Sad news ....

I'm sorry I haven't been on here much this week. Have some sad news to share. I know this may not be the appropriate forum to post this, but many of you have read my threads and seen my photos.

On Monday, my kitty Lucky started vomiting and was unable to keep anything down. Took him to the vet and they gave him fluids via IV. Told me to definitely bring him back the next morning if he was still unable to keep the IV fluids in his system. He threw up the IV fluid during the night. Took him back in the morning and they kept him and ran tests and x-rays on him. They came to the conclusion that he has swallowed something that had caused a blockage in his stomach. Prognosis seemed very good for removal and recovery. Well, when they opened him up they found his stomach, upper intestines, and part of his pancreas full of cancer. I was at home and they called during the surgery and wanted to know what I wanted to do. The vet recommended euthanizing him because the cancer had spread so much. She wanted to know if I wanted to have him woken up so we could say goodbye. I couldn't do that to him by having him suffer any longer, so I had them euthanize him while he was still under anesthesia. We never got to say goodbye to him. He died Tuesday about 6:00 pm.

The night before, he went around and sat on everyone's lap. Something he has never done before. Usually it's my lap or my dh's lap. I think he was suffering and was going from one person to another looking for someone to help him. We had no idea whatsoever that he was so sick. My family is heartbroken. He would have been 10 years old next month. He was king of the house and very much loved. It's such a shock to lose him so suddenly without any warning that anything was wrong. He was his normal crazy and sweet self only 2 days earlier. He apparently had the cancer quite sometime. But he never showed any symptoms that we saw, so we had no idea. It's such a shock.

Anyway, I am so sad and miss him. He always slept curled up by my feet every night. He had to be touching my leg or foot before he would settle down and go to sleep. Tuesday night we brought him home and buried under the last garden bed I still have yet to put plants in. I am going to plant something special there in his memory.

I was doing okay today until I had to go to the grocery store. I just happened to walk by the cat food section and all of it came flooding back. I could hardly get out of the store fast enough and just cried all the way back home in the van. I can't believe he's gone.

I cleaned out all his stuff last night after we buried him. I couldn't bare to wait to do it later because I didn't want to see it as a constant reminder that he isn't here any longer. It's just too sad.

I have never lost a cat that young. Most of the cats I've had lived at least 12 years or more. We always thought the dog would go first because he is older and has some health problems. We never expected this.

Anyway, just wanted to let you know why I just haven't felt like posting lately. I have a week and a half left of school before summer break, so I will probably start posting more then.

Even though Lucky was just a cat, he was very much a member of our family. When we evacuated for hurricanes he came with us no matter what. 10 years he has been our baby boy. I've lost pets before, but never had one die unexpectedly from cancer. I can't get over the fact that he didn't even look or act sick. I hope and pray that he didn't suffer other than those last 2 days when he couldn't keep anything down.

Thanks for letting me talk about this. Sorry to have created such a bummer of a thread. I just wanted y'all to know why I haven't been posting lately.

I have to believe that there is pets in Heaven. And I hope to someday be reunited with all the wonderful, loving, and dear pets I have lost over my lifetime. They have been such a blessing in my life. Thank you all for letting me share my grief and loss.

Dear Becky,


I'm so sorry for your loss. Our pets are not "just" cats, dogs, etc- they are our family members. I will remember Lucky and your family in my thoughts and prayers today. If heaven doesn't have our pets then it's not heaven and I'm not going.

(((((Becky)))))

Maggie

(((Becky))) my heart aches for you.

P

Becky, I worked for a vet in the mid-80's and I still remember having to give the sad news to clients about their loved ones. It still makes me tear up sometimes when I think of it. They ARE members of the family as much as they can be. I pray your memories of Lucky will turn back into pleasant ones with time and the hurt you feel now heals quickly.
Sheila_FW

Aw Becky...
Lord Bless you all ... Thank you for taking time to post about dear Lucky. I know how much you loved him, and how hard it must be for you dh & kids. It will take a little time and we understand, but I'm going to miss you. Just take it in stride, he has no pain any more. After a time you will only remember the good things he added to your life, and the Lord will comfort you with all the fond and funny memories. I mourn with you...how very sad!

Sweet Lucky rest...He was a really lucky cat. In 10 years he had a very rich quality life being loved by all of you.

Big hugs,
:-(
Deb

Becky - I am so sorry for your loss. I know you & Lucky richly blessed each other's lives, and that his passing leaves a big hole in your heart, and in your life. How wonderful that he did not suffer long - though I know it doesn't help much with the pain you're feeling now, it is something to be very grateful for. Know that you are in our thoughts & prayers, dear. God bless. Samantha

What sad news indeed. I am so sorry for your loss. Lucky was so fortunate to be loved for so many years by you and your family.

Dear Becky, I'm so sorry to hear about your baby. I started crying reading about him. I, too, have lost some dear dear pets and it's so painful. When he went from lap to lap, I believe he was saying goodbye in his own way, he loved you as much as you loved him.
I also think there is a critter heaven, even more beautiful than people heaven, and we will be reunited with our furry loved ones. And, while they are waiting on us, they are romping and playing without pain, sleeping on big fluffy pillows, and getting lots of snacks.

Becky,

Am saddened to read about your loss of Lucky, your beloved pet.

Seem every time I read a post about pets tears and memories of my fur faces come back to me. I had Taz for 15 years...after my divorce it was just her and me. Losing her was one of the hardest times of my life but am content in knowing she lived the good life with me...and hate to say it but she didn't like cats...so am quite positive your beloved Lucky is in Heaven watching over you and no doubt having the Heavenily time of his life driving my dog nuts!!! :o)

XXOOXX for all the fur faces that brighten our lives!!!

~ Cat

Oh Becky I am so sorry. Our pets are so much like family. My heart goes out to you

Becky, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I lost my first cat, an orange tabby named Buster, very suddenly. Like you, he was fine one day and very sick the next. The vet did exploratory surgery and found an inoperable intestinal tumor, and I wasn't able to say "goodbye" either. Be at peace knowing that you gave Lucky a wonderful and loving life. It wasn't as long as you would have liked but then, our pets never live as long as we would like them to. No doubt Lucky is now on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge chasing rabbits and butterflies with my angels Buster and Sadie.

Hugs,
Carla

Oh Becky, so so, so sorry ... I don't know what to say, we're all thinking of you - I'm so glad your family gave Lucky such a wonderful happy life; and he you. It has to be so much more difficult because it was so sudden. xoxo

Becky,
I'm so so sorry! Its horrible to lose them...they love us so well and they never talk back. :) I understand how you wanted to clean up Lucky's things. Ive done the same when my little friends have gone. Nothing will everf take Lucky's place in your heart but you'll smile and laugh about him when you remember. Just go through it Becky and allow all those feelings to come. He's good now...no Cancer and being a ferocious hunting beast somewhere!

~Adrienne

becky--so sorry to hear about your kitty. Lucky was a real cutie and I'm sure a joy to everyone in your family. I hope you are feeling OK about things by now. Hugs. t.

Becky, So sorry to hear of your loss. (((hugs))) Pelle

Becky, I am so sorry for your loss. Although I am sure it will be tough at times, I just know that you have the strength to endure. When I lost my cat Emma some time ago, I could not stop crying and just reading your story brings tears to my eyes because I can relate to the pain you must be feeling. ((((Hang in there)))))

I agree with Fly Girl, Lucky probably was saying his goodbyes the night before. Animals just have a way of knowing these things.

Becky, you are such a kind person and Lucky was very fortunate to have you.

Warm hugs,

Maria

Hey Becky,

I just now read your post and have tears streaming down my face. I had a cat (Nimbus) and he was my buddy for too short of a time. He was such a smart boy...we would play "hide and seek" and he really understood how to play. It was a blast. He never really understood he was a cat. He was only 3 years old when he developed feline asthma. His last day was spent with me speeding to the vet, giving him puffs of mouth-to-mouth at stoplights. The vet said they could revive him and send him home with me but that his subsequent attacks would only be worse. So I let him go. It was the hardest thing I've ever done...and I'm a mom so I've had to do lots of hard things .

I love the heaven scene in What Dreams May Come. The first thing he sees is his dog. I won't listen to anyone who tells me that pets don't go to heaven. While I'm still here, I have to believe they do.

I'm so sorry for your loss...it will strike you when you least expect it. Even 7 years later like it did to me tonight. Just remember the love you gave and the love he gave you back. That's all they want...just to love us and be loved in return. Take care.

Dear Becky,

I am sorry about Lucky, but if it had to happen, be happy that he didn't suffer. I know you didn't feel that you didn't have a proper goodbye, but it was nice of you not to wake him up to say goodbye.

I'm sure it will be quite some time before you can see a kitty toy, the cat food aisle, or even a TV commmercial without crying and feeling sad, but the other posters are right who said he was lucky to have such a great life with you and your family.

(((Hugs)))

Suzy

Ahhhhh Becky, I'm so sorry to hear about Lucky. I know how you feel, I lost my Mimmie this month, she was 18. She had cancer also. (kidney)

I did get about 3 days more with her tho....the Dr was giving her IV fluids till my daughter could come home and see her. When my daughter had to go....Mimmie left also about an hour later. I still cry.

I buried her where she liked to sun, and fixed her a plant marker with her name.

I bet Mimmie and Lucky are somewhere up in heaven playing like young kittens again, without a care in the world.

~Hugs~
Lucy

Oh Becky, I'm so sorry to hear about Lucky. Cats are close members of the family in my book so I know this is a painful loss, especially when you didn't get to say goodbye. Can't wait to see the plant you plant for his memory :o)

Me too Becky.. What ever will you plant?
In a while you might be looking around for "TooLucky". Not a replacement, more of a 'junior'. A sweet fluffy kitten... Take your time finding him. Lucky is a very cool cat, a hard act to follow, I'm sure! You will know the 'one' when you find him..

My SIL has always had cats, and every time one passed it was so hard for her..She loved them all so much she wouldn't even talk about it when one passed. I told her about your Lucky, and she said to tell you that after you have taken time to mourn, to get a sweet new kitten. Summer will be the perfect time to do all that training, because you will be off work a couple months.. A new begnning. Lucky would be so proud of you!

Hope your hanging in there alright..
I sure do love you ((Becky))!!

:-Deb

Dear Becky, I don't know if you like this idea, but I just planted some Cat's Whiskers. I think they are really cute plants. Maybe you would consider them. I am so sorry....

Dear Becky, you have my deepest sympathy. There is no pain like that of losing a dear, beloved, fur baby who has been a part of your life for so many years. Only time will ease your pain. Cats are notorious for hiding their pain. It's part of their inherent defense protocol. I have a small grave in my garden and in it lies four of the dearest, fur babies you would ever meet. I said I was never going to get another cat after the last one passed. It was just so painful and I didn't want to go through that pain ever again. All of my cats lived over twenty years. They were all totally inside cats. The last one, Scooter, stared having difficulty walking, so I took her into the vet on a Friday morning. He gave her fluids and wanted to keep her over the week-end so he could have someone come in and do a sonogram on Saturday. He thought she had some sort of fluid built up. She died before they ever got the chance to do the sonogram. He requested an necropsy as he was baffled as to what her problem had been. I wanted to know too and they found she was full of cancer. You would have never known there was anything wrong with her prior to the problem she developed just before we took her to the vet. A stray came into my yard not too long after and she won me over with her antics and playfulness. I scooped her up, took her to the vet for spaying and her shots and brought her inside to live. I got her a buddy last year from the animal rescue people. We all understand your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I don't think anything will help but time.
Sincerely, ShirleyC in Maryland

Thanks to so many of you who have sent their condolences. My vet sent a handwritten card and had flowers delivered. (Which was totally unexpected and very kind. She was so understanding and helpful during this whole ordeal.)

I think the hard thing about this situation is my guilt. I wished I had known Lucky was so sick. And I feel so badly that he spent the entire day at the vet having tests run and then the surgery. I was asked to drop him off in the morning. He was so ill and probably scared being alone at the vet like that. I didn't get back over before the surgery to see him. I will never make that mistake again with any pets. I am just so glad that the idea of waking him up during the surgery to say goodbye was never an option I would consider. I would never put any pet through that for my own peace of mind. It was such a shock.

I miss him most at night, in the mornings before work, and in the afternoons when I get home from work. He always wanted to be out on the back porch with me. We would both sit on the patio furniture and enjoy the birds and squirrels. He is the only one in my entire household that really appreciated the outdoors like I do. I swear he always looked at me like he was smiling and saying ...... this is the good life! lol And he still was purring the last time I saw him.

It's been hard. I miss my little buddy. I will eventually get another cat. But not for a while. Our local humane shelter gets so many cats dropped off every year. Not sure if I will get a kitten or an adult cat, but the good Lord will provide that opportunity when it is time and I will know the "one".

Maggie, I have to agree with you ...."If heaven doesn't have our pets then it's not heaven and I'm not going." Amen.

Thanks to many of you for sharing the story of your own pets and your loss. It is such a difficult loss. I remember someone once told me that if you spell dog backwards you have the word God. I thought that was lovely and I think that goes for most all pets. Our pets ...regardless of whether they are cats, dogs, horses, birds, etc..... are so loving, forgiving, devoted, funny, comforting, and so "there" for us. They are such an amazing blessing in our lives. They ask for so little in return for all that they give. They serve us and so richly bless us. They are truly Godly in nature and I believe that God took great care when he created these companions for us.

I know that time will ease the pain. Right now I still imagine him here and think I hear him or see him or feel him brush up against me. Perhaps a part of his spirit is still lingering. It is sad and comforting at the same time.

I will eventually get another kitty. But for now I have many fond memories of Lucky and will treasure them. Thank you for all your comforting words. I genuinely appreciate your kindness.

Becky, I just found this thread. I want to send my condolences too. I lost my 18 year old Strypurr Lou on December 3. Although I still have 8 more furkids, there is still a hole in my heart where she was. She was always by my side as I did my gardening. My 16 year old Cali is the one who stays beside me now, but she doesn't follow me around like Strypurr did.

The only reason I am telling you this is so you know I know how you feel and hope to give you some comfort. We will never forget our furkids, but we will see them again. I just know it.

Hugs and comforts,
Susan
=^..^=

Oh Becky!
I could have written your exact post 18 years ago, when I lost my precious Lilac Point, Chongee!
He was absolutely fine until one day after eating his breakfast, threw up.
After that, he was never able to keep anything down.
The next morning I took him to our vet, who ALSO thought he had some sort of blockage.
I sat with him for a long while at the vet, until I had to leave for work, confident that after his surgery, he'd be coming home with me.
During exploratory surgery, they found that he had intestinal tumors.
They called me at work and asked me if I wanted to come say goodbye or if I simply wanted to let him go peacefully. (*sniff)
I let him go...............never to see him again.
Afterwards, I kept telling myself that I did what was best for him, but to this day, I still wonder if it was unfair to NOT say goodbye to him...for HIS sake.

Again, Becky...my heart goes out to you.

Here's my sweet Chong........ http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v368/Lellie/WebChong001.jpg?t=1180467205

Susan and Lellie - Thanks for sharing your own loss and your condolences.

Susan - I remember when you lost your kitty. I was in the seeds swap (New Year's seed swap) that you were in and I remember you dropped out because of what happened with your kitty. I think I may have d-mailed you about your loss. It really sadden me to read what happened to Strypurr! (Loved his name.) And I remember thinking that my cat was still young and I would not have to deal with that for some time. I now know Lucky must have been sick back then. I wish I had known then. Maybe something could've been done to save him. I don't know. I just know I miss him. You are so fortunate to have other kitties. I really miss having a cat. I am a cat person and have always had one. I'm just not ready to get another one yet. Maybe before the end of this year. I just don't know.

Lellie - That is so weird that you had a very similar situation with the loss of your kitty Chong. I know I made the right decision to let him go and not wake him up. He would have been so groggy and probably in pain that he would not have understood either way. I am just so thankful that he is no longer suffering. Saying goodbye to him ....for me ..... would not have made my loss any easier. He knew I loved him and he loved me. He was a wonderful cat! I guess what I am feeling so guilty about is that he had to spend his last hours at the vets (probably scared) and I wasn't there with him to comfort him. That is what is haunting me. Never again will I do that. I will be there if at all possible when I have a pet going through any kind of surgery, because you just never know.

Thanks for sharing my loss. Time does help heal. Someday I will dwell more on how he lived and not just how he died.

{{{{{Hugs to all who have lost a beloved pet!}}}}}

Oh Becky, this the first time I've come to the forum in weeks so I just saw the thread. I'm so sorry!! :( I hope that you have had a little time to grieve and are over some of the shock. I'm always amazed at how animals get "human" problems. Don't blame yourself for not knowing.

You were very lucky to have a wonderful pet that was so loving. You won't ever replace your Lucky but I'm sure that someday you'll be ready to give another sweet face many years of love and affection too.

My two cats are just plain weird and annoying, not cuddly. Just to make you feel better, I'll give you one of them? ;) (this is Gary who manuevers himself under the bathmat)

BIG HUGS TO YOU!!!
Paige

Paige - Thanks for the hugs. :-)

Love the photo of Gary! Too cute! The very best cat I ever had was a female tiger stripe like yours, named of course, "Tiger". She lived to be 19 years old and was the sweetest cat I ever had! She came into my life before my children did and was with me through all kinds of moves and changes in my younger years (20's). I want another cat like her. I don't know ..... but from all the many cats I've had ...... the females were by far the sweetest and most loving. The males were hunters, rowdy, and a little bit arrogant. (Lucky was no exception.) Sorta like "guys" in general. LOL! And PLEASE! I don't mean to offend any men here. I just saw a genuine gender difference between the pets I've had. I want a female cat next. I haven't had a female since Tiger died. That's been a long time ago!

I'm not ready yet to get another cat. I need to grieve for the one I just lost. He was a family member and can not be replaced. And my dh isn't in a hurry either to have another cat. He's a dog person. LOL! But he knows I really miss my kitty.

Becky, just found this thread, I'm so sorry, I'm suffering with you. We had our 17 year old cat Socrates euthanized last week. His kidneys had failed. For two weeks I pretty much held him day and night so he would sleep, and hand fed him bits of meat. Somehow you just keep hoping it's not the end.

The same day we found out that our dog Maddy has inoperable cancer.

It's so hard to think of a new critter right away...I know the hole in your heart feels like it will always be there.

dmcdevitt - I am sooooo sorry for your loss and for the news that your dog has terminal cancer. Such a shock! You are doing the best anyone could ask by just loving them and caring for them until you have to say goodbye. My cat, Tiger, had to be euthanized due to kidney failure too. She was 19. I just felt like I was the luckiest person in the world to have had her for all those wonderful years. And I feel the same way about Lucky. I just wished I had more time with him. :'-( But I am so very grateful to God for allowing these dear pets into my life. They were my little earth angels. :-)

{{{{{{Hugs to you!}}}}}}

oh, sorry for everyone !! it's so hard to lose our furry family members.

but lol at Gary - what a great picture, does he always go under the bath mat? I had a cat who liked to stand in the shower with whomever was showering.

Becky! My heart goes out to you, as the loss of my own Tucker is still fresh in my own mind and heart from last December.

Please see the below post, where my Tucker wrote to the other kitties from heaven, and know, in your heart, that this is true, and your Lucky waits for you!

Many hugs and blessing to you Becky, and your family, during this difficult time.

http://davesgarden.com/forums/p.php?pid=3479226

Karen

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your family member. Anyone who say it is "just an animal" can't fathom how important pets are to some of us.

Becky, I can understand not wanting to get another cat, yet. You've got so many critters around you to entertain you for a while. I'd like to suggest a pet RAT for your husband tho. ;)

My female, Miao (meow), is much sweeter than Gary. She is odd (Siamese) but Gary tortures her because he's just just a brat. He is funny tho! He thinks he's a dog. He loves running water too but only got in the shower once and didn't seem to care for it. He does love to get under the bathmat tho. He'll kind of run and slide at it and crawling around flat on the floor until he's worked his way underneath it. LOL! He loves an open duffel bag too.

So sorry to everyone else also!

I am so very, very sorry for your loss. I have four young cats (the oldest two just turned 5) and I know someday that I will be in the same place feeling the same loss. Animals are amazing creatures, especially when they have a bond with humans. I believe your cat was trying to say his good byes to everyone..that is the amazing part.

Best Wishes and my heartfelt sympathies,

Tiffany

Thanks Becky.

I think *somebody* should write a book about a cat named Gary who likes to tunnel under the bath mat! What a hott. What a personality. It's just making me smile!

I think the problem was when my son named Gary after Spongebob's snail/cat. One of the funniest things he's ever done was when he was just a few months old he dove head first into the refrigerator into the tray that holds soda cans! He LOVES cold air and a cold floor. He lays next to a vent or on a cold floor while my other cat lays in the sun or on a pillow. The cutest thing is that he lays outside my sons bedroom door at night like a watchdog.

Not trying to hijack your thread Becky, I just think humor/laughter is a great medicine! I'm sure you've got some funny stories about Lucky. I seem to recall him watching the squirrels??

Here's Gary doing the dishes. Geez, I didn't realize this pic was so old. I need some new ones of him

Paige - I don't mind your cute stories. Though I do feel kinda guilty for posting an obituary here on the Hummingbird and Butterfly forum. But y'all are my friends. I didn't want to post in the pet section where no one would know Lucky or me.

Yes, Lucky and the neighborhood clowns (squirrels) were constantly teasing each other. I've seen the squirrels on the screen since Lucky passed away and I know they were looking for him to play chase. But they have since stopped climbing on the screen. It's no fun anymore when your arch enemy isn't there to try to catch you. lol

For those who didn't know about Lucky and the squirrels antics and are interested to read about it, it's on this thread:
http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/705458/

KBlonde - that Gary cracks me up - he's got his nose in the middle of everything!

Becky - I'm so glad you're back posting, it's always nice to see a post from you on Dave's !!!