I came home from running errands after work last night to find that Spicey, my 16 year old shaded golden persian had died, I think peacefully, in her sleep. She was stretched out in her bed and just looked as if she was asleep. She was already stiff so it must have happened mid day or earlier. She had gone blind 1 1/2 ago and last year in June had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure. The vet had given her 3-6 months to live, so she who was always such a fiesty little fighter made it 8 months longer than the maximum he had given her. I feel lucky that she made it this far and I also am so gratefull she went peacefully in her sleep. Two years almost to the day I had to put my 16 year old male black persian Zody to sleep and that was awful because the vet couldn't get the needle in the vein and Zody fought him those final moments. It was an terrible last memory. So Spicey going so peacefully was always my wish but it doesn't take away the pain and how much I miss her and love her. She had the sweetest little face and I know she loved me a lot. I still feel so bad because she kept missing the kitty litter box for the last 2 weeks and I yelled at her and kept putting her into the box. But luckily yesterday morning, before I went to work I cuddled her and told her 'never forget how much I love you' and she purred in my arms. It must have been shortly after that she passed. I miss her.

I've been a member of this website for almost a year now and have found so many times when I read the posts of newcomers that I'm brought to tears by the tragedy of their losses. Your post brought me tears not because of the tragedy of Spicey's passing, but because of the beauty. What a wonderful gift for both of you that she died peacefully in her sleep and that you told her you loved her and that she purred for before you left.

With all of that said, I know it doesn't help the grief and the sadness you must be feeling. Sixteen years is a long time to have a companion and I know you must be missing her terribly. I'm so glad for both your sake and Spicey's sake that she was a fighter and lived longer than the vets thought.

I'm so sorry for your loss.
Hugs,
Kathleen

I agree - your post was bitter-sweet and wonderful - a life well-lived, full, with an ending that I think we all would hope for. Even a last cuddle.

Knowing we are loved and falling into a final sleep peacefully. What a wonderful way to go.

God Bless you ~ that was a beautiful experience to share and one I always wanted for my Ambie ~ I also told her how much I loved her at the last and held her as she went to sleep ~ she slept in my arms for 30 minutes until the end came and she passed quietly into the eternal ~ forever free to decorate my spirit with her entity of grace and dignity and wonderful wisdom that is so timeless as is she now ~

I send you God Speed and the comfort of being close to your Little Sweetness in a new way that will bring you even more love for your spirit sfrom this day and forever more ~ My heart is touched ~ My soul is weeping ~ My spirit strengthened ~ I wish this all for you ~

Sincerely, Kathryn

I cried as I read your post of losing your baby. I know how much she is loved and will be missed. However, I echo what the others have said, she had a beautiful ending. I'm happy that you have that for comfort.
I know how easy it is to get upset when their bathroom habits change, and we try to scold them. Anytime that it has happened to me in my life, I would do what you did, hold them and tell them that I love them. I'm glad for you that you did this. I'm sure it helps to not have the guilt that would go along with scolding her and then she passed without knowing that you had forgiven her.
I know how hard it is going to be for you as you adjust to your life without her, and I'm so sorry that you have to go through it. I hope that you will continue to trust your feelings here, as you go through this grieving process.
Peace, Love, and Prayers,
Michelle