Help - Search - Members - Calendar
Full Version: Meisha My Cat Died In My Arms Today.
Lightning-Strike Pet Loss Support Forum > Pet Loss Support > Death and Dying Pet Support
MyBabyMeisha
Hi all, my name is Jordan and here is my story:
Today my 22 year old cat Meisha died, and I feel like I have died as well. I had my vet come over and do in-home euthanasia. I highly recommend this, regardless of the price (I won't go into detail here on this post the method/how he reacted/ they used but feel free to contact me and I'll go into detail).
His name was Meisha and I adopted him about 10 years ago. Actually he adopted me. One day out of the blue he showed up in my yard. I put up a Lost Cat sign but no one replied until 2 weeks later. They took him back but everyday he showed up in my yard again. At the risk of sounding like a dunce, when I first saw him I thought he was a she , and a pregnant mother as well. He was small framed but had a huge belly and his nipples were protruding a bit, so I was preparing to have kitties. The owners informed me that she was a he, and he was just fat! His owner lived in France but had to enter long term health care, so she shipped Meisha to her daughter in Santa Monica. Meisha still came by everyday, it turned out his home was about 4 houses away. One day Meisha came by and was limping. I called his owner and she said he wasn't well. She didn't know why and she didn't take him to the vet to find out. I think Meisha sensed I would take care of him, that's why he always came by. I wasn't going to steal him though.
One night the owner came by and announced they were moving to upstate California. I was saddened knowing he wasn't going to be around, and knowing he had health issues that weren't being addressed. I feel like the owner accepted this cat because her mother insisted on it, yet didn't care for him. They took Meisha from my yard once again and left. I closed the door and although I didn't know this cat that long, knew he was special and already felt loss. An hour later, as I'm sitting on the couch, I look outside and what do you know? Meisha has reappeared. The owners dropped him back off (although didn't formally ask me if I wanted him, knew I would care for him). I was delighted. I took him to the vet the next day and found out he was diabetic. For the next 10 years I gave him insulin shots, checked his glucose levels, and feel I gave him a great life. With the diabetes, there were a few ups and downs with hypoglycemia but it was manged quite well. His limping went away as well.
Knowing I helped him live longer , and still have great quality of life, then he would have, made me feel a special connection that I can't put into words. I put my life on hold these last 10 years for the most part as I gave him shots every 12 hours religiously. I had girlfriends look at me like I was crazy/lying that I couldn't take a trip etc or stay the night etc because I had my baby to help. Within the last 5 months he had pancreatitis, and in December was diagnosed with spindle cell cancer. Both of those plus the diabetes finally caught up. I'm happy to say he was gobbling down treats like he didn't have a care in the world before my vet "helped" him.
I was so content knowing he was my life, and now that life is gone. I try to tell myself that he was a special gift given to me, and in fact , it was a privilege to know him. He was so quirky he actually made me laugh at loud. But the grief is unbearable. I know all the cliches....time heals etc.....but that doesn't help, at least now it doesn't. Girlfriends, jobs, have come and gone, but Meisha was always the constant in my life and now he isn't here.
Missing Fleetwood
QUOTE (MyBabyMeisha @ Mar 30 2010, 07:38 PM) *
Hi all, my name is Jordan and here is my story:
Today my 22 year old cat Meisha died, and I feel like I have died as well. I had my vet come over and do in-home euthanasia. I highly recommend this, regardless of the price (I won't go into detail here on this post the method/how he reacted/ they used but feel free to contact me and I'll go into detail).
His name was Meisha and I adopted him about 10 years ago. Actually he adopted me. One day out of the blue he showed up in my yard. I put up a Lost Cat sign but no one replied until 2 weeks later. They took him back but everyday he showed up in my yard again. At the risk of sounding like a dunce, when I first saw him I thought he was a she , and a pregnant mother as well. He was small framed but had a huge belly and his nipples were protruding a bit, so I was preparing to have kitties. The owners informed me that she was a he, and he was just fat! His owner lived in France but had to enter long term health care, so she shipped Meisha to her daughter in Santa Monica. Meisha still came by everyday, it turned out his home was about 4 houses away. One day Meisha came by and was limping. I called his owner and she said he wasn't well. She didn't know why and she didn't take him to the vet to find out. I think Meisha sensed I would take care of him, that's why he always came by. I wasn't going to steal him though.
One night the owner came by and announced they were moving to upstate California. I was saddened knowing he wasn't going to be around, and knowing he had health issues that weren't being addressed. I feel like the owner accepted this cat because her mother insisted on it, yet didn't care for him. They took Meisha from my yard once again and left. I closed the door and although I didn't know this cat that long, knew he was special and already felt loss. An hour later, as I'm sitting on the couch, I look outside and what do you know? Meisha has reappeared. The owners dropped him back off (although didn't formally ask me if I wanted him, knew I would care for him). I was delighted. I took him to the vet the next day and found out he was diabetic. For the next 10 years I gave him insulin shots, checked his glucose levels, and feel I gave him a great life. With the diabetes, there were a few ups and downs with hypoglycemia but it was manged quite well. His limping went away as well.
Knowing I helped him live longer , and still have great quality of life, then he would have, made me feel a special connection that I can't put into words. I put my life on hold these last 10 years for the most part as I gave him shots every 12 hours religiously. I had girlfriends look at me like I was crazy/lying that I couldn't take a trip etc or stay the night etc because I had my baby to help. Within the last 5 months he had pancreatitis, and in December was diagnosed with spindle cell cancer. Both of those plus the diabetes finally caught up. I'm happy to say he was gobbling down treats like he didn't have a care in the world before my vet "helped" him.
I was so content knowing he was my life, and now that life is gone. I try to tell myself that he was a special gift given to me, and in fact , it was a privilege to know him. He was so quirky he actually made me laugh at loud. But the grief is unbearable. I know all the cliches....time heals etc.....but that doesn't help, at least now it doesn't. Girlfriends, jobs, have come and gone, but Meisha was always the constant in my life and now he isn't here.

Hi Jordan,

I am so sorry for your loss, but know as well the comfort of doing the home euthanasia. We had to do the same thing last week to our 16 year old calico who was suffering from cancer. While it was more expensive it was worth every penny spent to know her last minutes were not stressing her out by being in a cage and traveling in a car. And I know her spirit will always be here with us at home.

Just know Meisha will always be alive and happy in your heart. He choose you because he knew you would take very good care of him and you should find comfort in that. Just know that sometime when you hear a little noise in the house and think you saw something move in the corner, it just Meisha checking in and letting you know he's not to far away.

Mark
smokey/lady/max
Hi Jordan
I first want to tell you those women who came and went that is thier loss just from reading your story. The love that you showed your angel shows what kind of person you are. I want to say without a doubt your angel knew you loved her and I know she loved you. My heart feels for you. I havent been here much because I am dealing with not losing one but 2 within three months apart but your story touched me. I hope you find comfort knowing that you gave her the best of life and love. I feel the exact same way I was the one blessed and thank god everyday for choosing me to be my angels mom. They gave me so much happiness that will last me my lifetime. I know the pain will subside but thier memory never will. What keeps me going is thinking of the day I will be with them again for eternity. I hang on to that in my heart. Please come here as much as you need to. Right now it is hard for me but I do try to come now and then to post a little something just to let my angels know how much I do love them and miss them.

Hugs to you Jordan

Anna
xoxo
janika
Dear Jordan

I have just read yours and Meisha's story and looked at the beautiful photos, what a gorgeous baby ! My heart goes out to you as you must be feeling so lost and empty without his physical presence. What a wonderful story of love and companionship over all those years.
My Tasha, the first of my Samoyeds was also diabetic from 7 years of age. Sadly the diagnosis came too late to save her precious sight, but with careful monitoring and twice daily insulin shots she lived for another 7 good years.
We too gave up on holidays (unless seperate) as we would not entrust her care to anyone else. I so understand all that you say. We also called the vet to come to our home to help our darling over that final hurdle when her life here, became too much for her. I agree it was the best decision we could have made for her as she was in the place she loved,being hugged by her doting Mum, with her dad and our daughter close by.
What a wonderful dad you were to Meisha, and he sure brought so much to your life. I know your pain will be unbearable right now and nothing I can say can really help, but remember that he is always with you, watching over you, watch out for the signs, as Mark said. I have had so many signs that let me know that my Angels are all here with me helping me along the way.
I am sending a big HUG and prayers for you and your dear Angel Baby Meisha.
Thinking of you.
Love Jan and my Angels and Pixie x
karen - casey
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I am so grateful that Meisha found you! You gave him the love and attention he deserved. If he had not have found you it sounds like he would have had a terrible life. I know how hard it is to say goodbye. I lost my Casey on Nov 13, 2008 and still I miss him terribly. He had lung cancer and died at the age of 12. I am now facing another illness in my Shelby. At this point I do not know how much time we have.

It is hard now, but it will get easier with time. Meisha had 10 wonderful years with you and always remember the joy he brought to your life (and you to his). You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen
tanbuck
Hi Jordan. I'm so sorry you've lost your precious baby. I won't tell you all those things you said you already know. I will say just try to breathe today. When my kitty, Frasier, died last August and his brother, Niles, died March 19th of this year, I just had to keep telling myself to breathe. That was my only goal in those first few days. Niles and Frasier were 15 and I had them all but 6 months of their lives. I know what a special, special sweet bond that can form. And I know how bad it hurts when it's gone. My heart goes out to you as you transition into a new life that you don't want. I don't want a life without my boys but I didn't get that choice. I'm sorry you're hurting. In fact, "hurting" is not even the right word. There really isn't a word big enough to properly describe what you feel right now. What a wonderful mother you were to Meisha. I know you weren't done being his mommy. I can relate to your "sacrifice" (if it can be called that) for the past years. I nursed Niles and Frasier through their illnesses and we are still nursing our dog, Buck. I had geriatric pets for a long time and it is a struggle but I was happy to do it. There haven't been vacations for us for a long time, like you. I wouldn't take anything for that precious time, as I'm sure you wouldn't either. 22 years! That's incredible. It's a real testiment to you.
I know nothing comforts you right now. And I'm so sorry. Just know that the people on this forum really do "get" what you're saying. We're all right there in the same boat.
Just keep breathing.
-Donna
MyBabyMeisha
QUOTE (Missing Fleetwood @ Mar 30 2010, 08:48 PM) *
Hi Jordan,

I am so sorry for your loss, but know as well the comfort of doing the home euthanasia. We had to do the same thing last week to our 16 year old calico who was suffering from cancer. While it was more expensive it was worth every penny spent to know her last minutes were not stressing her out by being in a cage and traveling in a car. And I know her spirit will always be here with us at home.

Just know Meisha will always be alive and happy in your heart. He choose you because he knew you would take very good care of him and you should find comfort in that. Just know that sometime when you hear a little noise in the house and think you saw something move in the corner, it just Meisha checking in and letting you know he's not to far away.

Mark



Thanks Mark I really hope I see something move in the corner
MyBabyMeisha
QUOTE (smokey/lady/max @ Mar 30 2010, 09:32 PM) *
Hi Jordan
I first want to tell you those women who came and went that is thier loss just from reading your story. The love that you showed your angel shows what kind of person you are. I want to say without a doubt your angel knew you loved her and I know she loved you. My heart feels for you. I havent been here much because I am dealing with not losing one but 2 within three months apart but your story touched me. I hope you find comfort knowing that you gave her the best of life and love. I feel the exact same way I was the one blessed and thank god everyday for choosing me to be my angels mom. They gave me so much happiness that will last me my lifetime. I know the pain will subside but thier memory never will. What keeps me going is thinking of the day I will be with them again for eternity. I hang on to that in my heart. Please come here as much as you need to. Right now it is hard for me but I do try to come now and then to post a little something just to let my angels know how much I do love them and miss them.

Hugs to you Jordan

Anna
xoxo



Hi Anna,
thank you and I'm so sorry to hear you lost 2 in a short time. If I never met Meisha I wouldn't be feeling this pain, but I'm glad I did.
MyBabyMeisha
QUOTE (tanbuck @ Mar 31 2010, 09:36 AM) *
Hi Jordan. I'm so sorry you've lost your precious baby. I won't tell you all those things you said you already know. I will say just try to breathe today. When my kitty, Frasier, died last August and his brother, Niles, died March 19th of this year, I just had to keep telling myself to breathe. That was my only goal in those first few days. Niles and Frasier were 15 and I had them all but 6 months of their lives. I know what a special, special sweet bond that can form. And I know how bad it hurts when it's gone. My heart goes out to you as you transition into a new life that you don't want. I don't want a life without my boys but I didn't get that choice. I'm sorry you're hurting. In fact, "hurting" is not even the right word. There really isn't a word big enough to properly describe what you feel right now. What a wonderful mother you were to Meisha. I know you weren't done being his mommy. I can relate to your "sacrifice" (if it can be called that) for the past years. I nursed Niles and Frasier through their illnesses and we are still nursing our dog, Buck. I had geriatric pets for a long time and it is a struggle but I was happy to do it. There haven't been vacations for us for a long time, like you. I wouldn't take anything for that precious time, as I'm sure you wouldn't either. 22 years! That's incredible. It's a real testiment to you.
I know nothing comforts you right now. And I'm so sorry. Just know that the people on this forum really do "get" what you're saying. We're all right there in the same boat.
Just keep breathing.
-Donna



Thanks Donna this forum has been great like I knew it would. Responses like yours do help me.
MyBabyMeisha
QUOTE (janika @ Mar 30 2010, 10:04 PM) *
Dear Jordan

I have just read yours and Meisha's story and looked at the beautiful photos, what a gorgeous baby ! My heart goes out to you as you must be feeling so lost and empty without his physical presence. What a wonderful story of love and companionship over all those years.
My Tasha, the first of my Samoyeds was also diabetic from 7 years of age. Sadly the diagnosis came too late to save her precious sight, but with careful monitoring and twice daily insulin shots she lived for another 7 good years.
We too gave up on holidays (unless seperate) as we would not entrust her care to anyone else. I so understand all that you say. We also called the vet to come to our home to help our darling over that final hurdle when her life here, became too much for her. I agree it was the best decision we could have made for her as she was in the place she loved,being hugged by her doting Mum, with her dad and our daughter close by.
What a wonderful dad you were to Meisha, and he sure brought so much to your life. I know your pain will be unbearable right now and nothing I can say can really help, but remember that he is always with you, watching over you, watch out for the signs, as Mark said. I have had so many signs that let me know that my Angels are all here with me helping me along the way.
I am sending a big HUG and prayers for you and your dear Angel Baby Meisha.
Thinking of you.
Love Jan and my Angels and Pixie x


That means alot Jan. Me and Meisha thank you for the Hugs...
MyBabyMeisha
QUOTE (karen - casey @ Mar 31 2010, 08:11 AM) *
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I am so grateful that Meisha found you! You gave him the love and attention he deserved. If he had not have found you it sounds like he would have had a terrible life. I know how hard it is to say goodbye. I lost my Casey on Nov 13, 2008 and still I miss him terribly. He had lung cancer and died at the age of 12. I am now facing another illness in my Shelby. At this point I do not know how much time we have.

It is hard now, but it will get easier with time. Meisha had 10 wonderful years with you and always remember the joy he brought to your life (and you to his). You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen



Hi Karen,
thank u for the words and my thoughts are with you as well for Shelby.
ladywolf
QUOTE (MyBabyMeisha @ Mar 31 2010, 09:53 AM) *
Hi Karen,
thank u for the words and my thoughts are with you as well for Shelby.


Hi Mark--

I just want to add my words of condolence to everyone else's--Meisha sure was a gorgeous kitty! You were so lucky to have found each other--he, especially, to have found someone who would take such great care of him for so long. Ditto what someone said above about the women who came and went--they don't know what they missed out on!

I'm in the same boat. My Ladywolf is slowly dying of cancer, and she has been the only constant in MY life for 12 years, that have included being homeless in the woods, almost dying, several "long-term" boyfriends--always, always there has been Ladywolf--it feels like for fifty years, not twelve. She is my life partner--whatever shall I do when she's no longer with me? I feel like I won't have an identity at all anymore...

If it comes down to euthanasia for us, I won't be able to afford to have it done at home, as I live way out in the boonies, but an option to consider, folks, if your fur-friend LOVES to ride in the car as Ladywolf does, is to have it done in your car. That way, there's no trying to schlepp your poor pet into one of those awful cold sterile offices, and you're ready to roll if you plan to bury your pet, as I do...

But I can't go there in my mind right now.

Again, I am so sorry for your loss of Meisha. Devotion such as your's will surely be rewarded by your meeting up with him again at some future time. He was a darling!

Big hugs from Margi and Ladywolf
MyBabyMeisha
QUOTE (ladywolf @ Mar 31 2010, 10:03 AM) *
Hi Mark--

I just want to add my words of condolence to everyone else's--Meisha sure was a gorgeous kitty! You were so lucky to have found each other--he, especially, to have found someone who would take such great care of him for so long. Ditto what someone said above about the women who came and went--they don't know what they missed out on!

I'm in the same boat. My Ladywolf is slowly dying of cancer, and she has been the only constant in MY life for 12 years, that have included being homeless in the woods, almost dying, several "long-term" boyfriends--always, always there has been Ladywolf--it feels like for fifty years, not twelve. She is my life partner--whatever shall I do when she's no longer with me? I feel like I won't have an identity at all anymore...

If it comes down to euthanasia for us, I won't be able to afford to have it done at home, as I live way out in the boonies, but an option to consider, folks, if your fur-friend LOVES to ride in the car as Ladywolf does, is to have it done in your car. That way, there's no trying to schlepp your poor pet into one of those awful cold sterile offices, and you're ready to roll if you plan to bury your pet, as I do...

But I can't go there in my mind right now.

Again, I am so sorry for your loss of Meisha. Devotion such as your's will surely be rewarded by your meeting up with him again at some future time. He was a darling!



Big hugs from Margi and Ladywolf


Hi Margi,
yes you hit the nail on the head he was my identity. I feel fortunate to have had the experience of being with him. i wish the best for you and ladywolf.....
tanbuck
Jordan, I'm sorry, I need to make a correction. I didn't view your profile before I responded to you. I said "mommy" in my reply and should've said "daddy". My apologies.
-Donna
MyBabyMeisha
QUOTE (tanbuck @ Mar 31 2010, 01:18 PM) *
Jordan, I'm sorry, I need to make a correction. I didn't view your profile before I responded to you. I said "mommy" in my reply and should've said "daddy". My apologies.
-Donna



that Ok I was his mommy and daddy...
Westiesam/Sharon
Hi Jordan
I am so very sorry to hear about the death of your cat Meisha. You sound like you were the most wonderful dad any cat could have had. I know the pain you're feeling -- I guess all of us on this forum do. I hope that just knowing the wonderful care you gave your cat throughout his life will give you some peace and comfort in the days to come -- though I won't kid you - the first few weeks are almost unbearable. It will soon be 4 months since we lost our Westie, Sammy and I can't believe that I'm actually thinking about getting another one. When she died I swore I'd never put myself through that kind of horrible pain again -- but the love they bring outweighs anything -- with time I've really come to believe that.
Take care of yourself and come back and talk to us whenever you need to.
Sharon
MyBabyMeisha
QUOTE (Westiesam/Sharon @ Mar 31 2010, 04:46 PM) *
Hi Jordan
I am so very sorry to hear about the death of your cat Meisha. You sound like you were the most wonderful dad any cat could have had. I know the pain you're feeling -- I guess all of us on this forum do. I hope that just knowing the wonderful care you gave your cat throughout his life will give you some peace and comfort in the days to come -- though I won't kid you - the first few weeks are almost unbearable. It will soon be 4 months since we lost our Westie, Sammy and I can't believe that I'm actually thinking about getting another one. When she died I swore I'd never put myself through that kind of horrible pain again -- but the love they bring outweighs anything -- with time I've really come to believe that.
Take care of yourself and come back and talk to us whenever you need to.
Sharon




thanks sharon.
moon_beam
Hi, Jordan, please permit me to offer my sincerest sympathies in the loss of your beloved Meisha. Losing a beloved companion is never easy regardless of the circumstances or how long we have been blessed with the privilege of their company. You and Meisha shared a bond that transcends time and space - - it is eternal - - for your precious Meisha is forever with you in your heart and memories. Meisha gave you his undivided attention and unconditional love and you surrendered yourself to him - - the better part of you that belongs only to him, and this is one of the many reasons why this grief journey is so very painful - - both physically and emotionally - - particularly in the first part of the journey.

It is a blessing that Meisha had you to take care of him. He knew where he was loved. Thank you so much for sharing him with us and for his beautiful pictures. He is now restored to perfect health - - no more need for those insulin shots for starters - - frolicking in the beautiful fields in heaven's perfect garden waiting patiently until it is your appropriate time to join him in eternal joy. Jordan, I do so know what you're feeling as it has only been 17 days now since my beautiful Abbygayle joined the angels. This grief journey is like a horror roller coaster ride - - so many ups and downs twists and turns highs and lows - - and the deep grief moments are truly unbearable - - even when you have other precious furkids still with you. With the loss of their precious physical presence comes the loss of the vitality that your home had, and it feels like even the structure of your home - - be it an apartment, condo, single dwelling house, hut, or other structure - - is grieving as well.

Jordan, please know that you are among friends here, and we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Jordan, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam
MyBabyMeisha
QUOTE (moon_beam @ Apr 1 2010, 01:44 PM) *
Hi, Jordan, please permit me to offer my sincerest sympathies in the loss of your beloved Meisha. Losing a beloved companion is never easy regardless of the circumstances or how long we have been blessed with the privilege of their company. You and Meisha shared a bond that transcends time and space - - it is eternal - - for your precious Meisha is forever with you in your heart and memories. Meisha gave you his undivided attention and unconditional love and you surrendered yourself to him - - the better part of you that belongs only to him, and this is one of the many reasons why this grief journey is so very painful - - both physically and emotionally - - particularly in the first part of the journey.

It is a blessing that Meisha had you to take care of him. He knew where he was loved. Thank you so much for sharing him with us and for his beautiful pictures. He is now restored to perfect health - - no more need for those insulin shots for starters - - frolicking in the beautiful fields in heaven's perfect garden waiting patiently until it is your appropriate time to join him in eternal joy. Jordan, I do so know what you're feeling as it has only been 17 days now since my beautiful Abbygayle joined the angels. This grief journey is like a horror roller coaster ride - - so many ups and downs twists and turns highs and lows - - and the deep grief moments are truly unbearable - - even when you have other precious furkids still with you. With the loss of their precious physical presence comes the loss of the vitality that your home had, and it feels like even the structure of your home - - be it an apartment, condo, single dwelling house, hut, or other structure - - is grieving as well.

Jordan, please know that you are among friends here, and we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Jordan, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam



Those are some incredible words you put together I can't thank you enough. Every other thought I have is joy or sorrow right now. Every morning after his breakfast he would climb up his pet stairs to my bed..wait and look at me...then wait until i lifted the covers...then he would go underneath and turn around and lay against my belly and I would spoon him. I miss that the most and have been hugging his blanket recently as a substitute.
moon_beam
Hi, Jordan, I'm just getting caught up on posts, and hope that this finds you hanging in here with us. Today has been a bit of a difficult one for me. This time last year my little Noah - - Abbygayle's sibling brother - - and I still had Abbygayle and his big doggie brother, Oslo, with us. Within 4 months both Oslo and Abbygayle joined the angels - - Oslo November 29, 2009, and Abbygayle March 15, 2010. I can truly feel how you must be feeling without your precious Meisha.

Jordan, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers as you endure each day of your journey, and please let us know how you're doing. We are here for you for as long and as often as you need us.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam
tanbuck
Jordan, just checking in with you. I hope you are doing o.k.
-Donna
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.
Invision Power Board © 2001-2025 Invision Power Services, Inc.