The Worst Thanksgiving Ever

[Vinca]

This morning about 5 a.m. I was awakened by an odd noise and then a thud. I looked around and didn't see anything except one of the cats racing around with a puffy tail, all upset. I went to the kitchen and gave her some food to try to calm her down and thought it peculiar the other cat didn't appear. I took a flashlight to search the house without waking people up and I found the other cat laying dead in the living room. He must have had a stroke or heart attack. He was gone. I'm just heartbroken. He was my best friend and had been sleeping next to me earlier in the night. We called him Stinker because when he showed up on our front porch as a stray back in 1998 he had a gastrointestinal issue that caused him to pass gas. It cleared up after proper veterinary care, but the name stuck despite a try at calling him Oscar. He was the smartest cat I've ever known and the most loving. Yesterday afternoon he curled up next to me and we took a nap. He loved to work in the garden with me and just hang around. Wherever I was, he was. I wrapped him in his favorite quilt and we buried him on the hillside a little while ago. I can't believe he's gone.

[JVS]

1. Oh. Sorry to hear that.

:hug:

[MissB]

2. I'm so sorry for your loss.

How awful for you.

[secondwind]

3. I am so sorry .........he went quickly, so that is good......but I know how you feel :(

[Frosty1]

4. Rest in peace Stinker

:cry: :hug:

[Kahuna]

5. So sad to hear this. Stinker sounds like he was a great friend, indeed..

:hug:

[barbtries]

6. ah, i'm sorry.

you can still give thanks for the years you spent together, though that's probably small comfort. :hug:

both of my parents died on november 23, twelve years apart. we've known some bleak thanksgivings in our family. feeling for you.

[Vinca]

9. You're exactly right. Even though it hurts so badly, I wouldn't have missed a day we had.

I've had many, many cats over the years, but every so often one comes along who is a little different from the rest and that was Stinker. I swear he knew what I was thinking sometimes. It's going to be hard to get over losing him. Some people snicker that "it's just a cat," but the bond between people and animals is a special, special thing.

[SoCalDem]

19. One of my best friend's mother died of a heart attack on thanksgiving day

My friend was only 16 and I always wondered why she never got "into" Thanksgiving, until she told me.. She said the thing she always remembered was that they were all sitting at the table and the oven timer went off.and her Mom said "Oh crap, I forgot the rolls"..jumped up to get them from the oven, and the next thing they heard was her hitting the floor..


Her mom was thin, never smoked or drank and was only 38 years old.

[barbtries]

34. wow

how awful.

[TicketyBoo]

7. Sincere condolences.

What a terrible thing to have happened. I'm so sorry.

[CurtEastPoint]

8. Vinca, I am so sorry you have lost your beloved Stinker.

They are all so special to us, aren't they? They love and don't ask for much from us. Mine are dear to me as well, and losing one just hurts. My sympathy to you.

[liberalmike27]

10. Sorry for your loss of Striker

I've lost three in the last four or five years. DJ, Tabitha, and their mom first, Samantha.

I had to have Tabitha put down about a month ago, as she had cancer, which was about the hardest thing I've ever had to do. But I feel like she's in a better place now.

Anyway, I wish you the best in dealing with your loss. It's tough, I know. Thankfully, I've got Li'l Debbie left.

[liberalmike27]

27. Sorry, Stinker

First post after getting up, my bad, misread.

[cali]

11. so sorry Vinca

sending you a hug.

[SoCalDem]

12. Oh my.. How sad.. Poor little Stinker..

and how awful for you if you have to pretend to be happy & thankful for guests today :hug:

[Dennis Donovan]

13. Man, I'm so sorry!

:cry::hug:

[Systematic Chaos]

14. I'm so sorry for your loss.

I sent your OP to the Greatest Page, but I don't know what else to say except that I love cats too and I know this was a terrible loss for you.

[madaboutharry]

15. I am so sorry to hear this.

:hug:

[Catshrink]

16. I'm so sorry Vinca.

:grouphug:

[Demeter]

17. Condolences

At least you have memories to be thankful for...all the love he gave you.

[TheCowsCameHome]

18. That's so sad - cherish the memories you had with your buddy.

RIP, Stinker.

[Sanity Claws]

20. My condolences

It is hard to lose a pet. They share our homes, our food, and our bed. How can we not grow attached?

[snake in the grass]

21. My Maria died last year...

...after almost 23 years. She was the strangest cat I've ever had the privilege of living with, but she was very loving in her way. I will always miss her and her unique voice.

[Spacemom]

22. I'm so sorry for your loss

:hug:

[democraticinsurgent]

23. wow, so sorry

take care of yourself and your family.

[Froward69]

24. I had an Oliver just like that

Oliver because when he was curled up he resembled a big black Olive. He was smart and Just like your Stinker the most loving I had ever known. followed me all over the apt complex and raided it of mice. presenting them to me then taking them outside once I had seen it. He pulled his weight, and earned his keep.

I understand and share your grief.

[cascadiance]

89. My Oliver died two years ago the Monday after Thanksgiving...

We had him for the holiday while he was going down for cancer and all of the family could say goodbye then, but when he coughed up blood on Sunday, we knew the time had come to stop his suffering. We didn't have Thanksgiving to together last year as we we had two family moves going on at that time preventing it. So this year was better, but still ugly with this economy and now being unemployed.



I had a moment like the OP though many years ago, when another cat I had died the night after Christmas day when visiting family very unexpectedly. The only clue I had that she was going to die (must have been a brain anueryism or something like that), was when I was petting her before I went to sleep that night she just "fell over" at one moment as if she'd lost motor control of herself. If I knew what I knew later, I'd have immediately taken her to the vet then. Take that as a warning. If your pet ever just "falls over", even if they get right back up, don't wait and get them to a vet quickly. Don't know if I could have helped her from her ultimate death, but would have liked to have tried to then.

Had just watched the Gremlins movie then where it was being discussed how their grandfather was found dead in the chimney on Christmas time and I forever think of that whenever I look back on that time.

My sympathies to you. I know a lot first hand how bad they can feel with events like these!

[Joanie Baloney]

25. Very sad

Vinca, my condolences. Yes, sometimes there is a special connection between a human and a pet and you were lucky to have experienced it. Stinker found you and knew you were the one who would "get" him, farts and all. He was a lucky kitty to have found you.

(Don't forget to give your other kitties some extra lovin' today...they are grieving as well.)

-JB

[NC_Nurse]

26. Oh, Vinca, I'm so sorry! I'm so glad he found you, but it still hurts to lose a

special friend. I know I'd be heartbroken if one of mine died today. I'm sure he was grateful for you, and
it sounds like you enjoyed your time together. I hope that gives you some comfort. :hug:

[R. P. McMurphy]

28. I am so sorry.

I am also very happy that he had someone who loved him as much as you so obviously do. May all your memories of him be good ones. My heart goes out to you.

[Berry Cool]

29. I'm so sorry.

I lost a cat that way once myself. Very sudden and very hard.

[trumad]

30. Sorry to read about your loss.

take care

[endless october]

31. i'm sorry to hear that you lost your feline friend.

hang in there.

[WhiteTara]

32. my arms are around you in your sadness n/t

[mrs_p]

33. i am so very very sorry

i know it is hard (i've been there more than i wish). you gave him a wonderful life and your love for him and vice versa was a rare gift.

:hug:

[closeupready]

35. Oh, I am so sorry.

:cry: :hug: From one cat lover to another, know that Stinker is in a better place now, looking down on you with love, dozing the days away in heaven.

[patrice]

36. Sweet Dreams, kitty kitty.

O8) Stinker O8)

[ThatsMyBarack]

37. What a sad touching tribute.

My cats are 13 and 8. The elder one is in pretty good condition for his age (KNOCK WOOD).

[JohnnyLib2]

38. I'm sorry.

Sad time, happy memories.

[Vinca]

39. Thanks for all your kind words. I'm really beside myself and

so is my husband. The other cat hid under the bed covers after this horrible event happened. I imagine she was upset more by our reaction than anything else - it was a pretty mournful scene. While Stinker was an almost human cat, Rosie is a cat cat. Also a rescue, but more feral. I guess I'll just leave her alone for awhile and see what happens. In a million years I couldn't have guessed something would strike my poor little guy out of the blue like that. Yesterday he was racing around outside chasing leaves and enjoying himself . . . not an inkling of what was to come. Life is so fragile.

[classof56]

45. Please accept my condolences and understanding.

So very hard to lose our special pets, the ones who, as I say about my Cammy-dog who left us after 13 years, was my source of unconditional love and companionship. I still cry when I think about her, this after five years. When Cammy died, our cat Julius would not eat or drink, just sat quietly and grieved for several days. I finally called the vet who said this is very common for pets who have lost their pals. This is what's going on with Rosie, I'm sure. Just give her lots of love, pets and space for awhile. Glad to report Julius is still with us, brightening our days.

Life is fragile indeed. Treasure every moment!

You're in my thoughts!

[patrice]

48. My two rescue guys, Frankie and Ernest, send you their best, Vinca.

They're 12 years old and still quite spry.

Like Vinca, someday, they will join Jasmine and Simba who are in the backyard under the ornamental grasses. I like to think of their souls being breathed out into the multi-verse again through the tall fronds of grass waving in the wind and being carried to other loving Earth-homes.

Om namah Shivaya!

[Lorien]

116. I'm so sorry for your loss. The same happened to a friend's pet meerkat

(Timon-she had been our model for the movie version), and to a DUer's three year old Maine Coon. No warnings in either case. Life is indeed very fragile.

I'm going to hug my kitties now. :cry:

[Highway61]

40. I am so sorry for your loss

Most of us here who have pets have been in your shoes one time or another. The pain is crippling. Again, I am so sorry.

[WillyT]

41. Ah Vinca...

:grouphug:

[FarLeftFist]

42. Godspeed kitty, have a safe journey.

[liberalmuse]

43. I'm so sorry.

What a way to start the day. I had to put my old rescue dog down a couple years ago, the day after Thanksgiving. I feel so sad for you, because it is beyond heartbreaking losing your best friend. Especially unexpectedly. :hug:

[SalmonChantedEvening]

44. Oh Vinca, I'm so sorry.

:cry:

Sleep well Stinker.

[Ikonoklast]

46. Thank you, Vinca, for giving Stinker a good life.

He will be waiting for you on the other side of The Bridge.

[brightertomorrow]

47. My heart goes out to you on the loss

of your beloved baby. About a month ago we lost our beloved dog and it too was sudden and so unexpected. Pets are the one thing in our lives that give us unconditional love. There just absolutely are no words to say how very sorry I am for your loss. Some days I still can't see thru the tears so I know what you are going thru. It is so hard to believe they are gone and yet part of them always lives on, locked away right in our hearts. My deepest sympathy to you on your loss.

[Snarkoleptic]

49. So sorry for your hearbreaking loss.

Pets truly are members of the family and their love is unconditional.
Better to have loved and lost then never to have loved.

[Prophet 451]

50. I'm so, so sorry

We lost our beloved Mac a couple of years ago, exactly the same way except he was only 2.

I never learned what teh correct response is supposed to be when people are grieving but you have our utmost sympathies.

[livetohike]

51. I'm so sorry Vinca

:hug: I hope your good memories of Stinker will help ease the sadness....he sounds like a wonderful cat and companion.

[Batgirl]

52. Sorry this happened to you, with such shocking suddenness.

I hope you will be able to find comfort in knowing your kitty was having a happy, active life right up to the end.

[GoCubsGo]

53. I'm sorry!

Hugs from me and my kitties.

[Stinky The Clown]

54. Vinca, that's awful.

I'm so sorry. :hug:

[Festivito]

55. Sounds like Stinker had a happy life.

Be proud of that.

My once feral Molly is by my thigh, her favorite spot. She's thankfully purring.

Stinker's story makes me remember a long line of cats, now gone, all thankful in their time, and I'm thankful for that.

Have a thankful day today.

[Beaverhausen]

56. I'm so sorry.

As you can see, many of us here know how hard it is to lose a four-footed family member.


:hug:

[kixat2550]

57. my condolences

[dimpol]

58. :(

I hate to hear that kind of news.
My condolences

[nadinbrzezinski]

59. I'm sorry for your loss

Tuky, our tiel passed on the 21st of last month. Believe you me we miss him to bits, and so does his "brother" cookie, our nanday.

[Eyerish]

60. I am so sorry for your family's loss...

My little guy Fred had a similar tummy condition when we adopted him. My FIL thought is was humorous and called him "fartblossom".

Peace and healing thoughts for you & your family today. :hug:
RIP Stinker.

[Vinca]

61. I'm really appreciating all of your remarks. This has been an awful day so far

and I keep checking this thread to try to feel a little better. It's nice to know there are so many animal lovers on DU who understand the pain. My other cat, Rosie, emerged from her hiding spot briefly and did a search for her brother, but quickly returned under the covers. I might join her. I've never had a seemingly healthy animal just up and die like this without there being a vehicle involved. He had been inside since early yesterday afternoon, so I don't think he could have gotten into anything poisonous. It's a very sad mystery. I'll have to talk to the vet tomorrow and see if he might shed some light on it.

[graywarrior]

62. Oh, I am so sorry to hear that, Vinca.

:hug:

[mzmolly]

63. I'm so sorry Vinca.

RIP Stinker. :)

[Generator]

64. I know how you feel

I like cats better than most people-though I know you shouldn't. I've buried three since 1987 when I adopted the first one-homeless from in front of my apartment building. The last one just came over the fence at our old house and refused to go. (he got called Mr.Balls because when he was picked up by me the first time-yep the first pair I'd ever seen on a cat-though no more balls on him now-and the name is a hassle as we have a "public" name at the vet and neighbors-Zebra-I often wonder if the neighbors are thinking why is that woman yelling for Mr.Balls all the time?)

Well the only cure is another cat-though they are never replaceable.

[H2O Man]

65. Sorry for your loss.

Pets really are members of our families, in the literal sense. We have both cats and dogs. They have a fascinating way of communicating with people.

[EFerrari]

66. I'm so sorry.

:hug:

[DollyM]

67. Stinker/Oscar is a part of your family too . . .

I am sorry for your loss. We are mourning the loss of both our 19 year old son and our 16 year old cat this year. He was killed in a car wreck and she died within a few hours of him. Yummy was raised with our son from the time he was three years old was incredibly devoted to him. I am not surprised she chose to cross the rainbow bridge at the same time that he did. But it was hard to bury both of them the same week. I take comfort in knowing they are together. YOur little Stinker/Oscar will always be with you in spirit.

[Pooka Fey]

68. I'm sorry for your loss.

:hug:

[tomm2thumbs]

69. sorry to hear the news

Hopefully time will help at it sometimes can. All good thoughts your way.

[musette_sf]

70. hugs to you

I just had the Worst Birthday Ever three weeks ago today. My beloved girl cat died of a stroke. My heart is with you.

[Withywindle]

71. I am so, so sorry for your loss.

what an awful shock. :cry:


:hug:

[KT2000]

72. Oh, this is sad

and I am so sorry. :hug:

[lunatica]

73. It sounds like Stinker had a very good life

You're left with wonderful memories from someone who adopted you. I know you'll miss him.

[chatnoir]

74. Oh, Vinca, I'm so sorry :(

We lost our 7 yo kitty in the very same way, though not on Thanksgiving. He was a healthy, indoor little guy who just keeled over one day, dead - absolutely no discernible reason whatsoever. It was a huge shock and we were heartbroken. He was a sweet, sweet soul and we should have had more years with him. :(

My heart goes out to you and your family to have to go through this, esp today. It's never easy to let them go but I believe they never really leave you. :hug:

[truedelphi]

75. Very sorry to hear aboutthat.

Nice to hear about how much care you gave your kitty.

Cats are sometimes so much smarter than people. They often know how to communicate the proper sentiments and offer us pleasure in a way nothing else can.

RIP Stinky.

[myrna minx]

76. I am so sorry for your loss.

:hug:

[me b zola]

77. My sincere condolences

It hurts so deeply to "lose" a beloved pet. I hate that this happened on Thanksgiving, making it even worse. Please take some measure of comfort in knowing that you gave Stinker a wonderful life, and that Stinker chose (cats always choose the life they live) to allow you to be a family member.

Take care. :hug:

[Zhade]

78. One of the only times I remember my dad crying was when we lost Sam.

We got him when my brother turned four, had him for something like sixteen years. Awesome cat, very affectionate but also tough -- got hit by a car and lost one of his front legs but stuck around for a decade after. My dad watched him collapse and die.

Still one of the saddest days of my life. I feel your loss. *HUGS*

[StarfarerBill]

79. My two cats, Boris and Natasha, and I extend our deepest condolences to you, Vinca.

May Stinker rest in peace.

:pals:

[BigBearJohn]

80. Thank God your little pal had such a great friend like you!

[emilyg]

81. I am so sorry.

[nickyt]

82. Oh! SO sorry!...now Vinca, you gave this fella the best possible life he could ever

have imagined in his wildest kitty dreams, and from his present perspective, he thanks you from the bottom of his darling little heart - you two will always be connected in a way only fellow cat freaks (we are legion) can understand, and I MUST believe you WILL be reunited once again, right time/right place.

Heartfelt condolences to your family and to you, dear Vinca...

[mac56]

83. I am so sorry.

Words can't express.

[NikolaC]

84. Sorry for your loss

:hug:

[arthritisR_US]

85. I am so sorry for your loss, it's so heartbreaking but at least you gave him

eleven good years of love and kindness.

[MissDeeds]

86. So sorry for the loss of your pet

He was fortunate to wind up on your porch all those years ago. :hug:

[Hoyt]

87. Very Sorry -- but sounds like he had a good buddy (you).

That is an awful way to start the day. I wasn't introduced to cats until my 50s -- but they really are something special. I hope the other cats help.

[Cincinnati Kid]

88. My Prayers are with you

As a fellow pet owner I know how difficult the loss can be. Godspeed to Stinker.

[UrbScotty]

90. Oh my. I can hardly imagine the heartbreak.

Especially after you had him for so long.

Swifty, our dog, died of a heart condition, we were very upset, but we also knew about her condition beforehand.

We all support you, Vinca.

[CatWoman]

91. Vinca

:hug:

I know the feeling......

[blaze]

92. Your description of Stinker made me smile

One of my dear furry friends died suddenly while I was on vacation. I hated that I wasn't there. But a dear friend reminded me that the last thing I said as I left the house was, "I love you."

Stinker was obviously loved deeply. Hold that in your heart.

[Raine]

93. I'm so sorry

it's so hard to lose our little four legged family members. :hug:

[Xicano]

94. Oh my god, I am so sorry Vinca.

:hug:

[EmeraldCityGrl]

95. RIP little Stinker.

[avaistheone1]

96. Sorry about your kittie.

It has got to hurt losing a beloved pet, especially during the holidays.

:loveya:

[dye]

97. my sympathies

my sympathies to you. it is so hard to lose an animal companion.

[MrMickeysMom]

98. Vinca, I'm sorry you had to go through this...

How heart-ripping... Your little Stinker just went like that. It wasn't long and drawn out, painful, apparently, but that doesn't give you comfort now. Maybe it will later because you didn't have to see suffering. I've had to make decisions to euthanize a few elder cats, and I remember one of my first cats who was like my best friend and then I found out she had a brain tumor. It's never ever easy.

Today was about family and you lost a very big member. We wish you comfort from our house to yours.

:hug:

[webDude]

99. Very sorry to hear of that, I know that he loved you much, you ...

were a blessing to him.

[glinda]

100. Oh Vinca. That is a horrible horrible story. how awful for you and just to think

it totally freaked the other cat out also. The part about the sound was weird and truly awful. I am so sorry for your heavy duty loss.
Many x-mases ago, I drove many many miles to see my family and returned the next day. My room-mate did not take care of my dearest cat. He got so hungry he ate mistletoe and crap she put around the house. He was dead in the basement at his litter box. It was x-mas.I cried and cried and cried and cried for days. I hate the memory of it still but one thing I can tell you is that it does fade some but still. Really really sorry.

[unkachuck]

101. sounds like Stinker....

....was a dear friend....it's hard to lose a dear friend....sorry about your loss.

[Danmel]

102. So sorry about your beloved kitty

I have three furballs myself, and have lost pets. My sympathies.

[OnyxCollie]

103. I'm sorry.

[Minimus]

104. I am so, so sorry for your loss.

Please take care. :hug:

[Iwillnevergiveup]

105. Stinker made a good choice

showing up at your place some years ago. He knew caring and love thanks to you, but I understand that doesn't make their leaving us any easier. It's heartening to see so many DUer animal lovers responding to you, and you have my heartfelt sympathy as well.:hug:

[BlueJazz]

106. I understand. Losing a pet can be a painful experience.

[budkin]

107. So sorry for your loss... :-(

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

108. So sorry.

We lost a 6 year old golden retriever suddenly a couple of years and lost a 6 month old puppy last year. All I can say is I'm sorry.

[Zoigal]

109. My sincere sympathy, Vinca.

Loosing a beloved pet is never easy...z

[tuckessee]

110. God Bless all the Kitties......

...and those who love them.

[waiting for hope]

111. May Stinker find lots of warmth, love and

companionship over the Rainbow Bridge. My condolences to you and your family. :hug:

[amborin]

112. so sorry! what a wonderful cat, and so appreciated by you!

[virgdem]

113. I'm so sorry for your sudden loss...

I've been there. I lost my Cleo 6 years ago when she had a stroke and died in her room. I knew that she was sick, but didn't realize that she had cardiomyopathy. It was so sudden and it hit me very hard, so I know exactly how you feel. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and I know that you will always have wonderful memories of Stinker.

[akbacchus_BC]

114. So sorry to hear of your pet's (stinker) loss, and I can relate too. Hang in there!

[Lorien]

115. I'm so sorry Vinca. There are few things more difficult than losing

a fur kid. I can't recall which famous talk show host said it, but he said that losing a pet was often harder than losing a person in our lives because we never have mixed feelings about our pets. I'm so sorry for your loss. :hug:

[tosh]

117. Oh, Vinca, I am so sorry.

:cry:

[cliffordu]

118. Godspeed, stinker, say hi to archie and smokey and Lucy for me, will ya??

[alittlelark]

119. I'm so sorry. I lost one the day before T'giving a few years ago.

My Goldie has acted strangely for a few days - needy and 'off'. Your post will send me to the vet w/ her tomorrow.

[AllyCat]

120. I'm so sorry Vinca. He was fortunate to have such a loving home

God bless you for taking such good care of him in life and in death.

[Mz Pip]

121. How awful for you

no matter what some people may say, animals become part of our families and losing them hurts. They love us unconditionally and we love them back.

My sincerest condolences on your loss of Stinky. He sounds like he was a very cool cat.

[BobTheSubgenius]

122. I'm a 'cat person' too.

My heartfelt condolences.

:hug:

[Gore1FL]

123. Pets are such a leson in humanity,

I have laid to rest three dogs in my lifetime. It won't be a long time before the 4th one sleeps. But the repeat lesson teaches me one thing--It is ever worth it. I dirnk a toast to your lost friend. I drink a toast to the new one you will find.

[Mind_your_head]

124. RIP little 'Stinker'/Oscar n/t

[tblue]

125. Terribly sorry. Sounds like a very, very special kitty.

:hug:

[beam me up scottie]

126. I am so sorry you lost your friend and I understand your connection, my Newton is like Stinker.

Newt was not even a year old when my poor Pee-Wee-Cat suddenly went into convulsions and died in my arms on the kitchen floor. Newton had been watching intently from a chair nearby, he sat up, made a sort of cooing sound and brushed away my tears with his paw.

It was amazing, somehow he just knew the right thing to do. And he always does- his behaviour disturbs my bf, he thinks Newt has some sort of supernatural powers. He's a huge thing with long grizzled hair (part Maine Coon) and when he looks at you he REALLY looks at you, if you know what I mean.

All of my animals are special, but I cannot bear the thought of losing Newt, he is our friend and is so by choice.
He was about 3 months old when I found him in a garbage can by the side of the road, but I often wonder if it was the other way around...maybe he was waiting for me.

Take comfort that your friend went quickly and non-violently, Stinker had a good life with you and knew he was loved, he probably felt neither pain nor fear at the end.

We should all be so lucky. :)

[Hardrada]

127. I competely sympathize and know how hard this is.

My companion who was always here and now is always gone left us Nov 17th after nearly 16 years. Fritzi was a cat who endeared himself to us in spite of how cantankerous he was. My departed cats, Ziggie, Wally and Fritzi will keep yours company wherever the feline Valhalla is. They were great company for me.

[anniebelle]

128. I am in shock -- the exact same thing happened to me yesterday.

I have cried so hard I can't stop. My cat and his brother were in perfect health and only 4 years old. As you say my BEST BUDDY -- slept with me every night and when I broke my leg last Christmas, he NEVER left my side. I'm so sorry for your loss and hope you have others to comfort you in your loss.

[DemReadingDU]

129. Vinca and anniebelle

I am so sorry, it is so sad when our pets die, it is like losing a family member. May you cherish the memories of your beloved cats forever.
:grouphug:

[Vinca]

130. OMG - I'm so sorry. Do you have any idea what caused his death?

I finally managed to get an hour or 2 of sleep last night, but my heart is aching. This morning I looked at the spot where he appeared to eat and broke into tears. I know it will get better, but it feels like our family has been cut in half. The other cat, Rosie, has finally settled down and is now sleeping in her usual spot. She wouldn't eat anything until late last night and spent most of yesterday alternately hiding and searching for her brother. I hope you're doing better today. We both know it does get better. The acute pain subsides. Someday we'll just have the good memories without so many tears.

[anniebelle]

133. I guess with his brother still here, the reminder continues.

They were twins and most people could not tell them apart. I've not gotten to the sleep part yet, but I can love the one I have left. We've always had cats around and when you lose one, especially without any warning, it takes a big chunk out of your life. I'm glad I'm not gardening right now because, like you, he stayed with me everywhere, unlike his brother who couldn't care less. I thank you for your response and hope you're doing better too.

[anniebelle]

134. No, we did not have a necropsy done because the vet is closed for holiday.

He showed no signs of sickness whatsoever, was up to date on his shots -- absolutely no signs of ill health. I checked his body thoroughly for signs of trauma -- nothing. When they sleep with you, it's so hard to get used to the little crook there at my knees not being filled by his warm body. Oh, well, that did it -- I'm going to take up his toys and bowl today and see if that helps all of us in this household. Hope you have a good day.

[Paper Roses]

131. RIP Stinker. Vinca. we know how you feel. Death of a pet leaves

a big hole in our heart. My kitty has been gone years and I still miss her.

[burrfoot]

132. Hang in there, Vinca. Good thoughts your way. n/t

[tencats]

135. You have my sympathy too.

I didn't think it at all likely that a pet cat would suddenly go out like that. I've read about it happening rarely and then one of my cats died in his sleep last Christmas morning. He was just a bit more than 9 years old and in seemingly good health. The Dr when I told him of my cat passing said that he had probably "thrown a clot" but we will never know for sure. My Chumley never had a heart problem and had been seen by the Vet only recently.

Chumley 10/16/99 - 12/25/08
<>

[Mind_your_head]

136. Awww.....what a BEAUTIFUL kitty

RIP Chumley! (What a great name, 'chumley')....

A good friend said to me once, "I hope that heaven is filled with kittens and puppies"....

Heck, now that I think about it, EARTH is filled with kittens and puppies and (even) children!!!!! whom are unloved and /or without a home, RIGHT NOW....."ask not what these children and/or animals can do for you, but what YOU can do for these people/children and/or other living creatures. (slightly edited quote ;-)

Peace,
M_Y_H

[Vinca]

139. I went to see my vet yesterday morning and he could only suggest

a stroke or heart attack, but we'll never know for sure. I'm sorry about Chumley. What a handsome cat. I can tell by his face he was a real sweetie.

[Liberal_in_LA]

137. sorry about your loss. Glad you had that last peaceful day with him.

[PCIntern]

138. My sincere condolences...

Having owned many cats in my younger years, I know that the loss is great and lasting. All the little vagaries, nuances, the voice, the habits, the expressions, stay with you forever. Perhaps that is what is meant by the phrase 'eternal life', that they live within you for all of your days.

(And BTW, I do believe that the other cat is mourning his/her loss. We had had a little herd of 6, and when the feline leukemia went thru the house like the Plague, each time we lost one, the remaining would sit shiva for weeks, and be quite affectionate and would sleep all together on someone's bed.)

[Vinca]

140. Thanks for your thoughts, PC.

The second cat, who has always been a little nutty, is beginning to show some signs of normalcy. We're giving her lots of attention and trying to bribe her with more varieties of food than usual. She was sleeping on the bottom of the bed this morning which she doesn't usually do, so maybe she'll take to being a solo act. The rest of us are feeling a little better too. It takes time.

[Mimosa]

141. Catlovers understand. My heart goes out to you, Vinca

We lost our 18 year old little sweetheart 2 years ago. Our little catman (who sat beside her and us as she died) is aging, too. It's better your darling friend died in his own familiar home with his people. I know you'll find comfort in your memories.

{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}

[Vidar]

142. Pets are family. My condolences.