I just found out this morning that my mom's cat Maggie will have to be put to sleep soon. I was working for an animal shelter back in 1997 when Maggie arrived and I fell in love with her immediately. I already had two cats, so I wasn't sure about adopting another, but decided one day to go get her. She lived with me for about 7 years and then I gave her to my mom (after my father passed away - to help her through the pain). Maggie did a wonderful job, she is the most affectionate cat I know. All the vets say how sweet she is. She was diagnosed with cancer about 5 years ago and treated and has been cancer free ever since. My mom just took her to the vet and she has a tumor in her lung that is growing at an aggessive pace (they are not sure what it is) and her blood results are very bad. My mom said she has not eaten for a week. As I am writing this I am trying to hold back the tears. I just had to say good bye to my Casey on November 13, 2008 and haven't gotten over that yet and now facing the loss of another pet. I come here once again because I know everyone here can understand the pain that we feel.

Karen

Karen, I am so sorry to hear of your situation. It is never easy. I wish there ws something I could do for you, make this not so. Your sweet Maggie was an angel for both you and your mom for so many years and in that spirit you must be her angel now in her final days. Love her, tell her and be with her. Your gentle touch is what she needs. After she no longer hurts she will be an angel in your heart forever. Your strength will carry you both and we here won't let you bear this alone. I hope my thoughts and words will help you somehow. I only wish you comfort, my words are awkward but not my heart.

Be Well

Mark

Thank you Mark for your kind words. I really appreciate it.

Karen

Hi, Karen, please permit me to offer you my sincerest sympathies in your anticipatory loss of Maggie. Losing two fur friends in such a short period of time is very difficult. I wish there were some words I could say that could help take away the sorrow that is in both your and your mom's heart. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers that Maggie's journey to the angels will be a comfortable and peaceful one - - for her, your mom, and for you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Karen, and please let us know how things are going.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

I'm so sorry you will be going thru another loss again. Maggie lived a good life. You gave her a job to do (to keep you Mom company)and she did it well. You couldn't ask for anything more. I'm sure, when the time is right you let her go peacefully to the Rainbow Bridge and there she will be with your beloved Casey waiting to see you again someday...Peace and Hugs.. Ann

Thank you Moon Bean and Ann for your support during this very difficult time. I just can't stop thinking about Maggie and Mom. It is hard to lose a furry friend and also watch your Mom going through the pain of it all. I know Mom has done everything possible to help Maggie, but the vet doesn't feel there is anything else she can do but keep her comfortable. I do know Maggie has had a wonderful long life and I will cherish every memory of her. She used to sleep with me everynight curled up by my legs. When I first got her I realized that she knew how to fetch and I would throw a paper ball and she would bring it back to me. She loves attention and greets everyone who comes to the house. I do take comfort in knowing that I will be seeing all my fur babies again one day, but I just really don't feel like doing much of anything right now.

Karen

I am so sorry to hear about Maggie. The best way to help your Mom I think is just to hug her a lot and vice versa....you both will be grieving tremendously.

I'm glad Maggie had time with both of you. I'm sorry about the cancer in the lung. I have lost more than one to that and it is a painful loss. To think she did survive for 5 years after a previous bout with cancer....what a blessing to have had that extra precious time.

Lots of hugs and kisses for her. I did that for my boy, hugged him every chance I got, but crying knowing and telling him I am sorry I cannot help him.

Write when you feel like it. Post a picture of Maggie if you feel like it. Most of us have lost more than one, as you are, and it is never less painful. Each loss is as great as the one before it.

Hugs and prayers,
Judy

Thank you all for your kind words. My mom's vet called her yesterday and told her that the Cancer is really bad and not to wait to release her. He said everyone in the office just loved her and he did not want her to suffer. Mom is taking her this morning at 9 a.m. unfortunetly I will not be able to be there (which breaks my heart). I went and spent the evening with her last night to say good bye. I could tell she just wasn't her old self and was very tired. I know mom will be there for her today, but wish I could be there too. I have so many feelings and it is hard to express them all. I know Maggie and Casey both had long happy lives, but I feel so lost - even kinda of angry (if that makes any sense).

Karen

You are in my thoughts today.

Our family lost a cat & a dog within 3 days of each other last October so I know what you are going through. A cat with cancer also and a dog over 17 years old. The kitty was 12+ and was such a sweetheart. The dog.... just can't describe my bond with her. None like her or ever will be for me.

Still have sad, sad times.

You are doing the right thing as they say. However, the "right" thing is so difficult. I think we drive to the appointment & walk through that door on auto-pilot.

They leave such an imprint on our hearts. Hugs to you, your Mom & Maggie today. Ginger

I ended up going with my Mom today - my heart is just breaking. Maggie for some reason seemed to purk up, which made us start to doubt our decision, but we knew what the vet said and we were not going to let her suffer - not for a minute. I will never forget Casey gasping for air, even though it lasted a short time I will never get that image out of my mind. He was fine until that last night (but I work so how do I even know that?). It would tear me up if I thougt he was suffering and I did not even know it.

While we waited for my vet to arrive in the room Maggie kept rubbing her head against my mom, which just cause my mom to cry even harder. Maggie would then turn on the table and come to me to be petted. I was like there was nothing wrong with her. My vet took Maggie to the back and gave her the sedative (when I took Casey that vet just did that while I was there). She brought Maggie back to us, she was still awake but more relax. When Maggie was fulling asleep she gave her the other shot. It was very peaceful.

My mom and I were talking about how Maggie would fetch things for me when I first adopted her. We have many found memories of her to share. I truly hope I will see her again some day - along with my other pets that I have lost. Sometimes you wonder if it is worth all this pain, but I know it is, it just doesn't feel like it right now.

Karen

I'm sorry, Karen. I have been there more than once and yes, it is worth and that's why it happens to me more than once...and will continue as long as there are these precious ones available and needing a home and love.

All I can send to you right now is a really BIG, TIGHT cyberHUG.....with tears.
You did the right thing. I can tell myself that and I know it doesn't take the pain away. But somehow, deep down inside....it does help to know we have stopped suffering.


Judy