Our Tigger has passed need help/advice

Tigger was almost 14yrs old. We had him since he was 9 weeks old. My husband had gotten him for me. He was our first fur baby. Tigger was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy 3 months ago after his lungs filled with fluid. I was then on a mission to help him survive as long as I could giving him medication twice a day. He was doing great up until 6 days ago when his breathing was becoming alittle different. I took him to the vet and he said to watch him as long as he was still eating/drinking etc. I knew in my heart it wouldn't be to much longer and I told my husband that. On Thurs night his breathing started to become pretty labored and he just wasn't Tigger. My husband and I decided we would take him in the morning to be put down. Tigger slept by me all night just doing the best he could do. I got up around 6am and he jumped off the bed cause he knew it was the usual morning feeding and pill time. He could barely make it half way in the hall. I took him to his litter box and he went pee and then cleaned his foot off for him. All he wanted to do was get downstairs so I carried him. He was gasping for air so badly. I woke my husband up immediately and had him call the vet but he said he couldn't get there till 8 am. I knew Tigger would not make it. My husband and I just cried. It was so hard to watch. My husband went back to where Tigger was and I went to grab a kleenex in the kitchen. I was gone 30 seconds to a minute. When I walked back my husband said "he took his last breath" I went right over to Tigger and put him in my arms where he flinched 2 more times. I layed and held him until we took him to the vet. The thing is I feel guilt over being away from him for that short time. I know it is stupid but I can't help it. My husband says don't you keep him alive for 3 extra months. I know Tigger was really out of it but it is just killing me. I know time will lessen the pain but it hurts so bad. I can't stop crying. My husband and I are just shocked he isn't here. We have other fur babies but right now my heart is so closed off and I'am having a hard time loving them. I thank you for reading this. I guess I just need advice and words of wisdom to help me out for those who have been through this.
thank you kindly - Kelly
Tigger
August 14, 1991 - May 27, 2005

Kelly, My Heart goes out to you and your hubby, it's never easy to loose part of your family, Please don't feel guilty that won't help. You did what you could because you loved tigger so much, I myself know the heartache and yes it will get easier but we never forget how special they are and how much we Loved them, and I'm sure that Tigger knew that, he is now feeling no pain and waiting for you at Rainbow Bridge, where's he's feeling good and happy, Please know you and your hubby and tigger are in my thoughts and prayers, Bless you

Kelly, I'm so, so sorry for the loss of your Tigger. I know the pain of losing a furchild, as do most of us here, and honestly, it hurts as much as losing a human! Please don't beat yourself up for being gone, there's nothing that would have changed the outcome. From the fact that he lived such a long life, and knew such a life of love and care, you did your best for him while he was here with you. He's happy and healthy at the Rainbow Bridge now, just waiting for the day that you join him again there. You're in my thoughts and prayers tonight, and for the next few weeks. It takes time, and lots of it before the pain eases, but it will at least come to a point when every little thing doesn't make you think of him. {{HUGS}} hon, and if you need to talk, feel free to pm me, or look me up on MSN, ok?

I'm so sorry to hear that you lost Tigger!

Thank you so much for all the well wishes and prayers. I looked at this site often before and you just never think it will be you saying goodbye to your baby. It is so nice to know there are others out there that understand the hurt and love you can have for an animal. I truly appreciate your kindness.

I am so sorry to hear that you lost your precious Tiggy. I know that you are hurting and there is little that I can say to help except that only his body died, his spirit will be waiting at the bridge to be reunited with you someday. And as time passes the hurt will be less but there will alway be some because when you love that deeply, the loss never goes completely away. You are in my thoughts. Hugs to you during this difficult time.

You looked after him right to the last moment and have nothing to reproach yourself with. He knew he was loved and cared for to the last morning. So allow yourself to grieve without guilt and it will eventually pass, though you will never forget him.

I'm so sorry for your loss Kelly.

Once, while working (as a nurse) in the hospital, we had a very sick patient. She had been ill for months, and it was apparent she would not last much longer. Her family stayed at her side for days. One day, just after my shift started, when a nurses aid was on one side, and I was on the other, holding her hands, the family stepped out of the room. And just that quick she was gone. Her suffering was over.

Animals can do the same thing. Tigger was not trying to hurt you by going when you stepped away for a second. He was trying to ease your pain. Do not feel guilty. I know it hurts now, but he was just too sick to keep fighting. Now he is at peace, and as you recover from the shock of losing him, you will regain your affection for your other furkids.

I am sorry for your loss. How lucky he was to be so loved and cared for for so many years!

Time will lessen the pain, but it will never completely go away. Little things will bring it back. I'm very sorry for your loss. Do not feel bad because you weren't there. you did everything you could for Tigger in his last days and I am sure he knows that and is smiling down on you right now. I could not go into the room when my cat was put to sleep. My husband was with our cat, so someone she loved was there. I was at the vet, but in the waiting room. I could not pull myself together enough to be in there and did not want to upset Molly more. I do not feel guilty about this. I know, as you know in you heart, that I was a great cat Mom and did all I could for her. Why weren't you in the room? Because you needed a Kleenex, because you cared. Don't beat yourself up. Believe me, I realize it's easy for me to say.

As far as your other furbabies, I'm sure they are also confused and grieving themselves right now. You will eventually comfort each other.

My thoughts are with you. Please feel free to PM me if you need to talk.

(((Kelly))) My heart aches for you. Your sweet baby KNOWs you did everything for him and gave him a happy life. he is at the Rainbow Bridge now, playing and breathing easily. He will always love you and watch over you. I firmly believe that!
I am sure he would want you to love the other kitties. No one can take his place, but other kitties would love to love you, too. Give your husband hugs from me. Bobbie

I'm having a tough time right now - can't stop the crying. You replay the last few days a million times in your head. Tigger was in my dreams last night - which was a pleasant sight. The hardest part is waking up and realizing he is gone. My husband had to go back to work so the house is extra quiet today. I truly appreciate all the wonderful things you all have said. Just wanted to jot down my feelings because you all are helping me more than you know. I hope that one day I will be able to give back like you all are to me.

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Tigger was a wonderful companion and now you are mourning your loss and I mourn with you. It is always hard when we lose a loved one. My prayers and thoughts go out to you and your husband. Time will heal the worst of the pain leaving you with all the happy memories you had with Tigger and he is looking down from the Rainbow Bridge with all the love he had for you here on earth.