I had to have my cat put to sleep yesterday. He was 12. I had two choices, I could have medicated him for 24 hours and if there was improvement have MRI scans etc. or let him go. He had totally lost the use of his back legs. I made the decision to let him go as I was so scared he would die alone in a vet cage. And something in my heart just knew it was time, I can say what it was I just knew somehow. I am now feel terrible, like I did the wrong thing. I just can't stop crying

Dear ragdollcatbaby

I had to make this same decision with my precious 12 year old samoyed Tasha, 7 years ago. I knew that it was 'time'. Her quality of life would have been dire. I called the vet , and all was arranged for her to come to our home. I knew it was the right thing, but still I felt so guilty and questioned my decision. It's a very normal reaction. Our fur babies know that whatever we do, we do because we love them so much. To keep them here sometimes is the wrong thing to do. I think I should have let my Tasha go earlier, but I just couldn't make that phone call, until that particular morning, when I knew that it was the best thing for my beloved girl.
I know that your heart is broken right now and you will go through so many emotions in the hours, days and months to come. We must try and remember that our fur babies bring so much to our lives, yes we miss them so much and the pain is unbearable at times, but all they ever wanted to do was make us happy... the same applies when they have left us... they would not want us to be unhappy. They are with us forever, in our memories , hearts and souls.
Please know that I am thinking of you and your precious fur baby. I lost my darling Pixie 5 months ago tomorrow, very suddenly aged just 5.... I miss her so much , but I know that even though her life was short, I was blessed by having her share her precious life with me.

Hugs
Jan and my Angels and our new rescue puppy Kobi xx

Hi, ragdollcatbaby, please permit me to add my sincerest sympathies in the physical loss of your beloved companion. Losing a companion is never easy regardless of the circumstances or how long we are blessed with the privilege of their company. Euthanasia is the last gift of love we can give to our companions at great sacrifice to ourselves so that they can be restored to their former youthfulness in the company of the angels.

Ragdoll, as janika has so comfortingly shared with you, this grief journey is one of the hardest experiences you will know on this side of eternity. It is a journey that is filled with many different emotions that can overwhelm us all at one time - - it is a journey that is frequently referred to as a horror roller coaster ride. It is a journey that can only be traveled one day at a time, sometimes one moment at a time in your own way and in your own time. It is a journey that cannot be reconciled in a minute, an hour, a day, a week, a month, or even 6 months - - for you are now on a journey that is filled with all the "first withouts" and the memories that right now can be all too painful that include "this time yesterday, last week, last month, last year" to endure. But it is a journey you do not have to travel alone, for each of us here do understand what you are going through, and we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us.

Ragdoll, it is very obvious from what you share with us that you did everything in your power to give your beloved companion a happy and healthy earthly journey. As difficult as your deep sorrow is right now, I hope in time you will be able to find peace in your heart that you really did make the best decision for your companion to ease his journey home to the angels - - rather than to subject him to additional tests - - and perhaps very invasive treatments that would only have inflicted additional pain and suffering. Ragdoll, we are only mere mortals - - we do not have the privilege of foreknowledge that provides us the benefit of the knowing the consequences of our decisions. We can only make decisions based on the information and circumstances of the events as they are happening at the time. I hope you will be able to find comfort in your heart that your beloved companion KNOWS you did everything in your power to help him during his medical crisis, and that you did the right thing for him.

One of the many things you need to remember is that the love bond you and your beloved companion share is eternal - - it is not restricted to the physical laws of time and space. Your beloved companion's sweet Living Spirit continues to share your earthly journey as he always has and always will for he is always and forever in your heart and memories - - he is always and forever a heartbeat close to you.

I know all too well from first hand experience that when our hearts are entrenched in deep grief there really are no adequate words in any language that can soothe the seering pain of sorrow. Still I hope the words I share with you will offer you some measure of comfort, support, encouragement, and hope as you travel your grief adjustment journey.

Ragdollcatbaby, thank you so much for sharing your beloved companion with us. Perhaps sometime you will feel up to sharing a picture of him with us - - but only when / if you want to. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

12 seems to be the magic number. I am so sorry for the loss of you beloved cat....I understand that you're second guessing yourself about whether you did the right thing. You did...rest assured you did. Surely your pet would have said so..."I lost use of my back legs, and I'm tired....please." I have rationalized that thought though myself, in August of this year my 12 year old blonde lab had to go to her rainbow bridge. She was athletic and energetic pretty much her entire life. On a Sunday she skipped breakfast (unusual, but not concerning) and she skipped her dinner (*VERY unsual). That day she was losing her balance, and was constantly outside trying to do business...she had the runs and I noticed a bit of drooling. Oh, she was old I know, and I today, months later, feel tears in my eyes warming in puddles. Then Monday she missed breakfast and that day I laid on the floor with her...crying and holding her. She was shaking and she was miserable. It was two days for me, it was a long time for her. I too could have postponed everything awhile, and waited to get an MRI (they thought a brain tumor) or Xrays (liver?). but it was time. it was time...my dear human friend. Remember that it's for them, it's all about them. Not us...please remember that. Also, you've reached out to this group. Which is the correct thing to do...I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. For all humans who loose beloved pets, and until I lost mine I had no idea. Love and peace. Diane