Pets, loving them and losing them.

Plainview

I am a sinner.
Sep 11, 2013
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I recently lost a pet. He was with me for nearly half of my life. yes, he lived to 19 years old. He was the last of three cats; two boys and a girl. I'm going to miss him dearly. It was him and I for about four years since his brother passed. I know time will heal everything, but this loss is going to be life altering. This is the first time in my life that I won't have someone, or an animal, living with me. No family members, college roommates, or pets. There's nobody there anymore.

Of course there's friends and family I can always visit, but it's not the same as coming home to a little one waiting for you. The nurturing feeling is still there. I still think about how I have to plan my day to make sure he is fed, his litter box is clean, and set aside time each and every day to be with him.

I'm not really sure what the point of this thread is other than getting stuff out and using it to talk. Yeah, I talk to friends, but they're not always around and this format allows me to get out thoughts in an instant.

I think I will eventually get another little companion, and possibly married, we'll see, but it won't be for a while because I don't want to 'replace' him. I need a while to remember him, and hold our moments in my mind and heart for a long time so that the new pet, if I choose, is his, or her, own person, and not used to 'replace' and soothe my heart.
 
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I hear you. Had a family dog growing up and the end came pretty quickly and out of the blue. Not sure if that is a good thing or not. Maybe now that I think of it better that it was something quick and not building up over time. My brother's dog is getting quite old and having health problems so it's only a matter of time.

I've got a cat now that I got from the shelter about 3 years ago. When I got him they said he was about 15 although they didn't seem to be too sure. Never had a cat before so figured since he was so friendly that he would be a good fit even at that age. That said, when I had him in to get looked at due to a seizure a couple months ago the vet didn't seem to think he was that old. Think he had a pretty rough life before the shelter got him as he was covered in fleas, very underweight, and had bad teeth. Either way my feeling is if he is old I hope I can give him a great last few years. If he's younger than that then I still have some time left with him.
 
I hear you. Had a family dog growing up and the end came pretty quickly and out of the blue. Not sure if that is a good thing or not. Maybe now that I think of it better that it was something quick and not building up over time. My brother's dog is getting quite old and having health problems so it's only a matter of time.

I've got a cat now that I got from the shelter about 3 years ago. When I got him they said he was about 15 although they didn't seem to be too sure. Never had a cat before so figured since he was so friendly that he would be a good fit even at that age. That said, when I had him in to get looked at due to a seizure a couple months ago the vet didn't seem to think he was that old. Think he had a pretty rough life before the shelter got him as he was covered in fleas, very underweight, and had bad teeth. Either way my feeling is if he is old I hope I can give him a great last few years. If he's younger than that then I still have some time left with him.
For the years of happiness they gave us, we can repay them by giving them love, and compassion as they age.
 
I'm so sorry, Plainview...do you mind sharing a pic? I'm sure we'd love to see him and be in remembrance with you.
 
I'm so sorry, Plainview...do you mind sharing a pic? I'm sure we'd love to see him and be in remembrance with you.
Thanks, ace. I am gonna really miss him. People always say that your pets are your kids, well, a pet that lives for 17 years truly is your kid. That's a really long time. He battled many health issues along the way. He shouldn't have made it past 10. There he was, 17 years old. I would share a pic, but I'm too private to share. I hope you understand.
 
Sorry to hear that, man. It's hard losing a pet. I lost a dog who'd been my sole companion for years, truly my best friend, and it crushed me, worse than any human death. I experienced just pure, unconditional love from (and to) him, for so many years. I can still get teary, thinking about it. He was like a son to me. I know that sounds stupid to people who have actual sons, but that's how it felt to me. The thing about pets is, you know they're going to die before you will. But anyhow, he taught me so much about love, and I'm so grateful to him.

I have another dog now, and she's getting older. I am already anticipating the day she passes on. *sigh* Life is full of loss... But I wouldn't trade the years with them for anything. Whatever this says about me, I've never loved any human being half as much as I've loved my dogs. I get a lot of comfort from knowing they are alive in spirit, and we'll see each other again. I believe I got a visit from him and some signs.

They're a big part of our lives, and they leave a big hole. I would look at the chair where he would sit, expecting him. I know that sadness, when you come home to an empty house.

I waited about 3 months before adopting again. Like you, I didn't want to rush into it, because that would feel like I was trying to "replace" him, and of course I couldn't do that.
 
Sorry to hear that, man. It's hard losing a pet. I lost a dog who'd been my sole companion for years, truly my best friend, and it crushed me, worse than any human death. I experienced just pure, unconditional love from (and to) him, for so many years. I can still get teary, thinking about it. He was like a son to me. I know that sounds stupid to people who have actual sons, but that's how it felt to me. The thing about pets is, you know they're going to die before you will. But anyhow, he taught me so much about love, and I'm so grateful to him.

I have another dog now, and she's getting older. I am already anticipating the day she passes on. *sigh* Life is full of loss... But I wouldn't trade the years with them for anything. Whatever this says about me, I've never loved any human being half as much as I've loved my dogs. I get a lot of comfort from knowing they are alive in spirit, and we'll see each other again. I believe I got a visit from him and some signs.

They're a big part of our lives, and they leave a big hole. I would look at the chair where he would sit, expecting him. I know that sadness, when you come home to an empty house.

I waited about 3 months before adopting again. Like you, I didn't want to rush into it, because that would feel like I was trying to "replace" him, and of course I couldn't do that.

The anticipating feeling of going home to see him is pretty tough. Like you said, you expect to see them where you're so used to seeing them. It's an adjustment period. Because he's been part of my life for so long, this is going to be longer to move past than the others. His brother was 15. I've had really long periods with some great little ones. I'm so grateful for that.

I think I will eventually get another pet. I'm not thinking of that now, obviously. Unless I get married and we plan to have kids early on.

Thank you for sharing, Andy. I didn't want to say much publicly, but I need to let some of the words out when I'm not around friends and family. This place gives me a way to do it.
 
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Sorry to hear about your loss. I've always grown up with pets around and while some people find it weird, they really are part of our family.

My wife and I started adopting rescue greyhounds many years ago and while they are great, they tend to not have a long life. We've lost 2 at age 7-8 and it never gets any easier. Greys are tougher because you don't get them until 2-3. What's weird is that sometimes we've waited a long time before getting a new dog, while other times we get another right away. Whatever feels right works and there's no set time.

My two monsters now:

Bandit - 3 yr old male and Charlie the 12 year old female. She's the "alpha" :)
greys.jpg
 
Sorry to hear about your loss. I've always grown up with pets around and while some people find it weird, they really are part of our family.

My wife and I started adopting rescue greyhounds many years ago and while they are great, they tend to not have a long life. We've lost 2 at age 7-8 and it never gets any easier. Greys are tougher because you don't get them until 2-3. What's weird is that sometimes we've waited a long time before getting a new dog, while other times we get another right away. Whatever feels right works and there's no set time.

My two monsters now:

Bandit - 3 yr old male and Charlie the 12 year old female. She's the "alpha" :)
greys.jpg
They're great, man. I have someone that rescues them around my house as well. I love seeing them walking down the street.

They are part of your family. Most people I know understand that. They are like your kids because they rely on you for absolutely everything, food, shelter, caring, nurturing, comfort.
 
Really sorry to hear that.

I have a cat right now (first cat I've ever owned by myself) and he really does mean everything to me. Luckily he's only 5 and in good health, but I can imagine how it's going to feel as he starts to age.
 
Sorry man, that sucks. I have a 16 year old Beagle and she is the only pet I have ever had (got her when I was 16). It's going to be a nightmare for me when that time comes.
 
Really sorry to hear that.

I have a cat right now (first cat I've ever owned by myself) and he really does mean everything to me. Luckily he's only 5 and in good health, but I can imagine how it's going to feel as he starts to age.
Thanks, Zack. If there's any questions you have about your cat, don't hesitate to ask. I've been through pretty much all of the diseases felines can go through. My vet sometimes asks for my input as well since I've seen quite a lot in 20+ years of cat ownership. She keeps telling me to become a vet lol. Too expensive.

Cats are much more resilient than dogs. When a cat is sick, they won't show symptoms until they're really sick. My little guy made it through diabetes, cancer, stomach issues (IBS, etc.), abscesses. He was an amazing cat.

Your cat is now your son. They bring so much joy. With the pain of losing them being so great, the companionship they give far out weighs. There's no comparison. Enjoy him and grab his belly for me.
 
Sorry man, that sucks. I have a 16 year old Beagle and she is the only pet I have ever had (got her when I was 16). It's going to be a nightmare for me when that time comes.
Thanks, CF. Sixteen years for a beagle is amazing. She's given you so much, and like me, she's been with you half your life as well. Give her a high five for me.
 
Speaking of pets, yesterday morning I was leaving for work. It was raining and I noticed a dog running around in the street.

He was almost hit by a few cars so I tried and failed for about 10 minutes to catch him. I could tell he wanted help but he was a little nervous around people.

I figured he was impossible to catch so I settled on going into work. As I was driving down the street I noticed him walking down the sidewalk andsoaking wet. I stopped and simply reached over and opened my passenger side door. Little fella hopped right in. Lol

Got him reunited with his owner later that day.
 
Speaking of pets, yesterday morning I was leaving for work. It was raining and I noticed a dog running around in the street.

He was almost hit by a few cars so I tried and failed for about 10 minutes to catch him. I could tell he wanted help but he was a little nervous around people.

I figured he was impossible to catch so I settled on going into work. As I was driving down the street I noticed him walking down the sidewalk andsoaking wet. I stopped and simply reached over and opened my passenger side door. Little fella hopped right in. Lol

Got him reunited with his owner later that day.
I'm know as the dog/cat rescuer around my area. I've come across countless dogs that were roaming around and delivered them back home. I even kept one overnight because I couldn't find the owner. Found the owner the next day.

Any cat and/or dog owners, get your pet chipped! It makes people like me and CFogle's lives easier!
 
Yeah that's how I found the owner, he was chipped. No collar or tags so I thought maybe someone ditched him.

Luckily that wasn't the case.
 
Really sorry to hear that, Plainview. Ever since I met my wife, cats have been a huge part of my world. She had two cats, Charlie and Sadie, and they were both f***ing crazy in the best way.

They died a few years ago, and then we got Oliver and Mishka. Oliver was the most social cat of all time. Ruled the neighborhood, drooled like a faucet, and actually almost killed a young turkey once. That cat was a boss. Fierce as a tiger but loving as a they come. Mishka was a shy Calico who peed everywhere, but we still loved her.

Most recently we got Isabella, our kitten. I thought having three cats was pushing it a little, but kittens are freaking cute, and what the hell.

So now we just have Isabella because we lost Oliver and Mishka in the fire. The power was out and we couldn't find them, and all we were thinking about was getting out of there with our son. Isabella was in bedroom with us so we grabbed her. I'm kind of trying to avoid thinking about them too much... because im trying to be strong for my family, but seeing your post broke me down.

I've never had a pet for anywhere close to 17 years, so I can't imagine what you're going through. If you're up to sharing any stories of him, that might help, but only if you're comfortable.
 
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Really sorry to hear that, Plainview. Ever since I met my wife, cats have been a huge part of my world. She had two cats, Charlie and Sadie, and they were both f***ing crazy in the best way.

They died a few years ago, and then we got Oliver and Mishka. Oliver was the most social cat of all time. Ruled the neighborhood, drooled like a faucet, and actually almost killed a young turkey once. That cat was a boss. Fierce as a tiger but loving as a they come. Mishka was a shy Calico who peed everywhere, but we still loved her.

Most recently we got Isabella, our kitten. I thought having three cats was pushing it a little, but kittens are freaking cute, and what the hell.

So now we just have Isabella because we lost Oliver and Mishka in the fire. The power was out and we couldn't find them, and all we were thinking about was getting out of there with our son. Isabella was in bedroom with us so we grabbed her. I'm kind of trying to avoid thinking about them too much... because im trying to be strong for my family, but seeing your post broke me down.

I've never had a pet for anywhere close to 17 years, so I can't imagine what you're going through. If you're up to sharing any stories of him, that might help, but only if you're comfortable.
Thanks, Garp. Man, I'm so sorry you lost those cats in the fire. I was going to ask if you had any pets and how you were accommodating them. I'm terribly sorry.

A story I can share is when he adopted me. There were 20+ cats in a rescue house. This guy was a wild one running around and playing. I picked him up and he wrapped around my arms. It was as if he was saying, "Don't you put me back down." I didn't. I'm so happy I never did. 17 years and multiple diseases/injuries, and he was a warrior.
 
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I recently lost a pet. He was with me for nearly half of my life. yes, he lived to 17 years old. He was the last of three cats; two boys and a girl. I'm going to miss him dearly. It was him and I for about four years since his brother passed. I know time will heal everything, but this loss is going to be life altering. This is the first time in my life that I won't have someone, or an animal, living with me. No family members, college roommates, or pets. There's nobody there anymore.

Of course there's friends and family I can always visit, but it's not the same as coming home to a little one waiting for you. The nurturing feeling is still there. I still think about how I have to plan my day to make sure he is fed, his litter box is clean, and set aside time each and every day to be with him.

I'm not really sure what the point of this thread is other than getting stuff out and using it to talk. Yeah, I talk to friends, but they're not always around and this format allows me to get out thoughts in an instant.

I think I will eventually get another little companion, and possibly married, we'll see, but it won't be for a while because I don't want to 'replace' him. I need a while to remember him, and hold our moments in my mind and heart for a long time so that the new pet, if I choose, is his, or her, own person, and not used to 'replace' and soothe my heart.
The only reason I don't get another cat is because I can't handle the death.
 
The only reason I don't get another cat is because I can't handle the death.
I've battled that over the past five years, but the amount of joy the bring far outweighs the loss. I think I will eventually get another pet. Emotionally, I need an extended break.
 
I've battled that over the past five years, but the amount of joy the bring far outweighs the loss. I think I will eventually get another pet. Emotionally, I need an extended break.
My cat passed away a bit over 5 years ago and it still is emotional to me. But my wife and I are talking about getting one. I like the companionship when they sit on my lap as I watch TV or whatever.
 
Sorry for your loss. pets are like family members. I had to put 2 cats down withing a year of each other and it was the hardest thing I have ever done. Had them both over 15 years. My 17 year old son at the time took it especially hard on the first one. It was technically his cat. I expected her to outlive the male by a long shot since he was having urinary and kidney problems. She developed a lump on her jaw that turned out to be cancer. She had the profile of an iguana from the side... The vet told me to take her home and treat her like a queen for a couple weeks and then put her down. That's what I did...My dog looked around for her for weeks afterwards. They were best friends.
A while later I came home to find the male laying half in the litter box having puked up his stomach contents and blood. He couldn't even walk..So, I laid him in the sun on the back porch for a couple hours(it was his favorite thing) He just laid there like a normal, healthy cat and just enjoyed himself. I think he knew. I took him in early the next morning..
BTW, I have 2 new cats now. And 2 dogs now..
 
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Sorry for your loss. pets are like family members. I had to put 2 cats down withing a year of each other and it was the hardest thing I have ever done. Had them both over 15 years. My 17 year old son at the time took it especially hard on the first one. It was technically his cat. I expected her to outlive the male by a long shot since he was having urinary and kidney problems. She developed a lump on her jaw that turned out to be cancer. She had the profile of an iguana from the side... The vet told me to take her home and treat her like a queen for a couple weeks and then put her down. That's what I did...My dog looked around for her for weeks afterwards. They were best friends.
A while later I came home to find the male laying half in the litter box having puked up his stomach contents and blood. He couldn't even walk..So, I laid him in the sun on the back porch for a couple hours(it was his favorite thing) He just laid there like a normal, healthy cat and just enjoyed himself. I think he knew. I took him in early the next morning..
BTW, I have 2 new cats now. And 2 dogs now..
Cats are the best at not showing distress. It sucks because, quite often, it's too late when they show symptoms. If I do get another pet it will have to be in two. Either two cats, two dogs, or a dog and a cat. I want them to be buddies. My little guy was alone for a few years, and I would liked to have gotten him a buddy, losing two and knowing he was getting up there in age, and knowing the stress that would come with it, I knew I would need an emotional break at the end.
 
I pick up my little guy's ashes today. :sad:

So sorry to hear of your loss. I lost my little friend 4 years ago and lost most of my hearing on the left side due to stress caused by grief a few days later.

These little sods bring so much joy and take so much when they leave. Life is so cruel in the disproportionate lifespans.
 
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So sorry to hear of your loss. I lost my little friend 4 years ago and lost most of my hearing on the left side due to stress caused by grief a few days later.

These little sods bring so much joy and take so much when they leave. Life is so cruel in the disproportionate lifespans.
That's rough man. It's never easy losing one. Stress can be a bitch! I'm trying to remember him, and mourn, but at at the same time, make sure I don't devolve into feeling down too much. I'm gonna get a charm of some sort so I can bring him, and his little brothers and sisters, along with me everywhere.
 
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That's rough man. It's never easy losing one. Stress can be a b****! I'm trying to remember him, and mourn, but at at the same time, make sure I don't devolve into feeling down too much. I'm gonna get a charm of some sort so I can bring him, and his little brothers and sisters, along with me everywhere.

It gets easier, but its never really the same. They are always with you as long as you keep them in your memories and your heart.
 
Speaking of pets, yesterday morning I was leaving for work. It was raining and I noticed a dog running around in the street.

He was almost hit by a few cars so I tried and failed for about 10 minutes to catch him. I could tell he wanted help but he was a little nervous around people.

I figured he was impossible to catch so I settled on going into work. As I was driving down the street I noticed him walking down the sidewalk andsoaking wet. I stopped and simply reached over and opened my passenger side door. Little fella hopped right in. Lol

Got him reunited with his owner later that day.
Good job man. Awesome thing to do.
 
Had to have my Beagle put down today. It was a f***ing nightmare. She was 17 and the only Dog I've ever had. She was more than that though, she was family.

Doubt I'll ever have another because I don't want to go through this again.
 
Had to have my Beagle put down today. It was a f***ing nightmare. She was 17 and the only Dog I've ever had. She was more than that though, she was family.

Doubt I'll ever have another because I don't want to go through this again.
I'm just seeing this. I'm really sorry CFogle. Take time to appreciate everything she gave you. They're like our children. They can never be replaced, nor should we try. I was the same as you. I never wanted another pet. I lost three cats in the spa of four years. I vowed to never get another pet after the second one passed until I realized the years of happiness and companionship, and also what we give to them, outweighs them not being there anymore.

Take your time. Smile at the memories. Cry at the memories. Embrace the dreams that will come. Those are the dreams I cherish the most. The ones where my pets, and now my sister, come to visit me.

❤️