I let my cat out to wander last night at about 3 AM. We found her early this morning under the porch, frightened. Her hindquarters were not functioning. The entire back of her body felt cold.
I rushed her to the vet, who suspected heart problems were the cause, and he in turn referred us to a nearby specialty animal hospital. I brought her there straightaway, and after running her through a variety of tests including an echocardiogram, she was diagnosed as having developed a thromboembolic disease as a result of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In english, she had blockage in her heart, some of which had broken off and deadened her from the waist down. She was checked in to the hospital, placed in an oxygen cage, and they were going to work to revive her hindquarters and maybe--maybe--reduce or eliminate the blockage in her heart.
She passed away four hours later.
I can't tell you the number of times she would curl up in my lap while I was writing. She was my constant companion in my office.
I will miss her terribly.
PAD
Posted by Peter David at May 17, 2005 06:12 PM | TrackBack | Other blogs commentingI am truly saddened by your loss PAD. I currently have 3 cats and 3 dogs, and have had cats my entire life. It's never an easy thing to get by.
It's this sort of thing that we stopped letting any of our cats be outdoor cats years ago, as I read I thought for sure it was going to turn out to be a bunch of kids with b-b guns or anti-freeze...doesn't make it any easier though...
I lost my first dog, Clancy, and was devastated. We had brought him to the vet the day before and he called to tell us he thoughtit would be best to put him to sleep. Clancy died as we were on our way to the vet clinic. I still miss him 8 years later. I have 2 dogs now, one who is 17 and the other 9. Many don't understand the grief caused by the passing of a loved pet. I do. My sincere condolences. The pain passes, but not the wonderful memories.
I love cats myself and have 2 of them for 11 years now. So I really feel with you, dear PAD. My condolences as well.
Bleah, that bites. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is a genetic disease, BTW (a few in my family tree have it), and it rarely shows symptoms until it shows BIG symptoms.
My deepest sympathies, PAD. It's never easy. I know the kids must be taking it hard as well.
After having acquired a fourth cat this week due to an inability to leave yet another abused stray on its own (and unable to find an appropriate owner), I certainly sympathize. I've yet to write a paper without a cat on my lap, begging for attention, one on my research, blocking my reading, and/or one on my keyboard (usually on one hand or another), keeping sure I make deadline.
My condolences.
PAD,
My sincere condolences. Not that that really helps any.
I woke up Saturday morning and found that our cat had died during the night. I remained strong for my wife and three girls, but last night, after the girls went to bed, I just started crying like a baby. I know what you are going through, and hopefully our cats are together somewhere having fun.
Houston
I cried so hysterically when my previous cat passed away, that my vet thought I was a nut. I don't think it will get any easier when the inevitable happens with the one I have right now. You grow to love them so much, but we will almost always outlive them. It's devastating.
My condolences on your loss, Peter. Our cat was diagnosed last year with diabetes and while everyone told us to put him down, we got him worked on at extreme financial cost and eventually he came around. He gets insulin injections twice a day and eats special food as well as has to be kennelled at a vet (not a cat kennel) when we travel, but its been worth the extra cost to have him around. I totally understand your taking all measures to save Pandora and wish you and your family the best.
My condolences, Peter. I know that it doesn't make it any easier, but know that there are people who have gone through similar things before, and as all of us pet lovers can attest, the loss of our animals is nearly as bad as the loss of a family member. All we can do is mourn their passing and remember the good times we had with them. So my heartfelt sympathies for you and your family; I particularly pray that it will not be hard on Caroline.
Chris
Oh, no -- how horrible. I understand you taking all possible measures, too -- we've never had to go that far, but I'm betting we would given the situation.
The three cats in this house (and the three humans) all send along their deepest sympathies.
I'm with you, Chris -- I'm hoping Caroline is just young enough that this won't hit her as hard as it'll hit those better able to understand what's going on and better able to cope.
Sympathies again.
TWL
So sorry to hear that. We lost one last year, right after my daughter was born. It's still hard on my wife, especially, who had the cat for 14 years.
My condolences to you and your entire family.
Peter, we seem to be having similar experiences of late.
Two Mondays ago, my 12-year old cat, Elsa, was badly limping on her right hind leg. I hoped it was something minor that would go away, but after more than a week, I couldn't wait any more, so I took her to the vet last Friday. She resisted going into the pet carrier (MAN she's strong for a cat), and howled in distress all the way there. After an X-Ray, he said she tore a ligament, and would have to operate the following morning. I picked her up Saturday afternoon. The total cost: $960. I expressed distress at the amount, and he brought it down to $850, but now buying a new I-Mac, following the meltdown of my current one back in March, is gonna kill me. (The surgery alone was $700). I have to give her antibiotics with an eye dropper twice daily, and she'll get the staples out of her leg in two weeks, but the worst part was seeing her condition when she got home.
She appeared to be in great pain even when lying on her good leg, and would scratch and claw at the carpet, dragging herself around, as if trying to find a painless position. She wandered around the house, and when she plopped herself down on the edge of the stairs, I tried to move her, making sure not to go anywhere near her bad leg, but she screamed in pain, and dug her teeth into my hand, which she had NEVER done, being the docile animal she is. I frantically called the vet, who assured me she would "adjust" in a few hours, and sure enough, she was walking around, still limping, but she still vocalizes when getting up from a reclined position, even when on her good leg.
She continues to move comparitively seldom, and prefers to lie in a secluded corner of my room, which I know is something cats do when they feel vulnerable (about to give birth, dying, injured, etc.). Today I found her lying in the litter box, and then later, when my mom got home, she was downstairs, where she's normally not allowed, under the dining room table.
It's hell seeing her like this, and I hope that she'll be okay in two weeks. Although she's mostly an indoor cat, she climbs up and down the tree outside my window to get in and out of the house during warm weather, but the vet, suspecting that that's what caused the injury, recommended making her a permanently indoor cat. I know cats live on the high end about 15-17 years, but having to have Elsa's mother Spot euthanized twelve years ago when some anonymous neighbor shot her with a pellet gun was devastating enough, so I'm hoping for the best.
One of my coworkers yesterday, without any tact, expressed surprise that I simply didn't euthanize her. What a jerk.
I'm very sorry for Pandora, and hope that you and yours get through this difficult time.
My condolences to the entire David family. I know what it's like to be there, not that my knowing that or saying that will likely help any. You've all got my best thoughts anyway.
I'm so sorry to hear about your cat. I lost my pet rabbit this Sunday, myself, and it's always heartbreaking to have to let them go. Good thoughts and much compassion is heading your way.
Jeri
Deepest sympathy on the loss of your kitty companion.
We've got four of the furry ones in this household, and I wish I could send their kitty hugs your way, to help you with the pain you must be feeling.
Khendon.
Years ago my first wife Susan and i had a small, grouchy cat (a feral kitten who i brought home for observation after she bit me and drew blood, who stayed with us after we were sure she wasn't rabid because she had bonded with Susan).
Bitty Squeek was a beautiful calico -- a friend who was involved with cat shows brought round a judging manual; the section on judging calicos was illustrated with phtos that might have been Bitty.
One day we noticed that she was off her food and looking a little less than her glossy-furred usual self. Susan took her to the vet, got her some pills, and we figured all would be well.
It wasn't.
She kept getting weaker and eating less and less, till she looked like a matted catskin draped over a wire frame. She barely moved. We were force-feeding her with a turkey baster. (And the fact that we could easily get it in her mouth showed just how weak she was; normally it was a fifteen-minute struggle to get one small pill down her.)
Finally the vet diagnosed liver failure from some unknown cause. We had three choices, one of which was to mercifully help her along (i refuse to say "put to sleep" -- it lets people who want an easy out off too easily), or we could arrange one of two ways to have a feeding tube (semi)-permanently inserted; either through her side or (with new low viscosity, high energy liquid foods) a much smaller one running in through her nose. This would let us keep her going for a while, either until she died of other causes or her liver recovered.
Gallows humour seems to be a natural thing after a certain amount of stress and worry and grief, and i described the sitation in an APA mailing comment as "Get up, shower, dress, inflate the cat, go to work".
However, seemingly as soon as she heard that, the cat, not being anxious for such indignity, began getting better, recovered fully, and lived another twelve grouchy years, cheerfully bullying all the other cats in our households.
A few years ago on the rec.arts.sf-fandom newsgroup, someone was talking about a long-time pet who had died, and i said "They give us so much, and they ask so little in return -- only a part of your soul."
PAD-
My thoughts and prayers are with you. They sure tend to worm their way into your heart. I miss Bandit everyday, but was glad to have know him.
As a cat owner and a fan, I offer my sincere condolances. It's always hard to lose one of the furry family members. I still cry over my calico, and she passed away three years ago.
May she live on forever in your heart and memories. In that sense, she has gained immortality.
1My best wishes to you and your family on the lose of a dear member of your family.
My deepest sympathies to you and your family, Peter. I have an elder cat who is experiencing sever urinary problems. I only hope the vet can find a medical treatment. My biggest fear is that it's a behavioral or senility-type problem and I'll be forced to put her down.
She is my bedtime spoon cat and sleeping without her has been very difficult these past few weeks.
It's nice to know that there are so many PAD fans out there who can sympathize with this situation.
Best,
Daniel
I lost my childhood dog, Zinger, seven years ago, and it still hurts sometimes to think of how weak he was the last time I saw him. But he was a good friend, and remembering that helps.
I'm sorry about your kitty, Peter.
You have my deepest sympathies Peter. Pets are truly part of the family and losing one hurts just as much as a human member. It will hurt for quite a while, based on my own personal experience. Me and my wife lost a cat named Butterscotch last year due to feline leukemia and it hurt for a long time, especially for my wife who never had a pet until we adopted Butterscotch.
We had 2 other cats at the time and we got them checked for the disease after 5 months after Butterscotch's passing and we were lucky that they hadn't contracted the disease. Since then, we picked up another feline and they are all dear to us.
My wife is a member of cat forum and they gave her a poem about the Rainbow Bridge where pets go once they leave this earth. They go to a place where they play in green fields and never have to worry about food or pain. That comforted us and helped us in our time of need.
My wife and I will keep you and your family in our thoughts.
There isn't anything much I can say beyond offering my condolences to you for your loss. Having lost a beloved cat unexpectedly as well, I sympathize with how much you will miss her.
I am so sorry.
So sorry to hear about your cat, Peter. I love mine terribly and can't imagine not having him here. They should all live forever.
My condolences to you and your family. (As I sit here hugging Bobo as he is wondering why he is being smushed.)
Oh Peter, please accept our deepest sympathies. She was a lovely cat.
I lost my own best friend (Motown) a few years back. He was my constant companion when I did any work on the computer, and things have just not been the same since.
So, you have my deepest condolences, PAD. Sorry for your loss.
Awww man. Well that just sucks it had to happen that way.... My condolences are with you and yours.
Sorry for your loss Peter.
I love pets and I feel your pain.
Regards:
Warren S. Jones III
Peter,
We lost our first cat, Lid Lid (don't ask), after a similar situation at the end of last summer. I was absolutely devastated. I hadn't realized that I had that much love inside me in total, much less for a single cat. (That's not to minimize what Lid Lid meant to me--I just hadn't realized how much I cared about him until he was gone.)
My sympathies. I am very, very sorry for your loss.
Eric
Peter,
Not a thing to say that others haven't said. Crying a bit now at the thought of not hearing the meows as I come up the stairs to my apartment. Stupid that a five pound ball of fluff should do that to a grown man, but here I sit. Will be a wreck when that day comes I'm sure. May you find another friend to help you by stepping on the keyboard as you type. Mine does that all the time, and as such I've learned to save often.
Be well, Peter, and know that your gifts of great stories to us month after month do mean something in terms of a bond. I wouldn't feel this kind of empathy if Byrne's cat died. (sorry, had to lighten it up a bit) Anyway, prayers are with you, brother.
Sean
My deepest sympathies. It's never easy when a family member leaves us before we're ready to say goodbye.
-Daniel Combs (aka Rex Hondo)-
Dear Peter,
Rather than relate a pet story (the others have done so, much more eloquently than I could), I will dare to address your feelings, as I feel the experience is somewhat universal:
How dare the sun com up; my friend is gone.
How dare young lovers smile; my friend is gone.
How dare anyone care about the international news; my friend is gone.
How dare people at work be concerned with money; my friend is gone.
How dare anything normal go on, on this planet today; my friend is gone.
My brother, I understand.
Love,
Tom
I Know it doesn't mean much coming from a stranger, but you have my sympothies it's always hard losing a member of the family....no matter if it's two legs or four.
Peter, I'm so sorry for you, your family, and Pandora. A good cat is rarer and more valuable than diamonds. If anything, I'm at least glad you got to know such a wonderful friend during her time on this planet.
'When I play with my cat, who knows whether she is not amusing herself with me more than I with her.' Montaigne, Essays
Sorry for your loss.
We lost our Fluffy to encephalitis last August before she was even a year old.
My condolences on your family's Loss.
-Dee/Cee
I'm sorry to hear about your loss. My condolences.
Signed,
a lifetime fan of your work.
From one cat lover to another, PAD, my deepest condolences. The following I recreate from www.rainbowsbridge.com:
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
I'm sorry for your loss. Another friend just told me her cat was dying of cancer and probably wouldn't last the night. I will hug my cat extra long for the two of you tonight.
You and your family have sympathy from mine and me. We're all sorry for your loss.
My younger boy, Ryan, plans on becoming a veterinarian. He wants to save as many animals as possible.
My sympathies, PAD. I know how much joy my various cats have given me throughout the years...we're on out third-fifth at the moment. Seeing them pass is never easy, but the memories and laughter they bring are always worth it.
i am truly sorry PAD
i lost my cat when he was mortally wounded by a dog
i had to put him to sleep
so believe me when i say i wish i could
give you your friend back
my condolonces
I'm sorry about your cat. I don't know what I'd do if my died
Rest In peace, Pandora,
Your human family loved you and miss you...
To the David family:
It's okay to cry a little now.
You've lost a loved one.
Your lap never felt so empty.
After a time, you should visit an amimal shelter
and look around. Some little furry face with bright eyes will say hello and come home with you. The new feline friend will never, ever take Pandora's place in your hearts, but your hearts
have plenty of room. One quiet night, your new little friend crawl up in your lap and listen all-to-intently while you tell her all about Pandora.
Deepest Sympathy
Not that it makes a lot of difference right now, but I hope you had her as a friend for many years.
My family and I have been lucky that way. All of our cats have lived to fairly ripe old ages. The three we have right now have been with us 12 - 13 years. The one I had before them (who I still miss terribly) was 17 and a half when she died. The average age for our cats to live to seems to be 16. And the one I remember most from my childhood lived to actually be 20 years old! (He was THE tomcat of the neighborhood as long as he lived.)
It will be hard to do right now, I know, but, eventually, you'll be able to think of the joy she brought to your life. And you'll treasure the times she visits you in dreams.
Toledo, Lunar and I express our very sincere condolences.
My condolences, Peter. The same thing happened to our cat a little over a year ago. He had been a stray in our old apartment complex who totally hustled us into loving him. When we bought our house, he came with us. He was probably between 6 and 8 years old when we met him, and he was with us for 6 years. But one morning we woke up to him under a table in the living room, howling and unable to move his hindquarters. I rushed him around the corner to the vet and she tried oxygen, but said there wasn't anything she could do.
We euthanized him, and spent the day sobbing a lot. I made it through 6 hours at work the next day before I had to leave. It got a little easier over the next few days. I still miss him a lot; he truly was a good friend.
I know it doesn't feel like it now, but you will be able to think of her and genuinely feel happy with the memories. And sooner than you would think possible.
PAD,
My condolences. My dog, Corky, died in 1991 of cancer. She'd been with us for 14 years. I used to take her for long walks, or curl up on the couch with her when reading. And when I'd lay out the sunday comics pages on the family room floor, that's the one spot in the house she'd decide she needed to be. I still miss her.
Rick
I hope this doesn't sound trite and that you won't feel I'm just sending you cliches but Peter I believe our loved ones never can leave us because they are all around us. Literally a thought a way. Whether they be two-legged or four or eight. Whether they have skin or are featered of finned. They never leave us.
Our loved ones are the sum total of their loved ones as we are of them. The joy Pandora brought you and yours is now a part of your family and you need only look around you to see her.
My greatest good thoughts to you and your family in your grief.
Michael J Norton
Hi Peter:
I just got back from a brisk walk with Prince, my Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Prince will turn 12 this June, and I can't imagine how things might be without him, since we got him as a wee pup only 2 months old. I know that the years will eventually catch up with him.
It's very difficult for someone who is not a pet owner to identify with the bond between human and animal. Even for those of us who have pets, each relationship is an intensely personal one, sometimes on a level that transcends personal relationships. I hope that you and your family will find some comfort from all the comments on this thread at this difficult time.
Peter...
I know, from personal experience, that losing a family member -- and yes, I do count pets as family members -- is always a deep loss. You and your family have my deepest condolences.
I had my own pet scare today... I came home for lunch, and my white boxer puppy, Krypto, had a lump on his shoulder. My girlfriend and I immediately rushed him to the veterinarian (thank goodness for Banfield's pet wellness program, a sort of health insurance for pets!), and after doing a few tests, discovered the lump wasn't a tumor, as I feared, but an infection likely caused from a thorn or insect or spider bite. He's now on a regimen of two different antibiotics and twice-daily warm compress therapy. I'm hoping that this will do the trick, and that it was caught soon enough... because I would really hate to think what I'd do if I lost him.
Jon
I am so sorry. I still miss my cat Vampi and I couldn't tell you for sure how long that's been. My mom and her husband's cat passed away last year and the whole place still seems empty without him sitting out on the deck or following us around the yard when we're out.
Chris
I am so sorry. I still miss my cat Vampi and I couldn't tell you for sure how long that's been. My mom and her husband's cat passed away last year and the whole place still seems empty without him sitting out on the deck or following us around the yard when we're out.
Chris
Terrible news. I'm sorry for your loss. Having several cats of my own, who all picked ME, I both know what it's like to lose one, and the fear OF losing one. Cats truely are little members of the family.
Wil Wheaton recently lost his two cats, as well.
My sympathies on the loss, sir. They do become part of the family, even if slightly easier to trip over.
Adding to the list of stories and condolences . . .
When I left home, three years ago, I had five cats. When I returned, a couple of months ago, only three were left. And before them, I lost a few more, some to sickness, some got lost, one was poisoned by a neighbor (yes, in this day and age) . . .
So, yeah, I feel for you, Peter. I miss my cats too, the ones alive and the ones that passed away.
Ovnio
(and while we're on it, I miss my dog too, but that's another thread . . .)
The loss of a beloved pet is never easy to overcome. My friends suggested that I replace Jasmine right away, but I felt a mourning period was required for my constant companion in my songwriting marathon sessions. You are not alone in your pain,but it will become more bearable in time. (P.S., your Kermit the Frog impression is pretty good)
Im sorry to hear about your Cat, sounds like you really loved the little critter. I send my condolences to you and your family.
I have 6 cats. and last year I lost a ferret to cancer. you have my deepest sympathies.
Jeff Coney
My condolences to you and your family. May the memories of the joy and comfort that Pandora and you gave each other help you through this difficult time.
Truly sorry for your loss. Losing a cherished pet is like losing a family member.
After losing my cat Pandora (coincidence?) and my dog Kaori last week, I feel your pain. My sincere condolences.
Sorry to hear about Pandora. Pets leave a big empty place when they pass away.
Linda
It breaks my heart to hear something like this. So sorry for your family's loss.
Please pass all our condolences on to your entire family.
AWWW....No. Mr. David, I am really sorry to hear that. As a life-long cat-lover, my world was shattered for a time when my cat of 10 years (and numerous girlfriends, 3 cars and 2 kids) ran away from home after pushing her way through a screen window. Luckily she showed back up out of the blue a week later, no worse for the wear, but I can certainly sympathize with you.
My deepest sympathies Peter. My wife and I were with our first dog, Brandy, when she was put down 7+ years ago. She had ruptured a disc in her spine which is common with Mini Dachshunds. I have a picture of her sitting on my lap that I keep at my desk. I still miss my little girl.
As an animal lover I understand your grief. Animals are a gift and losing a pet is just as much of a tragedy as losing a family member.
My condolences Peter.
My condolences, Peter. My thoughts go out to you and your family.
Sorry, Peter. There is nothing like losing a pet; my dog has cancer so that day isn't long in coming for us, either. Condolences to you and your family.
I'm so very sorry for your loss, Peter. I've been through the loss of a pet a few times, most recently a couple of years back when my beloved tabby, Lottie, had to be put to sleep because she had an inoperable tumor in her abdomen. Even if you know it's coming, you're not ready for it when it gets there. My best to you and your family.
Peter - After all the joy that your writing brings to me and others, I wish your life could only know happiness. Unfortunately, when you open your heart to love a pet deeply, you also open it to feel that searing loss when they pass away.
Six years ago, I lost two cats (Malibu and Dulcie) within months of each other. As a writer, I'm sure you'll appreciate that one small comfort for me was writing down everything I could remember about them, most of the time through my tears but sometimes with laughter. Over the years, you don't realize how many of the little details you'll forget, or how much comfort these little memories can bring.
Now I have Coco and Tavi to keep me company, and we all send you and your family our sincere condolences.
Jessica
PAD,
My sincere sypathy. I understand your loss. It's hard to lose a loyal friend.
Joe
The Democrat from Texas
My condolences Peter,
Pets truly are a part of the family and their loss is incredibly difficult. Take solace in the fact that while you enjoyed her company, you gave her a great life with good food, warmth, shelter and love.
My deepest condolences for the loss of your friend, family member, and beloved lap warmer.
It's been a bad month for pets in general, it seems. We had to have our dog Zack put down when after learning he had developed a severe case of lung cancer. This weekend, my cat Pita injured his leg somehow while we were away from the house for a couple hours. He was limping, hiding in dark and secluded parts of the house, and not eating and drinking with his usual gusto. When we finally got him to the vet yesterday, we found out it was an abscess (and that he was running a 103-degree fever) and he was promptly given rabies and antibiotic shots and, despite not being in top form, was utterly charming for the nurse (the cat's a bigger flirt than I am). While with care and proper treatment on our part, he should be fine, I was seriously worried about losing him (especially after losing Zack so recently) even though he's the only cat I know that hog a whole queen-size mattress by his lonesome.
My sympathies to everyone who's lost a friend of the four-legged persuasion recently
I'm so very sorry to hear about your loss. We lost a cat we had for nearly 16 years when he suffered a stroke that paralyzed half of his body. I found him lying on his side on the basement floor, pushing himself in circles, covered in his own waste. He could no longer walk and was obviously terrified -- uncharacteristically crying except when he was being held, to which he was still able to purr. One of the hardest things I've ever had to do was take him to the vet to be euthanized. He was fully grown when we originally got him, and according to the vet we took him to for his first round of shots, he was already about five years old at the time. He was a big, beautiful all-black cat who was very imposing, weighing in at 19 pounds in his prime, and friendlier than almost any other house cat I've seen over the years. It was tough to lose him.
PAD, I'm really terribly sorry. It's been a dreadful few months for cat-loving Bloggers: Wil Wheaton lost two over the course of the last couple of months, too.
I've got cats as well, and love them dearly, and have lost two over the last few years, to old age. (The two who remain are both 14 years old, and one is clearly in something of a decline. So I have more heartbreak to look forward to.)
You have my deepest sympathies.
I'm sorry about Pandora, Peter. May she enjoy her time in heaven with my family's first cat Lucky aka "Bob."
My wife and I cried our eyes out last September when our cat, Zach, got killed by a car (his brother still misses him) so I share your grief.
Keep your chin up.
...Simon.
I'm so sorry to hear about your cat. I have two cats now, and I can't imagine my and my husband's lives without them. They're our practice chilren until we're ready. My husband is on a business trip right now and they've been hanging out with me a lot more, so-to-speak. They're so smart and very loving creatures.
My first cat wandered off from my mother's house to die while I was away at college--we never found her, but she was pretty sick, so we have to assume. It was devastating to not be able to say goodbye, but I was also spared that incredible shock of here one moment and gone the next. I had to watch my first dog be put to sleep (because she was dying and in a lot of pain) in September. It was one of the most awful things I experienced. Anyway, I guess all I'm saying is that I truly empathize with you. And I know there's nothing to say that makes it better.
Sorry to hear about Pandora's passing.
Last November, after celebrating her 14th birthday, I had to put my Rotty down. Phoenix woke up with the exact same problem as Pandora. After rushing her to the vet and doing x-rays, it was discovered that both of her back hip sockets had been eaten away by arthritis. She never let on that she was in any pain. As a matter of fact, she acted very normal for her age. After signing the papers, and going through a box and a half of tissue paper, I gave her one last scratch behing the ears, a kiss on the forhead, and said goodbye. I left, not wanting to see them put her down.
I miss her, but she is still hanging around, triping me in the middle of the night when I go for a glass of water.
Coming from someone who was NEVER a cat person until I dated & then married a woman with a cat, I offer you my deepest sympathies & best wishes. I'd be a bloody train wreck if anything were to happen to the demonic feline that finally managed to work her way into my heart. I truly feel for you.
Peter, my deepest sympathies are with you. I know that feeling too well. Before we moved here we had two cats, Mr. Smokey and Whitecat. Smokey would ride around on my shoulder and when I was writing or editing or whatever, he'd jump up on my desk and stare at either me or the monitor, whichever one looked more interesting. It was hard to work for a while after he was gone.
Rat
A Bridge Called Love
It takes us back to brighter years,
to happier sunlit days
and to precious moments
that will be with us always.
And these fond recollections
are treasured in the heart
to bring us always close to those
from whom we had to part.
There is a bridge of memories
from earth to Heaven above...
It keeps our dear ones near us
It's the bridge that we call love.
Author Unknown
Peter, I am looking forward to reading about Pandora in one of your books.
As someone who posts under his cat's name, my heartfelt condolences.
garbonzo
I am sorry for your loss. We lost a wonderful kitty last November, and it seemed like she stayed in my life, sick and struggling, until I had so many children that she thought I would have enough others to love that she could take her leave. She was that kind of kitty. Have you ever read "Cat Heaven?" I found it helpful to read to my kids after Dite was gone.
Peter,
I'd just like to offer my condolences. I know what it's like to lose a beloved pet, and I offer my condolences.
My deepest condolences on your loss, Mr. David and family.
I think I'm going to go curl up on the living room couch with our pets: first Wil Wheaton, then Diane Duane, then Laurell Hamilton, and now you -- every author I admire is in mourning for someone, and not a thing I can do to ease your pain.
God bless and keep you.
I am so sorry for your loss :(
My sincere condolences.
Sean: I wouldn't feel this kind of empathy if Byrne's cat died. (sorry, had to lighten it up a bit)
Luigi Novi: Not funny, IMO. But maybe that’s just because my own Elsa is convalescing herself as we speak.
Tom Tryon, that sentiment was beautiful.
My condolences. The death of a pet is a traumatic experience.
David -- Peter and I are so sorry. We know all too well how you feel. It's only a few weeks since we lost Bubble, a veritable tiger among cats: a powerful personality, the Sleeper Upon Printers -- and much too suddenly gone, much too young.
Be hugged. It's all we can do.
My sympathies. I lost a cat in March and know how it feels.
My sincere sympathy.
Pandora passed obviously knowing her Papa loved her.
I cannot imagine how much you will miss her.
Many condolences and sympathies, as I've had many a pet pass on. And not a few were to feline leukemia, which got them as kittens...
Be well, challenge that it might be.
And not a few were to feline leukemia, which got them as kittens...
Just wanted to make sure you know that there is a vaccine for that. It takes three shots within a few months at first, and then one a year. But it's worth it.
Hey PAD, I'm sorry to hear of Pandoras passing. My cat Cleo went through a very similar thing hours before she passed away so I know how helpless a pet owner can feel. Especially when those pets have helped us out so many times with unconditional love and friendship. I guess in my little world I like to think that those pets know how much they mean to us and I'm sure Pandora knew how loved she was by you and your family.
All the best,
Ethan
1I add my sympathies to the list.
It never gets easier to lose a pet. Still, I don't think I'd like to be the sort of person for whom it did get easier.
I'm really sorry to hear that. When I lost my cat, it took me a while to get used to her not being around, and I'd often wake up in the morning, see an empty chair, and think "Where is she? ... Oh yeah" I suspect that it not's very ergonomic to type with a cat in your lap, but it's certainly comfortable.
I'm so sorry for your loss. You have my sincere sympathies.
I know what you are going through. We recently had to have our one cat put to sleep to save her from suffering from a terminal illness. The night before, I slept downstairs to keep her company and cried all night. Even now, weeks later, just talking about it has me misting up. It's never easy.
My sympathies as well. I lost my previous cat 2 years ago now but the guilt of having her put down due to her terminal disease still haunts me. I thought I was coping until I got outside the vet and the enourmity of what I had just done suddenly hit me, just this overwhelming weight of guilt. It was over half an hour before I could compose myself enough to safely drive home.
Although with my current cat, every time hes not well and the vet fixes him I feel like Ive redeemed myself a little more. Saved him where I couldnt save my previous one, and the guilt lifts gradually.
After some thought, I'd like to apologise for my contribution to the current flame war going on. (You'd think after a while I would lose my taste for debate)
You shouldn't have to put up with that sort of shit, especially now of all times.
You and your family continue to be in my prayers.
-Rex Hondo-
I'm so sorry. I lost a cat to cariomyopathy five years ago in much the same circumstances.
My sympathy to you and yours.
Just over two weeks ago, I noticed that Seiko was no longer twelve pounds of pure siamese love. He was eight pounds. He had almost thirteen years of gentle comfort wanting for nothing, and his kidneys had all but shut down. I put him down the day after the blood work came back. And it's like an open sore in my heart. I also lost Chianna on a car ride from Florida to MD on my birthday. It'll be three years this Monday that she had a heart attack.
Currently, I've recently adopted a silly sweet siamese squeaker, and she'll never be my lost long lamented son Seiko. I love her, but he will always be in my heart.
2 more points to mention: first, after being with me only a few short weeks, Natalie and I spent the first night without Seiko at mom's place. She had the run of the whole house. She could've beaten up on mom's furheads or spent the night exploring the basement. She slept with me.
Second, Fade to Black was just playing.
I am sorry to hear of your cat's passing, Peter. She sounds like a lovely friend. HUG
I'm very sorry to hear this. My heartfelt sympathies go out to you and your family.
My 20 year old cat passed away earlier this year, and it truly broke my heart. 6 months later, and I still catch myself looking around the house for her.
Pets are such a gift and contribute so much to a family.
I am so sorry Peter. I had two cats...Stripe and Patches. Stripe was Diabetic...but still lived till he was 17 yers old...I had him all that time. Patches passed away from old age in my arms about a year ago. These were the real first times that I dealt with death. Patches stayed with me through my cancer treatments and wouldn't let me four feet away from her the whole time. She took care of me through the chemo. She died only days after my final radiation treatment. They really were my best friends. I now how hard it can be...I'm so sorry. I'm not quite ready for another companion like them...even though I love cats. I do still visit the petco in union sqaure to pet the strays though. I wish you and your family well and feel your pain.
I'm so sorry. If anything happened to my little dude I don't know what I'd do.
Peter,
So sorry to hear of your loss.
About 2 years ago we lost our Buddy to old age. He was with us for 24 years. Not nearly long enough. He was constantly in my lap until he passed. Although since then we have aquired four new feline friends, I still miss him terribly.
Peter, that is just aweful. I know how much I love my kitties. And I remember how hard it was to lose my dogs. My condolences.
My condolences on the loss of your cat, Peter. It was very hard to lose the cats I have had, especially when there's not anything you can do to help them.
Lee Whiteside