My 17 1/2 year old, beautiful cat, Sable, passed away today. She had been my companion all these years in that I have never married. The tears don't stop long before I see something that causes me to think of her.

She became sick suddenly on Friday. I took her to the vet and they diagnosed her with low potassium. She was stumbling, barely able to walk. They had given her an IV with potassium in it, gave me some powdered potassium to mix with water to give her and off we went home. By 10pm that night she absolutely couldn't walk at all and if I tried to stand her up she would fall in a heap and not be able to move herself. I was up with her all night and by morning she wouldn't swallow the meds.

Back to the vet we went, he had her all day Saturday and even told me later that she was up walking and he thought that she was on the way up, but then on Sunday she was back down and couldn't get up. He called me Sunday evening to tell me to prepare to make some decisions because with her being on the potassium meds for 48 hours and no improvement she was most likely not going to get better.

Needless to say I was devastated. But I prepared myself. Then this morning, Monday, January 22nd I called the vet to have him come on the phone and gently tell me she has passed away during the night.

I went to see her to say my goodbyes and saw her curled up in her regular sleeping position. She had obviously had a moment of strength to get herself into that position and went off to sleep. I'm so grateful she didn't struggle or wasn't in any pain.

AND of course, I know that she died as she had lived....on her own terms, loving me. I think she took the decision out of my hands and decided to show her love to me one last time by going out on her own. What a love!

I will miss her terribly. She has seen me through the loss of 2 brothers and my Mother. She was always here waiting for me when I came home, looked at me with eyes of love and would play at the drop of a hat. She was the best!

My heart is broken, but I have beautiful memories that will be with me forever.
I appreciate the support I've seen on this website and am thankful there's such a place to go share your heart!

Remember my beautiful Sable....I will cherish her forever!

I am so sorry for your loss of sweet Sable.I know it is a very hard thing to go thur.After reading your post I was touched by your story.What a beautiful story it is, you gave your love to Sable and in return she loved you back.When it was her time to go she did it on her own terms so you did not have to make that choice.You should be thankful for that.So many of us here have had to make that painful decision ourselves and let me tell you from experience that it is not an easy one to make.Our boy Sox (who was almost 17 himself) became ill with kidney failure.He was in pain and we had to make the decision to put him to sleep.It was so hard to do.She lived a long and happy life with you and now she is at rest at the rainbow bridge.She will be waiting there for you when it is your time to pass on and you will meet her again.I truly believe that in my heart.She had a long and happy life with you but now it's so hard to think about life without her.I hope it helps to know that there are others who are feeling the same kind of pain as you are and that are thoughts are going out to you during this difficult time.I am sorry you lost your sweet girl but she will live on in your heart and in your memories.Please come back often and when your up to it post a picture.We would love to see your beautiful girl.Take care and you'll be in my prayers tonight.Sincerely,Renee (Sox's mom)

Thanks Renee for the kind words. I too believe that I will see her one day. When I went to see her little body, I told her that very thing. She had been blind for a year now, had made her adjustments and so I told her today that she was going somewhere where her eyes were clear and she would want to run & jump like a kitten and to be watching for me!

Sox was beautiful too...I will post a picture in the next few days!

Thanks again!

Sherli...Sable's mom

I'm so sorry for your loss of Sable. It sounds like you had a very special relationship with her and I know you did everything you could to save her. Sometimes they are just taken from us anyways, no matter how much we try and how much we love them.

She is free of pain though and happy. There are so many wonderful perfect kitties over the rainbow bridge, including my Alley, for her to spend time with until that day that you are together again. I know that nothing will take away your pain but it does help to talk about it here, among friends who truly understand your loss.

I would love to see pictures of your pretty girl when you feel up to it.

Paula

Shermor, I am sorry to hear about the loss of Sable - it sounds like you two had a great relationship. It was good that you went to see her and saw her in her usual sleeping position as I'm sure that will give you some comfort in the days to come.
When you feel up to it, post a picture to show us your girl. Until then take care and come back often - we know exactly how you are feeling.

Debbie
Sheps mama

Sherli

I'm so sorry you lost your Sable, she sounds like a darling. We get so close to them when we have them for so long. It's hard to figure out how to be yourself without them.

It was wonderful that she showed you her love and passed quietly without you needing to decide anything. She had a great life and much love.

I so admire that you can come here and post on a day like this. I just cried for 24 hours, nothing else. We lost our Moustache kitty 3 months ago, very suddenly. He was only 10. You are brave and strong.

It's so hard to lose your support, and Sable was that. She helped you through so much. She is still watching and loving you. I too will love to see a picture when you can.

Thinking of you and Sable
Lori

I have added Sable's picture for all to see. She was a beauty as all our cats are.

Today was rough. I went into work for 1/2 day and found myself crying much of the time. Everyone was very nice actually and sympathetic and encouraging.

I am making a memory box for her and will put in cards, e-mails and some "items" that were dear to her.

Thanks for all the encouragement. Grief is a journey that has to be travelled....I'm thankful to have you all as it's so wonderful to not go on this journey alone.

I'm so sorry for your loss! Your and Sable's story sounds so familiar to me, it breaks my heart. My Schtoobing was 17 too, and took sick very suddenly. Like Sable, my Schtoob was at the vet without me when he died. I'm still having trouble with the fact that I was not there with him when he died on November 13 (I had promised him that I would be with him).

I admire the way you have put Sable's passing into perspective- that she loved you and wanted to spare you as much pain as she could. She is now whole and healthy, and you guys will be reunited again.

I know how much you miss your furbaby. You guys have been through so much together, and are so much a part of each other. Sable will always be part of you. God bless you and give you peace...

Love, Diane

Diane,just wanted to say that I love your new photo of Schtoobing! It is just adorable......Also to Shermor, thanks for sharing the photo of your Sable.She was beautiful.Be sure to share more photos of her when you feel up to it.I'm sorry you had a bad day at work.It will get better with time,I truly believe that.Take care and be good to yourself.I'll be thinking of you.Sincerely,Renee (Sox's mom)

Thanks Renee and Dianne for your kind words. I so appreciate the encouragement.

I feel this overwhelming sense of pain and loss. I was watching TV last night and would have sworn I saw her come slinking around the corner of my chair (as was her habit), go completely around the ottoman and then jump up with me. I miss her sitting with me; getting up on the bed with me; meowing her news of the day. I feel lost without her. I know you all understand.

Sherli...Sable's mom

Sherli

I know it seems like right now its just unbearable, but it truly does get... I won't say better, or easier, but I don't think that's true. But it will be easier to get through the days without falling apart (most of the time). My worst time is at night when I'm trying to sleep and I just lay there and think about my Alley and usually end up having to take a sleeping pill, else I would just lay there and cry all night.

Thank you for sharing the picture of your beautiful Sable with us. We would love to see more when you feel up to it. The memory box sounds like a wonderful idea. Someday, you will be able to take it out and look through it and smile, remembering your dear girl.

Dear Sherli,
I too recently lost my Murphy. He also went on his own, curled up asleep and happy. I know how hard it is to have to say good bye, but just know it isn't really good bye. Its so long for now. And Sable is up there watching over you, waiting for the day she can meet you up on that rainbow bridge. I know it hurts alot to not see them standing where they used to eat meals or playing with the toys they loved. even laying in your lap at night. But It will get better. The Memories you shared with your Sable will always be there. The great times you spent together, and even the hard times that Sable was there to make you feel better. It has been almost a month for me now since Murphys passing. And I still have many hard days. What gets me though it is knowing he is still there for me, just in a different way. And him knowing that I loved him and will always love him, just as i'm sure he loved me. So take it easy and don't be afraid to just cry. Some times we need to do that. But know that Sable wouldn't want you to be crying and would do anything to see you happy. My heart goes out to you for your loss. Take care.
Teaghan

Sherli

Oh your Sable was so beautiful. Thank you for sharing her picture. I know how lost you feel without her.

Diane

Wow I love your new avatar picture of Schtoobing. Just wonderful and funny too.

Love
Lori

Teaghan...I'm sorry for your loss of Murphy. But I so agree that those memories we hold dear are what will keep us. And I certainly do believe that I will see her someday and that she is in fact already waiting for me...probably wondering what on earth is keeping me so long! HA!

I appreciate you all!

Sherli

Paula...I just read your story about Alley, your tyrant. I had to laugh at the similarities between her and Sable. Sable certainly mellowed as she aged though.

I'm so sorry for your loss. I know it had to be really hard to be away from her, but you can't beat yourself up about that....it won't change anything. You made the only decision a loving parent can make to not allow her to suffer. You loved her so much that you chose the best path for her.

She was beautiful and I know she brought you great joy. Hang on to the happy memories...that's what Alley would want.

Sherli...Sable's mom

Sherli

Thank you for taking the time out from your own grief to read Alley's story. It means a lot to me that you did that. Nine years was not nearly enough time to spend with her, and knowing that most of the last year of it, we were apart, just haunts me.

I wish I could say that it gets easier, but I'm still waiting for proof of that myself. Just know that your Sable is somewhere happy and free from pain.

I found this picture of the rainbow bridge/stairway to heaven. Isn't it lovely to think of our babies climbing this lovely bridge to a paradise in the sky?

Paula...thank you for the rainbow bridge. What a beautiful sight and such a wonderful thought that all those loved AND unloved animals are there waiting on us, free of pain, confusion and full of life!

I got up this morning and wondered where Sable was because she wasn't in my bed. Wow...how can I wrap my mind around this. She's gone and yet I see her and feel her everywhere. If there were no memories to treasure I'd really be lost.

All we can hope for is that each day brings an ease to the deep wounds of this grief and moves us into the joy of having shared that sweet life of our pet.

Sherli

I'm feeling weird. I feel like I'm in a fog of some sort and am trying to shut off the emotions related to Sable right now. I loved her so much, but I'm not sure I can have this deep of a wound to carry around. AND yet I know that I need to go through the grief.

I know it will all be alright!

Sherli

For me the first week was the hardest. For some reason things got a tiny bet better after that. I understand that 'in a fog' thing. That first week for me was just a lost, sad, weird time. Then the first month, so hang in there. I really does start to ease up a bit, slowly. You haven't made a week yet honey.

Try to remember how much you and Sable loved each other, let that love support you now.


Alleys Mama

Wow beautiful picture, thank you.

Love

Lori...it's almost inconceivable to think it will be a week tomorrow that Sable passed. However, for some strange reason it seems like she's been gone SO much longer. I see her everywhere...her toys, her food & water bowls...I just can't quite put them away yet.

I went to church this morning and had people say such kind words to encourage me. I know I'm surrounded by people who understand, so I'm grateful for that. I know it will get better...I almost made it this morning without any tears...just teared up, but didn't boo hoo like I've been doing.

I went to see some cats yesterday at Pet Smart...I just needed a cat fix. I miss Sable so much..it's lonely here without her, but I know she needed to go.

Thanks for the encouragement!

Sherli

Sherli,

I was so sad at reading your story of Sable's passing. Our furkids really do become a major part of our lives, don't they? As you said, you will always have your memories and while you do Sable will always live in your heart.

No one could replace Sable but the cats you see at rescue shelters are all looking for good homes and each one has his/her own special qualities. My wife and I volunteer at a local Petco weekends with our rescue/adoption group trying to find wonderful people like yourself who love animals and have a place in their hearts for a furkid. Some day when the time is right I hope you will consider opening your life to a deserving adoptee.

Sherli

It is inconceivable to think they have been gone however long it is. It also feels like maybe they were never here, like they were a wonderful dream. Or like you are in a nightmare you cannot wake up from. It's just so odd.

It's a week today for you, I'm so sorry. I too hope that when the time is right you will adopt a new baby to honor the love you and Sable shared. Sable showed you how to love a kitty, now you can pass that teaching on.

After my very best friend and kitty cat, Butch, passed on ten years ago I needed a 'cat fix' so much I went to a shelter and got a new friend just 4 days later. She is a little doll and I still have her. I understand about needing a 'cat fix'.

I'm so happy you got encourgement from your friends at church, that's so nice right now.

Love

Thank you Lori & Ken for your encouragement. I will be getting another cat soon I'm sure...I feel to lonely and lost in some ways without a pet now especially. I realize that another cat will not take Sable's place, but will help in my healing I think.

I will always miss Sable to some extent I'm sure, but have such treasured memories. I know grief is a road travelled with ups and downs; good days & bad' and basically walked through moment to moment.

Thanks again. What a valuable resource we have in one another.

Sherli

Sherli,

Like others, I can completely relate to how you're feeling right now. I loved what Lori said (and often do!):

I myself was in a LOT of shock after Nissa's passing....much more so than with any other loss I'd had before, and despite her passing being soon-expected. Yet the feelings Lori spoke of are actually STILL often there....and I remember them, too, from my other losses. These are part of that "fog" and as you said, you are If you're anything like me, you can only allow in bit and pieces of the pain and new reality at any given time, and so it can TAKE time to process it all....but eventually we usually do.

I still haven't put most of Nissa's things away, even 5 months later. I will do little amounts as I feel more ready, and that's fine. Each to his own, as they say. Whatever makes you feel more able to cope. Even if I ever adopted again, I'm not sure if I'd ever 'share' Nissa and Sabin's toys with anyone new...we'll see if and when I get there. In fact, I JUST cleaned Nissa's main litterbox this wknd....only because that possible stray cat, Callie, who I've been feeding, uses it once in awhile and I thought it should be cleaner for her. But...the old (clumping) litter remains! Since Nissa's main problem was her kidneys, her litterbox is a very sensitive article for me, and so I will only do with it what's most comfortable for ME.

If you ARE able to adopt again....good for you, basically!! At least you'll be providing a safe haven and love for another needy furbaby...which is more than I can say for myself! Hang in there - I'm thinking of you, too, and hoping your grief journey is as gentle for you as possible.

Furkidlets Mom:

It really is nice to be able to share the grief of these loses with others. We certainly know how one another feels.

Last night I came in from having dinner with a friend and fully expected for Sable to greet me. That is such an overwhelming feeling of loss when my mind kicked in reminding me that she was gone. I did basically the same thing this morning when I got up expecting to see her come into the kitchen while I was making coffee. She was certainly apart of each detail of my daily life.

I hope Callie gives you some relief from your pain....even if it's not permanent. A good kitty fix certainly won't hurt you!

We're in this together!

Sherli

Sherli,

I know how those experiences of shock after shock are, as we try our best to adjust to a different life from the one we never wanted to change. Even today, my H and I still can't and won't step on the spot that Nissa's upstairs water glass occupied. It just seems disrespectful, habit aside. And I still can't imagine our family room w/o hers and Sabin's cat-tree post not sitting there...and so it stays. (mind you, again, Callie uses it when here...upsetting yet a good thing.

I had to chuckle, though...Callie? Giving me some relief from my pain?...Callie actually ADDS to my pain...my physical pain, that is! She just scratches me in thanks!...and her claws have possibly NEVER been trimmed! I'd love to give her a hug, she's so soft and pretty, but she'll have none of THAT nonsense! Ah dear...poor Callie just doesn't know what love's all about, and won't let me teach her, either. Maybe she doesn't like me calling her Callie, when her name might be Josephine, for all I know!

It's good though, that you got out with a friend, as changing some of our routines is often beneficial, when and as we're able. But even when and if we know what we can do to help ourselves through the grief, it's usually easier said than done. I find the sharing the easiest of them all, though, and often the most helpful.

Keeping you in my thoughts...

Furkidlet's mom:

It is hard to know what to do with our furbabies toys, etc. I did put away Sable's food bowl & her water dish. It broke my heart that she wasn't there to eat her food and then sloppily get a drink and drop some morsels into that water dish! What a sight she was!

It's hard to believe that she is gone....but she is. I went to the website of the crematory where she was sent to see if her name had been added to the memorial page. There is was...big as day...Sable Morgan. I hadn't looked for several days because I knew that would make it even more final!

This website is a comfort to me in that I can express my sorrow and tell every other pet owner how fabulous my girl was. AND I know you all understand.

YOU remember the joy that your babies brought you and it will help some I'm sure!

Sherli

Dear Sherli,

My heart breaks for your loss of your very cute Sable, I just read your story and had to respond, I lost my boy on Christmas morning, and I still have his food bowl and water bowl on top of the fridge, also a half filled bag of dog food, (what do I do with that?) I did donate several of his blankets from his bed to the vet hospital that took care of him in the end, that felt good to do. But the toys are still behind a chair in our living room...I am not sure I want a new dog to play with them or not, one toy especially. I understand the feelings of a fog, I still can't quite believe it happened, I have his ashes now and even still its hard to believe, I do believe that its a protective mechanism to help a person who is not quite ready to face this terrible loss. My prayers are with you, I am sure when you are ready you will adopt again, you sound like a wonderful animal lover able to take care of a new bundle of joy, remember all the happy memories. Peace to you and hope today is a better day. Tory, Hrudey's momma