I had to put my best bud of 8 years to sleep. On December 3 - she had CRF. She was diagnosed about a year and a half ago. She went really fast - I gave her a Thanksgiving dinner - and then the next day she stopped eating.

I kept after her - and she tried - she tried her best - my faithful pet. I had to lift her up to get water and into the bed. I know she tried to be near me as much as her ailing body would allow her. I took her to the vet - she didn't even argue. She messed herself on the way (she never did that). I knew. I tried to give her fluids and treatments, but no good. She got weaker and would not eat. I cried all the time. We went to see her - she was purring. I saw it in her eyes. She was still trying to say she loved us. The vet gave us the news that we knew. So we talked for what seemed forever. Then the final day came. We went to see her- to see if there was a miracle. There was not - but my bud was up a little and giving her attitude to us.


I then wiped off the dirt around her eyes and mouth, made her look very pretty. We held her for a short time. I kissed her- she was purring - and then she went to sleep.

She had a great life - she was my best bud. I will miss her. I keep seeing her and thinking she is coming running down the hallway. I keep looking at her pictures and a the videos I took of her. Each day I visit her grave and I cry all the time. I am getting better - but I hurt inside.

Thanks for listening.

Little Ricky - I know your in heaven, love dad.

I am so sorry to hear the story about your little Ricky. She sounds as if she were a faithful and loyal friend. Just remember that she is not in pain anymore--she is running on the Rainbow Bridge, happy, healthy, and young again. Take care of yourself, let yourself grieve, and come back and tell us more about her when you feel like it. Blessings to you in your time of grief. Remember, you have friends here.

I am so sorry, I know its tough, I almost had to make the decision for my Smokey. I was scared just to take him to the vet. and lilke you, i was looking for any little thing to show improvement. my dog had a really good week, two weeks before he died. and i was so hopeful he was getting over his ailment. but then just as quickly, he detoriated and then he was gone.

then you go through the what ifs, should I of, could I done more, all those quilty moments. and i still wonder if i made the right decision, all i know is that when i took my dog to the vet, he was up, eating, walking, pooping, and then 4 wks later he was gone.

I called my Smokey, my third son. my youngest son lives with his father and he shared a birthday with Smokey and they were close. and now my oldest son is at his dads for the holidays and im home alone, no kids. all 3 of them.

just my boyfriend and me, not feeling very merry. but thursday we promised each other to wrap presents and get ready for christmas, but we both also agreed we couldnt do christmas at home, we are goin to his parents on the 24th.

just think happy thoughts, rent comedys, and have alot of supporting family and freinds around.

i miss my Smokey, along with everyone else on this board, we are thinking of each other and keeping up our faith.

NJCatlover,

I don't know that I have anything else to add that others here have not already said so well. It is so very hard losing our babies. I will just say that I am extremely sorry for the loss of your Ricky and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

You have my deepest sympathy for your loss. There are so few words to describe what losing a pet is like, but it hurts, hurts, hurts. Sometimes I am just in awe of the human spirit's ability to survive this. Intellectually I know people do survive it, and some, like the folks on these forum, are kind enough to lend a hand to support those of us who are struggling with these issues. Please come back and let us know how you're doing, and again, my condolences.

Well - its been a little over a month since Ricky's passing. Me and my wife missed her during christmas. It just wasn't the same.

But I found a old roll of film that I didn't develope - I didn't know what was on it. But I was sure I would find some with my ricky on it. Lo and behold - It did! Also had me and my wife setting up the christmas tree with ricky supervising. I am so glad that I found those pictures.

Now I got a picture of little ricky looking down at me from atop the monitor. That was her favorite spot - it was warm all the time.

Thats all for now.

I remember finding an undeveloped roll of film after my 17-year-old cat Heidi passed away from CRF in 2001. The film was old, but several pictures of Heidi came out. The pictures themselves were overexposed or something, and Heidi looked like a shadow cat in them, sort of faded out so you could see her outline and little else. It was sad but comforting at the same time, because she herself was physically fading then. I'm so glad I have those pictures now.
Take care.

I am so sorry for your loss. I know how you are feeling. I lost my Jake cat due to feline leukemia, two days before Thanksgiving, and I still cry everyday. I keep looking for him, and I think that I hear him meow. He did the same thing as your little Ricky, he tried to be strong and let his dad and I know that he still loved us. Having the Rainbow Bridge poem has helped. Finding this place has helped also. I am so glad that us pet lovers have friends that we can speak to who undersand our loss.
Sandi, Jake's mommy

Well Little Ricky -

Me and mom are not alone anymore. We have just been blessed with 2 kittens, Toni and Carm-. I am sure you would approve of them.

They are very playfull and now I am not as lonely. I know you would like them - so please look out for them when you see them in your old stomping grounds.

I will always remember you Ricky.

Hello Little Ricky - just sitting here thinking about you. I finally put your marker on your grave - it is so peacefull. Its in the woods where you wanted to run into all the time.

The new little ones are working out - I am glad I got a couple. They aren't lonely - always up each others but. They are brother and sister. Just got them fixed - the female - Carm - is a little sore, but the male, Tony - is just like usual, nothing happened. I know they will be fine.

I remember taking you home - you were sore too. I did not have them declawed - they took to the scratching posts better then you did.

Well - just had to think out loud.