Thread: My turn

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Several of my CHR friends have submitted appropriate postings when a family pet departed. Now it's my turn. Tuesday I had to give my twenty year old cat a one-way ride to the veterinarian.

It ain't easy, is it?

She was born under our back porch and was, believe it or not, an only child. The total litter. She was what some people refer to as a long haired "pastel calico". The usual orange and black areas that calicos are required by law to have were light gray and peach colored. Unusual.

She loved me, liked my daughter, tolerated my son, and hated my wife.

Several years ago she locked horns with some other animal that really kicked her rear end good. That time she managed to escape by scrambling under the deck but she had to do a few days in the hospital.

Well, this time was too much for her. We suspected what the culprit was both times, Now, I'd bet on it. The next day Jane and I saw a damn coyote bounding across the road close to the house.

I'm in possession of equipment sufficient to blow that s.o.b. in two if I get a chance, but this area has grown up to the extent that I'd likely get thrown in the slammer if I did.

What the heck. If I see it again I just might try.

Jim

my heartfelt condolences ... i had a dog a few years back that came to me as an abondanded puppy .. i raised it and loved it as a child only to have it get killed ..

I'm feeling for you, Jim. Obviously you were quite close to your cat so I know how you might feel since I had to put down my beloved 16 year old lab a while back. I don't know what else to say other than remember the old girl and give yourself some time to deal with it. I'd be aiming for that coyote, too.

Jim, i have had cats for many years, 2-3 house cats at the same time, they are wonderful pets. I have learned to think about the time I was so lucky to spend with each of them in this manner.

You the care taker have given your cat a safe and loving place to live its life. How great is that, how lucky was that cat to meet you, how great was it for you. Yes, it is very hard to have a 20 year friend and buddy depart from our lives. I feel this every time, the bummer of it never get easy.

On the bright side you can go and find another that will be great, have a whole new bag and different set of tricks to show you. Those crazy cats are just that way, spring is coming and that means kittens, just make sure you grab up another save it from a bad home bring it into yours.

I say this with the most sincerity and wish to lift your spirits some for now, only a new cat will make the recovery complete, best wishs and best of luck.
Greg

Originally Posted by Big Tracks

I'm in possession of equipment sufficient to blow that s.o.b. in two if I get a chance, but this area has grown up to the extent that I'd likely get thrown in the slammer if I did.

Load a .22 short into a rifle. Tie wrap a baby nipple onto the muzzle. Nobody will hear it.

You get very attached to the animals in your life.
We've had several working dogs over the last forty-odd years...all they ask for is your company, a feed, a warm place to sleep, and a kind word.
And for that they'll work their hearts out for you.

They take retirement hard too...when they get too old to work they still want to come and help.
You finish up carrying them in a box on on your motorbike while the young 'apprentice' runs alongside.
And when you get to where you want to shift stock you've got to hang on to them to prevent them from getting out there and 'helping' and very likely getting trampled because they're just too old, deaf, and slow.

And then the day comes when, as you had to, you've got to take them on that final ride.
You feel like a murderer.
They loved you and worked hard for you all their lifetime.
And this is how you repay them.

Yep, I'll admit, I've shed a tear over them.
Got a lump in my throat right now just thinking about them...Ben, Butch, Ivan, Galin, Dale, Roy, Chip...

I feel for you mate.

.

Sorry to hear this, Jim. Hold the good memories close.

Jim,,I never said anything at the time(I dont think),,but Lynda and I came home from our little holiday acrooss the ditch,(Aussie) to find our 16yrs and soon to be 17 year old tabby with a very fast growing tumor under her tongue..Mind,we didnt know that at the time,,we thought it was a crook tooth,but on taking her to the vet,,we were informed of the tumor,which was pushing her tongue out,and so she couldnt eat properly,and was going down hill rapidly.. The inevitable.......... the poor old girl was not going to last too long,so the vet had to put her to sleep..We were both pretty upset for a while..They are like the kids we never had,,and not a lot of people can understand that..We just have the one cat now,,soon to be joined by a kitten,,oh boy,,someone will not be happy..

Originally Posted by techinspector1

Load a .22 short into a rifle. Tie wrap a baby nipple onto the muzzle. Nobody will hear it.

Hmmm,,Tech,,voice of experience.....

So sorry to hear this. Our pets(dogs) are our kids. When we put our first dog down it about killed me.

So sorry to hear of your loss, Jim.
Just try and fill that hole in your heart
with those good memories she left you during
the last 20 years.

Meller

Sorry to hear about your cat Jim. I know we all get way too attached to our animals and it really hurts when they're gone... Our condolences.

Originally Posted by techinspector1

Load a .22 short into a rifle. Tie wrap a baby nipple onto the muzzle. Nobody will hear it.

But not an open hollow point.....polymer filled probably works through the rubber nipple. Neat trick, Tech! Coyotes are evil dudes and prey on our pets.

Even though we know that some day that trip will come, there's just no preparing for it completely. Dreaded the last time we had to do that, not looking forward to the next couple. As has been said, we grow so attached to our little masters, they bring us such joy and entertainment. Shed your tears and remember the affection.

When I had to take my German Shepherd to the vet,about 19 years ago,,it really hurt..I was living on my own at the time,,and I shared my beer with him..He loved a drop of home brew,or commercially brewed..The fateful day was a bare week before Christmas,,and I was an absolute mess.. You know,,I have come close to getting another dog,but,now,because of our lifestyle,of going to swapmeets,and rodruns,,it would not be fair on the dog..Really dont know what to do,so at the moment we just have cats,,and thats sure hard when they pass..