My Husband and I took T.J. on Monday afternoon. The vet feels he was in kidney failure and had some sort of small stroke. I was able to hold him and pet him in his last minutes. We brought him home and buried him in the garden in the back yard. This weekend we're going to buy one of those kits to make your own stepping stone. We're going to make something special to put on top of his grave. Yesterday we went on a shopping spree and filled the cart with cat goodies. (collars, leashes, toys, litter boxes, beds etc.) We're going to take it all and donate it to a local, no kill rescue in T.J.'s memory. I was doing okay yesterday, but today, I can't seem to keep the tears from falling. This morning my 5 year old asked me if we could go get on a plane and fly to the Rainbow Bridge to see T.J. I was blessed to have 12 wonderful years with T.J. and know he will always be in my heart.

I'm so sorry, Steph. I'm glad you were with him in his last moments (bringing tears to my eyes when I had to put my cat down earlier this year). What a great way to honor him, making the stepping stone and donating goods to a shelter. That is so sad, but sweet, that your 5 yr. old wants to visit him at the Rainbow Bridge.

Hugs to you and your family.

Stephanie, I'm so sorry. The tears will continue to fall for a while, you know this, until the passage of time begins to blunt the pain and sorrow. It's good that you were able to be with him, and you can rest assured that he loves you for that. What a great idea, doing the shopping spree and donating it all in T.J.'s memory. I want you to know that tears are falling here as well, Steph. Please try to fill your mind with all the wonderful memories of 12 years together with him, and allow it to bring a sad smile, and some measure of peace.

Im so very sorry Steph. I understand your loss having lost many cats through the years. I still cry for the one I lost to Leukemia 5 years ago. Its ok to cry.

Steph... we all understand how you feel - my family has had cats for years, and we've lost 2 of them; they were both free to come and go when they pleased, and while we were aware of one of them had gotten hit by a car, the other one just vanished. My mum still has nightmares about her.

That being said, I hope you can find some comfort in knowing that you were able to be with him at the end, that he knew till the very last minute how much you loved him. The pain that comes with it is the kind only time can heal... agree with Leigh, it's ok to cry.

((hugs))

I totally understand what you're toging thru - It is a blessing to be with them until the end - i couldn't have had it any other way myself.

The first year is the hardest - every season seems to bring bitter sweet memories. After all TJ was with you a nice while.

Now you have me all teary. I guess they're worth a bit of sadness - try & think of the silly things too & after a while they don't hurt 1/2 as bad. Maybe take your 5 year old for a refreshing walk to get away from the sadness for a bit.

I'm so sorry Steph. It's okay to cry, it helps with the healing. I think what you're doing is such a great way to honor T.J.'s memory.

My deepest feelings to you my dear friend.
Arty

I love the way you choose to honor TJ's memory..Thats very cool of you and I'm sure those pets in need will appreciate it

I extend my sympathies to you. Having to put an animal down is so difficult.Your final gift to him was eternal peace. RIP,TJ