Losing a beloved pet is an absolutely heartbreaking experience and one which all pet parents dread. The decision to say a final farewell to a beloved companion animal, barring sudden and tragic events, is usually in the hands of the pet parent. Either way, putting your fur baby to rest is (or has been) one of the hardest things you will ever do in your life.
When my senior cat began to have severe health challenges, I knew, way back in the depths of my mind, that his days were counting down. Multiple vet visits to quantify his pain levels and quality of life left no doubt that all I could do was keep him as comfortable as possible and wait for that moment when he was prepared to make the journey.
I had had this cat for almost 18 years, my boys had grown up with him, he was indeed, family. His wisely sympathetic topaz eyes, his quirky humour and, everything about him really, was deeply loved by my family. As the years ticked by, subtle changes in his body started to take place.
When my senior cat began to have severe health challenges, I knew, way back in the depths of my mind, that his days were counting down. Multiple vet visits to quantify his pain levels and quality of life left no doubt that all I could do was keep him as comfortable as possible and wait for that moment when he was prepared to make the journey.
I had had this cat for almost 18 years, my boys had grown up with him, he was indeed, family. His wisely sympathetic topaz eyes, his quirky humour and, everything about him really, was deeply loved by my family. As the years ticked by, subtle changes in his body started to take place.
His orange coat slowly dulled and matted. His little legs, once so strong and springy, began to bow under his extra pounds and in response to his arthritis. Those gorgeous topaz eyes began to film over with age and, his activity level dropped to the point where he basically laid in one spot unless he had to eat, drink or, visit the litter box. Still, I had a sense from him that he was hanging in there, enjoying being alive despite his aches and pains.
Every morning when I left for work I would say goodbye to him and pat him on his gentle head. When I got back home the first thing I did was check on him. He was my baby kitty and man, did I love this cat. As soon as I walked into his room, where his pillow and blanket were, he would light up and purr as loud as he was able to. Yeah, he was doing ok.
There were other cats in the house and they took their turns visiting Beeper, making sure he had company. Beeper was still alive when I adopted Lacie and I'm glad they got to meet. Beeper hated her of course and gave her an epic hissing fit if she got too close to his bubble. Lacie, being her sweet gentle self, gave way in respect to the cantankerously aging orange tabby.
Every morning when I left for work I would say goodbye to him and pat him on his gentle head. When I got back home the first thing I did was check on him. He was my baby kitty and man, did I love this cat. As soon as I walked into his room, where his pillow and blanket were, he would light up and purr as loud as he was able to. Yeah, he was doing ok.
There were other cats in the house and they took their turns visiting Beeper, making sure he had company. Beeper was still alive when I adopted Lacie and I'm glad they got to meet. Beeper hated her of course and gave her an epic hissing fit if she got too close to his bubble. Lacie, being her sweet gentle self, gave way in respect to the cantankerously aging orange tabby.
We went along in this fashion for a few more months until one morning, I went to check on Beeper and knew that at some point during the night he had take a dramatic turn for the worse. Something in his eyes was telling me, I'm ready Mom. With my heart shattering into a million pieces I put the wheels in motion to lay my boy down to his final rest. I gave myself and my family a few days to say good bye and to prepare mentally.
On his last day, Beeper passed in the safety and warmth of my arms, in the privacy of our home. I think I cried for 3 days in a row after saying that final goodbye and, quite honestly I have had a hard time crafting this blog through my tears. The only thing that keeps me at all together after the devastating loss of a most cherished pet is knowing that he was released from his pain and the certainty of a severe decline in health and mobility. Even though losing Beeper cost my heart dearly, I wanted to give him peace and save him from the indignity of a life of suffering.
When faced with the old age and suffering of your cherished fur baby, please remember that your sadness at losing them is not the issue. Involve your family and your vet if you are having trouble making this most ultimate and painful of decisions.
Releasing your pet from a life of agony and humiliation needs to be the main point of consideration when planning their peaceful passing. Remember, support is available to you, so don't feel that you need to face the loss of your beloved fur baby alone.
On his last day, Beeper passed in the safety and warmth of my arms, in the privacy of our home. I think I cried for 3 days in a row after saying that final goodbye and, quite honestly I have had a hard time crafting this blog through my tears. The only thing that keeps me at all together after the devastating loss of a most cherished pet is knowing that he was released from his pain and the certainty of a severe decline in health and mobility. Even though losing Beeper cost my heart dearly, I wanted to give him peace and save him from the indignity of a life of suffering.
When faced with the old age and suffering of your cherished fur baby, please remember that your sadness at losing them is not the issue. Involve your family and your vet if you are having trouble making this most ultimate and painful of decisions.
Releasing your pet from a life of agony and humiliation needs to be the main point of consideration when planning their peaceful passing. Remember, support is available to you, so don't feel that you need to face the loss of your beloved fur baby alone.
By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,
Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.
Where the friends of man and woman do run,
When their time on earth is over and done.
For here, between this world and the next,
Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.
On this golden land, they wait and they play,
Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.
No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,
For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.
Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,
Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.
They romp through the grass, without even a care,
Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.
All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,
Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.
For just at that instant, their eyes have met;
Together again, both person and pet.
So they run to each other, these friends from long past,
The time of their parting is over at last.
The sadness they felt while they were apart,
Has turned into joy once more in each heart.
They embrace with a love that will last forever,
And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together.
Steve and Diane Bodofsky
Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.
Where the friends of man and woman do run,
When their time on earth is over and done.
For here, between this world and the next,
Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.
On this golden land, they wait and they play,
Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.
No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,
For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.
Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,
Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.
They romp through the grass, without even a care,
Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.
All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,
Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.
For just at that instant, their eyes have met;
Together again, both person and pet.
So they run to each other, these friends from long past,
The time of their parting is over at last.
The sadness they felt while they were apart,
Has turned into joy once more in each heart.
They embrace with a love that will last forever,
And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together.
Steve and Diane Bodofsky
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