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happybird

(4,627 posts)
Wed Jan 31, 2024, 04:15 PM Jan 2024

Pooper is gone

Last edited Wed Jan 31, 2024, 09:23 PM - Edit history (4)

We went to the vet yesterday because it was time. It was the right thing to do but my heart is still broken. I’m going through 13 years of photos and will post a tribute sometime soon.

Thanks to everyone for your support this past month. It means more than I can say.





The vet made this for me. I baked it today and it turned out well.




Edit to add:

Thank you so much for all the kind words. It really does help.


I just got home from picking up her ashes. We use a great local, family-owned business that does individual cremations. They included a clay paw print (one is for my Mom) and clippings of her fur. She's up on the mantel with her brothers and sisters now. Having her back here at home has made something in me settle. The grief feels more gentle now, less raw, if that makes sense.



She’s all the way on the right with her sonic chipmunk toy.



77 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Pooper is gone (Original Post) happybird Jan 2024 OP
So sorry for your loss. johnp3907 Jan 2024 #1
Such a sweetie. Archae Jan 2024 #2
I am so sorry for your loss. MOMFUDSKI Jan 2024 #3
Non-pet owners have a very hard time imagining how intense the pain, but few of us here do not... hlthe2b Jan 2024 #4
Sending you deepest sympathy on your loss virgdem Jan 2024 #5
I'm so sorry for your loss of Pooper. May the memories livetohike Jan 2024 #6
I'm so sorry. The final act of love for our furbabies is the hardest. CousinIT Jan 2024 #7
Aw. I am so sorry. LoisB Jan 2024 #8
I feel you. ❤️ LSVann Jan 2024 #9
Welcome to our DU family, especially our pet family. niyad Jan 2024 #43
Such a beautiful kitty montanacowboy Jan 2024 #10
So very sorry.. Tikki Jan 2024 #11
I have a rock like that. SarahD Jan 2024 #12
🕯I am so so sorry irisblue Jan 2024 #13
Heartfelt condolences Siwsan Jan 2024 #14
I'm so sorry for your terrible loss, happybird. brer cat Jan 2024 #15
My condolences. I just went through the same thing last month. iscooterliberally Jan 2024 #16
Thank you happybird Jan 2024 #17
That sounds like a really good plan. iscooterliberally Jan 2024 #24
Do not be surprised if you see her at the door waiting for you. She wants niyad Jan 2024 #49
I swear Leo used to visit me happybird Jan 2024 #54
You are absolutely correct. niyad Jan 2024 #56
So sorry... PCIntern Jan 2024 #18
I know how broken your heart is today. My deepest sympathy. sinkingfeeling Jan 2024 #19
I am really sorry. She was as beautiful cat. Maraya1969 Jan 2024 #20
Omg, Pooper was so adorable. Sky Jewels Jan 2024 #21
We found her as a kitten in a Wendy's parking lot happybird Jan 2024 #45
Squeeeeeeeeeeeee niyad Jan 2024 #52
Awww! Sky Jewels Jan 2024 #55
So sorry XanaDUer2 Jan 2024 #22
I am sorry. PlutosHeart Jan 2024 #23
What a beautiful Pooper! I'm sorry for your pain. ❤️ 1WorldHope Jan 2024 #25
What a sweetheart! Auggie Jan 2024 #26
Sending you hugs and RIP dear, loved Pooper.💗 MLAA Jan 2024 #27
I'm so sorry for your loss cate94 Jan 2024 #28
What a sweet looking girl. nocoincidences Jan 2024 #29
I am sorry. KarenS Jan 2024 #30
Tuxedo Kittys are the Best!! Nictuku Jan 2024 #31
these little guys leave such huge holes in our lives... samnsara Jan 2024 #32
I'm so sorry Diamond_Dog Jan 2024 #33
I am so sorry. There is never enough time. RIP Sweet baby Pooper. onecaliberal Jan 2024 #34
She's such a pretty girl. Mosby Jan 2024 #35
RIP AltairIV Jan 2024 #36
it is so sad rambler_american Jan 2024 #37
I am so very sorry for your loss as well. niyad Jan 2024 #47
I'm so very sorry. StarryNite Jan 2024 #38
Very sorry... rogerballard Jan 2024 #39
Condolences Jean Genie Jan 2024 #40
I've been looking at the Friend of Homeless Animals website today happybird Jan 2024 #51
Excellent plan, my dear happybird. pazzyanne Feb 2024 #71
Their time to go is never our time to let them go Warpy Jan 2024 #41
I'm so sorry, i know how much that hurts. CaptainTruth Jan 2024 #42
So very sorry Chicagogrl1 Jan 2024 #44
Lady Bast, please take Your little Pooper gently home in Your loving arms, niyad Jan 2024 #46
I'm sorry, happybird. I know how lonely you must feel missing Pooper judesedit Jan 2024 #48
I share your sadness. My deepest condolences. flashman13 Jan 2024 #50
So sorry. R.I.P., Pooper - a beautiful cat! Ocelot II Jan 2024 #53
It is hard saying goodbye to a family member LetMyPeopleVote Jan 2024 #57
Not much that one can say, when you lose such a beloved companion. I lost my doggie after 17 years, and I'm still SWBTATTReg Jan 2024 #58
Pooper JustTooMuch Jan 2024 #59
so sorry,she's a cutie! jtb653 Jan 2024 #60
Thank you happybird Jan 2024 #62
Oh, no. Damn. Laffy Kat Jan 2024 #61
I'm so sorry for the loss of your beautiful kitty. Mousetoescamper Feb 2024 #63
What a lovely memorial for your babies. It is understandable that you feel niyad Feb 2024 #64
I share your loss - beautiful cat. bluboid Feb 2024 #65
Condolences orangecrush Feb 2024 #66
i realised that pets shorter lives mean you can have more + 'spares' are a great thing. pansypoo53219 Feb 2024 #67
So sorry for your loss. Behind the Aegis Feb 2024 #68
I'm glad you went right for the "Pooper" True Dough Feb 2024 #69
Hugs Duncanpup Feb 2024 #70
So sorry, happybird. 70sEraVet Feb 2024 #72
I am so sorry for your loss UpInArms Feb 2024 #73
happybird.............. Upthevibe Feb 2024 #74
She was a beautiful girl. I feel so sorry for you. Losing a loved pet is so heartaching. Fla Dem Feb 2024 #75
I'm so sorry for your loss wendyb-NC Feb 2024 #76
So sorry to hear about Pooper MacKasey Feb 2024 #77

hlthe2b

(102,376 posts)
4. Non-pet owners have a very hard time imagining how intense the pain, but few of us here do not...
Wed Jan 31, 2024, 04:20 PM
Jan 2024
Best thing I can think of to get through this period with that very empty hole in your heart is to focus on your good memories and get outside (if weather allows) to walk or at least experience some sun and nature. Long walks in areas where there are no people-- also lets you vent, cry, and laugh when a happier memory comes through. Very supportive, cathartic, and ultimately healing if only over considerable time.

CousinIT

(9,257 posts)
7. I'm so sorry. The final act of love for our furbabies is the hardest.
Wed Jan 31, 2024, 04:32 PM
Jan 2024

Letting them go when it's time so they don't suffer anymore. We literally take on the suffering of losing them, so they don't have to suffer anymore. It's the right thing to do but it still hurts like hell!

LSVann

(1 post)
9. I feel you. ❤️
Wed Jan 31, 2024, 04:35 PM
Jan 2024

Never an easy thing, but so special to do it intentionally with the deepest compassion, and to memorialize Pooper so nicely.

SarahD

(1,239 posts)
12. I have a rock like that.
Wed Jan 31, 2024, 04:40 PM
Jan 2024

My cat walked across a freshly sealed asphalt driveway and stepped on a smooth rock, leaving a perfect print of his front feet. Of course I kept the rock and took it with me everywhere I moved. Sorry to hear about Pooper.

Siwsan

(26,291 posts)
14. Heartfelt condolences
Wed Jan 31, 2024, 04:42 PM
Jan 2024


I have one of those plaques for Morgan and it means the world to me. It came back with her ashes.

iscooterliberally

(2,863 posts)
16. My condolences. I just went through the same thing last month.
Wed Jan 31, 2024, 04:45 PM
Jan 2024

We had to send our Little Miss Bitsy Bones over the bridge. I really miss the way she used to greet me when I got home from work. We still have 3 other cats. They're doing their best to take the reins from her.

happybird

(4,627 posts)
17. Thank you
Wed Jan 31, 2024, 04:55 PM
Jan 2024

This is the first time I've not had a pet. Ever. It feels so strange and the house feels dead and empty. I keep catching myself trying to talk to her. She was a greeter, too, and the two times I've come in the door have been tough.

My parents have been very sympathetic and supportive. They loved her, too. Mom picked us up yesterday and was there the whole time, even drove us to the crematorium afterwards. Dad has been texting me kind words and poems and encouraged me to visit their horses for some scritching and love. Thinking about going to the barn tomorrow.

iscooterliberally

(2,863 posts)
24. That sounds like a really good plan.
Wed Jan 31, 2024, 05:40 PM
Jan 2024

I had the good fortune of getting "pulled over" while I was trying to go to work this morning. It was my neighbor's big old Golden Retriever named Wally. I gave him a bunch of pets and had a nice conversation with my neighbor. We used to have dogs too. I wanted to get another one, but the house we rent now doesn't have a fenced in yard. I suppose I would much rather be sad over the loss of a pet than never to have had one at all. Good luck to you!

niyad

(113,576 posts)
49. Do not be surprised if you see her at the door waiting for you. She wants
Wed Jan 31, 2024, 07:14 PM
Jan 2024

to make sure that you are okay.

To this day, so many years later, one or another of my previous babies will jump on the bed with me. It is very comforting.

happybird

(4,627 posts)
54. I swear Leo used to visit me
Wed Jan 31, 2024, 07:25 PM
Jan 2024

Same thing: I felt him jump up on the bed. It was very obvious and very real. It was only for a few months after he passed. I was not home when he died so I think that was him giving us a chance to say goodbye to each other.

PCIntern

(25,584 posts)
18. So sorry...
Wed Jan 31, 2024, 05:00 PM
Jan 2024

I’m a cat guy myself. Owned twelve over the years…had to take them all to be put down. I weep to myself thinking about those trips.

What do they say: pet ownership is 1year of training, 10 good years, two years of horrible vet bills, and a lifetime of mourning.

It’s rough. So sorry.

Sky Jewels

(7,140 posts)
21. Omg, Pooper was so adorable.
Wed Jan 31, 2024, 05:22 PM
Jan 2024

I’m so sorry. I have several kitty-shaped holes in my heart.and I know that pain too well.

PS, what a cute/funny name! Makes me smile. 😊

happybird

(4,627 posts)
45. We found her as a kitten in a Wendy's parking lot
Wed Jan 31, 2024, 07:06 PM
Jan 2024

We were “going to find her a good home” because we already had 4 cats and a dog and had recently had to put my Lab to sleep. It just wasn’t a good time to take on a new pet, mentally or financially.

Part of our (failed) Master Plan to not get attached was not giving her a name. She was such a spirited little shit, lol! In fact, we got worried she’d think her name was Little Shit because it was uttered so often, with laughter. Pooper is the cute version we went with when it became blatantly obvious she wasn’t going anywhere. It suited her. She also had a million nicknames: Na Na (short for Poo Na Na), Poopina, Nunnypoo, Beeper… the list is nearly endless.

I found photographic evidence of her Little Shitness! That’s Bob (aka Princess Kitty Bob). Bob was a stray who had obviously been through the ringer. It took me nearly six months of gradually moving a foot or two closer each day and gentle talking when I took food out to her until she trusted me enough to pet her. She ended up spoiled as hell for the few years she was with us. She loved me and my ex but wasn’t too keen on our other cats. That is Bob’s special bed area, between our recliners and with a wall to her back so she felt safe, that none of the other cats dared to go near. Except Baby Pooper. Much like Rick James, Pooper was a Habitual Linestepper, lol!



Edit to Add: Pooper and Bob ended up as good friends. Pooper was so determined and I think curious and confused about Bob being a loner. Bob finally let her in and both were happier for it. Bob eventually also allowed Sammy the Dude to nap with her on her beds after her friendship with Pooper helped her build trust in other cats.

PlutosHeart

(1,292 posts)
23. I am sorry.
Wed Jan 31, 2024, 05:26 PM
Jan 2024

Last edited Thu Feb 1, 2024, 03:12 AM - Edit history (1)

It was truly evident how much you loved her. Pet loss is tough. Am sure it went both ways.
Bless you and little Pooper.

Nictuku

(3,617 posts)
31. Tuxedo Kittys are the Best!!
Wed Jan 31, 2024, 05:56 PM
Jan 2024

I'm feeling your loss. I had to make the same decision 2 years ago for my Siamese girl. She was 18.

After a while of grieving, I went to the rescue and found my Tuxedo. He is my best friend and constant companion. My guy is around 3 now (he was 8 mo when I got him).

There is just something about their personalities (Tuxedo's). Very sweet and non-malicious. Playful, intelligent. Great kitties.

Mosby

(16,358 posts)
35. She's such a pretty girl.
Wed Jan 31, 2024, 06:14 PM
Jan 2024

So sorry to hear about her passing.

Me and my wife take care of a feral kitty. It's been years but she still doesn't really trust us. I'm OK with that but I worry about her health.

rambler_american

(790 posts)
37. it is so sad
Wed Jan 31, 2024, 06:26 PM
Jan 2024

that our furry friends don't have longer life spans. We had to put down our beloved golden doodle three weeks ago, The pain is no less than losing a child. I know because we have done both.

Jean Genie

(277 posts)
40. Condolences
Wed Jan 31, 2024, 06:46 PM
Jan 2024

Gone, perhaps. But happily romping at the Rainbow Bridge with friends old and new. Not to mention living in your heart and memory, now and forever. When you're up to it, please honor her memory by giving a forever home to a new and deserving shelter kitty-cat. There are so many needy little beings out there. Pooper would approve.

happybird

(4,627 posts)
51. I've been looking at the Friend of Homeless Animals website today
Wed Jan 31, 2024, 07:20 PM
Jan 2024

There is a pair of kitten siblings, one orange tabby and one black, that caught my eye. Pooper was the last cat that I found as a kitten, and that was 13 years ago. I’ve had many adult rescues. While I’ve been happy to give the older cats a home and love to live out their final years, I think I want kittens. I’ve just had too much loss the past few years. After going to the barn tomorrow I’m going to swing by the shelter to meet them.

pazzyanne

(6,557 posts)
71. Excellent plan, my dear happybird.
Thu Feb 1, 2024, 08:49 AM
Feb 2024

Perhaps your plan is co-inspired by Pooper. She doesn't want you to be without "kitty love", and is nudging you toward future happiness! Wishing you the best! Giving love is the best way to remember our furry family members.

Warpy

(111,352 posts)
41. Their time to go is never our time to let them go
Wed Jan 31, 2024, 06:47 PM
Jan 2024

Our furry companions just don't live enough, not even my last old lady cat who made it to 21.

When you know they're down to days and they won't be tood days, it's time.

We're just never ready.

niyad

(113,576 posts)
46. Lady Bast, please take Your little Pooper gently home in Your loving arms,
Wed Jan 31, 2024, 07:06 PM
Jan 2024

and send peace and comfort to her grieving loved ones.


I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful, precious girl. I know that words really cannot help, but know that this entire community of pet people grieve with you.

judesedit

(4,443 posts)
48. I'm sorry, happybird. I know how lonely you must feel missing Pooper
Wed Jan 31, 2024, 07:13 PM
Jan 2024

I still miss my many lovely past beauties. We all meet again in my view. Hope your's, too. Hold those memories.

SWBTATTReg

(22,166 posts)
58. Not much that one can say, when you lose such a beloved companion. I lost my doggie after 17 years, and I'm still
Wed Jan 31, 2024, 07:52 PM
Jan 2024

out of it. But I do have other animal companions, and I / we must be strong for them too, and go on.

My sorrow for you in your loss.

JustTooMuch

(14 posts)
59. Pooper
Wed Jan 31, 2024, 07:57 PM
Jan 2024

I have been reading about your journey with Pooper. My condolences to you, it is so hard to lose such a dear member of your family. Hopefully each day will be a bit easier.

Mousetoescamper

(3,287 posts)
63. I'm so sorry for the loss of your beautiful kitty.
Thu Feb 1, 2024, 12:28 AM
Feb 2024

Your memorial to Pooper is beautiful too.

I last went through this in October of 2022 when my 15-year-old cat Penelope was put to rest. I still think about her every day. Grateful that I still have her daughter Calliope with me.


niyad

(113,576 posts)
64. What a lovely memorial for your babies. It is understandable that you feel
Thu Feb 1, 2024, 01:47 AM
Feb 2024

a bit more settled. Your little one is back home where she belongs, even though not in a true physical sense.

May the memories bring joy, not sadness.




Behind the Aegis

(53,989 posts)
68. So sorry for your loss.
Thu Feb 1, 2024, 04:22 AM
Feb 2024

This time, last year, we lost our baby, Zatanna, so I understand the pain of loss and the decision that had to be made.

Pooper was beautiful! How lucky to live with someone who loved her so.

We have clay impressions of their paws, but their real paw impressions are on our hearts, and they are also baked in and will always be there.

True Dough

(17,327 posts)
69. I'm glad you went right for the "Pooper"
Thu Feb 1, 2024, 05:11 AM
Feb 2024

How many times do we give our pets names and then call them nicknames more often?

One of our dogs must think she was christened "Stinky" because we call her that as much or more than Cali.

Sorry for your loss, happybird.

Upthevibe

(8,072 posts)
74. happybird..............
Thu Feb 1, 2024, 11:09 AM
Feb 2024

My heart goes out to you and to those who loved Pooper.....Sending Light and Love....

R.I.P. Pooper....

Fla Dem

(23,753 posts)
75. She was a beautiful girl. I feel so sorry for you. Losing a loved pet is so heartaching.
Thu Feb 1, 2024, 11:19 AM
Feb 2024

The grief you feel is so intense. All the mementoes and urns on your mantel it appears you've had many loved pets. I don't know how you do it.

In October I lost the only pet I ever had, and I still cannot get over the fact she's gone. She was with me for 17 years. The house is so empty without her. I applaud you for opening your home for all those pets and giving them a good life. Not sure I can go through losing another pet.

All the best to you and your pet family.

wendyb-NC

(3,330 posts)
76. I'm so sorry for your loss
Thu Feb 1, 2024, 01:25 PM
Feb 2024

A beautiful kitty. It's so hard to say goodbye to their sweet, sunny presence in our lives. My heart goes out to you.

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