bless you and your husband with many more beloved animals!
I'm sure there is a spot reserved for you both in heaven along with all you passed pets!!!
God bless you and have a great day!!!
Sheri :)

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I have had a beagle for 16 1/2 years and the other night he woke up coughing and then was incontinent. I rushed him to the vet and she said that he had a tumor on his spine or heart that ate through a blood vessel and he was bleeding into his abdomen. It was a great loss but we had to let him go. We have 2 other dogs at home and 2 cats as well but they also miss him. They are looking out the window waiting for him to come home. Doe's anyone know the grief period for other animals?

IT ALL DEPENDS ON THE ANIMAL. Mine Still look for Ninja our shepherd now and then and he's been gone 2 years this May. My heart still aches for him but I know he's in a better place and no longer suffering. Just give the other animals lots of love and attention. Be sure they know they aren't forgotten. Stacey

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I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Beagle! I know how hard it is to lose a family member!
As for the grief period of animals, I can't really say. All I know, is that when I had to put one of my kitty's to sleep, the other kitty consoled me immediately and didn't really appear to miss the other...it was like he knew that it had to be done! :)
Good luck and God bless!
Sheri

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I have recently lost my beloved Ferbie, it seems like just yesterday, I am still in the process of mourning her loss. I have had an okay amount of support from friends but no one fully understands my pain and suffering, I feel as though everyone around me thinks I should just get over it and buy another dog, but for me it is not that simple. Ferbie was my family my best friend and it is not as simple to get over it as one may think or say

Stephani.I am so sorry for your loss.It is a hard time and you are right to grieve all you want. I am facing putting my 17 yr old cocker, Annie down in the next day or 2 as she has chronic renal failure and has not responded to treatment, is uncomfortable,and not eating. I know this should be viewed as a final act of love for her, but, being weak and selfish, I really don't want to do it and am struggling with this decision. However, I don't want to wait until she has more distress and pain.

Hi Stephanie: Everyone grieves in they own way. Some days are not so bad and others days are the worst, yet in there will come a time that you will manage. You won't ever forget your Furbaby, even when you start to feel better. This I know. I am not able to share what I went through but please trust me. Those that think your grief should be thing of the past.... who needs em Kiddo. Ferbie IS at the Rainbow and I suspect looks handsome with his Silver Wings, zooming around.

Best Regards,
Darlene

I just want to first thank you Marlene and Darlene for your comments, I am very glad I found Anne's website it's great to see that their are people out there who understand exactly what I am feeling and that these feelings are very strong. To Marlene, I am deeply sorry that you have to deal with the circumstance of putting your cocker to rest, Your selfishness is in love not maliciousness, we would do everything we can to help our beautiful companions, I wish you the best and whatever you decide to do, remember it will be in love. To Darlene I know exactly what you mean, some days are better and other days I just begin to cry with out warning, maybe a sound or me walking pass the mirror and remembering her following right behind me set's it off, I am deeply sorry for your loss as well, I know she is over that rainbow bridge healthy, happy and at peace, I just wish I could see her again and be there with her.

Oh and also to Sheri, I know that feeling of guilt, whether or not you did the right thing but you did all you could with what you knew, You loved and that is the best gift you can give your pet to everyone on this site who may be grieving the loss of a pet it will take time and also to those who still have their beloved fur babies, cherish them and love them and I know that they will love you back.

It's okay! Grieve, grieve, grieve! It's the only way for your feelings for Ferbie to be released so you an enjoy your memories in a melancholy way!
It is losing your family, I lost Precious (my 18 year-old Persian kitty) about 4 years ago and I was so grateful for this website to help me through the pain of the loss. It will get easier, but only if you suffer through the grief. You will come out better rounded and more grateful for you best friend.
Best wishes!
Sheri :)

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i HAD TO SAY GOODBYE TO MY 18 1/2 YEAR OLD ORIENTAL CAT TODAY AND I FEEL SO LOST & LONELY AND NEED TO SHARE WITH SOMEONE WHO UNDERSTANDS - IS ANYONE OUT THERE??

I'm here!
I had to make that painful decision for my 18 year old, Persian,
Precious in 2006! She had an enlarged heart and was having seizures! It was one of the hardest things I've ever done! I was so lost! ...and my other kitty seemed to tell me that I did the right thing...and I know I did but it's still so hard! I'm so sorry for your loss! There's no avoiding the pain, you must go through the grief! I know it's hard, but it will get easier!
Keep praying, remembering the happy times, and grieving...write a letter to your kitty or something to help get it all out!
I'm here and share in your sorrow! Just remember,...YOU WILL SEE YOUR KITTY AGAIN!!!! (Rainbow Bridge)
Sheri

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Kim, I'm so sorry. Your baby had a good, long life, but that doesn't make it any easier. You had all the more time to bond. You shared love and that can't ever be taken from you. Love is eternal...nothing can break it...not even death. Your kitty is there for you now, just in another form, and you will be able to see her (him?) again one day.

But there's no way to get around that it hurts terribly now. Take time to cry and grieve. Have a little ceremony...light a candle, say a prayer, remember the fun days, and express your thanks for the light and love brought to you by one of God's special creatures.

Then start to keep watch for the next special one...the one who needs your love as much as you need theirs.