Goodbye Buster

beandip

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For Buster - the grey and white tom -

In my heart I knew something was wrong when I parked the car last night and you were sitting on the back porch. You were too scared of me to do that. I thought for sure you would get up and run off when I shut the car door, or when I approached you, but no - you stayed put. I wasn't sure what to do. I took the groceries inside and put some food down for the girls. You were still just sitting there. I offered you some food and water and you turned your big round head and sniffed, but wouldn't eat or drink. Just when I got up the guts to try and put you in the crate, you surprised me and got up to go under the porch, ever so slowly and feebly. For such a big guy, you looked so weak. I was a little relieved to see that you could walk, but I worried about why you were going under there and if you would come back out. Now I could see that you were wet from your feet to your belly. I suspect this was from a long walk through the snow to reach my back door. You were always running from me and now you had gone to great lengths to reach me. How ironic and sad.

I decided there wasn't much I could do. But an hour or so later, you reappeared on the porch. By now, my husband was home and he set up a light and some cardboard for you, to give you some warmth and shelter. After we got you all set up, you stood up. I thought we had upset you, but to my surprise, you just wanted some water. This seemed like a good sign. The little bit of warmth helped. But in my gut I knew you were still in very bad shape. But that bit of progress made me want to do more. If you didn't make it through the night, I wanted your last night to be warm and safe. If you did make it, I wanted to take you to the doctor in the morning. It's selfish in a way, but I didn't want to go to bed and not know where you were. So, we got you in the crate and into the mud room. Your compliance with all of this attention was amazing, but heartbreaking at the same time. Now you were dry and you curled up on the soft blanket. When I checked on you one last time, your breathing seemed deeper but you looked comfortable, considering.

Five hours later, I woke up, startled - thinking about you. As I headed downstairs, I noticed that Leopold wasn't guarding the door to the mud room anymore. I was afraid I knew why, and when I went in to check on you, my fears were confirmed. I'm sorry I didn't stay up with you. I wish I had. I'm sorry I couldn't get you more help last night. I really didn't think any amount of help would save you, but I wanted to give you a chance. I don't know what took you from us, but I hope that your passing was peaceful. We only knew you for a short time, but you left a big impression on us. Rest in peace, Buster. Keep an eye on those little ones we lost in September. They need you, tough guy.

-sorry for the length. Thanks for reading.
 

satai

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I'm sorry for your sad loss.

Rest in peace and play Buster; enjoy your time at Rainbow Bridge.
 

katiemae1277

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oh, I'm so sorry for your loss, but please take comfort in that you gave Buster, love and warnth for his final hours, and he obviously knew you would help him RIP Buster
 

AbbysMom

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I'm so sorry for your loss.

Play happily over the Bridge Buster
 

xocats

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Awww Buster

Play in warm sunshine at the Bridge little sweetie pie.
 

lsulover

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Oh this is so sad,
I am so sorry for losing him last night.

I agree with the above poster though, he knew you would help him and that is why he went through all that he did to get to you.

I know Buster is having a great time over the Bridge.
 

kittenkiya

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The last thing that cat thought of were those scary people things that gave him a warm, soft place to lie down and some wonderful water, and let him go with dignity and compassion.

He won't forget you.
 

mooficat

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Oh no, I am sorry that Buster has gone on his way
from what you say it sounds like he had a peaceful crossing
Please dont feel bad you couldnt be with him, you made him comfortable, warm and safe


RIP Buster, run quickly over the Bridge, there are some special kitties waiting to meet you


Look down sometimes, the love from below will be there forever
 
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beandip

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Thank you for all the nice comments. This was harder to take than I thought it would be. RIP Buster.

I can't get the image of him waiting there for me out of my mind. The intelligence and instincts that cats have never ceases to amaze me.
 

lsulover

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Originally Posted by beandip

Thank you for all the nice comments. This was harder to take than I thought it would be. RIP Buster.

I can't get the image of him waiting there for me out of my mind. The intelligence and instincts that cats have never ceases to amaze me.
I know it is hard, but I am so glad that Buster knew where to go, he knew that you would make his final hours happy. He knew that you would take care of him, that is why he waited for you. He just knew.



Thank you for making him comfortable during his final hours.
 

essayons89

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I'm so sorry for your loss. That was a great thing that you did, please don't feel bad that you weren't at his side during his final moments. You brought him into your home and provided him a warm place to pass over the Bridge. What you did was done out of love and he will never forget your act of kindness. May Buster rest in peace and run and play happily during his stay at the Bridge.
 
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