I am so sorry to hear your news about Sam. To lose your baby is hard. To have to make the decision as to when you will lose him is, in my experience, a double-edged sword. You will get to say goodbye to Sam, and most importantly, you will be able to spare him pain. On the other hand, you have to actually make that decision, as opposed to having the decision made for you by nature or sudden death.
Having just been through this with my beloved cat (and now possibly facing it with her sister), my heart goes out to you. For what it is worth, for me, the worst part of the pain was where you are now–getting over the shock of it and making a decision. Once I decided, Fiona and I spent a quiet, sad morning together saying goodbye. I set a time and when it came, I took her to the vet. That was painful, but after it was over, I felt enormous peace–and have ever since.
At this point, with a cure impossible, I hope for you and Sam the same chance to say goodbye and then peace in your decision.
You don’t know me, but feel free to email me if you like. ((Techchick))
I am very sorry to hear about this techchick68, you know in your heart what you need to do. I hope that you can stay strong and make the most of the time you have left with him.
I am so sorry. My cats have always been my children, and I had to make the same decision you are making now a few years ago. My two were both 18 years old, and I lost them 6 months apart, in between the deaths of my mom and my oldest brother. It was the worst year of my life, and when I think back on it, I am not sure how I made it through.
I don’t presume to give you advice, here, but I do know that I put off making the decision with Tasha, the oldest, for three weeks and I regret it now. She was not happy, and afterward I felt I had been selfish. I am not saying that you would feel the same way, just something to think about.
I am praying for both of you, and I hope that whatever you decide, you will have peace about it.
Thanks everyone, I appreciate your thoughts and such.
I wish my father was in town, even though he can be a big boob, I need my “daddy” to cry to a little. I left a message for him both at the place he’s staying and on his cell phone so hopefully I will hear from him soon.
I know I have to put him down and have decided that I will request the vet to have my Sammy’s remains cremated and put them in a little urn. I know that sounds silly to some but my cat Sam is my first baby, he has been there with me for 14 years and his presence has always been a part of my adult life. I can’t imagine not having his defient little self around and I hope my female cat will be able to deal with the loneliness (she’s not very friendly with my dog).
Anyhow, I am sorry for my emotional neediness from you all, if my dad was in town I would be able to handle this better but having you there, even via a message board, does mean a lot to me.
Sam is currently mellowed out on my bed. My baby looks so calm…
Only Heaven knows that you, techchick68 are a Goddess. For once on this green Earth, a cat was designed to serve you! Please get used to this fact, it will make it much easier for me to come out there and polish your boots with the oil off of my nose.
God, I’m sitting here at work with tears in my eyes, Techchick. I’m so sorry for you and for Sam. I lost my Sam years ago, and my Trouble is getting older. I was afraid when he got sick a few weeks ago that it was almost time to let him go, but he’s getting better. It wasn’t anything serious. I wish it was the same for Sam. If you want to, please email me. I want to be there for you, in this time, especially. My email is in my profile.
((Tech and Sam))
I do hope you can deal with the loss when you do decide to put him down. I have a dog, he’s my first pet, my parents have been opposed to having large furry animals so we got one on the sly, I couldn’t bear the thought of losing him, he’s too much a part of my life. Learning to live without Sam is going to be hard, but just know that we’ll all be here for you if you need us.
Oh, techchick. I’m so sorry to hear about Sam. I know from experience that that decision is the hardest to make. My Siamese companion of 14yrs (most of my life) was suffering from breast cancer and had to be put to sleep. Watching that happen was the most painful thing I have ever done and the thought still brings tears to my eyes three years later.
Spoil and adore Sam while you still have him and later remember that you gave him love, peace, and release from the pain.
Sorry to hear the bad news techchick. When I lost Beardog twelve years ago it was like someine cut my arm off. Recently I got a new pup who is splendid. You’ll find another furball to warm your toes. Until then, major hugs and hang in there.
Chris
PS: To quote William Sorayan;
“I know nobody lives forever, but I was hoping in this case God would make an exception.”
So sorry about your Sam… I used to adopt fe-leuk positive kitties from the pound so they wouldn’t get put to sleep, and could have a few good years to live. It doesn’t get any easier, making the decision that they’re just too ill to go on… but rest assured you’re doing what’s best for your best friend.
If he does pass soon, at least you will get to say goodbye.
When I was young I had a cat that I loved very much. One day, after having her for around for 13 years, I let her outside before school. I never saw her again.
i’m sorry to hear about sam. it’s so hard to look into their eyes and to make the decision you have to. i hope all goes gently for you and sam. my cousin had her dog cremated. to let you know the pecking order in our family, heidi (the dog) is in a lovely hand carved wood box. my uncle (also cremated and a formentioned cousin’s dad) is in a cardboard box waiting for auntie to decide what to do with him. who got the better deal?
