A final update on my cat. This is hard.

[GirlinContempt]

Earlier thread: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=7337987

His kidneys have not regained function. There is about a 0.01% chance that they ever will.
We're putting him down today.

I don't know what else to say. I wish we could have saved him. I know, at this point, this is the best thing for him. He can't sustain his own life. I know it's the right thing to do, I don't need any assurances on that front. But the right thing to do is incredibly hard. It hurts. I hurt.

So, that's all. Thanks to everyone for your kindness and support. I really appreciate it. Flash was a well loved cat, the king of his little castle, and maybe it's only my family that will miss him, but only we knew how special he was. I know he's just a cat, but, he was my cat, my friend, my constant companion through my illness, the lump on my bed, the fur on my clothes. We can be pretty silly about animals, and I loved him.

Goodbye Flash.

[EstimatedProphet]

1. Sorry

:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

2. I'm so very sorry.

:hug:

[ghostsofgiants]

3. I'm so sorry to hear that.

That is really really sad. :(

:hug:

[bicentennial_baby]

4. Aw fuck...I'm so so sorry sweetie

:hug:

:cry:

[BlueIris]

5. Oh, hon. I'm really sorry.

RIP, Flash.

[Midlodemocrat]

6. Sweetie. I'm so sorry.

Safe passage to Flash. :hug: :cry:

[MorningGlow]

7. Aw, GIC

:hug: :hug: :hug:

You did the best you could. Sometimes it's just...time.

As long as you loved him all his life, and he knew it, then it was all worthwhile. Send him over the Rainbow Bridge with love. :hug:

[lildreamer316]

8. Oh, I am so very sorry.

Your post made me tear up...and go pet my baby girl.
Lots of love to you and your family.:hug:

[NewJeffCT]

9. I'm sorry to hear about your cat

:hug:

[La Lioness Priyanka]

10. omg baby i am so sorry.

hugs

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

11. I'm sitting here crying for you

It just hurts so much. RIP to a beautiful and much-loved kitty. Believe me, he knows how much you love him. You will find the strength to face this, but it's SO terribly hard.

[racaulk]

12. I'm so sorry.

I'm sorry that you and your companion are both hurting so much. I really wish I knew what to say... :cry:

:hug:

[stuntcat]

13. the lump in bed, the fur..

Flash was just such a lucky cat to get this kinda love :cry: He had a wonderful life too. That's what matters, all his happy years. You'll never not miss him, but soon you'll look at his picture and just smile!

I don't know how I'll go on after my Tonka's not here to sleep with me but I have to remember the kitties don't live forever. I've had a lot of great cats but a few have stood out some way and I can never forget how much they loved me, and Flash looks like that type :hug:

[KamaAina]

14. Stranger than truth...

I just clicked on The Animal Rescue Site, an offshoot of The Hunger Site that lets you feed hungry furbabies for free.

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com
http://www.thehungersite.com

They always have a picture of a different rescue animal every day. Here is the animal of the day:



Seeing Flash, the cat, reminded me to go feed the animals (and the people) -- which led me straight to Flash the dog! Cosmic.

Still doesn't make up for this, though. Cats were my friends long before people ever were. :cry:

[lizziegrace]

15. I'm so sorry

my cats are family. I understand exactly how you feel about Flash.

:hug:

[Beausoir]

16. He is a loved one. These days are terrible. Peace and strength to you.

[VenusRising]

17. I am so sorry.

May you always be comforted by the love and warm memories of Flash. You were both very luck to have each other.

:hug:

[A-Long-Little-Doggie]

18. I am so sorry...

I know the pain you are going through.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

19. ~

:hug:

[redwitch]

20. I'm so sorry.

I have loved many a wonderful feline and it hurts like hell to lose one. :hug:

[Inchworm]

21. So sorry GirlinContempt

:hug:

[AirmensMom]

22. I'm so sorry, GC.

:cry:

There's no such thing as "just a cat". Our pets are loved members of our families. It hurts like hell when we lose them. I know. :hug:

RIP, little Flash.

[Coyote_Bandit]

23. .

:hug:

So sorry.

I have a renal dog and I dread the day I will be called upon to make the same decision.....

[RevCheesehead]

24. My heart is with you today, and I share your tears.

I've been there... I had Binky put down six months after my mom died. It was hell, but it was the most caring, loving thing I could do for her.

Hopefully, you will see in his eyes "Thank You" when you let go. And thank you for loving him so much. He is a very lucky cat to have known you. :hug:

[Left Brain]

25. I'm so sorry :(

May the Rainbow Bridge lead him to peace.

[no name no slogan]

26. ....

sorry to hear that :hug:

[LynzM]

27. My heart goes out to you...

It's so hard to lose a member of your family, even when you know he's hurting. :hug: Peace be with you.

[devilgrrl]

28. I'm very sorry for your loss.

:hug:

[Jamastiene]

29. I'm so sorry to hear that.

When they've lived their lives with us and been our best friends that long, they are no longer "just a cat" at all. RIP Flash. :hug: for you.

[bluethruandthru]

30. I'm so sorry!

You and Flash were lucky to have had each other!

[ceile]

31. So sorry.

:hug:

[Flaxbee]

32. I'm very sorry, I know how hard this has been for you

:hug: and :hug: for Flash and his final journey. He knows he was loved, and will be missed.

[TexasBushwhacker]

33. I know it hurts, but you're doing the right thing

I've known people who let their pets suffer for days, weeks, even months, when the situation is hopeless. He will die peacefully, in your arms. In people years, he's 86, and you've given him a wonderful life.

You know, we animal lovers sign up to have our hearts broken. Unless we're elderly or die an untimely death, we will ALWAYS outlive our pets. We'll love them and care for them and then some day they will die, but we can't imagine our lives without them. So we do it all over again.

Check with your local SPCA or Humane Society. Many have pet loss support groups. I found it very comforting when I had to put down my 22 year old cat, Piccolo.

[LiberalHeart]

34. A word of advice...

I've had to put down my beloved cats in the past and I've done it both ways: being with them, and not being with them. Being with them turned out, for me, to be the best way -- because you can see how peaceful the transition is, and you can have a hands-on goodbye that comforts you both.

My heart breaks for you.

[JVS]

35. You're doing the right thing.

My condolences.

[lost-in-nj]

36. I'm sorry

you did what you could...... and he knew it.....

:hug:

lost

[China_cat]

37. Never 'just' a cat. Never.

[malta blue]

38. I am so sorry GIC

:hug:

RIP Flash....

:cry:

[KitchenWitch]

39. I am so sorry.

My Tinkie is on the other side...I like to believe she is frolicking in the grass.

[terrya]

40. I'm so sorry to hear that.

:hug:

[enigmatic]

41. I'm sorry

:hug:

[bettyellen]

42. oh no, honey

:hug:
oh that just sucks, damn!

[Shine]

43. My sympathies to you, gf.

:hug: It's hard to say good-bye to those we love.... I'm sorry you're hurting. I've been there and for me, I was really shocked at how emotionally devastated I felt. It took a long time to get over...Be gentle with yourself. It'll get easier with time, but for right now, just let yourself be sad. He's family. :hug:

[Call Me Wesley]

44. Safe passage to Flash.

Might he be free from suffering. Peace and comfort to you. :hug:

[BobMorr]

45. So sorry for flash...

I'm very sorry for your loss. You will meet again.

http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm:cry: :cry: :hug:

[RebelOne]

46. Losing a beloved pet is just as bad as losing a child.

So sorry, but at least he will be at peace and not suffer any longer.

[sazemisery]

47. They are NEVER just a cat or a dog or a bird or a turtle

We love them with our WHOLE being. And what makes it so hard is that they love us with their WHOLE being and they give that love unconditionally, without question, without reason.

You will hurt for many days. I have had to make THE decision many times. It never gets any easier and it never hurts less in any instance.

All I can do is give you a :hug:

[RFKHumphreyObama]

48. I'm so sorry GirlInContempt

Thoughts, prayers, deepest sympathies and condolences to you and your family at this difficult time. May your cat rest in peace

We had to put down my beloved dog Smokey just over a year ago and I still think about him all the time.
It was the right thing to do for him as well but, oh, how it hurt:cry:

Even if they are animals, they are still integral members of the family and play a key role in our lives. They comfort us, entertain us, put their trust in us and love us unconditionally, probably with more love than we can ever know

Once again, my sincerest thoughts, prayers, symapthies and condolences:hug: :hug:

[REP]

49. No such thing as "just" as cat

I am so sorry you are losing someone you love. I know you are doing the right thing for your friend out of kindness, compassion and love, and I know that doesn't make it hurt any less. I also know friends come in all species. I just wish I knew something wise and insightful to say to help, but I don't. My thoughts are with you both.

[mitchum]

50. My thoughts are with you and everyone who knows and loves Flash

[eyepaddle]

51. Farewell ,Flash

:hug:

[flvegan]

52. I'm sorry to hear that, GiC.

You've done all you can.

RIP, Flash.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

53. RIP, Flash.

:hug:

Never "just a cat." He was your wonderful friend, and you're doing the right thing for him.

[crim son]

54. ...

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: So sad.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

55. ...

:hug::hug::hug:
I'm so very sorry...
You aren't being silly at all. He was part of your family.
:hug::hug::hug:

[mike_c]

56. I'm so sorry GIC....

I've lost a cat that way too. It's heartbreaking. You ARE doing the right thing-- he'll suffer needlessly otherwise. It is SO hard. I cry like a baby whenever I have to let one go-- my vet lets me bypass the waiting room, probably figures a bawling middle aged man is bad for business. Hold on to the knowledge that you helped Flash all the way to the end. :hug:

[Whoa_Nelly]

57. So sorry

Lost my Buff, age 17, in 2000, to renal failure.

Have not had another cat since...she was the best.

So, many :hug: :hug: :hug: as you go through this and your grieving.
Flash is family, and will always matter to you and your heart. :hug:

[graywarrior]

58. Oh man. And I just posted a cat thread.

I am so sorry to hear about this, GC.

[applegrove]

59. So sorry for your loss.

[CraftyGal]

60. I remember when TrogL had to put down one of his cats.

Chester was ill and not doing well. I was a beautiful and old cat. I know the whole family was very sad. We were faced, late last year of possibly putting another one, Tiger, down, however he rebounded. No matter what they become a part of the family. I know when it is time for one of our critters to go it would be tough.

R.I.P. Flash

Crafty

[meow2u3]

61. So sorry for Flash

Poor kitty. Tell him to say hello to Diamond and Boots at the Bridge. :hug: :cry: :hug:

[tigereye]

62. I'm sorry

:hug:

It's hard to lose an old friend like that.

[jus_the_facts]

63. My deepest sympathy....just lost my 17yr. old baby girl on the 5th....

....I still hurt and there is a huge void here without her....I'm so sorry for your loss. :cry: :hug: :loveya:




http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=7315277

[KatyaR]

64. I'm so sorry about Flash.

You're doing the right thing--it's his time.

He looks like such a big, sweet baby. I you know you'll miss him.

:hug:

[SPKrazy]

65. Very Sorry...

:hug:

[ThomCat]

66. I'm very sorry.

:(

Goodbye Flash.

I hope your family has wonderful memories of him. I hope you have a lot of great pictures. :hug:

[GirlinContempt]

67. It is over.

Thanks everyone. I just do not know what else I can say.

[peekaloo]

68. RIP Flash.

:hug:

[MagickMuffin]

69. I'm so sorry for you loss, I understand your decision and your heartache

Like I mentioned in your other post, I've been through this several times. Each cat reacted differently. The each one expressed they were in pain to us, at that moment you know it's time to put your loved one first. And it is a painful decision and heartache that for me has never gone away.

But like I mentioned before in your other post, I still think of them often and how much we loved each other.

:grouphug: to you and your beloved Flash.:loveya:

edit: typo

[OneMoreDemocrat]

70. May I simply add my heart felt sympathy.....

there is really nothing that anyone can say or do to help ease the pain at a moment like this.

It simply hurts.

The only thing that helped me this past Summer when I had to do the same with one of my
guys, was the thought that the best thing I could have given him at that moment
was the gift of freedom and to love him enough to let him go.


You are in my prayers.


Godspeed Flash.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

71. I'm so sorry, GiC.

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[yellowdogintexas]

72. so sorry. have had to do this too and it is heartbreaking, but if you

think about the great life you had together that you gave him.

neat looking cat too.

[amitten]

73. I had a cat by that name.

Died of the same thing. I never really got over it...he was my first real pet.

I'm sorry for your loss and hope you find comfort soon.

[Blue_In_AK]

74. I'm so sorry.

I had to put my cat down just before Christmas, and it was so very hard, even though he could barely walk anymore. My heart goes out to you.

[Trailrider1951]

75. I am truely sorry that you have to go through this

I have been there too, just three weeks ago:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=243&topic_id=31890&mesg_id=31890

It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I still miss him terribly, but I know he no longer suffers pain. :hug: