Our cat, Tigger, has lived a long and healthy life up to a few months ago when he began having serious health issues. We are now faced with the fact that it would be better for him to go to Kitty Heaven and meet up with his lifelong friend, CoCo who died 2 years ago. We are just beside ourselves at having to put him down. We have spoken with his vet who is agreement with our decision. Yet, we are having trouble dealing with the guilt that we are making the decision of his life - even though we don't want him in pain any longer. Can someone point me to a website that helps people in their time of loss of a pet? Thanks.
2007-06-30 05:07:19 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
sorry about your baby...I went through the same situation in March so I know how you feel...
2007-06-30 06:25:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry for the impending loss of your kitty. Although it's very hard to let go, you're doing the kind thing for your cat by not letting him suffer.
I went through this in February with my 12-year-old cat when she was in the final stage of chronic renal failure. In hindsight, I have no regrets about having had her put to sleep, because it did save her from suffering. I tried to look at this way, and I think you should too - my cat was going to die anyway, and she could either suffer more or suffer less. I chose to have her suffer less.
Do an internet search on `pet grief' and you'll find links to several hotlines. I think the SPCA website also has a link to a few.
Don't be afraid to talk about your sadness with others -and don't listen to people who tell you `it's just an animal' or that your grief is unreasonable. It is not. More and more, pets are considered members of the family, and many people out there will understand your feelings.
You will be able to be with your cat as she is put to sleep, if you choose to do that. Don't feel bad if you feel you cannot bear it, but I was there when Kitty was put to sleep (I carried her back to the room), and I'm very glad I was. I petted and talked to her during the procedure.
It's a painless process for the animal - the vet will first let you say your good-byes privately, and then once you're in the room, the vet will place a gas mask to your cat's nose and mouth, which will make her fall asleep. The vet should then test your cat's pain reflexes, to make sure he's asleep, and will then put a catheter into a vein. The vet will then inject an overdose of heart-stopping drugs into the catheter.
After your cat has passed away, the vet should then let you spend time saying another good-bye, if you would like. You can have your cat cremated, if you don't have a place to bury her.
You might want to take some last pictures of you with your kitty, for future comfort. My vet also took a clay pawprint and gave that to me. I also took two days off of work before (my boss was very understanding) and basically just spent all that time with my cat.
My thoughts will be with you. Above all, try to remember that your kitty had a very good life, and he was very lucky to have you as part of her family. When she passes away, I do believe he'll go to a better place where he can play with other kitties who have passed away.
2007-06-30 05:30:20 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
My belowed Mr. Carrot passed away 18 months ago. I can sympathyze with your loss. I found about the petloss.com website then, and it helped ease the pain a little. Read this...
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.....
http://www.petloss.com/rainbowbridge.htm
2007-06-30 05:12:01 · answer #3 · answered by AMBER D 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Amber has a great answer. Also know that he will be out of his pain, with his best friend, and waiting for you when your time comes. Do not feel guilty about this decision. You are doing it for the right reasons, and I'm sure he knows that. It doesn't make it easier for you, but know he is going to a better place and he will be fine once there.
2007-06-30 05:20:56 · answer #4 · answered by magix151 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You don't really need to visit a website. What you need to do is have an informal funeral service for your family. Get everyone together at the same time in your livingroom and each one of you say something about your memories of Tigger. It will help.
2007-06-30 07:52:46 · answer #5 · answered by Pulu Si Bagumba 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I can't think of one. I just wanted to say,"I know what you're going through."
It isn't easy. I've been there. Whislers, Fatty, Nebi, Boots, .... eventually Zeke...
Listen, the cat is hurting. Don't feel guilty. Please.
2007-06-30 05:12:37 · answer #6 · answered by Barry auh2o 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
go to rainbow bridge it has an absolutely perfect poem and other ways to deal it will probably make you cry.
2007-06-30 05:13:52 · answer #7 · answered by babe with an attitude 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋