In a house of male cats we had one princess, Lucy. She has been gone for one week today and I miss her terribly. We took Lucy in from a friend of a friend almost two years ago. We were mislead to what Lucy was about, but we soon discovered that our new fur-baby was a food thief, trash diver, McDonald's was her favorite food, and she was a fan of pooping on the carpets. After some vet visits it was diagnosed that she had hyperthyroidism, she had lost over half of her body weight in a few months, and her intestines were so messed up from the disease that she could not help going potty where ever she was. We started her on medication and she was getting better, then suddenly she just seemed to be un-Lucy like. Last Wednesday June 8 the vet told us that she probably had cancer. I could not stand to watch my princess suffer going through tests and treatments, because we wanted to keep her with us longer. Then we decided with the vet that Lucy was ready to rest. I have lost two cats in my life, but I was younger and they were family pets it was hard but so different . This was like losing a child, realistically I knew that we could not afford expensive tests and treatments for the end result to be the same, and I knew that we had two boys at home that we still needed to care for and that they were going to need extra love as they would be grieving too. However, I have never felt grief like this. Our kitten Marvin keeps looking for her in the cabinets where she rested the last week, it breaks my heart. Sheldon keeps looking in the cat carrier and the laundry room for her. They know she is gone but they do not understand why we took her away and she did not come back with us. It is the worst at dinner time because she would sit on the table and steal the food right of your plate, it hurts to miss her so much. I am comforted though knowing that we gave her a really good home for her final years, as she had a hard life prior. She had been given away a lot. Lucy, I miss you and I hope that you are on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge eating all the McDonald's and Whiskas you can get, I would be so happy to pick up poop off the floor again if I could see your sweet face just one more time. We miss you Princess.

I just read your letter about your precious Princess Lucy. Sorry to hear how sad you are and what you are going through at this most difficult time. How wonderful that you brought Lucy into your lives and truly gave her the life she needed and deserved. You are very special indeed.........no wonder you have this deep emotional feeling. Most of us feel the same way when we lose our furbabies. They are a part of your family and everyone loves each other with the greatest love of all. To help Marvin and Sheldon now, would be to devote as much time as possible with them. They know what is going on in their own little minds and feel your sadness, as well. Get down on the floor and play with them. They will enjoy your company more than ever before and will bring a special peace to your mind and heart.
Cherish all your happy times and memories often.....even through all your endless tears.....as only time eases the aching heart.....as it does with anything you love.
And yes.......Lucy is now pain free and living forever in your heart........while romping, chasing butterflies in the place we believe on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge.....

Hugs to you,
Litebrez

Hi, Lucy's Mom, please permit me to offer you my sincerest sympathies in the loss of your beloved Lucy. Losing a beloved companion is never easy regardless of the circumstances or how long we have been blessed with the privilege of their company. Euthanasia is the last gift of love we can give to our beloved companions -- at great sacrifice to ourselves -- so that they can be healed and restored to their former youthfulness in the company of the angels.

Yes, the surviving fur family members grieve the loss of one of their "pride". As long as your precious Marvin and Sheldon continue to eat normally and are able to properly take care of their personal needs the only other thing they need is your extra love and attention and reassuance that everything will be okay.

Lucy's Mom, this grief journey is a one day at a time journey, sometimes a one moment at a time journey. It is one of the most painful experiences we will know on this side of eternity. But it is important that you allow yourself to grieve for the physical loss of your precious Lucy so that your heart can eventually find comfort and joy in the many cherished memories you have of your precious girl. The love bond you share with your precious Lucy is eternal - - it is not restricted to the physical laws of time and space. Her sweet Living Spirit is forever with in your heart and your memories - - she is always a heartbeat close to you.

I know right now there are no adequate words in any language that can soothe the seering pain in your heart right now. I can only hope that what I have shared with you will in some way, eventually, bring comfort and encouragement to you. It is important for you to know that you are not alone in your grief journey. Each of us here do undersetand how you're feeling, 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, Lucy's Mom, and that I look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hello Lucy's mom

First, let me join my voice with the other Lightning Strike friends in wishing you my deepest condolences on the passing of your princess Lucy. This long road of grief is truly one step at a time - especially for people like you and most of the other LS friends - those who have been blessed by a visit from their spirit-aminals. What? Thos extra-special beings who hold a piece of our souls. They - like we - have "been" since the beginning of time and will be until its end. Our soul and their soul are made of the same 'stuff'. They loook for us throughout the whole universe and somehow they find us. They recognize us and we recognize them - instantly - and "poof" it's love at first sight! Your Lucy was doing that her whole life - in your words, being given away a lot - on her way to you. SHE FOUND YOU!!

Every head pat, every fur stroke, every gentle word, every good deed you did for her, she felt as infinite love - which it ws. And with every meouw, every leg rub, every goofy trick, every gentle lap curl you felt the same way. And now that she's temporarily (it's true) invisible and you can't see or hear or touch her, it hurts like H&^(*((&*(. But she's there - everything the same except your human senses (and that's almost all we humans have - not being one of the smartest beings in the universe!). As one of the Lightning Striker friends put it - she's only a breath away. Truly. Love is forever - both from the past and into the future. Princess Lucy is watching over you - same as always. She's guiding you, putting good things in your path, comforting you - and, most important - loving you. My vet - who is the ultimate man of science and who I thought would be the least likely to say something like this, said, when he heard that my Gretta (who is - not was - the kindest chocolate labl who ever lived) passed on April 10, "She's in a safe place now." And he's right.

We're all here for you, Lucy's mom. We know what every day feels like - that the first few days are like robot-walking through life, along with feeling like someone has shot you in the heart. Let us take on just a little bit of your burden, we who are a little bit further along the long and lonely road of grief. We all wish for that "just one more time" but it would never be enough. But one bright morning we WILL be together in a Perfect World - and there will be no crying there.

Take care, Lucy's mom, and have hte best day you can, knowing that Princess Lucy is right there with you.

Gretta's mom

Thank you to everyone who has sent such kind thoughts. Your kind words have brought me such comfort. I am sending loving thoughts to the others who have been to this place, and those who will come in the future.

With Love and Gratitude,
Lucy's Mom

Hi, Lucy's Mom. I am new here but just wanted to tell you how sorry I am for your loss of your Lucy girl. Like litebrez mentioned, I think you are a very special person to have taken Lucy in and given her such a loving and stable home.

I lost my best friend Ollie (also a kitty) a little over a week ago, and the pain is just unbearable - he was like a child to me, too, so I know how you feel. His sister keeps looking for him, too, which breaks my heart.

I'm so sorry that I don't have any good advice to give, but I just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you during this rough time. Take good care of yourself, and know that many people are keeping you in their thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Terri

Hi Lucy's mom (and Ollie's mom),

Gretta and Rufus (the new younger "brother" Gretta sent me) and I are all sending warm, comforting thoughts and wishes you way(s). Daisy is, like you said, the cutest and best bunny who ever lived. I can just see her hopping around my Gretta and Gretta just yawning and stratching out a paw to say hi. It's going to be wonderful.

Have the best days you can and know that your Lightning Strike friends - along with your special spirit animals - are always sending good wishes and thoughts and caring and prayers to you.

Until tomorrow .....

Gretta's (and now Rufus's) mom

Hi, Lucy's Mom, just stopping by to say hello and to let you know you're in my thoughts and prayers. I hope life is treating you kindly these days, and I look forward to knowing how you're doing whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam