General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsI had to put my kitty to sleep today.
He really wasn't "my kitty." He belonged to a neighbor who lived across the street and he and his wife were the parents to this Tuxedo kitty cat. The wife died and the plans the couple had had prior to her death were that hubbie, who was 11 years older than wife, would go first and all the life insurance, burial funds, mortgage insurance, would support her in her final days. Some times, good planning does not prevent really bad outcomes. She was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer and died very soon thereafter leaving Hubbie and the cat in basically a very bad financial predicament.
My friend, the Hubbie, did not have the financial ability to stay in his home. He simply could not afford it. I had just lost my gentleman friend of 12 years to kidney cancer, diagnosed at stage 4. So, with an empty spare bedroom, I said to my widower neighbor, come stay with me...and he brought his cat, Domino, with him. My Scottie, AB, was NOT pleased, but after a few weeks, there was a détente between the four-legged children. Today, Domino went to that big Cat House in the sky to be with his Daddy and Best Friend, JB.
Domino, when he came to be my roommate along with his Cat Dad, was already an elderly cat who did not tolerate the Scottie puppy very well. His age I estimated to be 19 years at time of his death today. He was a regal, old man who felt he should and did control the household environment.
Today he was suffering. He could not walk, he did eat, but he was so lethargic. I could not see putting this very elderly cat through any sort of treatment to prolong his life. I was told by the Vet that his lungs were filling with fluid. It was time to let the Tuxedo cat go, go to my friend and former roommate who had passed away four and a half years ago, leaving Domino with me to be his Cat Mom.
I am sure that today these two best buddies, JB and Domino, are both over that Rainbow Bridge and cuddled together with all of my Scotties of the past who are welcoming the only cat who has ever lived with me. I am hoping that they are cuddled together and that they will look down on and after me until I cross to be with them and allow me to watch the butterflies that share their place with all of the beloved animals that have passed.
Good Kitty, Domino, and thank you for letting me be your Mom for the last few years of your life. The Scottie and I love you and miss you, but we are sure your Daddy is very, very glad to have you with him.
samplegirl
(11,555 posts)are our family. I had my cat 19 years and it really was horrible losing him.
Scottie Mom
(5,812 posts)He was such a loving cat. When you held him, he actually hugged you.
Hugh_Lebowski
(33,643 posts)That's a beautiful recollection. Thanks for sharing.
niyad
(114,312 posts)and comfort to his grieving loved ones.
so very sorry for the loss of your precious Domino. Thank you for sharing him with us. I know that he, and all your beloved companions, will be waiting for you when it is your turn to cross.
nocoincidences
(2,239 posts)That's all the sweet cat needed.
Sorry for your loss.
cilla4progress
(24,861 posts)Been through this recently, too. Harder than I would have thought.
yardwork
(61,868 posts)wendyb-NC
(3,366 posts)Thanks, for sharing that account. May they both R.I.P.
Blessings to you.
peacebuzzard
(5,191 posts)Sorry for the loss of Domino, fare well little kitten who brought so much joy to all.
Sad parting; glad little Domino found a safe place with you Scottiemom; however brief but pleasant and joyful and safe. 🌸🌈🌻
raging moderate
(4,331 posts)This is so hard to do, every time! You gave your cat many good years!
dameatball
(7,412 posts)the same decision and I am a basket case. 15 year old mixed breed, mostly Border collie I think. Sweetest dog in the world, at least for me. Letting a friend go in peace is so difficult. You are not alone in grieving for friend.
spooky3
(34,583 posts)tavernier
(12,461 posts)The tiniest things can wriggle inside of your heart and leave the biggest hole when theyre gone.
roamer65
(36,749 posts)May Domino RIP.
brer cat
(24,726 posts)and then let him go with kindness so he wouldn't suffer. You were a great adoptive mom.
😢
Diamond_Dog
(32,309 posts)Thank you for sharing your loving memories with us.
sinkingfeeling
(51,538 posts)LoisB
(7,301 posts)"Dad".
Scottie Mom
(5,812 posts)Rhiannon12866
(207,768 posts)But I have been there before, brings back memories, as it has for you. However, you gave him love and comfort, the ability to be with his Dad - and he was so very lucky to have had you.
PatrickforB
(14,619 posts)It is heart wrenching to do but like Domino, our boy couldn't walk any more. We had a home-visit vet come and he passed surrounded by we who loved him.
B.See
(1,445 posts)Deuxcents
(16,563 posts)3catwoman3
(24,193 posts)What an act of love and generosity to take in both the elderly gentleman and Domino.
Scottie Mom
(5,812 posts)I had just lost someone I dearly loved and so had JB. We were good friends and good for each other during the time of mourning our losses. Both he and his Tuxedo cat Domino were good company for me.
B.See
(1,445 posts)Chi67
(1,096 posts)It's always the worst when pets die, because all they ever give us is love.
spooky3
(34,583 posts)Maru Kitteh
(28,354 posts)just hugs
And for good measure, it seems I will go ahead and have a good cry with you.
orthoclad
(2,910 posts)misanthrope
(7,444 posts)Saying goodbye is excruciating sometimes.
Jack-o-Lantern
(981 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
BaronChocula
(1,669 posts)and blessing to you for being such a human to those in need.
ailsagirl
(22,930 posts)Im so sorry for your lossI know, its excruciating.
highplainsdem
(49,217 posts)You were a blessing in JB and Domino's lives. Like you, I'm sure that they've been reunited, and that they'll be watching over you.
arthritisR_US
(7,304 posts)work and I had to text her 2days before she was to come home that our sweet Saddle had died in my arms at bedtime. Its so fecking hard to loose the wee ones we love. My heart is so with you luv, not only what you did for that beauty but what you did for its parent, you are totally remarkable !❤️
Celerity
(44,028 posts)RIP Domino
milestogo
(16,829 posts)virgdem
(2,133 posts)that he deserved. RIP Domino
debm55
(25,861 posts)stage left
(2,970 posts)Loss of sweet Domino.
MerryBlooms
(11,779 posts)I can't imagine my life without them. My boys are very healthy and spry, and I am so thankful. They've always been indoor only, unless leashed. Have beautiful healthy teeth, which I think is a sign of many years ahead.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Time will help with the grief, and you'll smile instead of cry, eventually. Take care. 😘
Stinky The Clown
(67,869 posts)Karadeniz
(22,640 posts)FirstLight
(13,396 posts)Thank YOU for having the heart and compassion to bring them both into your home and offer them both a warm loving space to finish their stay in the planet. Blessings to you All
Sky Jewels
(7,238 posts)Ive been a cat person since I was born. The only time I was without feline company was when I was in college (and even then Id roam the neighborhood looking for pussy cats to love). Life without kitties is unimaginable to me. 😻
pazzyanne
(6,560 posts)Bless you for giving Domino love and a home late in life!
RIP, Domino!
irisblue
(33,111 posts)bamagal62
(3,289 posts)I lost my sweet Misty at 18. Its not easy. Hugs to you.
Raine
(30,565 posts)they really do leave paw prints on your heart.🐾 💕
Bayard
(22,341 posts)You were a good Mom, and friend.
SilverDawg
(799 posts)For your loss.
area51
(11,953 posts)malaise
(269,663 posts)Putting pets down hurts.
That is all
CTyankee
(63,945 posts)I stayed by her side as she just went to sleep, as I was petting her and saying "good dog" over and over. It was the last thing I wanted her to hear...
UpInArms
(51,299 posts)spanone
(136,034 posts)wryter2000
(46,206 posts)RIP Domino
LetMyPeopleVote
(146,354 posts)It is hard to say goodbye to a member of your family
yagotme
(3,064 posts)Had to put my "little" (she was a tubby thing, until her last year) calico down a few years ago. She was 25. Had her from kittenhood.
JudyM
(29,322 posts)That matters so much.
Wishing you comfort
dawn5651
(605 posts)beloved fur kids.
onecaliberal
(33,087 posts)I hope you are comforted knowing Domino and dad are together again. Hugs. 💔
hamsterjill
(15,229 posts)It is so hard to make the decision, but it is one of the most heroic things one does for a suffering creature.
Peace and comfort to you.
patphil
(6,286 posts)MLAA
(17,445 posts)both. You are a generous of spirit and soul person. Im sending you hugs and comfort.