Missing Duncan....First time I lost a pet...

sammy szymaszek

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Duncan passed a way only a little bit ago..... It's a rather long and sad story....

I volunteered at my local veterinary hospital, where I first lay my eyes on the sweet 6 year old Tonkinese, who was apparently mistreated with his old owner. I went away for about three months, and finally earned enough money to get my own cat... so the first thing I did was go to my vet and took Duncan. I had him over a course of a few months, and when I had him he seemed to put weight on gradually, so I thought all was well. He DID have frequent urination and drank like a cow, but my vet assured me it was because he only had four teeth and had his tongue hanging out a lot so I didn't notice much.

The third month I had him I noticed his health seemed to drop. He began vomiting dark brown, and the urination grew more rapid, as well as his eye sight was failing. The doctors ran tests and told me he was suffering from diabetes. But no matter what types of food, shots and aid in care we gave him, he continued to vomit, and I moved him into the veterinary hospital for 24/7 treatment.

I visited him twice a week. Blood tests ran furiously with no promise. Finally I received a call because he lost so much weight and muscle, he couldn't even move anymore. His RBC count was so low, they planned on giving him blood transfusions, but noticed his kidneys (BOTH) were failing.

Finally a few weeks ago I had to decide to put him down (I couldn't stand to see him in that state) where they finally diagnosed him with FeLV.

I miss him so much, and this was the first time I've ever lost a pet. How is it possible to cope with it? It's so hard.....

 

brandy-neka

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Hi Sammy, I'm sorry to hear about Duncan, I just lost my Neka today I had to put her down because she had lymphoma with fluid in her chest cavity and it was a quality of life issue.

How to cope... Well Neka was my second cat, the first cat I had for over 17 years, and his death hurt a lot and there was no consoling me... only time healed that wound. With Neka because of how she died (cancer), and her young age, I still feel heart broken and it's the same pain as my first cat but now that I know what the first time felt like it's made this one slightly easier know that the pressure in your chest, the lump in your throat, the pressure behind your eyes will eventually pass. Eventually you will be able to think of your cat fondly and not just of losing him. Time does help all wounds, you'll never fully get over it, but it will dim considerably. That has been my experience at least. It helps with me to 1) Think of my cats on Rainbow Bridge playing and waiting for me... and 2) this time around I've been venting about her passing, when Spunky (my first cat) died he died of old age and so I just had to cope more or less but with Neka (she was a year and half) I'm more of talking about what she went through and why I put her down and that seems to help me at least.  So with Spunky (1st cat)  talking wouldn't help me at all. With Neka (2nd cat, that I put down this morning) talking and typing about her seems to be helping some... not a lot but some... 

Essentially try to go with your gut instinct and also don't rush into getting another cat until you've mourned enough for this one... Only you know when it's the right time for you, don't let relatives try to pressure you to make you feel better soon - when in reality you feel worse every time someone brings up the mention of another kitty... 

Those are my thoughts, hope I helped a little... writing this helped me a little :(
 
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sammy szymaszek

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Thank you, writing the story of his passing helped me a little as well....and I am working on artwork for a college project with him playing by the rainbow

and thank you for the photo of the kitten with flowers @my4llma it is very cute
 
 

merstockgto

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I read with sadness the passing of your precious Duncan. It is so sad that he you two had not met before he was mistreated like he was. We know how it feels to lose a furry friend as we have lost 3 in the last 13 years and we miss them so much. We presently have 5 felines and dread the day when they grow older and their time comes. The last loving act you can do for your furry friend is to him or her go if they are so ill that this is the best way and let them RIP. Again I am sorry for your loss. Get yourself another kitty as they make great "indoor" pets and they will love you to pieces.
 

feralvr

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Very sad story of your sweet :rbheart: Duncan. I think it was a blessing that you took him in and gave him so much love in his last few months. He will forever be in your heart :heart3: So sorry you lost :rbheart: Duncan so soon that way. :hugs::vibes: Time is the only healer of grief. We never forget that sadness - it just fades over time. I hope that you do open up your home to another needy kitty. There are many, SO many, that need a loving home such as yours. :vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes:

RIP :rbheart: Duncan :rbheart: :angel:
 

blueyedgirl5946

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I am truly sorry for your loss.  I am so glad Duncan had a tender loving home with you.  He will be forever in your heart.  In time, your memories will be sweet and comfort you.  For now, cry when you want to, it helps.  Hugs, again I am sorry.
 
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sammy szymaszek

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Thank you everyone and I do cry for him..... I am entering artwork for him at my fair in memory, I do hope to post it when I can
 
 
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sammy szymaszek

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Thank you very much; I decided to have him cremated....not sure if that's what everyone else is doing today but I still want it done
 
 

merstockgto

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We had 3 of our furry friends cremated in 2000,2005 and 2006 and that way they are always with us. We now have 5 precious one's and they will be cremated also when that sad time comes. May your sweet Duncan always rest in peace.
 
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