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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsWe had to put our kitty Zeke to sleep tonight
We adopted him from a local shelter in 2013. They estimated him to be be 3-5 at that time. He had a stroke in February, rebounded for awhile but started declining over the past week or so.
He was just the sweetest cat ever. He loved everyone and everyone, even avowed cat haters, loved him. I will miss him every day for the rest of my life. Sweet sweet boy. I'm just bereft.
duckworth969
(1,385 posts)Put our pup to sleep recently. We miss her every day 😢
Deuxcents
(27,213 posts)Phoenix61
(18,850 posts)FalloutShelter
(14,524 posts)CrispyQ
(41,009 posts)So sorry for the loss of your friend.
debm55
(61,066 posts)Hey Joe
(679 posts)We put our Andy down after 16 years.
It was brutal. Still miss him years later and always will.
Just be thankful you had him.
Best wishes
Ocelot II
(130,802 posts)Our beloved animal friends' lives are far too short, and losing them is heartbreaking, but even knowing we'll lose them eventually we wouldn't want to live without them. All we can do is cherish our memories.
multigraincracker
(37,782 posts)I just wish that they could do that for me when Im ready.
Diamond_Dog
(40,744 posts)Ive been there . They are never with us long enough.
Skittles
(172,089 posts)Grieve not
nor speak of me with tears
but laugh and talk of me
as if I were beside you
I loved you so
twas Heaven here with you
- Isla Paschal Richardson
SheltieLover
(81,138 posts)MustLoveBeagles
(16,773 posts)It seems like we never get to keep them long enough. Take comfort in that Zeke crossed the Rainbow Bridge and is no longer in pain. Someday you'll be reunited.
hurl
(1,056 posts)May Zeke's best self live on in your memory.
Raine
(31,196 posts)I still miss him so much. These fur babies carve out a whole in your heart that can't be filled.
R-I-P Zeke 🙏
littlemissmartypants
(33,998 posts)...
JMCKUSICK
(6,326 posts)Please let your fond memories keep you. I feel your grief.
HoosierDebbie
(455 posts)Losing a beloved pet is one of the hardest things we have to suffer through in this life. I've learned that there is a price of pain to pay when a dearly loved pet dies. Once I was worried that I wouldn't be able to find my pets when I get to heaven (I hope I get there), but then I realized that they would be with my parents waiting for me.
catrose
(5,370 posts)irisblue
(37,618 posts)FemDemERA
(853 posts)We need a little rainbow bridge emoji...
Maru Kitteh
(31,847 posts)Thank you for telling us about Zeke. He was special, unique, and loved beyond measure. We should all be so lucky.
From our home to yours
Dr. Shepper
(3,237 posts)FoxNewsSucks
(11,787 posts)Dogs & cats are part of the family, usually better than the human part.
It's so unfair that they can't live longer
CurtEastPoint
(20,051 posts)AllyCat
(18,895 posts)3catwoman3
(29,552 posts)It's always hard, even when it's right.
OldBaldy1701E
(11,267 posts)mr715
(3,712 posts)Irish_Dem
(81,740 posts)I have been through it myself and was bereft too.
A sweet soul mate little doggie.
They always stay with you, and you can feel it.
cachukis
(3,995 posts)2naSalit
(103,210 posts)popsdenver
(2,370 posts)that Politicians should croak after fifteen years, and our pets should live to be 70-80-90 Years old......
Allow yourself all the time you need to grieve........
IbogaProject
(5,967 posts)CousinIT
(12,602 posts)Its so heartbreaking to lose them. It was your final act of love for him he didnt go alone or unloved. It was the best thing you could give him - even though its so damn painful.
blogslug
(39,187 posts)Solly Mack
(97,034 posts)calimary
(90,302 posts)Im there, too.
Im so sorry youre dealing with this right now. And youre right: therell be a little bit of you that wont ever get over it. Could it be because your Zeke took that part with him when he headed off to Heaven?
Hell meet Mousetrap and dB and Barney & Betty and other beloveds from here and elsewhere, whove gone ahead, themselves. Hell have many new friends Upstairs.
Sometimes when I think of the Here-After, I find myself wondering if Ive been good enough to go to THEIR part of Heaven, instead of where the spirits of the good people get to go.
niyad
(132,978 posts)in the hereafter, I simply wasn't going!
calimary
(90,302 posts)If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.
- Will Rogers
Id echo that, but Id add cats (and other beloved pets).
mwmisses4289
(4,382 posts)malaise
(296,792 posts)debsy
(982 posts)virgdem
(2,322 posts)It is such a heartbreaking and difficult decision we all have to make for our fur babies. I just lost my sweet Butterscotch last August and I'm still grieving. Wishing you peace and comfort in the coming days.
EuterpeThelo
(401 posts)I'm so sorry, Danmel. Zeke was about the same age as my Bellatrix, whom I had to release about a month ago. Furbabies are family and such a pure, unconditional love, it's no wonder it hurts when we have to guide them across the rainbow bridge. You'll never forget Zeke but thank you for giving your pet the best life it could've possibly ever had, cradled by your love.
raising2moredems
(759 posts)And it is f-ing hard. It is heartbreaking. I'm glad you had 13 years with him. Remember all the good times and that you gave him a fur-ever home. When the time is right, there will be another looking for a fur-ever home.
hamsterjill
(17,644 posts)They just burrow into our hearts, don't they? And they take a piece of our heart with them when they leave.
I'm truly sorry for your loss, and I think you for (l) adopting from a shelter, (2) giving Zeke such a long life, and (3) for loving him enough to write this heartfelt post.
I'm a long time rescuer who runs a cat sanctuary now. We no longer take in any, but the focus is on the ones we have for them to live out their lives. Many are very old. The loss never, ever gets easy because each one is special and unique. Each one is loved for who they are.
Wishing you peace and comfort.
niyad
(132,978 posts)and send peace and comfort to his grieving loved ones.
I am so very sorry for the loss of your precious Zeke. Do not be surprised if he comes to visit you. My little rescue and I send love and huggggs and purrrrs.
murielm99
(33,016 posts)I know from experience how hard it is.
BlueKota
(5,431 posts)The Wizard
(13,782 posts)who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own live within a fragile circle."
(Irving Townsend)
RIP Zeke.
dawn5651
(781 posts)spooky3
(38,713 posts)dem4decades
(14,166 posts)area51
(12,717 posts)BigmanPigman
(55,301 posts)My first dog Max died in 2002 on my floor and she was 16 years old. After that happened she visited me for 10 days and it was wonderful. She also visted my driend whomtaught me how to read tarot cards. We had open minds apparently and my baby was able to communicate.
After my last baby died in 2020 my dad (who had died a year earlier) visited me the night he died but I was not aware he had died until the next say). She came to visit me with my dad, it was crystal clear. She has visited me ever since. I have learned to keep a note pad on my nightstand so that I document her "visits" since they do occur in the "in between" state of consciousness.
I have done a lot of research since then and my experiences are valid and common. It seems like some people are able to get visits in the "in the between state of sleep and awake" . This is what I have experienced and continue to experience and I am very glad when it happens. Apparently there is a very strong bond with people and animals and that is why the lost pets visit more than people do. Animals have a different energy level than humans and when humans are in a "dream state" the vibrations of the energy are more easily transmitted.
I hope you have visits from your baby and please document them as soon as they happen so you are aware and remember them when you are fully awake.
Do not listen to anyone who does not have empathy. They will interfere with your ability to get the visits that the babies really want to communicate with you as a form of comfort.
Permanut
(8,445 posts)That's tough.
You did your part - you spoiled him rotten.
We've been through this several times, miss each one, and it never gets easier. So worth it though, to have these little rascals for whatever time we have.
Now we have a year-old Maine coon cat tearing up the couch and doing zoomies at midnight.
StarryNite
(12,145 posts)R.I.P. Zeke.
Teacher of the Year
(233 posts)I do believe they are waiting for us when our own time comes. I'm very sorry for your loss, and the emptiness you are feeling. From my own experience I can say that nothing makes the sad go away but... you can fall in love with a kitten and be sad at the same time. It is much better than just being sad.
MIButterfly
(2,867 posts)I hope that your memories of Zeke will eventually bring you comfort and peace. Your DU family is here for you. Lean on us at this sad time.
RIP, sweet Zeke. You were so loved.
MLAA
(19,769 posts)Bettie
(19,776 posts)you gave him a good life, you'll miss him, but we never forget them.
Bayard
(29,908 posts)They bring light, laughter, and love. They make us better people, and live in our hearts forever.
I'm glad Zeke was in your life, even though losing him hurts so much.
CTyankee
(68,287 posts)It was too much grief for us and we couldn't do it any more. So, no pets from then on.
Laurelin
(939 posts)I've lost 10 dogs and 9 cats and it never gets easier. And I've never found words for people dealing with the loss. I hope you can find solace in the memories of your special Zeke. 🤎
Celerity
(54,618 posts)Cel
maptap22
(276 posts)I had to put my Jinxie kitty down last week. It was an agonizing decision but I knew it was time once he stopped eating.
I did my best for him and gave him a good life as I am sure you did for Zeke.
Here's hoping Zeke and Jinxie meet in the afterlife.
bdamomma
(69,582 posts)for your loss of Jinxie. Memories of them last forever.
Vinca
(54,125 posts)Sadly, things happen that are beyond our control. At least we're able to give them a peaceful exit.
NNadir
(38,203 posts)Karadeniz
(24,748 posts)sinkingfeeling
(57,859 posts)CaptainTruth
(8,224 posts)bluescribbler
(2,533 posts)I am sorry for your loss.
ProfessorGAC
(76,947 posts)Tough time for all pet owners.
We've gone through it several times, so we get it.
Take care .
70sEraVet
(5,528 posts)You gave you kitty a very loving home for his brief lifetime.
Fla Dem
(27,669 posts)Have been there and it is such a tug at your heart everyday not to wake up with them meowing at you or curled up at your feet.
He will always be with you in your thoughts. I still think often of my girl (had her from a kitten for 18 years, passed 2 years ago. Finally adopted 2 cats last July.
You gave him many years of care and love. Peace to you.
LetMyPeopleVote
(180,551 posts)City Lights
(25,904 posts)I've been there, and know all too well how much you're hurting now. Sending cyber hugs your way.
Happy Hoosier
(9,553 posts)I am sorry for your loss. I love my little critters desperately.
Texin
(2,854 posts)Clouds Passing
(8,040 posts)underpants
(196,802 posts)WinstonSmith4740
(3,443 posts)Bringing a pet to the Bridge is the most painful part of having them in our lives. I just had to do this with the sweetest dog to ever walk the earth.
I want to leave you with this. The folks that came to the house (Lap of Love...absolutely awesome people), left a pamphlet that ended with this...
"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." Winnie the Pooh.
We never have them long enough, but they make our lives so much better while they're here.
Dear_Prudence
(1,178 posts)For your loss. I had a tuna sandwich yesterday and I missed my Wolfie rushing into the room at that fishy smell. May your memories of Zeke bring you comfort.
arkielib
(438 posts)I know how you feel having lost many beloved cats and dogs over the decades. You never forget them (and dont want to). The many happy memories you have with them are priceless and will always be with you.
Figarosmom
(12,382 posts)Losing a friend is so hard. I'm sure he lived his best life with you. You will think of him everyday for the rest if your life because he is part of that future still. Love and Peace to you.🌹
1WorldHope
(2,085 posts)Wifes husband
(737 posts)I am 76 now and I still miss him. Had two special dogs since, and you never forget them
Trueblue Texan
(4,527 posts)I know that pain. I understand how devastated you must be. I wish I could give you a big hug. Take care and know you do not grieve alone.
bdamomma
(69,582 posts)to you and your family.
Zeke will never be forgotten. He will be waiting for you at "rainbow bridge". Pets leave paw prints on your heart.
Chicagogrl1
(649 posts)🫂🫂
Timeflyer
(3,768 posts)HeartsCanHope
(1,694 posts)I will be thinking of you all.