Iāve always been there when a pet gets put down, so this is new territory. I understand the circumstances though. It was for his comfort. Removing him from the oxygen chamber would have caused further stress and pain. This was truly the most humane route.
I dare you not to laugh at thisā¦ we had a 4yo cat die of an unknown autoimmune disease. We did EVERYTHING possible, but he couldnāt overcome the disease. I had a difficult time processing it because the cause of death is undetermined (but definitely autoimmune) so Mr. Betty reluctantly went with me to the pet mortuary and planned a full blown cat funeral. It was just the two of us, so I got to spend about an hour with him (the cat I mean) talking and thinking, and then we went to a wonderful memorial lunch while he was cremated.
I know it sounds sick, but it really helped me process the death of a 4yo cat with an unknown illness. Several of his biopsies were sent to university research labs, so itās my hope that his death helped put a name on the illness and potentially save lives.
Ok, now Iām crying againā¦ Is this a good enough excuse to drink? My doctor ironically called in the middle of all this this morning and said Iām clear to drink, but have to double up on the statins. Sighā¦..
The first cat we owned after moving into our home died in my arms at the age of five. He was misdiagnosed by the vet as having seasonal allergies when he was actually suffering from respiratory distress. We buried him in our yard, and my neighbor was kind enough to design a stepping stone with his name on it. It actually brings me a lot of comfort to know he is there, along with two other cats that have passed on. Our three yellow butterflies that magically appear every summer for the past several years ā¦ I truly believe thatās a message from āThe Bridge.ā
My heart aches for you. Do whatever you need to do to say goodbye and honor your babyās memory. If thatās holding a funeral, setting up a shrine, a memorial donation - whatever feels right to you. You need that closure to get started on the long road to healing.
Iām destroyed that I couldnāt be there in his final moments, but so glad I made the right choice for HIM. His comfort was most important. The vet highly recommended the route we took, and Iām very thankful for her honesty and subtly hinting that it would be selfish otherwise. Mr. Betty agreed. He doesnāt want to see the body, and Iām strongly leaning towards not seeing it either. Iād rather remember his smile, his LOUD meow, and his loving eyes. He was the best cat anyone could hope for.
Take the time you need to decide what is the best choice for YOU. Unfortunately, I had no options since my boy passed away at home. I was glad that I was there to hold him in my arms when he took his final breath , and it was mercifully quick, but I know he suffered in those final moments, and the sight of him afterwards ā¦ it still haunts me to this very day. Take comfort in knowing that you may not have actually been in the same room, but you were still with him. His suffering is over. Now itās time to for you to cry and cherish the happy memories.
I am so sorry, @UglyBetty. Especially since it was so unexpected. It was similar when I lost my girl, Sierra, last year. I brought her in for bloodwork to check her thyroid function. While we were there, she started having difficulty breathing. The vet said she was struggling and it would be kindest to let her go. She wasnāt like that at home, but I saw it when they brought her into the exam room. Definitely a shock. They really do hide when they are in pain. I am sending you the biggest hugs. He knows you loved him and did the best for him.
Just read this. Iām so, so sorry. You are a great cat mom. Look what all you did for him because you loved him. Remember the good times and what joy he brought into your life. It takes a ton of love to let our furbabies go, to ensure comfort for them and not us.
Mr. Betty wanted to see him one last time. We went to a private room and they brought him in wrapped in blankets. They gave us time alone with him, as much as we needed. I didnāt open my eyes at first, but glad I did. He looked so peaceful. I spent some time petting him, gave him kisses, and that was that. The whole veterinary staff was wonderful. I was so relieved to find my favorite vet tech was with him as he passed, and assured me he was cradled in love the whole time. We chose a carved rosewood urn, but I may find something more suited to his BIG personality. Iām glad I went and said goodbye. If I hadnāt, Iād be regretting it. Petting him one last time brought a LOT of closure. Sleep tight my sweet baby. Iāll see you again one day.
Iām glad you were able to see him, pet him and tell him goodbye. I think itās so important to have that precious time. Youāll always have the memories he gave you and heāll always live on in your heart. Sincere condolences for your loss.
Iām glad to know that you did what was right for you, and that Mr. Betty was with you. It was exactly the right step for both of you as you navigate the road to healing. You wonāt have to live with any regrets or if-onlys, and will always have that sweet final memory of knowing that your precious boy is at peace.
I am reminded that on the death of one of Mr LGās uncles his widow said when the Rabbi was talking to remember the good times, and she said they were all good times
that stays with me
Dear Ugly Betty I couldnāt even finish reading posts from others as I have too many tears in my eyes. Itās all so heartbreaking. I had a similar story but I cannot tell it. So sorry for your loss. We all know how much it hurts. Take care.
