Letting Go

this is a lovely idea!
I have a program to can transform a photo into a cross stitch pattern if this is something your interested in.

Originally Posted by jcat

I'm so sorry about Smudge, and I know what you mean about wanting to have some sort of keepsake. One thing that has worked for me is to have a good photo made up as a needlepoint kit (you can probably find a company that will do that on the Internet), and then to work on it and think of my departed "baby".

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I hate that feeling, that if only you could keep them a little longer. It's like, "Wait, I'm not ready yet!" I considered taxidermy, but realized it would not keep my baby with me any longer. But it may help others. I just wanted a foot, or tip of her tail, like people used to carry a rabbits foot. But I decided against it.

As you have read, it is different for different people. If a piece of fur will help, or his favorite toy from before he was sick, just keep it. His eyes are so beautiful, it would be great to find two perfect marbles, one green and one blue, and carry them in your pocket for a while. I do have a necklace with a black cat on it, from an after Halloween sale. I have worn it when I lose a baby, or even if I have a day where I miss one really bad. My close friends know why I wear it, and it gives me a chance to grieve without having to talk about it too much. (Sometimes I just don't want to bring out the tears at work!) I'll wear it for Smudgie, when his time comes.

I like the idea of a photo album or memory book. I have a bunch of pictures of my daughter and her best friend at about 3 y/o, done on an 8x10 page as if to put in a scrapbook. But I framed it and hung it in her bedroom. Maybe you could do that for Smudge. They even sell acid free stickers, so you can add stickers to the page.

Prayers for his peacefulness, and for your wisdom in knowing when it is time. Hugs to you and the kids, and headbonks to little Smudge. If love could keep you alive, you would live forever baby. I love you, Smudge!

Originally Posted by huggles

this is a lovely idea!
I have a program to can transform a photo into a cross stitch pattern if this is something your interested in.

Click to expand...

I would love that - I love cross stitch!

I am so sorry for the loss of your cat and what you are going through. God bless your heart and strenthen you in your loss.
I lost my soulmate cat, Max, in July. I wrote a story about him and printed it out with some pictures etc. That helped me a lot. I also kept the towel I wrapped him in to bring him home from the vets office that day. I folded it, put it in a little zip lock bag and it is under my bed. Some nights I even slept with it. I guess that is weird to some, but it helps me, and that is what counts.
May everyday be easier for you. Rest in peace sweet kitty.

Kim, my friend, I wish I had a magic wand to wave and make Smudge healthy again and all of this pain go away. I would suggest taking some pictures, especially if someone can take some of you holding him. Making a scrapbook would be nice too. Maybe a little "memory book" where you write down his favorite toys, foods, or cute and funny things he liked to do. My heart goes out to you.. Pm me anytime.....May God grant you and your family peace and Smudgie an easy passing to the bridge. Hugs

How is Smudge today? (Sunday)? This is very hard, I know.

Our babies have gone,
But will never leave us,
There presence is missing,
But will never be lost,
Our hearts are broken,
But they will always be filled with love,
Our memories will remain,
And their legacy's will live on

I'm so sorry to hear that smudge is not doing better.

The best memory you can keep is the love in your heart, may the powers that be guide your little buddy across the rainbow bridge.

My vet clinic sells little clay circles that you can use to make footprints, like they do for little babies. Perhaps you could find something like this to help remember little Smudge with. You, Smudge, and your family will be in my prayers.

Oh, oh, oh. Poor lovely little Smudge. My heart goes out to both of you for the pain and upset. I wish I was good enough with words to express anything better.

When my 76 died, I had him cremated and put into a little bitty urn. It's got his name and birthday on it and I have it on a shelf not too far away from this desk. I found it very helpful for learning to deal with his loss. You could look into seeing if there is a place that will do that for your Smudge...

My heart breaks for you and your family. It is so hard to deal with and I was the same way, I wanted something.....anything of Vinnie.

Other than lots of pictures, I also have a clay inprint of his paw (the vet hospital made it after he passed), his sweater and his favorite blanket. What is most important and means the most though, are the memories.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

I can't imagine how hard this must be...this vigil. My heart is breaking for you.

I can understand you wanting to have something to remember him by, but my guess is that you are in no danger of ever forgetting him.

Hugs and kisses for your little Smudge.

Originally Posted by clixpix

I can't imagine how hard this must be...this vigil. My heart is breaking for you.

I can understand you wanting to have something to remember him by, but my guess is that you are in no danger of ever forgetting him.

Hugs and kisses for your little Smudge.

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Good point! I like the clay imprint idea, and the cross stitch. I think my daughter's going to do a scrap book, I think she's taken a hundred photos this week!

I kept a little bit of Joshua's lovely lilac fur (he was a lilac lynx point, just cut a teense of his tail hair).
I also suggest taking a video of your fellow - though I can't watch either one yet, we have one of Chris and Joshua, and I dearly wish we had owned a digital camcorder when Bookie was still alive.

I`m sorry about your heartbreak. This is really sad. I feel so very bad for you.
Linda

When my Sumo got really sick, my friend Kelli told me to take pictures of him. It was the last thing on my mind, taking photos, but I did what she said. She took pics of me holding him on his last night, and the morning that I took him to the vet, I took pictures of him sitting on the couch - he was looking at me and was so patient and sweet. When I got home from the vet's, I just missed him SOOO much. It helped me a lot to be able to see him just as I remembered him. I looked at those pictures and cried for one month straight and then some. I also was able to send those pictures to my husband, who was not here to say goodbye to Sumo. He was our precious boy.

I'm so sorry that your Smudgie is sick. I hope you know how much Smudge loves you and always will. The wonderful thing about memories is that they are always with you in your heart. God bless you.

Originally Posted by huggles

I have a program to can transform a photo into a cross stitch pattern if this is something your interested in

Click to expand...

Originally Posted by kluchetta

I would love that - I love cross stitch!

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when the time is right, we will revisit this idea... just pm me

I am so sorry to hear about your beautiful kitty - I've only just caught up with the news and am so sorry.

He will a beautiful little angel - my Tiger went to the Bridge earlier this year and will be happy to be Smudge's guide I'm sure.

I think the idea of the cross stitch picture and memory books are a great way to remember the life of a wonderful person-in-fur.

Remember all the happy times. Hugs and good thoughts to all

I haven't read all of this (not enough tissues) but has anyone suggested getting his pawprints?

Originally Posted by gemlady

I haven't read all of this (not enough tissues) but has anyone suggested getting his pawprints?

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Yes, and I think that is a great idea. I don't have anything to take them with, though. I wonder if the vet does.