Getting Closer................

When we had to put Smudgie to sleep I really didn't think I could bear it. But with the support of people here on TCS, and at the vet's office, it really became almost a beautiful thing. It was very peaceful and it was a relief that he was no longer suffering.

But the most interesting thing happened several months later when I happened upon a thread where a breeder was expecting babies, and her queen had one baby and it was obviously premature and it died. Labor stopped, and then the kitty had 5 babies a few days later. It was very difficult for everyone, since there were a lot of lost kittens that year. The breeder lost one of the five as well. Then she decided she would name the 4 remaining babies after kitties who had gone to the Rainbow Bridge too soon. Several people suggested names, and after a few days, she announced that she was naming the kittens Ares, Smudge, Chance, and Yuki. I jokingly asked if Smudge had a home, and, long story short, I ended up buying my beautiful Ragdoll Smudge. He was born 1 YEAR TO THE DAY after my first Smudgie!!

The reason I write this is because this couldn't have been a coincidence, and I KNOW my Smudgie had something to do with this whole thing. Your Ashie will guide your life as well, I just know it.

I would suggest you visit www.petloss.com. They have all kinds of links, including to the candle-lighting cermony, to some tribute pages, and to pet loss support groups and hotlines. The sorrow of losing a loved one is always difficult to bear, and it is normal to feel a range of emotions. Included in that range is often relief that the waiting for whatever else is next is over and relief that she is no longer in pain. When Spot was still present, I joined a group where every month we lost at least one cat. Sometimes they would post the following poem, which I found comforting:

“Farewell, Master, yet not farewell.
Where I go, ye too shall dwell.
I am gone, before your face,
A moment's time, a little space.
When ye come where I have stepped
Ye will wonder why ye wept.”
(Modified from a poem by Edwin Arnold)

You did everything you could for Ashie. In time, your sadness will lessen, but you will never forget her. There is no right or wrong time to find a new feline friend, as long as you feel ready. You can talk to Ashie and maybe she'll send you one.

I feel for you, I too have been through it a number of times. And as has been said, it is hard to accept that it is actrually easier on them than on you. But comfort is hard to find.

Carrie, I'm so sorry for your loss.

Carrie - I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my heart and thoughts.

I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope the memories of what a wonderful, loving cat Ashie was are giving you comfort at the moment. It's so hard to put a cat to sleep but know that you saved Ashie from a lot of pain and discomfort.

I'm sending you good vibes from the other side of the world!!

I have followed with an aching heavy heart for you and didn't know what to say or how to say it...........

We are all here for you, some can say things with great eloquence, some can offer a shoulder, whatever it is, the love and support to help you through this is always here for you and yours

Heres some hugs

I know I am new here and I don't know you but I have been following your posts and I just wanted to offer my deepest condolences. I am truly sorry for your loss. But it is better that she is resting peacefully now and no longer in pain.

Thank you for all the thoughts!

Can you be with your little angel??
Surely she would prefer that, with mommy nearby.
Its so hard to make that decision, and I'm sure you
made the right choice. She will always be thought about by you cause you love her.

I wasn't able to be with her....I thought I could be, but couldn't....not after what the doc said COULD happen as a result the euthanasia....that would be one thing I couldn't stand as a last memory. It was hard enough seeing her uncomfortable with a bloated belly....eyes all dilated.

But even though I don't think she could see clearly like that, I got really close to her face and she looked straight into my eyes...and I swear, straight into my soul. It was such a awesome creepy feeling to feel soooo "in-touch" with her.

Oh, Carrie!



I am so sorry!