Good God this sucks (and long)

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
1

Some of you know, I have lost my cat, Niki of 16 years in May. Then almost an exact month later I had to put my dog of 13 1/2 years down due to an infection and his arthritis. This Thursday I have to put one of my adopted 8 year old kitties down.

Three pets in three months really sucks big time. I would post this in The Pit but I am not angry so much as I am sad.

I had to put Sam down in Sept of 2000 and I still have that thread bookmarked in my favorites but I am at the end of my rope emotionally. I have Max’s brother, Monty, who is overweight to contend with as well. He’s going in in August for a check up and I know the vet will tell me he has to lose weight as his middle is 20" around. I got him that way, none of my cats have been obese in my life.

Max and his brother (not the same litter) came to me in November when I happened to go to PetSmart in November. A week later Max ( a gorgeous black cat with tuxedo white on his chest ) became ill and I just couldn’t stand by and not try to save his life.

The total cost was about $400 (US) and the stress level was brutal as my entire family was out of town. Well, the last two months have been equally as brutal on his health as I have had to pay for vet bills (the vet “donated” the euthanasia charges for my dog so I could afford to have my dog’s remains returned) for two other beloved pets that passed on in May and June.

So this Thursday (the vet is backed up because of the holiday and a few of the vets did the family thing this weekend and last week) Max goes to be euthanized. I talked to the vet and unless I find a no-kill shelter to take him in and can afford the vet bills I am out of luck with him. But I can’t find anyone that can afford it.

I would really hate to separate the two but I have no choice, it’s on to euthanasia. The no-kills are looking for foster care people and I simply don’t have the money (probably $500-$1,000) to get him back to health.

So this Thursday at 4:00 MDT, please say a little prayer for my Handsome Max. I gather if the story is true, he will be at the Rainbow Bridge looking for his previous owner and I can meet him/her when my time comes for helping make him and his brother sweet kitties.

These last three months have really sucked ass. Two of my pets have died and because of my lack of funds another one has to go. I feel like shit really. I am sad and not much can reverse that at this time.

I know I wasn’t “produced” to have children but I have always had animals in my life. This will be the first time since Spring of 1987 that I haven’t had more than one animal.

I am very sad. Very sad.

2

Aw, hon, I’m really sorry. I rarely do this because I think its done too much and not real genuine but

(((hugs)))

I mean it. I have a friend who has had to put down her cats of 17+ years recently and I have been there with her, hugged her, made sure she was okay.

I’m so sorry.

I’m not gonna say all that obligatory stuff but I do know it sucks. And whether you believe or not, God has a plan.

Eilsel

3

Damn Liz, I certainly feel for you. It hurts to the core to lose loved ones, and pets certainly fit the description of loved ones. Our pets, four dogs and three cats, are members of the family. If one of the dogs doesn’t come in from our acres of fenced pasture we go out to look for it. It is usually the Jack Russell terrier and she is busy digging yet another hole, all you see is a white butt with dirt spraying out between her hind legs. The cats are a particular concern, the fence doesn’t keep them in and we live in the country with plenty of coyotes yipping and yelling around every night. If I was close enough to Colorada my wife and I would drop by to give you a hug.

4

Colorado, Colorado, Colorado. Hit preview Haywood! You sound like the guy saying “Puyeblah, Coloradah”.

5

I had no idea you have been suffering the loss of so many furry loved ones. How very sad you must be. Hugs & prayers for you, techchick.

6

I have been through a lot through the last three months and this is just icing on the cake.

Thank you for your “condolences” as I am dealing with a lot right now. I am pretty numb because I don’t know how to feel. I lost Niki on May 16th, and I watched her through her last breaths but I was glad she was with me if that makes sense. Kodi ( my dog ) was put down via lethal injection because of an infection that the vet and I knew would be futile because of his increasing arthritis…the night before I put him down he couldn’t even get up when I called him. It was a horrible feeling. He knew that when I flash the light it was time to come in. He couldn’t get up, I had to help him in the house.

It was later that night I understood his infection, in his anal glands. I called the vet the next day, he was not available and I couldn’t stand my dog inside the house yelping (as he had done the night prior) so I went down to see him and explained the circumstances and that’s when the vet and I decided it was best to put him down.

I am thankful that Niki passed on here at home. It may have not been the ideal situation but for her, it worked out well and frankly I wish that Max would go here at home. In his element.

Thank you to those that have given me some “upbeat” thoughts even though I know it won’t help Maxxy. He is a good kittie and he’s a good cat, he really is despite his need to poop and pee wherever he is.

I haven’t had a long time with him but he is a good boy and I hate to see this happen as he is a joy in my life.

So this Thursday, please pray that he gets to see his previous owner. He is a sweetheart and I will miss him a lot. I am just sick to death that he has to go like this.

7

Cripes, techchick, what a string of animal misfortunes. You quite obviously care for your critters a lot. I don’t know what to offer you except the consolation that you are not like this gal. My heart goes out to you.

8

That’s rough; I’m really sorry. I lost my dog two weeks ago, and I’m still reeling from having to walk into an empty house every day (can’t get another dog right now). But every day gets a little easier; I hope your experience is the same.

9

Well Techchick, I actually know EXACTLY how you feel, and it sucks.

I’m totally heart broken and every time I think about one of my little friends, my heart breaks again. I’m constantly checking on Benny, my one remaining critter, to make sure he’s ok. He’s starting to get annoyed.

I’m sorry I can’t offer better than this - I feel for you in a huge way, and I’m here comiserating with you. Please go an give Maxxy and Monty a big hug for me. Benny and I are sending our thoughts.

10

Emotionally, I am in that same boat. My Harley, a black and white tuxedo cat was diagnosed with “vaccine related sarcoma” last year. A tumor had grown in his back between his shoulder blades that was as large as a baseball.

After $3100, a day of surgery (during which he passed and they brought him back to life) I brought him home two days before Christmas. He was doing well for several months. Then suddenly my Ashes (Harley’s stepbrother) had a seizure or a stroke in the middle of my living room and died the day before my 32 birthday.

I took solace in the fact that my Harley was doing so well with holistic treatment, which was more affordable than the $4000 to 6000 it would have been for chemo and radiation. We were never informed that the radiation and chemo was going to cost that much.

I had to put Harley to sleep three weeks after Ashes died. A new tumor in his leg grew to the size of a cantaloupe in a week’s time. I just couldn’t afford to do any more for him.

In all the years I have had pets, I was never informed that when I brought my cats in for the “much needed” vaccine that there was a possibility they would develop cancer from it.

Apparently, the vet is required to inform you of this before they vaccinate your baby. I’ve never been told this and I had to see my Harley suffer for a year.

I’m completely lost with out them. I too am unable to have children and these two were my heart and soul. There is no way to replace them, ever.

My heart is with you.

11

www.imom.org

They provide emergency funds to pet owners who can’t afford their pets anymore…

((((((((hugs))))))))))) and I know how you feel, my cats, dogs, and horse are my babies, my life, and one of my dogs just died unexpectedly (isn’t it always unexpected and horrible?) two weeks ago at age 8.

12

Techchick my sincere condolences. I’m so glad that there are people like you out there who give a shit one way or the other. Our dog and cats are all foundlings - they are usually half starved, matted, sick and shy when we find them and wind up being wonderful pets in time. It breaks my heart to lose any of them, but at least I know we gave them a good life. You did too!

13

(((techchick68)))

my heart goes out to you. rocco…1999

jake…1999
my husband and i couldn’t sit in the same room for a month…

but is DOES get better.

Harold and Abby? Where did these guys come from?
When you are ready, go see your vet or the Humane Society. The grass is not greener, but it needs a home…

14

First off, ** koeeoaddi**, thank you for taking in so many feral animals. They have no choice and you are their only hope.

The rest of you, eff almighty if you only knew how saddened I am to hear of your loss. I realize that the SDMB is 30K strong and these stories will only be the more common. It still breaks my heart to hear of such bereavement. I’ve been there myself, but still can only hope no one else will have to go through it themselves.

My love to you all,

Zenster

15

Someone mentioned the dog thing…this has been a huge issue with me as I miss coming home to a dog that needs to go outside.

I have a nice backyard, well, nice is a term that is used loosely here as I have let the grass go and it’s all weeds. But there’s just something to coming home from an errand or whatever and having a big tail happily wagging back and forth and this anticipation in his eyes to be let outside.

Max and Monty are both indoor kitties and Monty usually gives me a welcome home virtually every time but Maxxy is so sick he just kind of lays where he is. Eats and drinks too much and pees and poops every where. I have to replace the carpet here, which is fine. I would rather have a happier cat than to scold them for something that they can’t really control.

Anyhow, thanks again. This has been a rough patch in my life and I look like I have been sucker punched from having a cryfest last night. No bruises but I sure look like hell. I don’t know how much more I can take.

Monty better lose some weight and be healthy for a while. I need a break from this. Three of my beloveds in three months? OY.

16

What a shitty time.

I feel for you, techchick68.

I bought a little female Pomeranian for my soon-to-be Ex as a Christmas gift one year…
crazy little thing decided she liked me instead. Ended up being the best dog in my entire life.
She died almost four years ago of an auto-immune disorder.

I still miss her.

OUT

17

I’ve lost several truly beloved pets during my life, techchick, and I have to say it never gets any easier. We had to euthanize our beloved golden retriever Casey a year and a half ago, and I still miss her every day.

But for me, not having pets would ultimately be worse than having them and losing them. I remind myself of that every time I have to say goodbye to one. And then I rush out to find another pet – who can never replace the lost one, but finds a new piece of my heart to capture forever.

I’ll be thinking about Max. He’s joining a lot of my dear friends at that bridge, so he won’t be alone!

18

I agree but it’s been a rough three months and I am brain weary from the experience.

I plan on getting another dog, maybe in the fall. I really miss having that tail wagging when I come home. I love kitties and I will always have them but there’s just something about a dog to come home to after a day of dealing with humans.

19

I feel exactly the same way. It took me two years after my Golden Retriever (Diggity) died before I was able to get another dog and I will never wait that long again.

When we adopted Daisy, I looked at her and she looked at me and for about a month we seemed to be trying to figure out who the heck we were to each other. The new dog never replaces the one you lost. You build the friendship all over again. Daisy is as different from Diggity as she can be and altogether as wonderful.

I thought about your post all day today, techchick. I’m so sorry you’re going through this.

koee

Zenster there is no need to thank me. The little critters have simply figured out whose door in the neighborhood gets results.

20

Maxxy is sitting in my lap, with the nice cool evap cooler blowing on him.

I think he knows how to stay cool as it’s been hot in Colorado Springs in the last week.

He hasn’t done that for several months for as long as he has been sitting on my lap.

Poor guy, he really is a good boy and damn I am going to miss the heck out of him as his brother weighs a ton and I couldn’t handle him sitting on my lap for as long as Max has.

Although Monty is crashed out here in my office and looks like a Kitty Angel all curled up and such.

I think fall is a good time to get a dog…