I'm on my way to put my cat Tiffany to sleep now

[flamingyouth]

She's 16-1/2 years old and she's fought the good fight. She's had renal failure for more than two years and three years ago had major lung surgery. But now her organs are failing rapidly, she's down to 5 lbs. and can't go on any more.

I really hate this year.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

1. This has been a shitty year for you

I'm sorry FY...hugs to Tiffany and you

[flamingyouth]

33. Yeah, it has been a shitty year

It's so weird. I just feel completely numb, empty inside. Like nothing. It's the strangest thing how calm I've been through all of this.

Thank you.

[lectrobyte]

2. Sorry to hear of your loss.

[flamingyouth]

34. Thank you

[eyesroll]

3. Oh, jeez, Lisa...it's just been one thing after another...

(((flamingyouth)))


Things have really been unfair for you.
I'm sorry for everything you've had to go through. Please know we're here if you need us.

[flamingyouth]

35. Thanks, hon

You guys are very good to me.

[jay-3d]

4. KC

My cat is 12 years old. A Kitten will find you soon...

[flamingyouth]

36. I've got three at home now

Check out their pics in the gallery - you can see sweet Tiffy there too.

[GOPisEvil]

5. Aw, Lisa...I'm so sorry for your loss.

[flamingyouth]

37. Thank you

[amber dog democrat]

6. This is the right thing to do - however sad and hard this is.

It is not like you have loto of options here. Not good ones anyway.
You have gone the distance, and I am sure she knows you are there for her.
Sorry to hear it. I hope you will have many fond memories.

[flamingyouth]

38. No, there were no humane options

We went through this in January with our cat Chester, who I think suffered far too much, and then we ultimately had to euthanize him after a week in critical care. She was still able to stand up and give head bumps and love this morning, so she went out with the style and panache with which she lived.

[ronnykmarshall]

7. We love ya !

RIP sweet Tiffany. Give Mickey a little head bump when ya see him.

[flamingyouth]

40. She will indeed do so

Tiffany was the world's greatest hostess. At a party - she totally knew how to work a room - always went up to every single person and introduced herself and jumped right up on everyone's lap.

I'm sure she'll be meeting Mickey right away and they'll be fast friends.

Thanks, Ronny. I was so glad to see your sweet kitties' pics yesterday.

[Beware the Beast Man]

8. Truly awful, I'm so sorry

In light of the kind things you said about my Eleanor a few days ago, I give you my condolences.

[flamingyouth]

41. It's a hard thing to do

I know you've been there.

[MuseRider]

9. I'm so sorry.

This is a really tough time for you. You are doing the right thing, you know that but I just wanted to send that little bit of support. I hope this is the end of all of this for you. Let us know how you are doing, OK? Take care.

[flamingyouth]

42. Thank you so much

The support of everyone here really keeps me going, I have to tell you. DU is filled with the nicest people in the world, I tell you!

[TX-RAT]

10. I'm very sorry

I've had to do that too many times. It always painful. 16 1/2yrs is a long life, she's a lucky girl.

[flamingyouth]

43. Thank you

[ET Awful]

11. I'm so sorry :(

This just isn't your year you poor thing.

You've been there for her though, that's what counts, and your still there to ease her suffering.

I'm sending positive vibes your way.

E

[flamingyouth]

44. No - let's all work extra hard for a Kerry win in November

And we can make up for all the other crappy stuff that's been going on in my life!

Thanks so much for your support.

[flamingyouth]

45. No - let's all work extra hard for a Kerry win in November

And we can make up for all the other crappy stuff that's been going on in my life!

Thanks so much for your support.

[emulatorloo]

12. You gave her a long happy life

For all the joy she gave you.

[flamingyouth]

46. Ah, she gave me far more

Never was there a sweeter, funnier cat. I'll miss her so much. Thank you.

[Deb]

13. I'm so sorry

We put my "baby" to sleep because of renal failure too. Sending good thoughts your way.

[flamingyouth]

47. Thank you, Deb

So sorry for your loss too.

[rbnyc]

14. So sorry. It's a very hard thing to do...

...but I'm sure you know, the right thing. Tiffany is lucky to have been so loved by you, poor sweet kiity.

[flamingyouth]

48. Thank you, Rene

I hope you're doing well - been thinking of you lately.

[rbnyc]

56. Thank you.

I'll be thinking of you too, especially tonight.

[RubyDuby in GA]

15. I am so sorry for your loss

I still cry over my precious little Ruby (12 year old mini dachshund) that passed away in February 2003. I will hug my little one, Rusty, for you tonight.

[flamingyouth]

49. Oh, thank you

Those little dachsies sure grab your heart - I have a good mini dachshund friend named Lucy whom I adore. Please do hug Rusty for me.

[Dookus]

16. aw crap, FY...

I'm so sorry. You're doing the right thing for Tiffany, but that doesn't make it any less painful. I'll be thinking about you.

[flamingyouth]

50. Thank you, Dookus

For everything.

[m-jean03]

17. I'm so sorry, Lisa!

I'm sure you've given her a wonderful life... Hang in there...

There's lots of love comin' to ya from all over the world.

[flamingyouth]

51. My only regret is not giving her more cans

She constantly begged for them, but I didn't want her to get sick from eating too much of it. Never again will I keep Fancy Feast from a begging kitty. Thanks, dear.

[fudge stripe cookays]

18. Oh sweetie, I'm so sorry.

You know where I am if you need to cray a little.

We went through this with our Pooh a couple months ago, and I couldn't do it. reprehensor had to take her. I was so crushed.

This has been such a monumentally crummy year for you. There's nowhere to go but up.

Tiffany and Oreo can hang out and do some cat chat over a tin of tunafish and some Tender Vittles. Don't worry about her. She'll be crossing that rainbow bridge.

Hugs for you.


FSC

[flamingyouth]

52. That's the spirit - there is nowhere to go but up

Must. Keep. Repeating. This!

Thanks, my friend, for everything.

[sus]

19. I am so sorry...

i'm sure nothing i could say will make you feel better so i'll just keep you and Tiffany in my thoughts tonight.

[flamingyouth]

53. Thank you so much

[villager]

20. condolences, FY...

I've been through the whole "shitty year" thing, too... but can report that there actually is a yonder side to such years...

hang in there, condolences to you and Ms. Kitty, and I'll buy ya a margarita next time yer down L.A. way...

[flamingyouth]

54. Thanks, hon

I'll definitely take you up on the margarita. I know things haven't been swell for you either. Like fudge stripe cookays said upthread, there is only one way to go now - UP!

Thanks for everything - hope to see you soon.

[jukes]

21. i share your pain

did the same last tuesday to my 2nd best friend ever.

it's a kindness, truly. you're a good guy to ease her through.

[flamingyouth]

55. Thanks, jukes

And I'm very sorry for your loss too.

[commander bunnypants]

22. I am so sorry FL

You have been hit this year.
peace my friend. You are a strong soul


DDQM--- Remember The Sebastian Cattbutt will show your kitty the ropes..

PM if you need

DDQM

[flamingyouth]

57. Thanks, dear

She's up there with Chester and Sebastian Catbutt now, having the time of her life. I appreciate everything.

[curse10]

23. I'm so saddened to hear that

I know it probably doesn't help- but I'm sure she had a great life and it was a very long one. Hopefully this is for the best and she can pass on painlessly

[flamingyouth]

58. It actually helps a lot

Thank you very much. She didn't need to suffer anymore. I really didn't have any options.

[bbmykel]

24. Oh I'm so sorry

Comfort to you and Tiffany.

[flamingyouth]

59. Thank you very much

[hlthe2b]

25. I'm so sorry for you, but so happy that your kitty will no longer have to

suffer. As one who has seen many humans die lingering horrendously painful protracted deaths (including close family members), I can only be reassured that our love for our animals is proven by this act--one which provides the most peaceful end to their suffering. If there is a heaven, there surely must be a special place for our beloved pets. So my dearly departed kitties and pups will surely be there to meet her.

Take consolation in knowing you made the right decision for her--and gain peace in knowing she left you the best gift--her lifetime of memories and pure unconditional love. Your gift to her, the best care you could to ensure a long happy life. At 16 1/2 years, Tiffany clearly received that in spades.

I hope just as soon as you are ready, you will reach out to provide another deserving and needy animal a loving home. I think in the end that this is the best tribute we can make to those dearly loved pets we've lost. Best wishes.

[flamingyouth]

61. I have three cats at home now

I think I will probably just stay where I'm at. Four was a lot to take care of after losing my husband, especially since Tiffany has been sick for years and was on meds daily. One of my other cats, Winky, has a chronic illness as well, so I really have my hands full.

I love them all so much and they bring me so much joy. Thank you for your kind words - it's always good to hear from another animal lover.

[MrsMatt]

26. What you are doing

is one of the kindest and bravest things you can do for such a loyal and beloved friend. It is also heartrendingly difficult, especially in light of what you've had to endure this summer.

We were facing a similar situation last summer(geriatric cat with renal failure, severe arthritis and intermittant incontinance problems), but Bettina decided to take matters into her own paws and walked out the front door for good July 16th 2003. We never did find her poor, worn out body. But she lived really good and healthy life and we were blessed to have had her for the 19 years she lived.

Tiffany is very lucky to have someone as generous and loving as you in her life and someday she'll be able to thank you for this gift.

My thoughts and prayers are with you yet again.

Marie

P.s. I'll send a thought to my beloved Bettina not to give Tiffany a hard time. Betty in her prime was hell on paws, and probably thinks she owns heaven. I know she'll listen to me, since I was her favorite!

[flamingyouth]

62. LOL - I would have liked Bettina, I bet

They know when it's time to go. Now that I look back over the past few days, Tiffany had been telling me in her own way. This morning she couldn't jump up on my lap, and lately she couldn't keep herself clean. She had always been so meticulous and it really bothered her not to be clean, so I bathed her every other day. I gave her my best spa treatment - she was a fancy lady.

[dolo amber]

27. Lisa...

[Stew225]

29. Lisa, I'm sorry. Been there and one that and

it's a very difficult thing to do. Be well, though, and enjoy the fond memories.

[flamingyouth]

65. I have lots to remember

Thank you

[flamingyouth]

63. Thank you, Diane

[CO Liberal]

28. (((( Lisa ))))

I'm so sorry, but Tiffany obviously had a good life and a loving home.

Be sure to visit the Rainbow Bridge site:

http://www.rainbowbridge.com/

[flamingyouth]

64. I love that site

Thank you

[GCP]

30. My thoughts are with you

I've been through this myself and it's heartbreaking, but what you're doing is the kindest thing for her. She's had a good life and she's been loved, she'll pass on with no pain and though you'll drive home bawling your eyes out like I did, you've given her the best gift, a peaceful quiet passing.

Anybody who loves animals like you obviously do is a real human being in my book.

We'll all be thinking of you

[flamingyouth]

66. Thank you - what a nice thing to say

I do indeed love animals - some may say pathologically so! But I sure loved this little one. She was really fun, sweet and adorable - everything you could ever dream of in a cat. Thanks so much.

[izzie]

31. I have a sick one but hope th e pills keep her OK for a few more years.

Sad to see them go.

[flamingyouth]

67. I'd had Tiffany on meds for more than five years

So, you can definitely prolong their lives through treatment and care. Good luck to you and your little one.

[Cybergata]

32. Oh dear....

...my heart and soul are with you. I've only had to put one cat to sleep, but I was too upset to go to work for a few days. Tigre still visits me in my sleep on occasion, and I feel his presence now and then.

I have 2 older cats, 15 and 13, and they have been my beloved friends who have been there for me through a break up with a significant other. When I have to let them go, it may take more than a few days for me to be able to do anything.

Take care of yourself. Your beloved kitten will no longer be suffering, but you may not be.

Thunder, Time to log off the computer!

[flamingyouth]

69. Thank you so much

It's a very hard thing to do, but after losing my husband last month, I'm still extremely numb. I'm comforted to know that she is free from pain now. Sending good vibes to you and your cats - may they live long and healthy lives as well.

[Cybergata]

103. Oh double dear,

I'm new here, and don't now much about anyone, but you poor dear. I know how hard it is to go through a string of painful losses, and I really feel for you dear one. I can promise you everyday you will get stronger and be an even more awesome woman than you ever believed you could be. I really wish I could give you a hug right now.

[flamingyouth]

118. Welcome to DU

And I thank you doubly for your kind words to me, which really do mean so much. This is a great community of people - you will see very soon.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

39. I'm so sorry

My cat Lulu had renal failure too, and in the end she was suffering. My thoughts are with you and Tiffany!

[flamingyouth]

70. Thank you, hon

I know, you just can't stand to watch them suffer like that. I couldn't take it for another second.

[RoadRunner]

60. Oh, Damn, Lisa!

So sorry. All this stuff shouldn't keep happening to you. You are one brave woman.

[flamingyouth]

71. Thanks, Sam

I hope you're doing well. We miss you downstairs.

[agates]

68. I'm so sorry

.

[flamingyouth]

72. Thank you

[Pale Blue Dot]

73. I'm so sorry, Lisa

If you need someone to talk to, you know where to find me.

[flamingyouth]

78. I do indeed

Thank you.

[NashVegas]

74. Sorry Sweetie

I guarantee you, she'll be in good company




Nikki the Wondercat 1983-1998

[flamingyouth]

80. Oh, what a sweet baby

RIP, Nikki. She had a good, long life too. Thank you.

[newyawker99]

75. I am sorry Lisa!

[flamingyouth]

81. Thank you, Roni

[Khephra]

76. I'm so sorry for your loss

We've had a bad year for pets too. We had to put to sleep both of my mom's 16 year old dogs and one of my 16 year old cats in the last 6 months.

[flamingyouth]

82. I'm so sorry for you

That is so much to take in such a short period of time.

[Khephra]

85. It was...

It was one of the things that helped push me off the waggon earlier this year.

Love to you and yours. You have my prayers.

[Taverner]

77. It has been a shitty year...hugs your way

[flamingyouth]

83. Yeah, indeed it has

When I rang this year in, I never expected this.

Most of all, I certainly never expected my 16-year-old cat to outlive my 39-year-old husband.

[Cuban_Liberal]

79. I'm really sorry.

Although it's hard to do, it's the loving and merciful thing, as you know. Good thoughts coming your way from Illinois.

[flamingyouth]

84. Thanks, Tony

all my best to you and Paddy.

[Cuban_Liberal]

86. Thanks, Lisa!

He said to tell you he's sorry, too, and sends his love.

[CrownPrinceBandar]

87. Ay yai yai FY!!!......................

A bad year is right! Things HAVE to look up now. Hang tough.

FD

[flamingyouth]

93. Things already are

Who can be down when there are all these nice people on DU to cheer me up?

[onebigbadwulf]

88. Here's a question...

Looking back on your suffering and the suffering of the cat as you put her to sleep now, do you think it would have been better to do it 3 years ago when the problems started?

[flamingyouth]

92. No - she was very happy right up to the end today n/t

[kodi]

89. my sympathies are with you

you are justified in your emotions.

each of my late dogs that i have had as an adult died in my arms. it breaks you up.

but, hopefully what you realize is that in reflection you did treat her as you now wish you had when she was there for you.

[flamingyouth]

94. It's so weird not having her here tonight

I'm sure you know the feeling. Thanks

[Misunderestimator]

90. Damn... I'm sorry that you have to endure even more pain...

It comes in spades I guess.

[flamingyouth]

95. Yeah, and hopefully it's over for now

[sleepyhead]

91. just found this.

Sorry to hear about your loss. Be thankful that you were able to give Tiffany the gift of peace. I think we are sometimes more humane with our pets than with humans. My mother passed away (with difficulty) from renal failure and I actually feel that it is a blessing when I can help a suffering kitty into the next world.

[flamingyouth]

96. I am sorry about your mother

I think it's a horrible thing to watch people suffer, and I agree with what you say here. At least they are free from pain.

[ulysses]

97. damn

I'm really sorry to hear that.

[Mikimouse]

98. I'm SO sorry...

I grieve with you. I know how hard this year has been for you and can only hope that things get better, and soon. My very best wishes and hugs to you. Nick

[latebloomer]

99. I'm sorry for all your loss

Life can be so fuckin sad.

Love and light to you-

[Zomby Woof]

100. :-( :-( :-(

I am so sorry Lisa. Thank you for providing her with love and care for so very long. She was lucky to have you.

[GOPFighter]

101. So Damn Sorry!

I was all prepared to post a funny story about our little kitten here in the Lounge, but I just read of your loss and suddenly it doesn't seem so funny.

My heart goes out to you. Tiffany will always live on in your heart and mind. I had a cat, Sam, when I was a kid and even now, 30 years later, memories of some of his antics can have me in stitches sometimes.

RIP Tiffany. RIP Sam.

[SnohoDem]

102. It's so sad to do this

but it is our final obligation to our pets. She's been a good girl and deserves her rest.

[ornotna]

104. Bummer

Sorry to hear this. I'm sure you have many fond memories to comfort you through this time of sorrow. Best wishes.

[mvd]

105. Oh, my - I'm very sorry, flamingyouth

You are in my thoughts.

[Rhiannon12866]

106. I am so very, very sorry!

I have been there and understand. In fact, your post is making me cry. I lost my kitty in February. She was only 13. I rescued her from outside and she always remained somewhat skittish. I got extensive dental work done on her and she became a totally different cat, even jumping up in the chair with me or sitting next to the computer while I typed. She must have been so uncomfortable and I just wish I had known and done this sooner. Then she got sick and became reclusive again, so I had to take her to the vet to get her treated because I couldn't do it myself. I feel so bad because I just wanted for her to finally feel at home and safe. I miss her.

[flamingyouth]

109. I bet you do miss her

I know you do, in fact. They always stay in our hearts, though. I just wish they lived longer - that's the sucky part.

[Rhiannon12866]

121. How very sweet of you to have replied to me in this very long thread!

Especially, since you have just lost your Tiffany, on top of everything else, so my heart goes out to you. Yes, I cannot come in this room without looking for my cat. She was sequestered in here, on the advice of Alley Cat Allies, who sent me articles on how to socialize a feral. The sad fact is that she was not a true feral, but a housecat that was forced to suddenly be on her own. Her ordeal just broke my heart and I just wanted to make everything alright for her again.

I am also still missing my perfect Rhiannon. She was the cat of a lifetime and I lost her at age seven. I would have done anything possible and did, but still lost her. I am beginning to wonder if God just doesn't want me to have a cat. When I was a little girl, that's all I wanted, but my mother was not big on cats, so I was forced to wait. I still have my two dogs, Meneken and Sara, who are wonderful pets, but I really do miss having a cat.

You have articulated the problem. We outlive them. I lost my beloved cocker spaniel, Barney, at age 18, and know I was lucky to have had him as long as I did, but this doesn't make it any easier, as with your Tiffany. They leave such an empty place. I have lost too many animals over the past few years. My vets tell me that this is because I take older animals that may not have had the best of care, as was certainly true with my kitty, but this doesn't ease the pain of loss. Just know that my thoughts are with you.

[AlFrankenFan]

107. Oh my god I'm so sorry

Least you get to say goodbye and she lived a good long life.

When I was in 3rd grade I noticed my big newfie was missing and went to tell my mom and she and my step-dad has taken her in the night to put her to sleep cause she has cancer.

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

108. I am SO sorry, Lisa

You have had a crappy year. Lots of love and prayers go out to you on the loss of your beloved kitty. You did the right thing by ending her suffering. I was prepared to do the same for my Ferg last August (can it be so long?) had he not left me on his own that morning. It certainly doesn't get any easier! Maybe Tiffany and Ferg are playing together right now!

Take care.

[flamingyouth]

110. Thank you so much

I bet they are playing together. Tiffany was quite the player in her day. She was the High Mistress of Cat Dancer - no one could jump higher - it makes me laugh to even think of it now. Thanks, and I'm sorry about Ferg.

[flamingyouth]

111. She was ready to go

She couldn't jump up on my lap today, and I just knew. It really upset her, and her eyes looked all cloudy.

I'm sorry about your newfie. That happened to my late husband - his parents just took his cat Tweekie away when he was 12 and had him put to sleep without telling him. He never really got over it. It's important to say goodbye, I think, but you were so young they did what they thought was best for you.

[SOteric]

112. I'm so very sorry for the loss of your dear little friend, Lisa.

I lost my own little Romeo to renal failure 2 months ago. They certainly do carve out a place in our hearts.

[flamingyouth]

115. I was thinking of Romeo today, you know

I like to think of them as becoming instant friends today. Tiffany was very social - she loved everyone. We were together for more than 12 years, and her loss is great. But ah, a life well lived, well, that is something.

[fortyfeetunder]

113. Sorry to hear about your cat.

I can't imagine your pain at the moment, but sympathise with your moment of sorrow.

You are experiencing as the Queen of England once said an "annus horribilis" but you are showing strength and dignity as you face these challenges. Take care

[flamingyouth]

116. Thank you

You are too kind.

[Susang]

114. I'm so sorry for what you and your Tiffany are going through

This really is a shitty year, isn't it? I lost my kitty too earlier this spring and was very hard. I hope that you are doing okay.

[flamingyouth]

117. I'm actually doing well

I've had a tremendous sense of peace come over me tonight. I know that she is free and happy; I just sense it. People and animals who have such an influence on us never truly leave us, I believe. And I'm very sorry to hear of your own loss. I hope you're doing okay and that the memories keep you smiling even when you feel down.

[VOX]

119. I'm so very sorry about your Tiffany, Lisa...

Even when it's time, it's always so hard to say goodbye to our cross-species friends. It's constantly surprising (and comforting) to be aware of just how strong that bond is.

My best to you --

[devilgrrl]

120. I'm sorry sweetie.

You are in
my thoughts

[nickgutierrez]

122. Man, what a terrible year...

There's got to be some good karma coming your way sometime soon. Hang in there.

[Rhiannon12866]

123. You should take heart in the responses to this thread

I think it is in indication as to how much you, and Tiffany, are loved on DU. This is not a small thing. BTW, we also share a name.

[arwalden]

124. The Most Difficult And Heartbreaking Decision Is Probably The Correct One

I'm truly sorry that you must go through that. Tiffany is very lucky to have lived such a long life and to have been loved and cared-for so much by you. I'm sure she knows, and she loves you right back for all that you've done for her.



-- Allen