Arthur, my little man, is gone

My heart is broken and will never be whole again.

First, Ulysses got out last week and hasn't come back. Then we had to euthanize Coal yesterday, due to FIP.

Arthur had what we thought was a cold, and was on antibiotics for 5 days, but was not getting better. We took him to the vet this AM for some bloodwork and to see what they could do to help him.

He had FIP as well.

X-rays showed fluid filling one of his lungs and starting to fill the other. He was struggling to breathe and very obviously in distress. We made the hardest decision I've ever had to make, to euthanize him.

I love all my cats, each and every one of them. But Arthur was truly such a special, special boy. He was born with cerebellar hypoplasia and could not walk; however, he "flopped" as fast as other cats could walk and was better at using the litterbox than some non-handicapped cats I know (meaningful stare at Nefertiti). He had the most awesome personality and made friends everywhere he went, with people and other animals alike. Everyone who knew Arthur fell in love with him. He was such a wonderful, special delight of a cat.

Tybalt petted his head and I stroked his paw while he drifted off. I had learned when he was a very little kitten that stroking his paw with my thumb was one of the few things that could calm him when he became startled or upset. I only hope it eased his passing, knowing his Mom was there.

I never imagined I would ever lose three cats in a week. To say I am devastated falls so short of the pain and emptiness I feel. Something in me has broken, and I don't know that it can ever be healed.

RIP Arthur, my little man, my Artorius. You were the bravest cat I have ever known. 10/31/04-4/19/06

R.I.P Arthur the arms of the are waiting.

I am so very sorry for your losses.

OH NO! Sue, my heart is absolutely breaking for you! This is TOO MUCH - I am praying and sending comfort vibes for you & the rest of your crew. Godspeed over RB, Arthur; I am sure that your loving comfort helped ease Arthur's passing and he is smiling down on you now, purring a wonderful "Thank you for everything". I once hear that "trouble comes in 3s" - I lost a nephew, a brother & a husband in less than 18mos., and haven't had a death in the close family since,(not counting horses & pets) so hopefully it's true! You need a break and I'm continuing to pray that Ulysses is returned home to you safely, to comfort you and give you encouragement. Hugs from California, Susan

Oh no Sue!, this is awful for you

I'm so very sorry that you've had to come here again with sad news.

RIP Arthur, you were loved so much

I dreamed about him last night, and it helped. I dreamed he came running to me and leaped up into my arms. He was talking (hey, it was a dream, my cats can talk in my dreams sometimes LOL) and said, "Look, Mom, see what I can do now?!" I started crying and he licked my face and told me not to cry. He reminded me that the first vet we took him to wanted to euthanize him when he was only 6 weeks old, "because he could never have a normal life". Arthur told me that he had the best time with Tybalt and I for the year and a half he was with us, and that even though he wouldn't see us again for a long time, I should remember that he would be waiting for us.

I woke up crying, but my heart is a little more at piece. Even if the dream was nothing more than my mind's attempt to ease my pain, it did help.

Thank you so much, my friends, for your kind and thoughtful words. The hugs help, a lot. :hug:

sweet Arthur - run and run until your hearts content little one

RIP sweetheart

I'm so sorry about your boys.
Hugs for you

Oh, Sue, I'm so sorry for your losses. What a sweet dream about Arthur. I'm glad it brought you some comfort. RIP sweet boy.

Such a sad week for you, sorry for your losses. RIP, Arthur - you may be gone but certainly will not be forgotten.

I can't begin to imagine how much pain you feel right now. I am so sorry for your losses. I pray that your cat will come back home. Hugs to you. May your memories bring you comfort.

I am so sorry to hear of your devestating lose you have suffered!!!! I have 5 of my own and can not even imagen going through what you have. keep strong and remember your good times and cherish them dearly....some people will never experience what we do with our pets and that makes you fortunate to have had the opportunity to have that great love in your life!!! losing a pet let alone 3 is terrible and i wish there was something i could do to soften your hurt and your heart!!!! there is something special about cats with a disability, i have one myself....write anytime you would like....take care....cynthia

Oh, I am so sad! I send hugs to you. RIP, Sweet Arthur!

Wow, I am so sorry..I can't even imagine losing one, but two? You must be so heartbroken..I am truly truly sorry for your losses.

Oh I'm so sorry to hear all this! I'm sure he is happy now.

This is terrible news. I hope that Ulysses comes home.

I am so sorry to hear this, I can't imagine what you are going through. ARthur was very lucky to have you though, he was given a chance, and had a wonderful life because of you.

I can't imagine going through that. My prayers are with you.