I am reeling from the death of my cat, Dre. Dre died about 18 hours ago and everything seems so surreal. I was on vacation for 2 weeks and returned to find Dre very sick. My roommate was taking care of her, and said that she was fine until the day of my return, and started to act like something was wrong that morning. I took her to the vet to learn that her kidneys were failing. Everything happened so fast. I love my vet and trust her, and I know that if there had been any other option, we would have looked at it, but I had to put her down. I was holding her through it all, and I'm glad for that. But today I feel lost. It all happened in less than 24 hours. The vet says that she believes that Dre was waiting for me to get back, and that she had been masking her illness for some time, as advanced as the kidney failure was. I am a single woman and Dre has been my little girl for almost 9 years. I can't imagine being around the house without her. I am so glad to see this website and to know that other people share this kind of grief. I am at work today and can barely function.

Shannon

I am so sorry Dre has left you. Kidney failure is something that felines can hide for weeks, with nobody every knowing that there is something wrong. Please don't blame yourself or your friend - cats are notoriously tricky when it comes to hiding symptoms.

Your vet is very correct - but that doesn't help, I know.

Talk to us, tell us about your kitty, and we'll help you through the grief. We understand exactly what you are feeling, the loss, the emptiness. Let us help you deal with it - although the world may seem black and white right now, the colours are still there - and when the clouds part again, you 'll see them.

HUGS - my heart is aching with you and I'll light a candle for Dre tonight - and ask my passed-on kitties to guide her.

Hi Shannon!

I am so very very sorry to hear about your sudden and sad loss of your very special kitty Dre. I went thought the same experience a few years ago, coming home to find a cat desperately ill, and then losing her that night, so I can really empathise. I also parted with an extremely special kitty, Shanti, last Friday, and that also hurts so much still

Take comfort in the knowledge that Dre is at peace, free from all pain and suffering, and that she is safe in the arms of the Great Big Universe. I will ask my Shanti to take special care of her as well ...

I have found this site amazing as I try to come to terms with my great loss, and I am sure you will do so too. Come and chat often, and know that we care

{{{{HUGS}}}}

Avril

Shannon,

I am sorry to hear about your Dre. Dre is now at peace and is with you in spirit. You both were very blessed to have shared your lives with each other. I know it's so hard to deal with the loss. This site and all the people here are wonderful, and will help you thru the hard times.

kim

Shannon,
I am so very sorry for your loss of your kitty, Dre. My 17-yr old kitty died last June and even though it's been 9-mo it feels as though it was just today. He to was in renal failure along with other ailments that he had. I am very thankful that he went on his own and that I didn't have to make that very difficult decision to put him down. It's empty here without him and it's more emptier sinse our 12-yr old toy poodle passed two weeks ago from renal failure. I love them and miss them so very much! I was a mess when I came here the first time because I was blaming myself for my kitty dying. I am very glad I found LS and it helps tremendously being here. Please keep coming here and as someone mentioned, tell us about your kitty.

Wanda

Dear Shannon,

I'm so sorry about Dre. I most certainly believe that she waited for you to return from vacation to say good-bye. I lost my beloved bunny, Rusty in much the same way in December. (He was more like a dog than a bunny - no cage, full run of the house, sitting with his family to watch tv, come when called, etc.) On December 8th, when I returned home from work, he was sitting next to his food dish, as usual. I patted him on the head and told him I'd be right back with his dinner. I was gone a minute or two and when I returned, with his dish in my hand, he was gone. It was totally shocking to say the least. I know in my heart that he waited for me to say good-bye. That's the kind of bond we shared, just as you did with your precious Dre.

Always remember how much Dre loved you and that she knew how much you loved her. It will be hard for you to function for quite awhile. We all know exactly how you feel and will help you along the way.

Take care,

Love,
Lynn

Dear Shannon,

It sounds like you and Dre had an amazing bond. I had a similar relationship with my cat Dolly. She was a present on my 18th birthday and she blessed my life with her presence for 16 years. When she was 15 she developed mammary cancer. I remember when I had her put to sleep, I felt like I'd lost part of my childhood.

You're in my thoughts.
Kathleen

Hi Shannon, I am sorry for the loss of your little Dre. I know how lost you must be without her. It sounds like she was a real doll who loved you very much. Please come and tell us more about your baby. We all share the pain with each other as we try to walk this terrible journey. I am so glad we don't have to walk it alone.
Ann

Shannon,

Be it sudden or expected, the loss is sheer pain no matter what. We know, we understand and we're here for you. Dre kept herself going to be sure SHE had time with you because she loved you just as much.

Please feel better in knowing that she's happy. She's up there right now playing with my Inky, with Shiloh, Rusty, Snookie and all of our beautiful babies. What gets me through is thinking just that way and picturing him surrounded by everyone's dog, cat, bunny, horse, etc., and saying "hey.. I think my mom knows your mom now!" Is that a wonderful thought, or what???

Cry, scream, cry some more and then smile. Remember all the beautiful times with Dre and try to get the picture out of your head of losing her. They're all happy and feeling great right now, even though we still hurt.

Hugs,

Pat

I am so sorry for your loss. I truly can relate to your grief as do the other kind people on this site. I lost my beloved kitty, Risha, last Tuesday. It has been so hard. It was also within a very short period of time. I loved him so much, He was my reason for waking up and coming home. Such a joy in my life. I am also a single woman. I know how attached we become to these; the loves of our lives.

Let the tears come. Cry as long as you need to. I think it is better to face the grief. I watched the movie "Shadowlands" the other night. The best thought from it (by C.S. Lewis):

The pain we feel now, is part of the hapiness, then.

This is joy.

Love, Risha's mom.