Said goodbye to an old friend today

Hi there,

New here. Really trying to come to terms with the loss of my baby of 17 years. My Lucky was a rescued cat. I took him in after him almost going feral. His wife was pregnant, she gave birth to 6 of his babies. I nurtured them all until they could find new homes. I kept Lucky for myself. He was such a beautiful cat, and such a beautiful soul. So thankful I took him in. He was afraid to be outside after that, and never left my side. Unfortunately I found out a short while ago that he had kidney disease. I was suspecting something was wrong for quite sometime. He declined pretty quickly after the blood tests about a month ago. So after watching him wither away, last night he stared at me for the longest time, and let me know it was time to go. So I had him euthanized today. It was very painless and effortless. He was ready. I wasn't

This is a picture of him from November. I didn't take any pics of him recently, he was in a very sad state.

I lost my first beautiful kitty at about the same age as Lucky, to the same disease.  I'm so very sorry.  Losing a beloved family member is so awfully heartbreaking.  My heart goes out to you.  RIP, little Lucky.  

You are so lucky indeed to have known that beautiful boy, he shared your life's journey and brought good  into your life. It's so very hard to let them go, even though we know they are ready to be rid of the pain and suffering on this earth. You took his pain on as the pain of a broken heart, you will be blessed for your kindness. He is thankful for you and your love, just as you are thankful to have had him in your heart and home.

That home will feel empty now, but the bond you have forged will always be with you, love is eternal and your paths will cross again. He will always be near, the 'essence' of him will follow you for as long as you live. Do not fill your heart with darkness and sadness, for that is where he will be held, safe and secure, sending his love and comfort to you along that bond that ties you together, and you can do the same. Love never dies. 

Time is the only thing that softens the sharp edges of grief, use your time here on earth to bring honor to his name through sharing the legacy of love he left you. Do good in his name, donate food or litter to your local shelter, pay for the adoption of the unadoptable to bring them chance of happiness. i know he would approve. 

Please know we here at this site share your pain, we understand your grief because we have so much of our own. It is better to let the pain out, to share it, it becomes more bearable that way. Take care.......RIP beautiful Lucky, you left behind a broken heart, but also a legacy of love that will bring comfort and dry the tears of grief.  You will always have a place in a heart that loves you so very much, your life here on earth will be never forgotten. Sleep tight , sweet Lucky, on the warm laps of angels!

[quote name="Di and Bob" url="/t/335174/said- pay for the adoption of the unadoptable to bring them chance of happiness. i know he would approve.[/quote]

Funny you say that, I adopted two black cats a short while ago. One I had got for his company, and then I knew my Lucky was on his way out and the other would be alone. If I didn't have them, it definitely would be harder.

I can relate so much to your heartbreak. It is a very tender period, these first few days and weeks.

the absence (sudden) of one you love so dearly, is stunning and painful.

I am so happy to hear, however, that the love that went back and forth between the two of you was deep and precious. I know what that is, and you and Lucky were fortunate and blessed.

I can close my eyes and see and feel so clearly the cats I have lost, the ones who were with me for so many years that our bond was intense. I love it when they appear in dreams at night.

I am so glad you came here to post the gorgeous picture, and share your words.

Meg

So sorry that you lost your sweet boy, you two had a long wonderful relationship filled with love and great memories, but it was his time to move on. I'm sure his spirit will stay with you forever.

God Bless.....

I'm so very sorry for your loss of this sweet boy.  RIP angel Lucky.    

He's such a sweet looking cat.  I can't tell you how sorry I am for your loss. 

You rescued Lucky and offered him 17 years of wonderful life. My childhood cats rarely reached 6-7 years old and they had to deal with the same problems we humans did. You gave him a share of your life, which is the greatest thing a living creature can get. This has an end because it has a begining and the life you brought to an animal will be forever part of your life as well.  

We, humans, are never prepared for the last light, for we live with the vain and secret illusion that we are immortals. We cannot imagine our own end and we put a sad mark on it. 

As with most aspects of inner soul life and as any animal in fact, cats seem to know more about life than we do, they do understand how to pass while we humans do not  find any logic in End as science gives up at that point.  

Some other cat  waits to be rescued. I know is difficult, but when some other whiskers will touch the bowl, your soul will hear Luky's purring.

Thank you all so much. I take comfort in knowing he's no longer in pain. I tried to hang onto him as long as I could. I reach for him at night on my bed I hope my new cats want to try that. It would help me a lot if they did.

I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you find comfort in knowing that you gave him a loving home and a family that adored him.