In memory of a fine cat

Today I come here with a heavy, sad heart. My fine kitty in my sig, Gray Socks, had to be put to sleep this morning. Late Thurs night (really early Fri morning) just after I'd posted here and signed off, as I walked through the living room, Gray Socks suddenly fell off the couch. At that point our nightmare began. He siezed or had strokes on and off for several hours, but began to "improve" to some degree by yesterday around 7am.

I called my vet 2 times yesterday, and we decided that I would know by this morning more what I should do. We spent all that time together, except for a bit when I let him in the fenced in back yard, where he burrowed under some ivy for a while. He never would eat a thing, and the way he got water is I gave it to him all throughout this time in an eye-dropper.

Something happened so that his eyes were affected badly (they were "wiggly") and even though he could "walk", his movements were kind of clumsy with overall poor muscle control. He was just a big sweet althetic boy up until that very moment when he fell off the couch. His cries were so pitiful...I knew he would not want to live like that, even if I had the means to "take extraordinary measures". He didn't understand what had happened to him, and I knew in the deepest part of my heart...as yesterday continued that he couldn't get better. Especially since he never showed the slightest interest in eating or drinking.

Now - the main reason I have posted this here, is that from the time I got my sig put in here with Gray Socks front and center, I had a bad weird feeling, like something was going to happen...but I told myself that was stupid, I didn't need to look for trouble, bla bla etc. I know this - I feel I was lucky to have had this fine fine animal in my life...and I'll not ever put another one of my animal's pictures on the internet.

 

Looks like one cool Cat there Lynn, sorry for your loss.

Lost my first Cat to a massive stroke at the age of 18, hard stuff to watch.

 

I am very sorry for your loss.

I don't know what I'd do without my crazy little beast running around.

Although, I've been getting the same kinds of feelings lately, as he had an "accident" on the floor the other morning and the other night when we were getting into bed, he was acting strange (hard to explain, but he kept moving his head like he was about to vomit, so I put him on the floor in case he was and he darted into the kitchen).

My cat is 10 years old and still acts like a kitten, but I do know the inevitable is bound to happen within the next decade, so maybe I'm bracing myself for the worst.

Again, I'm sorry to hear of your loss...I do believe you did the right thing, especially if he seemed to be suffering in such a way.

 

Wow Lynn , I'm so sorry to hear this . He was beautiful ! And you did the right thing for him . I'm so very sorry for you . I know it hurts like hell , when we lose our loved ones . Furry or human , they are just as much family to animal lovers ! Some people just don't understand that . But I myself have lost many , too many . and it just sucks when they leave us .

And I know you believe in God, Lynn , and you know he is happy and at home in heaven . You now have a good friend and companion waiting for you on the other side . I'm sure he is telling everyone what a great live and Mommy he had here . It's never easy , just know you did the right thing . You provided him with a beautiful , happy life . And you never let him suffer , and that shows how much he was loved .

And thank you for sharing this with us today . I'm sorry it's such a sad occasion in your life today . Just know you're not alone , and that others are thinking and praying for you today . And that it wasn't your fault for putting his pick in your sig. Just a coincidence my dear . He was beautiful and a real nice sig.

Rest in peace ,

Gray Socks

 

I too have lost a few little friends over the years and I know how heart wrenching it can be. They're part of you and your family and you just don't think about them not being around. I remember all of them and their individual personalities. You did the right thing,but I know how you must feel. So sorry.

 

I'm so sorry to hear about Gray Socks, Lynn. You did the honorable thing by stopping his suffering. I know how terrible it feels to lose a close friend. I'll be thinking of you.

 

beautiful cat. I'm sorry *hug*

 

I am so sorry for your loss. :grouphug:

A poem I found..

If it should be
by Deborah Graham.........................................


If it should be I grow frail and weak
and pain should wake me from my sleep
Then you must do what must be done
for this last battle can not be won
You will be sad I understand
Dont let your grief then stay your hand
for this day more than the rest
your love and friendship stand the test
We've so many happy years
What is to come will hold no fears
You will not want me to suffer so
when the time comes please let me go
I know you too will see
It is a kindness you do to me
Although my tail it's last has waved
From pain and suffering I have been saved
Do not grieve that it should be you
who has to decide this thing to do
we've been so close, we two, these years
Don't let your heart hold any tears


From: The Rainbow Bridge

 

and gray socks was just as lucky ta have a fine loving friend like you in his life. sorry for your loss lyn.:grouphug:

 

Beautiful poem,Justin. Sad and true.

 

He was just 4 yrs., 3 mos...and he would just love your kitty heaven ...he was unneutered. I know - God get me...right?! At any rate, he was just as spoiled and healthy as he looks in the pic.

Thanks so much for your thoughts...

and about the vomiting - that just in itself isn't that unusual, but combined with more symptoms can be indicative of other stuff, like kidney problems.

 

thanks so much lovely, even tho' knowing it was the "right thing to do"...my heart is still breaking. However, oddly enough - I've had the strangest desire to want to write a fictional short-story around his passing. I'm crazy, I know.

 

Fritz, I've never seen nor gone through anything like that in my life. We've had cats that turned out to have neurological problems - and they s l o w l y became worse as they aged. This was an absolute unreal nightmare, and then seeing him "come out" of it...only to not have control of his faculties. I believe his mind was there...but much of his control over his body was gone.

The doctor even mentioned a brain tumor that would have been growing and finally gotten large enough to cause all this. Knowing he isn't burdened by his suddenly crippled body is what I keep going back to.

 

Oh my, thank you so much for your kind words, Papa Wolf...they have put a tear (a good one) in my eye...lol and I say that as if I had been dry-eyed today (NOT). Still, I just so appreciate everything you said. Last night he and I finally got some sleep...and we both knew that if he woke up the same, I'd make the call.

Yes, dear God, he is/was a family member. As I've said...strangely enough I've had all sorts of "funny" things come to me when I'm overwhelmed with despair...like Gray Socks has a teenage boy with him, and he can see our other beloved, passed animals.

God bless you.

 

Scratcho, one of hardest things about one of our "pets" (chosen companions) being gone - and suddenly, too, is that abrupt emptiness where they were. I have other cats, but they seem rather subdued and confused, too, about this.

It just seems unreal.

 

thank you so much Fingermouse...appreciate your thoughts and sweet words.

Das - he was the most perfect gray-tuxedo cat you would ever have seen.

Justin - That is the damn most beautiful precious poem for me to read right now - EVER.
Thank you so much.

roamy - thanks for your thoughts. But I feel like I was the lucky one to have been blessed with such a special friend for 4 yrs 3 mos. As full of love the first day he came as he was this last day.

All throughout the vet ride, as he fearfully half-fought the entire way, he never scratched me one single time...and he had fearsome claws and teeth.

 

your welcome

 

Oh Lynn-I am so sorry for your loss.

4yrs 3mo is just way too short.
Gray Socks was a stunning looking cat.
I, for one am glad you put his pic in your sig.
Please don't let that scare you from doing it again if you should decide to bring another beautiful family member into your home and life.

RIP Gray Socks

Lynn :grouphug:

 

The feline spirit will never leave you - it's aura a magical guardian of shadow - as all favoured and loyal companions, they will always remain close to one's heart and soul