I just put my cat to sleep

My best friend of 18 years is gone. His name was Spike. This is so hard to deal with. I'm absolutely crushed. He developed diabetes a few years ago and I was giving him insulin shots twice a day since. Unfortunately, other things developed recently. The vet told me that I had a choice, but I had to think about his quality of life. After having left the vet, I thought that I made the wrong decision, But, it was too late. He was already dead.

No one seems to get it. They figure that he's just a cat. I feel like someone ripped my heart out from my chest.

Kevin

Kevin, I am sorry that a cat you were so devoted for in 18 years is gone. But what you are feeling is a common feeling, it truly is. It is so hard to accept their absence and you will be looking for Spike for sometime still. But it does get better, over time, just let it take you where you need to go. There is much to learn on the path of Grief-


www.endingpain.info might help you as well

I am so sorry to hear of your loss Kevin. You've come to the right place of those that will understand. Our cats are members of our family and for many of us our children. The grieving process will take time...and just ignore all the comments from those that don't understand..I'm sending my prayers and hugs your way tonight

No one seems to get it. They figure that he's just a cat. I feel like someone ripped my heart out from my chest.

I am soooo sorry for your loss. My heart really goes out to you. Well, we certainly get "it" here & there are other's that do get "it". 18 years is a very long time together & I am sure this is a very difficult time for you right now. There is definitely a mourning period that you just have to go through...it hurts...

It sounds like you provided the best care for Spike and just my opinion, you did not make the wrong decision. Quality of life is priority...Spike is at peace.

Sending you prayers of getting through the pain...healing through this very painful time.

Kevin, I am in tears with you right now. I lost my soulmate cat in July, and the expression of your feelings hit home. I pray that you will find peace in your heart.
Don't let doubt cloud your mind. Just remember you did what you felt was the right thing at the time for Spike. He was so blessed to have such a friend as you.
It will take some time for you to feel better, how much I don't know since I am still dealing with this myself.
Some days are easier than others. You focus your mind on all the precious memories you have and let them comfort you. Cry when you feel like it. It helps. Lord knows I even slept with the towel that was wrapped around my Max when I brought him home. Do what helps you. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. Another thing I have done is, I wrote a story about Max's life with me. I wanted it all on paper so I would never forget anything about him. Doing something like that might help you too.
Anyway, know that you are in out thoughts.
Rest in peace sweet Spike. You will live on in the heart of Kevin, who loves you so much.

Kevin, I recently had to put my kitten to sleep, the very day before she was 5 months old. I miss her terribly. It's been two weeks now. I felt like I knew her my entire life. I too started thinking, "What if she was going to get better? Maybe I should'nt have put her down? How could I forgive myself if it was something simple and curable?" But, I now know that she is much better off. You want to know something that really helped me? Something my mom told me... she told me that she's up there playing with her little brother, maybe getting a few pets from my grandma, and maybe, she might even be in the arms of Jesus. That last thought really comforted me. I hope it can do the same for you.

Hugs to you in this hard time. I understand how you feel, and wish you the best.

Cassie

I'm so sorry for your loss. Your lovely kitty is with God now, where there is no pain or disease.

All of us know that there is no such thing as just a cat. Condolences.

I'm so sorry for your loss, he wasn't just a Cat either he was part of your Family. Im sure you may the right choice and my thoughts and prayers are with you

There is no such thing as "just a cat". These are our soul mates, friends, family members and so much more that many people do not understand. I feel your grief, as it was not so long ago that I experienced a loss of my own. May time ease your pain. Be gentle with yourself.

im srry you had to put spike to sleep, i had to do the same thing to my henry he was 10. I felt so horrible when it happened, i never even got to say good bye to him, my parents were the ones who took him to the vet. even though i miss henry everyday im glad hes in a better place now, and he has to go throungh no morepain and suffering ever again and some day i know we will meet again.


R.I.P. Spike

I am sorry for your loss
I know that feeling as well. But it was the right thing to end Spikes suffering as hard as it was and as difficult it is now. Sounds like he was a well loved kitty and he will always be in your heart.


RIP Spike

I am so sorry for your loss. Remember, to someone who has never "known" a cat, they cannot possibly begin to understand. And someone who never loved an animal, and shared the intricacies of that relationship, will never understand, either. People at TCS do understand a bit of what you are feeling.

I'm sorry Spike is gone. I hope you can find the comfort you need. Rest in peace, Spike, you will never feel pain again. Someday you will look up and see Kevin coming over that bridge, and you will be together again.

Kevin Spike wasn't just a cat as people tell you, he was a soulmate for the last 18 years and only true animal lovers understand that

Keep those wonderful memories that you have of Spike in your head and your little boy will live forever in your heart

RIP Spike and play happily until you see your dad again

Kevin.....I read your post through tears. I`m so sorry about Spike. Our beloved animals are part of our family....and grieve we must when they are gone from us....but in time it will get easier. My heart goes out to you.
Prayers! Linda

Kevin - I'm so sorry about Spike. We do get part of what you're going through... many of us have been there. A part of Spike will be with you forever. Please do PM me if you'd like to.

Kevin - I'm so sorry for your loss. Rest in Peace Spike.

I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. I have had to do this myself.I know how your feeling.

Originally Posted by Kevman

No one seems to get it. They figure that he's just a cat. I feel like someone ripped my heart out from my chest.
Kevin

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Kevin,

My friend. Im sorry for your loss. I do understand your pain. I would say all of us here do. My heart aches just from reading your words. You are no less a person or a man for feeling the way you do about your friend spike. You DID do the right thing. Spike will let you know that himself oneday.
Until then, lose yourself in the many happy thoughts and memories of the time spent together growing up. The blessing and curse is that you will never in your entire life forget him. Cherish the good. Spike gave you his all, honor his memory by loving the life you have and he helped shape.

rest in peace friend spike.

Ric

Kevin--How are you? I can't believe the sheer stupidity of people who whine that "It's just a cat." First, a cat is not an "it"--"it" refers to inanimate objects, like furniture and rocks and houses. "It" does NOT refer to living, breathing, sentient, and loving creatures who share our lives and give us great blessings thru their love and their wonderful companionship. Your Spike was your beloved friend and companion, a part of your family, a part of YOU--just as you were a part of him. Nothing, not even death, can change that. Please believe me that you made the right decision, and Spike is now in a marvelous place where suffering cannot touch him ever again. You and your Spike will always love each other, and always be a part of each other. It's absolutely normal for us to grieve when we lose someone we dearly love. Just don't forget the good times the two of you had for so long--and how happy you made Spike, and what a long, wonderful, loving life you gave to him. And when his suffering was too much with no cure available, out of your love you did the most unselfish and loving thing imaginable--you let him go. You freed him from pain and fear and suffering. You sent him ahead of you to the Bridge where he's once again young and strong and full of joy. And he'll play there happily until the day you come to join him, and then you will have the most wonderful and joyous reunion. Meanwhile keep his memory alive in you--I still stop to look at pictures of my cats that have gone over the Bridge and remind them how much I still love them, and that I always will. Take comfort in knowing that your boy is not lost or suffering--he's in a wonderfully happy place, and he knows that one day, when the time is right, you will be with him again. God bless, Kevin. And sweet Spike--RIP