Tomorrow I have to have my 14-year-old cat, Pumpkin, put to sleep. We found out that he has cancer 2 weeks ago after I took him in since he was getting so skinny and was lethargic. Now I can tell he is suffering because he hasn't had anything to eat or drink in 6 days and is barely responding to us. My heart is broken and I am crying as I type. My last gift to him is to have him put to sleep so he no longer hurts.

I am 33 years old and have had Pumpkin since I was 19. He is the sweetest, most affectionate kitty I have ever had. He was wonderful with our kids, even sleeping with them when they were sick. In his prime he was a large, chubby orange tabby who loved to share shrimp with my husband and cuddle in our arms all night in winter. My 16-year-old son loved to spoil him with a cat tree, a king-sized cat bed, a water fountain, and his very own heated cat window seat. My son has loved him since Pumpkin was 2 years old and Pumpkin always loved him the best, purring the loudest for him.

Thank you all for sharing your own experiences. It gives me hope that we can some how carry on and even feel happy again some day.

Helena

Our hearts and spirits are with you while you go through this painful experience.

Please give Pumpkin a big cuddle for all of us who wish we could give our own furry ones one last hug.

Helena:

I'm so sorry about your wonderful kitty. It's so, so hard, I know. You love your little guy so much and I can tell your heart is breaking and my heart breaks right along with you.

When Jack was ill, I asked the vet "when will I know it's time? I dont want to be the one making the decision for him". Our vet said "you'll know when the time is right in your heart...you'll just know". It sounds like this is the right time. As hard as it is to say goodbye to our fur-babies, it's harder to watch them suffer.

I was able to spend quite a bit of time with Jack before his death and the only thing I can tell you is that I treasure every *second* I had with him before he died, it sounds like you've had some time to be with him, to tell him how much you love him, you will miss him and will miss not having him physically with you, but no one can take your precious memories from you.

Again, I'm so sorry and please come here when you need some support. The people here have helped me so, so much to work through my feelings.

Dawn

Dear Helena,

It sounds like you and Pumpkin had 16 wonderful years together. Be it 16 or 116 years, it never seems like enough. I'm so sorry you're having to make this decision to end Pumpkin's suffering. I hope that in time you'll find comfort in all the happy memories you have with Pumpkin.

You and Pumpkin are in my thoughts.
Kathleen

Thanks for your support everyone. I helps so much to talk with people who understand because they are pet lovers, too. I will take your advice and cuddle Pumpkin a lot tonight. We are all taking the opportunity to say goodbye. I showed my daughter your nice responses and the pictures of the beautiful pets who you shared your lives with.

Thanks again!