[Beauty From Despair]

She is 17 now, has survived cancer twice, and lived with kidney failure for two years. It seems like every time I think she's going to die the vet says, "I have a pill for that." lol

But I think this is really her time. She is sleeping comfortably in the closet right now, and if she gets bad today, I have the vet's home phone. I won't let her suffer. But hubby is out of town and I'm alone today. Will be alone tomorrow, too, when I take her in. Could use a bit of encouragement and a prayer or two if you do that.

Now I'm whining, but I am also battling some severe side effects from a new med, nausea, ravenous hunger. Just not the best day.

Love you guys,
Beauty

[whenwillitend]

I am so sorry. What a caring decision, not to let her suffer, as hard and heartbreaking as it is. I will send lots of good thoughts your way.

[yellowted]

((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))

i always go with 2 thoughts...

better a day to soon than a day too late

& really when it comes down to it..who am i delaying it for..me or the animal...whose quality of life? whose feelings?

it is never an 'easy" decision to make..always tears, no matter how sick or hurting an animal is...& god knows i have made that one too many times, but it is the price we pay to bring that joy of companionship into our lives.

safe passage, & god speed to ladybug.

may you find peace with your decision as well

stumpy

[Beauty From Despair]

Good words, Stumpy. I'm with you on that one. I'd rather take her to the vet tomorrow than hope she'll just pass on her own and let her suffer b/c it's easier for me. I WON'T do that.

[(JD)]

Ooooh so sad. Such a relationship has built in 17 years. Do you really think you can't wait until you're not alone? This is really hard by yourself, I know personally.

I know you won't mind my reminding you that God created these marvelous creatures for our enjoyment. He loves them too...and they will be in heaven waiting for us.

This is so hard...please know your PC friends have you in their thoughts as you make this decision, and do this.

Have you put an animal down before, at a vets? They ask if you want them to take care of the body, if you want the ashes... stuff like that... some of that costs more and are tough decisions to begin with... my State doesn't allow you to bury your own animals on your property, though many do that. I just said goodbye to Figaro and let the vet take him once he fell asleep in my arms and left me. That was in 07. It still tugs at my heart. I had him 15years.

[Beauty From Despair]

JD! What a thoughtful and loving response! Just what I needed today. I have put a number of animals to sleep, so I know what to expect. She really needs to go in, if not for euthanasia then for the "miracle pill" my vet always seems to have. She can barely walk today, can't get all the way into her litter box, and has eaten nothing but a few cat treats since Friday. God will be with me, tho. I believe animals are in heaven too. You might like this article; I think it is comforting:

http://www.godnuggetsblog.com/2010/0...in-heaven.html

[bllauben]

Beauty, I think you need to read this. Keep a box of kleenex next to you. I think this fits this situation just perfectally. Yes, it's hard to do the right thing. Someone once told me that the reason it hurts so much is that we are taking our pets pain and making it our own while giving them the most beautiful gift known: mercy. Anyways, hugs to you. I'll be thinking of you. Please know that you are doing the right thing. It's probably the hardest thing you'll ever do, but it will be the kindest thing you'll ever do.

--Beth

THE JOURNEY
by Crystal Ward Kent
Copyright 1998 – All Rights Reserved

When you bring a pet into your life, you begin a journey — a journey that will bring you more love and devotion than you have ever known, yet also test your strength and courage.
If you allow, the journey will teach you many things, about life, about yourself, and most of all, about love. You will come away changed forever, for one soul cannot touch another without leaving its mark.
Along the way, you will learn much about savoring life’s simple pleasures — jumping in leaves, snoozing in the sun, the joy of puddles, and even the satisfaction of a good scratch behind the ears.
If you spend much time outside, you will be taught how to truly experience every element, for no rock, leaf or log will go unexamined, no rustling bush will be overlooked, and even the very air will be inhaled, pondered, and noted as being full of valuable information. Your pace may be slower — except when heading home to the food dish — but you will become a better naturalist, having been taught by an expert in the field.
Too many times we hike on automatic pilot, our goal being to complete the trail rather than enjoy the journey. We miss the details — the colorful mushrooms on the rotting log, the honeycomb in the old maple snag, the hawk feather caught on a twig. Once we walk as a dog does, we discover a whole new world. We stop; we browse the landscape; we kick over leaves, peek in tree holes, look up, down, all around. And we learn what any dog knows: that nature has created a marvelously complex world that is full of surprises, that each cycle of the seasons brings ever-changing wonders, each day an essence all its own.
Even from indoors you will find yourself more attuned to the world around you. You will find yourself watching summer insects collecting on a screen (How bizarre they are! How many kinds there are!), or noting the flicker and flash of fireflies through the dark. You will stop to observe the swirling dance of windblown leaves, or sniff the air after a rain. It does not matter that there is no objective in this; the point is in the doing, in not letting life’s most important details slip by.
You will find yourself doing silly things that your pet-less friends might not understand: spending thirty minutes in the grocery aisle looking for the cat food brand your feline must have, buying dog birthday treats, or driving around the block an extra time because your pet enjoys the ride. You will roll in the snow, wrestle with chewie toys, bounce little rubber balls till your eyes cross, and even run around the house trailing your bathrobe tie — with a cat in hot pursuit — all in the name of love.
Your house will become muddier and hairier. You will wear less dark clothing and buy more lint rollers. You may find dog biscuits in your pocket or purse, and feel the need to explain that an old plastic shopping bag adorns your living room rug because your cat loves the crinkly sound.
You will learn the true measure of love — the steadfast, undying kind that says, “It doesn’t matter where we are or what we do, or how life treats us as long as we are together.” Respect this always. It is the most precious gift any living soul can give another. You will not find it often among the human race.
And you will learn humility. The look in my dog’s eyes often made me feel ashamed. Such joy and love at my presence. She saw not some flawed human who could be cross and stubborn, moody or rude, but only her wonderful companion. Or maybe she saw those things and dismissed them as mere human foibles, not worth considering, and so chose to love me anyway.
If you pay attention and learn well, when the journey is done, you will not be just a better person, but the person your pet always knew you to be — the one they were proud to call beloved friend.
I must caution you that this journey is not without pain. Like all paths of true love, the pain is part of loving. For as surely as the sun sets, one day your dear animal companion will follow a path you cannot yet go down. And you will have to find the strength and love to let them go. A pet’s time on earth is far too short — especially for those that love them. We borrow them, really, just for awhile, and during those brief years they are generous enough to give us all of their love — every inch of their spirit and heart, until one day there is nothing left.
The cat that only yesterday was a kitten is all too soon old and frail and sleeping in the sun. The young pup of boundless energy wakes up stiff and lame, the muzzle now gray. Deep down we somehow always knew this journey would end. We knew that if we gave our hearts they would be broken. But give them we must for it is all they ask in return. When the time comes, and the road curves ahead to a place we cannot see, we give one final gift and let them run on ahead — young and whole once more.
“Godspeed, good friend,” we say, until our journey comes full circle and our paths cross again.

[Fresia]

Sending you strength and big hugs, my heartaches with you. (((((((BFD)))))))).

[Beauty From Despair]

Beth! That was a beautiful piece. Just perfect, like you said. I did have to put her to sleep this morning. Have been crying for an hour, but i have been encouraged by a couple of friends, and am feeling a little better. Thanks to everyone who posted here. You saved my life yesterday!
Love,
Beauty

for some reason..the loss of a beloved pet seems more raw than that of a parent ...i will cry for mine or even for one i do not know atb the drop of a hat..or the mere mention of it...but yet i rarely cry for the loss of my parents (well ok they were evil )...

animals have the ability to touch points in our hearts and souls that no other creature does. they don't lie, or cheat. you know exactly how they feel..always. all they ask of us is the same back. to be considered family by an animal is the greatest gift....

so cry..go ahead. mourn...you have earned that right...

i will say that just because you cat's body may have left it's spirit has not...be patient, be quiet and you may be visited by her. i have been fortunate to have my pets come visiting me after they have "left"... after all we were very clsoe & had a great bond for so many years...it is natural for that bond to continue..

stumpy

[Beauty From Despair]

beautiful, stumpy, thanks

Sitting with you today, Beauty, during this most difficult time.

((( comfort hugs )))

[sundog]

My heart really goes out to you ((((((((Beauty)))))))) Sending you love and strength

[(JD)]

Originally Posted by Beauty From Despair

JD! What a thoughtful and loving response! Just what I needed today. I have put a number of animals to sleep, so I know what to expect. She really needs to go in, if not for euthanasia then for the "miracle pill" my vet always seems to have. She can barely walk today, can't get all the way into her litter box, and has eaten nothing but a few cat treats since Friday. God will be with me, tho. I believe animals are in heaven too. You might like this article; I think it is comforting:

http://www.godnuggetsblog.com/2010/0...in-heaven.html

Thank you (((Beauty))) yes, those are some of the same verses I refer to myself. There is another area, in Revelation, where up until the rapture, protection for the beasts of the field, birds of the air, fish in the sea, trees and brush are all protected, then, after the rapture, the beasts of the field are no longer listed...and it's believed that our pets and animals are also raptured with us! Remember, God loved his creatures so much he had Adam give them all names!!!!

Kitty is is good "health" now... and totally comfortable. I am sorry for your loss though.

[Beauty From Despair]

Originally Posted by (JD)

There is another area, in Revelation, where up until the rapture, protection for the beasts of the field, birds of the air, fish in the sea, trees and brush are all protected, then, after the rapture, the beasts of the field are no longer listed...and it's believed that our pets and animals are also raptured with us!

How awesome JD, if you ever come across the exact verse reference I'd love to have it. Thanks for the sympathy and tlc. Blessings.

Tangent, the people who subscribe to this service, could probably use that verse too. Kinda crazy! http://www.aftertherapturepetcare.com/

Beauty

[lynn P.]

(((Beauty From Despair))) - so sorry you lost your dear Ladybug. You did the right thing, although I'm sure it was a difficult but necessary decision. What a long life Ladybug had and she was a beautiful cat. I had a cat who lived to the ripe old age of 18 and he was an outdoor cat. I know how difficult it is to lose a pet - they're definitely important family members. Hugs to you dring this difficult time.