Saying goodbye to a furbaby. (sensitive)~ Wifey

Wifey xo · April 2014

Last night we were faced with the agonizing decision to say goodbye to my 15 year old kitty, Houston. She was a stray kitten born in a private airplane hangar, and I brought her home at 20 days old. She has been by my side through so many of life's ups and downs the past 15 years, and was showered with love and affection- until baby.

When I was on bed rest for 5 months last summer, I knew my sidekick was throwing up more than normal. When my son arrived 4 months ago she became second fiddle, and I woke up this morning with intense guilt that I was not there for her. She was so adored for 15 years, but it is the last neglectful few months that consumes me and makes me sick. She went downhill very quickly the past few weeks, and that is what it took to redirect my attention to my loyal companion. I knew she would break my heart one day, most animal lovers have this in the back of there mind. I have never gone through a pet loss before. How do you deal with the pit in your stomach, and the guilt? I truly hope this is ok to share.

MJM3108 · April 2014

Awwww, honey. SO many (((HUGS))) for you. Saying goodbye to our furkids is so hard. They become so much a part of our lives, and truly are like our children. I will be praying for you and your family as you grieve the loss of your beautiful kitty.

4legsRbest · April 2014

Oh hun, I am so very sorry! I am struggling the same. My 4 legged-babies have always come first, but since H arrived they have been taking a major back seat. Some days they are more of an annoyance than anything and I feel so bad. Our youngest (who is 9) was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in December and we decided to swallow the 8 grand in surgery and treatments and he just finished with chemo and is doing much better, but it really got my attention. Our 12 year old can hardly walk and is deaf as the day is long, I just feel like they are living out their golden years in the worst possible way (comparative to the rest of their lives, of course – they still have it made!).

What you have to remember, if that you saved her from a very uncertain life and gave her more time attention and love than she ever could have dreamt was possible. They don't have the capacity to think like us so projecting only hurts you. Keep the good thoughts alive and try not to dwell too much on the last few weeks. She would want you to smile and remember the last 15 years with great love and joy, not to remember her last days/months. That is such a small snapshot of the years you two spent loving each other. Huge (((hugs))) to you!

ProfessorPedals825 · April 2014

4legsRbest said:

What you have to remember, if that you saved her from a very uncertain life and gave her more time attention and love than she ever could have dreamt was possible. They don't have the capacity to think like us so projecting only hurts you. Keep the good thoughts alive and try not to dwell too much on the last few weeks. She would want you to smile and remember the last 15 years with great love and joy, not to remember her last days/months. That is such a small snapshot of the years you two spent loving each other. Huge (((hugs))) to you!

This exactly! I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. ((HUGS))

Wifey xo · April 2014

Thanks for the kind words ladies. @4legsRbest‌ I did feel like she was under my feet and was annoyed with her as I hobbled around healing from my csection. She went off and slept a lot the past month, but was around me more once I noticed she was not well and tended to her. Just sad. Thanks again ladies.

martinimomma · April 2014

((Hugs))

km_md · April 2014

I'm so sorry Wifey ((hugs))

Wifey xo · April 2014

BandEddie said:

You gave her a comfortable, warm home with plenty of food, attention, and love, a warm bed to sleep in at night, a roof over her head to shelter her from the rain, and a place in your heart. Don't feel guilty for the few months where she wasn't the absolute center of attention - she experienced an overabundance of love in her lifetime, more so than she ever would have known if you hadn't rescued her. Animals don't hold things against us - we do that. So please release your guilt. She was a venerable girl, and it was her time to go on to a place without aches or sickness. Even in this, you made sure she left the world in peace and dignity - which is the hardest thing in the world to do, and the most loving. You should hold you head up, because you gave her a wonderful life in your family. Bless you all and sending hugs to ease your loss.

Thank you for the lovely words.

FmrAFBrat · April 2014

((Hugs)) I'm so sorry.

stephy1221 · April 2014

I am so sorry for the loss of your pet.

When I had to put my first dog down I was so incredibly heart broken. I still have the tag from his collar on my keychain and he passed on 7 years ago.

Try not to feel guilty, I am sure you two shared a wonderful bond and that she enjoyed spending her life in your care. Hugs.