This just happened yesterday and my husband and I are just devastated, even though we knew his days were becoming numbered.

The past year he walked with a limp and we had him on cosquin for cats and that seemed to ease the arthritis in his hips. My daughter who was only six when he came home as a kitten noticed his decline when she last came to visit a week ago. He was much more frail, and not living with him day to day she noticed the difference between even Christmas and now.

Superbowl sunday he was his usual self, we ordered a family chicken dinner and was getting his usual expected share of chicken. Yesterday morning I gave him his usual can of soft food, then about a hour or two later he vomited it up, and by the looks of it the chicken from last night, undigested. He also had a dirrehea like drainage and was trying to pass a stool where he was laying but all he could do was just spasm in pain. Good god we tried to help, I got a warm washcloth to clean his hindquarters which clearly bothered him. I called the vet and made an appointment as soon as possible which would have been the next day. In the meanwhile Leo went to hide behind a desk and curl up, my daughter went to put him back by the towels in the bathroom and he had his mouth open for a moment in a pant. I had to call back and ask if I could bring him in immediately to put him down, so I got the car ready because it is frigid cold here in WI and my daughters brought him to the car. My husband could not bare to go with us because that was his baby.

I got half way and I was ready to turn the car around, but my daughter reminded me even though he was alert he was periodically spasming in pain. This was it. It hit us so fast we did not have time to brace ourselves. He calmly stayed still there for the vet when he got ready to get the shot and he went so peacefully. It was a mix of relief and grief for us, especially the girls I have at home who have grown up with him. After all was done the vet showed us his skin that had signs of liver failure. It is comforting to read the posts where everybody had their doubts and second guesses like I did. I am still going through the motions, I never had a pet for this long.

macgrl

Oh your Leo was so handsome! I'm so sorry you lost him. It was a wonderful thing you did for him, helping him out of his pain, I know it was hard for you. This is a really great picture of him, having fun. I'm so sorry you lost him. It is hard to lose one you have had for such a long time, they become such a part of our family and memories.

When we lose someone close to us, our reality changes, things never 'go back to normal' we just learn to live in the new reality, without them. You and your daughters can help your husband, and you all can help each other grieve.

We lost our cat, Moustache three months ago. It was very sudden and unexpected, he died on the way to the vet. It's just such a shock, that takes a while to get over too.

Thinking of you, your family and Leo

Oh Leo was so beautiful! I'm so sorry to hear about his passing.

You are right about many of us here, myself included, having doubts and second guessing ourselves about whether we did the right thing. It all comes down to one thing though, and that is to keep our babies from suffering any unnecessary pain. They don't understand why its happening and it is up to us to make that final loving choice for them.

Friday will be 2 months since I lost my Alley and I still cry at least once every day when I think about her. I miss her so much and its so hard to deal with the fact that she's never coming back.

We all understand what you're going through and we are here for you when you want to talk.

I am so sorry of your loss of Leo. He was truly a beautiful guy. There is somthing so soulfull in his eyes, in his picture. It is so hard to make that decision to end our pets suffering. No matter how we &%^yize it, we still have our doubts if we did the right thing. It is obvious that was the case with Leo. You loved him so much and he is so lucky to have had such a loving family to care for him. You were with him when he passed, and that was a comfort to him, I know. It will be hard, the pain and the tears, but they are a necessary part of healing, unfortunately.
We had to have our cat Scooter put to sleep because of kidney failure that he fought for 18 months. He was only six years old. The pain was unbearable and I thought the tears would never stop. It has been a long road, with all the stages of grief. It has been a little over 6 months now, and we miss our guy so much, and still have tears from time to time,
What helped was getting together all of his pictures and putting them in an album. That eventually helped us to remember the good and happy times, the funny things that he did.
For now, writing here will be a tremendous help. Everyone understands your pain. I can only say , cry if you want to, but do everything you can to care for yourself, get rest. You and your family are in my prayers.

Scooter's Mom

My sincerest condolences, reading your post was heart wrenching........I know how you feeel..we lost our cat two months ago, who also got his own share of chicken, etc.

Yes, it is very common for the first weeks to second guess this very loving decision. Both my hubby and I went through the same thing, him more so than me. IT's common to think would they have perked up, etc. We kept thinking maybe we acted to quickly, etc.

But in time these feelings fade and you'll know you did the best thing for Leo........ending his pain was the best thing you could do. We had the option of taking him home one more night, but the thought him in pain on his blanket not eating anything would have been too much to bear.

I am so sorry for your loss....it sounds like you were great parents and siblings to Leo. I can't imagine what your family is going through today. Please know that we here understand and definitely are sending good thoughts your way.......

Misty's Mama

that photo rocks, sorry to hear about Leo

macgrl,

I'm so sorry about poor Leo, and for your whole family. Who is ever ready to have to make such quick and difficult decisions when it comes to a loved one? But given the probable liver failure as was shown to you by the vet, what else could you have done, reasonably and lovingly?

You mention just "going through the motions" and this is not only a part of grief, but of shock, too. And that it is - a total shock to suddenly have your world turned inside out and have to try and deal with it w/o the presence of one you loved so well and for so long in your life. While I've not had quite as sudden and unexpected a loss as this, I've still suffered from shock, and for an extended period of time this last time, in the passing of our Nissa-girl. It's another component of grief that just has to be gone through. Same for the relief mixed in with the grief, which can actually bring a bit of comfort to the pain.

Leo is a really beautiful boy (and yes, that pic DOES rock), who knows and appreciates that you were with him for his final moments here. Sending sincere condolences your way.

i am so sorry for the pain of your loss. you were brave and did the right thing for this cat who trusted you to make the right decisions. the picture is beautiful. your memories are beautiful...just clouded by grief now. tincture of time is what we need....

Your Dear Beautiful Leo,
What a fabulous photo, how lovely he is. He was happy & enjoying life so soon before the end. My Furry had most of her life with ill health. 15 years Leo - no matter how long it is never enough.
Thinking of you in your grief, you are not alone.
Judith

Thanks everyone for the support, I just got up from a short nap and there were so many thoughtful replies. Each one of everyone's furry kids are all so unique and the pain is so universal. That picture I included was taken by my son while I had leo outside and he loved to be by me when I was doing my gardening. The garden foliage was his own jungle he had in his own yard. I still have my Sugar girl cat and Katie border collie girl to be with me this spring outside, it is comforting to have them around right now. Been giving Kate plenty of love and attention, poor dog has seen so much misery in the past day and it has got her down too. I guess it just does take some time, and tomorrow will be hard because I have to go back to work

I have almost 20 years of memories of me and my kidlets, Nissa and Sabin, in the 2 gardens (2 houses) I designed with both them and me in mind. I created a jungle for them, too, with plenty of places suited to feline delights. I'm dreading this spring and summer, as I'll be all alone out there, for the first time since I really had a (grown) garden space. It's so alien a concept to NOT have cats completing the homey spaces out there, I don't think I'll be able to tend the plants much at all. For me, our yard is my kids' yard even more than mine, especially Nissa's. Here's one of each of them in some fav*ourite spot. (don't know how to post more than one in each post, or even if it's possible w/o photobucket, so will have to do two separate posts) This first one is of Sabin, in the irises. (we have a lot of ferns, too, now overgrowing these irises)

And here's one of Nissa having a drink at one of her many 'watering holes'.

Fk's mom

Just wanted to say what beautiful pictures! Sabin sure has that whole "king of the jungle" look doesn't he? And what cat doesn't love a birdbath! Alley spent a lot of time outdoors but you know I don't think I have one single picture of her outside. She didn't like to be bothered when she was out and about, surveying her domain

I'm sure your other cat and your dog Kate are grieving too. They may not know why Leo left, but they know they miss him too, so giving them extra attention right now will help them and you!

Beautiful photos, that is total heaven for them. Nissa and Sabin were very fortunate to be with you and the beautiful garden you made for them. I know by looking at photos of leo outside I can imagine the warmth of the summer for him and I am trying to keep those images in mind to block out the horrible ones from yesterday.

They really do help, I am trying not to cry around them to upset them. Kate has been keeping very close to me today, always right there. My kids are coping better than what I would have thought but my husband is taking this extremely hard.

macgrl,

Your husband is more than welcome to come here, too, if he'd like to, even if just to read others' posts. We have a number of grieving dads here as well who are very helpful and understanding, and who love their furkids just as much as we moms do.

I think your other furries will sense your tears, whether shed inwardly or outwardly. Nissa kissed me even during my uncontrollable sobbing when Sabin crossed (she was adamant in her efforts, bless her loving heart!), and even when I was on the phone prior to that, with one vet or another when we were still trying to save him, just by sensing my anguish over these phone discussions. So if you need to cry, I'm sure they'll accomodate that, too....and maybe you'll even get some kisses to help you. But if you also need this measure of control to use as tiny breaks from the sorrow, that's all good, too....whatever works at any given time.

I had one dream visitation from Nissa so far, where she was again healthy and perky-looking, as in her prime, and I try to hang onto that image as well, as best I can, to "block out" the other ones, as you said. It does help, although it's often a challenge yet for me to recall those better years. It'll take time.

Paula,

Nissa was always more comfortable around a camera than Sabin, who was a bit more like Alley, like, Hey! I'm TRYING to have a nice sit here! Go away with that "C" thing!

Hi Everyone,


I,m Leo's Dad. I just had to write and tell all of you how this board has helped! Im not second guessing what we did for leo that last day. I grew up on a small farm and have seen this many times before. That doesnt make it any easier. Just that I've seen it before and knew what my leo was going threw. And I promised him, he would not suffer if I could help it. It was still the hardest thing I've ever done! He was my special buddy! But he didnt suffer. At least too long. I know everyone thinks their pet is special and to them they are. But my Leo was a once in a lifetime cat! And he WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED. Yes I will get another cat. I will never have a bond with any other cat like my leo. Ive had plenty of cats over my life and I have loved everyone of them. But Leo was one of those SPEICAL animals. I could hold a conversation with him. He would allways answer me. And followed me around every where even outside. Where ever I was he was there too!. I could even call him and he'd come running up to me just like a dog. Well I guess that's enough of my ramblings.
Thank you guys! Good bye LEO!

Macguy

I know I said this to your wife but I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm very glad you have been able to come here too. Your Leo was so beautiful and he sounds so special.

We lost our Moose kitty three months ago. He was his daddys very special boy. My hubby called him 'my best little buddy'. People sometimes think it's odd that a man can love a cat, but I have seen how beautiful that love is. When a man and a cat get that 'special bond' it's amazing. I'm so very sorry you lost him.

Like you said, you will love a cat again, maybe already do, but it's never the same, and you just miss them so much.

I'm glad you guys have other fur kids to love, it helps.

Thinking of you and your Leo

Nissa's Mommy

Great pics of your kids! Beautiful as always.

We too are dreading the spring, everything outside reminds us of Moose. We were just talking and crying about it last night.

Love

Leo's Dad,

I'm so glad to see you've come to unburden yourself, too. Leo would want you to do whatever you need to do for yourself to cope with his loss. His love for you was/is so strong, as yours for him was, and still is.

He sounds like such a wonderful, and yes, "special" little guy. The ones who have wild convo's with us really stick to our hearts like glue, because it seems to me that they're doing their best to meet us humans half-way within the bonds of communication. And besides, it's just plain FUN and heartwarming to be able to talk with them, both ways.

Share all you like here, and we'll always listen. I'm glad you've been helped so far by this board. It's a very special place, for very special people and their wonderful furkids.

Well I made it through my first day back to work, I was very busy for most of the day and that did help. One of my co-workers shared her story about accidentally running over her favorite dog and how that tore her up for a long time. That had me holding back the tears, but it was good to talk about how much we loved our kids.

I told Al to check out the bookmark for this site and it would help him. He has been out only a couple of weeks from back surgery and nothing to do but sit home all day and think constantly about it. It actually felt good to get away from the house and he cannot do that yet.

I told him that maybe sometime by spring, or when we are ready to, we can bring home another little tom. I reminded him a good part of his 'special' character was all the care and attention that he gave to him. He talked to that little fuzzball with the big paws and ears like he was a little person from day one. I liked the comment about them 'meeting us half-way within the bonds of communication', the only time they probably do that in the wild is to vocalize to mate or fight. They talk to us for our benefit, and thinking about it probably theirs too because they enjoy just being with us and communicating too. It was a rough morning, he always said his 'good mornings' to us and the absence was there and it hit us hard.

I am still trying to remember the heartwarming and fun moments to replace the memory of his illness yesterday. It is already becoming clearer to us that we did the right thing, I just never expected it to be so sudden and to have to make a quick decision. I wish I had a little longer to say goodbye, without him being in pain. He did seem pretty happy Sunday so I got to just keep that in mind when the negative haunts me.

macgrl

I'm happy to hear work went okay, that can be hard. It is good to talk about how much we loved them, with anyone. I don't work outside the home and I think you are right, it's a little harder on us. We just sit were they were and think about it all day.

We got a new little boy about a month after Moose left us, he is a joy. Doesn't make us miss our Moosie boy any less, just gives us something else to think about.

When I start to focus on my boys last awful moments I just try to gently think about the good times. They still come back to me.

In the end it's hard but overall they give us so much joy. The pain is small and the joy is huge. We just miss them.

Love

I am sorry for your loss. Even when you are expecting it, it is still a hard thing to do.

You kept your end of the bargain. You promised Leo a good life, but you also made the pact to give him a good death. You were strong enough to keep that unwritten, unspoken promise and spare him from spasms and pain. How loving that was! Even though it hurts like heck, you did it through your tears. Leo was blessed by you. You were blessed by Leo.

Hi


This first week has been really hard on me. I had back surgery(spinal fusion) and cant leave the house. Every where I look I see him. I was thinking that maybe I should get another little boy. just to get my mind off of Leo. I cant go on its too hard right now!

Macguy

It's just so hard, being sick and not being able to leave the house just makes it so much harder. A new baby might help, a 'kitty fix' can. I have health issues and don't get out much. It's so hard to sit around and see where they were and think about them. I try going out to my yard but I see him everywhere, his little face.

I lost my best friend and kittycat, Butch 10 years ago. My heart was shattered, I couldn't stand to be in the house were he died, and I couldn't get away. Just 4 days later I went to the shelter and brought home a little girl kitty, Autumn and she saved my life. Many people will tell you to wait, and it good advise, but sometimes it's not. She made me laugh every day. She put her claws in my heart and made me stay here, made me love her, helped me heal. A new little boy might be just what you need.

We got a new little boy kitty, he's a hoot! I forgot how much energy a kitten has, how amazed they are at every new thing, how delighted they are to be alive. I feel awe every time I look at him and think he has only been on this earth 5 months. His little warm body is so precious to hold, so fragile. He sleeps on my lap at night and puts his little warm nose on my hand, I can feel him breathing. It's a good way to be able to go on, to want to live.

Thinking of you

macguy

I know how hard this must be for you. If you want to get a kitten, then you should. Only you can decide if you are ready for that. He won't be your Leo and you have to remember not to blame him for that and not hold it against him. He won't look the same, he won't act the same. But he will be special in his own little way and I'm sure you could grow to love him.

Its been two months since I lost my Alley and there will never be another kitty in the world like her, but when I'm able to have one, I will get another one. I just can't imagine life without one.

Well we picked up Leo's ashes yesterday(Boy was that HARD) and in some small way it helps to know he's home. I just couldn't see them dumping his ashes in some hole some where. He belongs here at home. Even if we just put him in the ground he's home! He would have wanted it that way! I hope it does sound morbid but it makes me feel better knowing he's here too. We started to look for another little boy. He cant replace Leo no cat ever will. But he can help me to get over him. This sitting at home all the time is going to drive me nuts. I need a little kitten to get my mind off of Leo. I think(hope) Leo wouldn't mind. Thanks for listening it REALLY helps. In this world there are pet owners and the poor people how have no Idea of just how close one can get with a Wee Beastie. It helps to know there are other people like yourself that can love an animal and get that love back. Thank you guys!

I forgot to say this yesterday was also my wife's b-day. Needless to say it wasn't very happy. She didn't even want us to sing happy b-day to her. Its been really rough on her too!

Macguy

I'm glad that Leo has come home. Even if you decide to bury or scatter the ashes, you can still keep a little bit out to put in a keepsake locket. There are many you can find online to hold a small amount of the ashes, so that you always have him close to your heart. I'm so sorry this happened during your wife's birthday. I know how hard that must be. I lost Alley a couple weeks before Christmas and needless to say, the holidays were filled with tears instead of smiles for me.

I think Leo would approve of you taking in another kitten. He knows he was special just as you know it and he knows he will always have a special place in your heart no matter how many cats you have in the future. I think it would be wonderful for the little kitty that you take home though, because he would be getting a loving home where he is loved and taken care of and that is wonderful. I know he won't be Leo, but he WILL distract you some and in time you will come to love him for his own special qualities. I think having a "new life" is a natural way to try to heal from a sudden death in the family like that.

Good luck, whatever you decide and we are always here to listen if you want to talk about Leo and share some more stories about him.

Macguy

I'm glad you have Leo's ashes home. For me, getting the ashes back was a good thing. My baby was home, safe with me. My hubby and I went together to get them and I held the box close to my heart all the way home. I can put it in his favorite places, like in the window in the sun or in the bedroom when we sleep. When I am really lonely and sad for him I still hold him close to my heart.

I think a new guy would be just great in your house. So many need the good home and love you guys can give.


macgrl

Well happy birthday anyway honey. So sorry it was a sad one.

Love

You know its really amazing how much these little Wee Beasties understand whats going on! Nala another cat we have has really been a big help. Its like she knows what we're going through and in her little way is trying to help. She's a good little girl too. You can always count on your pets to help you out when your really need it. God Bless her little heart! Thank god we have more then one cat!
The other cat we have (Sugar) is a good little girl to. But She's the type you love on her terms. You know, pet me, love me, OK thats enough. I'm still going to get another little boy. I just like the Toms
I really like the att*itude they have. Leo kept all the Toms away from the house. That was his job. Or so he thought. There was one day I went out on the front porch and the whole porch was covered with black and white fur. I mean everywhere. And only one very small bit of Leo's fur. Leo did his job. The fur on the other cats tail never grew back. Leo told that other tom that this was his house. That cat never came back and he lived two houses away. Pretty good for not having front claws.
Thank you Moose Mom And AlleysMama You have made this easier. And have been a BIG help.

I would also like to say thanks as well.. he makes it sound so dire but my birthday was not all too bad. We are both dealing with our grief in different ways, for me the ashes are of little or no comfort. I am glad to see him more involved with the other kids, and Nala has been more attentive and lovable than usual. We went out to a mobile pet adoption event at a pet store, a few older females but that was it, got our border collie a nice doggie coat on sale. It was good for him to get out a little bit and it did not hurt him physically too much but he was depressed when we left. I think he was hoping there would be some little guys available. I kind of did, just something wonderful to happen to fill his void.

Thanks for the birthday wishes, I did have a nice walk today with my dog Katie, the sun felt good.. it might have been twenty degrees out, a heatwave after the temps we had this week.

Al makes Leo sound like such a meanie, he did get in a scuffle with the neighbor tom on our porch but he was so sweet about sharing the house when we adopted kate this summer. The last couple of years there has not been any toms around so he had a happy retirement

macgrl have you tried looking on petfinder.com ? I don't know where you live, but I know you can put in your zip code and have it search an expanded range and it will list all the cats in your area shelters. Maybe you could find one in a nearby town or something. I know its not really "kitten season" but there are still young ones out there. I look at that site nearly every day, but I cant get one until I move in July

I'm sure Nala and Sugar are grieving too for Leo so its good that they are getting some extra attention right now.

Good luck in your search and keep us posted.

Leo's daddy and mommy

It is amazing how much the little ones we have left understand. I have often thought we, as a society, really sell our little ones short. The know and remember and understand so much. They communicate well too, if we take the time to listen. We have a little girl kitty too, Autumn. She has been such a huge help since our Moose passed. She is sort of a 'stand offish' girl but she was a real 'lap cat' after Moose went. She is back to her old ways, but it was wonderful while it lasted. In general I think that girls are a little more independent, and boys a little more loving or cuddly.

I'm glad the birthday was at least a little happy, even in our sorrow we need to find the joy we can. I'm very glad if I helped, every time I help someone else, it also helps me. I believe we are all connected. I'm sorry you didn't find a boy this weekend but I'm sure one is on the way. Ask Leo to help. I also want to recommend petfinder.com. We didn't find our new guy through them, but they let me know there were little boys out there at a time of year I thought there would not be.

Love

Well we were searching on petfinder, there were some ones that were about a hour drive away from where we live. Got a response from a local classifieds board from a person who has a 11 week old male kitten, sounds promising. Hope he is healthy, dont care what he looks like just that he is healthy and likes the company of people.

Yesterday was one week since Leo left us, I woke up in the middle of the night and could not get back to sleep for three hours. Just thinking things through. So tired at work today and I am having a hard time keeping my eyes open just to type this.


Been going through old pictures of when Leo was a young guy and reminiscing with the kids and hubby. That feels good to have a laugh about how skittish he was when he first came home. I remember when he stepped on some newspaper on the floor and was so frightened by it he flew a couple feet straight up into the air. It was then and there he was christened with the name Leo..The Chicken-Hearted
Later on he would qualify to be Leo The Lion-Hearted but when he was just a wee thing he got scared so easy.

I know how hard those anniversaries are.. one week... one month, etc. I was glad to have pictures of Alley to look through and have set up framed pictures all over my apartment of her, so I can see her sweet face no matter what room I'm in!

Are you going to go look at the kitten from the classifieds? 11 weeks sounds like the perfect age to bring a little guy home and I'm sure he will be beautiful. I've never seen an ugly kitty, so that's a given! Please let us know how it goes and if you bring him home we definitely want pictures! I think Leo would be pleased for you to have another little guy to help you.

macgrl

After one week things started to get a tiny bit better for me, not so much shock I guess. It's still hard, and some nights are just bad. Hard to shut the mind off I know.

Our new baby, Majik, was 10 weeks when we got him, it's a good age. 10 to 12 weeks and he is still scared of some things. Guess that goes with being a kitten. Now he's a big boy of 5 whole months. I hope you guys find something soon, I know it will help your H.

Love

Well it's been two weeks now. And even with the new little boy, who really helps, I still shed tears over Leo. Leo and I were very close. But our new little kitten(Cosmo) is a BIG help. And he's getting his little claws into our hearts. If you'd like to see a pic of him go to New beginings. A Valentine.
He helps and some times I get mad because he's here and Leo isn't. But I dont hold that against him. It's just that I miss Leo sooo much. Its like losing a child. You get so close to them. Well I've got a Wee Beastie that wants some attention right now so I'll see you later.

Macguy

Your Cosmo is just too cute! What I find is while the new baby helps, he puts your mind on his needs, you still have all the same feelings of grief. A new kid doesn't change how you feel about the one you lost. He can make you smile and laugh again, a very good thing.

Love

Well today is one month since Leo left. Its been real hard. There isn't a day that goes by I don't think of him. We were looking at some pics of Leo. He really had a good life. That helps. And so does Cosmo.

Macguy

These anniversaries are SO hard to deal with, especially the "firsts". First week, first month, etc. Friday will be three months for me since Alley died and it just makes me so sad, to think that she has really been gone for that long.

I'm glad you have little Cosmo to help you. He is not Leo and will never take Leo's place in your heart, but there is room enough for him too. I cherish my pictures of Alley and I'm really glad you have pictures of Leo to look at and remind you of the happy times with him.

My thoughts are with you and Leo today.

Macguy

Oof that first month, and the day it's been a month. So hard just so so hard. Leo did have a great life and lots of love. I'm glad you have little Cosmo.

Love

OMG, I looked at the recalled food list and two of the foods I feed Leo are on there. GOD THIS REALLY SUCKS! To think I had something to do with Leo's passing. Now this REALLY HURTS! You trust these pet food companies and then they go and kill your cat. It's like they ripped your heart out and through it on the floor! At least it was only Leo that got it. He was on cosequin and we put the meds on the soft food for him. It was easier for him to eat. So it was only Leo that got it. THANK GOD! This has been VERY hard on me! To think I that I killed Leo just buy feeding him. Those AHOLES! Today is going to be a very hard day!

I am in tears from reading your last post Macguy. I understand so much how you feel,
and your Leo was also so beautiful just looking at his picture makes me cry. If it was the food that did it and I so regret to think it might be, it makes things so much worse for you. Sometimes I wonder what forms evil takes on this earth, why such things are cast upon us. If my cats were still alive this might have happened to them too I can feel for you when you say, we fed them with love, wishing them wellness as we did so and were betrayed by companies we trusted. Is it our grief that takes away our anger, we should all be at our computers protesting with letters to the ed etc.. but right now I guess we are just too shattered to attack. My thoughts will be with you as I continue grieving another day.

I have decided right now to never ever buy any more pet foods and feed only for human consumption meat to my dog from now on. It may be a little less practical but this will keep her safe and will be my way to protest. As far as the money, there won't be much difference, less pollution with cans, and there will be no danger of her getting overweight and diabetes in her later years because therewas too much corn in pet food.
Take care. of yourself and your wife.
Message to Leo (who is all well now): " please come give a feeling of peace to daddy who needs you right now''

Macguy

Please don't blame yourself. This was not of your doing. You did the best you could with the information you had. It sucks for sure. I'm so sorry you are feeling like this. You were a great dad to Leo, a great family for him. He had a great life, hang on to the good stuff. Hug Cosmo, it will help.

Love

Hi everyone,


I know that feeding Leo the bad food was not my fault, But that doesn't make it any easier to get over the fact that I helped in Leo's passing. It just makes it so hard. I cant go on right now. Later.

I AM SO SORRY!!!!!! I can't imagine how you must feel. We all know how much you loved Leo. We noticed they pulled all the pet food here too.

It is not your fault, when you buy pet food you would expect that the food is safe to eat. You were only doing what you thought was good for him. The pet food company is to be blamed for robbing you of your beloved friend. You are the victim here, along with Leo........please blame yourself for something you had no control over......

Hugs and caring thoughts, Misty's Mama

No, of COURSE it's not your fault!! That guilt does NOT belong with YOU, but with the manufacturer and food researchers/companies!! Of COURSE you wouldn't have fed Leo any of that stuff, had you known any different! This is the kind of thing people use their natural anger for, to good effect, to give more meaning to the lives of those they've lost, to make change from (like MADD, for example). Even if you do nothing more than never buy those foods again, you've given extra meaning to Leo's life, simply by learning something. Don't let 'them' rob you of that, too. (but when the time is right, please make sure you report this to Leo's vet and demand that he/she report it, too, as they are likely bound by law to do, otherwise the numbers of those affected will be lower than they really are) It will also help you feel less like of a victim of their mistakes.

I can't even imagine how awful you must feel, though, all logic and reason aside. Swear at them all you WANT! I'd be doing the same, and more....the "A-HOLES!!!", as you so aptly said! I'm furious, too, and I wasn't even involved! Gawd, I feel SOOOO sorry for all of those, like you, who've been part of this. NONE of you deserved this, none of you....

Sure NOW they find rat poison in the pet food. The people who are responsible for this should go to prison! All the Wee Beasties they tortured or worse murdered. These A-holes have to pay!. No amount of money will ever bring Leo back. I don't want any money I want to make sure this NEVER happens again! I called the Vet and talked with his nurse and she said that it definitely had something to do with Leo's death. They said that they will add his name to the list. WOW they've started one! That isn't good! But now that he was cremated there is no way to prove it. I've thrown the food containers away. He died before the recall. So I didn't know about it at the time. To loss your pet is bad enough but to have him taken from you. that's too much!.







Leo 9/92-2/5/07
Tigger3/75-5/88
Silky 5/66-6/87 :angry :angry :angry

Boy am I feeling the same as you are - every new revelation about the foods and knowing that I gave Iams canned to my dog because he was older too and I wanted to give him a treat and get him to eat more - they killed him! And like you,
it happened before the recall, I no longer have containers here and can't prove it either, though Sport is buried in the yard and could be exhumed if I get into "hell hath no fury like a woman whose dog died because of someone else's actions" mode.

How can Menufoods/Iams or whoever make it up to us? Sadly, they can't. There's no monetary value to be put on these little guys who happen to be members of the family. Sure, they're old and not valuable breeding animals; yes, the company could offer to pay vet bills but they can't put our "kids" back in their favorite spot on the pillow with their funny little faces.

I'm vindictive enough to hope that the company pays out the nose to everybody who CAN prove what happened to their beloved pet. And then I hope there are congressional hearings and real sh*t raised about why we're buying contamined grain from China.

And then how can we ever be sure again about the quality of the food we're giving our pets? My cats are all on dry Science Diet and the older ones get canned k/d too - how close was I to losing ALL of them?