Goodbye Charley

Today I had to let my beloved cat Charley go... she was nearly 19 years old.... I can't believe that's she gone... I'm new to this site but it seems there are other people out there who can maybe relate to the pain I'm feeling right now...

Darlin', I may be the first to reply here, but I won't be the last. I know for a fact that there is nothing like losing a fur-kid, especially one that you have had for so long. Please know that you're in my thoughts and prayers during this painful time, and that you will come through it, with time, a lot of time, but you will always have the memories that you shared with her, and you'll still have the hole in your heart that her passing has caused, just not as raw and open as it is right now. {{{{HUGS}}}} for you, dear one.

It is the worst thing that can happen to any of us - I have had two cats who reached a really old age and whom I regarded as my oldest and best friends. We can only be thankful that we are allowed, as their human companions, to make the final and kindest decision to release them from suffering. It is the last act of love we can offer. But it is hard, so hard to accept sometimes. I grieve for you and in doing so remember my Juniper and Sheba.

so sorry for your loss! my heart goes out to you. I lost my beloved Thai Thai 2 yrs ago to cancer. They will forever be in our hearts! HUGS!

Having lived with animals all my life I have been through what your going through. Each animal has touched my life in a very special way and always have a place in my heart. My husband and I often talk about our special kids that are now at the rainbow bridge and it comforts us to know we will see them again. I know it hurts and I send best wishes to you.

Tricia

I am praying for you and crying with you. Be gentle with yourself. Thisis a tremendous loss. Remember the good times and how you took such wonderful care of your angel. Love, bobbie

I am so sorry to hear about Charley, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Alexa, I can understand, as I'm still in pain over my 20 year old Snoopy who crossed over on Feb 28th. My heart goes out to you. When these babies have been with us that many years, it's like losing a child. To me, Snoopy was my son, my 20 year old soon who always remained my baby.

I know you loved your Charley, and I know how hard it is to say good bye to such a long time friend. My Snoopy was my best friend. Just take a little peace in knowing that you will see Charley again some day.

I'm so sorry you lost your beloved little girl Our oldest kitty lived to be 21 years old and like Hope said they do become our children, it just doesn't seem fair when they leave us. RIP sweet Charlie.

I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. I am sure that mere words seem like little drops in the ocean of your grief. Just remember that the pain will ease as time goes by. It never leaves, we just get better at dealing with it.

I am sure that Snoopy and the others are there to welcome your dear Charley at the Rainbow Bridge. He is young and fit again, playing like a little kitten.
Take heart the pain does ease although its hard. You had 19 years of fur and love.
You are in my thoughts.

I am so sorry to read about this tremdemous pain that you must be going through right now. Know that we are all here for you should you need a 'shoulder' to cry on.

Charley is now young & healthy chasing the butterflies at the rainbow bridge - she will forever watch over you until that day that you meet again.

RIP sweet angel Charley

I'm sorry to hear about your Charley Hopefully he joins other bridge pets that he's known and is free to romp like a kitten again.

im sorry to hear about charley but you have many years of memories he lived an long life and a happy one.

My Heart goes out to you, I think we have all pretty much been through this, its is never easy and the pain is unbearable, but try and think of all the Love you shared with your baby and now Charley is at Rainbow Bridge healthy and waiting to see you again, You & Charley will be in my thoughts and prayers

I just wanted to say thank you to all of the kinds words you've given me at this time.

I feel so sad right now and I just can't stop thinking about my Charley, but in a few days when I get myself together, I'll write a few words about her to share with you all....

Thank you

Dear Alexa my condolences for poor Charley ...RIP sweet little one

Now, 5 days after losing Charley, I feel I have got it together enough to sit down and tell you a little bit more about her. Words don't really cut it and I'm sorry this is long, but I hope it's a fitting tribute to the cat I loved so much.

Charley came to us in August 1986. She had been found abandoned along the roadside and we took her in, even though my mother wasn't really a catlover at that time. She was pure black, shorted haired and no more than a few weeks old, but in pretty good shape considering her ordeal.

From day 1 she just captured my heart and she turned into quite a character. She had what we called her "funny half hour" - every day around the same time, she would spring up and run like crazy around the house. Round and around she would go, leaping over furniture, running along the back of chairs, and all for no apparent reason other than making us laugh. She also used to hide behind things and then stick her paw out just as you were passing, to try and trip you up

When I moved country a few years ago, it was tough to leave her, but I knew she was in great hands with my parents and I couldn't bear to cause her any stress - she had lived in the same place her whole life and was quite old already by then. I got to see her quite often and in between visits we used to "talk" on the phone - she was a real chatty cat. Each time I was back home she would climb up to my window in the mornings and meow to get in - my dad said she never did it when I wasn't there...

About 18 months ago she started to show real signs of aging - she lost a lot of weight, her fur lost its gloss and she had kidney problems. I guess even then I started to prepare myself for the worst. Each time I left her I'd say "I love you Charley. Be a good girl" (through my tears).... I saw Charley for the last time a few weeks ago, but as I was leaving I didn't say my usual line, I just said "Bye Charley" - do you think subconsciously I knew that it really was the last goodbye?

In the last 10 days, Charley developed intestinal problems and she had a large lump in her stomach. I lost so much sleep in the days before she died, worrying that the time was coming soon. I talked a lot about it with my dad and tried to think rationally even though my heart was breaking - I even asked him to take a look at some information I found on the net - bless him, he read every word.... I guess my parents had grown to love her like I did.

Charley was put to sleep on the morning of Friday 11th March 2005. She would have been 19 this summer. 19 years seems too short. What I wouldn't give for 1 more day, 1 more hug, just 1...

I thank God for my dad who stayed with her and held her till the end, but it kills me that I wasn't there

RIP Charley I truly hope there is a place called Rainbow Bridge and that you'll be there waiting for me when I come.

I love you Charley. Be a good girl.

Love forever,
Alex
xxxx

Alex, I am thinking of you. I am sure Charley is happy now, and I am sure she is watching over you. Take care! Love, Bobbie

Alexa,

We had to put my guy to sleep this week after 18 years... so I SOOOO know what you are going through. My thoughts are with you...

It is so hard to say good-bye...