Gray's last day.

A lot of you will remember that one of my cats, Gray, was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago. It was inoperable and we knew it was only a matter of time. But he was happy and social and didn't seem to know anything was wrong so I just made an effort to cuddle him as much as possible until the day came.

Today, for the first time, he's not purring when we cuddle, and he's hiding. I have him on kitty painkillers right now, and he's a little better. But he can't live on painkillers. I know how hard that is.

So tomorrow I am taking him to the vet to be put to sleep. :cry:

If you've got some good vibes to spare, we could use them. I want him to go peacefully, in as little pain as possible. And I am going to be a wreck for a while.

I don't know how I'm getting him to the vet tomorrow. I can't physically carry a cat carrier. I don't drive. I'm trying to recruit help for the carrying, and I'll have to take a cab. One way or another though, I can't wait. It's time. I won't put him through pain that won't end.

:cry:

and Thom, may you be at peace about your friend who will be better with you at his side and good luck with the logistics too.

:hug: :hug:

maybe there is someone around that could help you, I hope so.

You're doing the right thing. I know that doesn't make it easier but...he knows he's loved.


:hug:

I know it's really rough. I couldn't imagine losing one of my cats.

You gave that trained possum a really good life.

I wish I had more time. :(

Thank you.

Vibes and condolences headed your way. :hug:

i can't imagine how much this hurts you thom, but i know you know you're helping him and so does he

:hug:

Oh, sweetie...

More than ever, I wish I were there; I would help you in a heartbeat...

You have done so much for Gray!

All, and I do mean, ALL my good vibes to both of you...

To Gray for his safe and easy passage...

And to you, for having been such a loving and caring owner...

:hug: :cry: :hug: :cry: :hug:

Yes...It's time...

Gray knows how much you have loved him and will continue to love him. Bless you for doing the right thing for your little friend. Tomorrow he'll be romping across the Rainbow Bridge with our Simba, Fergus and Guinevere.

RIP Gray, you beautiful kitty. :hug:

All my love to both of you.

:cry:

part of love for an animal is not letting them suffer.
You are doing the right and proper thing.
I know it is hard.
Been there, done that.
take care.
good vibes

:hug:

My thoughts are with you.....:hug:

:cry:

I wish I could come over and pick you up and take you both to the vet.

:cry::cry::cry:

I am so terribly sorry. And I admire you more and more everyday.... You are such a good kitteh daddy. :hug:

Bless you for giving Gray a wonderful life and for letting him go in peace.

:loveya:

I wish peace and godspeed for Gray.

:hug:

I'm so sorry. :(

:hug:

:hug:

May Gray pass painlessly, and may his place in your heart stay there forever.

:hug: :loveya:

That way he gets to pass at home and not spend his last hour of life cooped up in a carrier. It'd be easier on you, too.

Unfortunately, i'm scheduled for a minor surgerical procedure on Wednesday. I might not be in such great shape for a day or two afterward, and I don't want Gray suffering for even a few days. :(

So, it looks like it has to be tomorrow.

InfoManiac, bless her librarian heart, has found a veterinary ambulance service I can use if all else fails. I've got their number now.

I know it will be devestating for you.

If I were there, I would help you.

I can hear the love in your post. I'm so sorry for your pain. :hug:

it's such a painful decision.

My partner had to make that call on one of her dachshunds a few years ago and it was horrible.

He knows that it's time. :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

My thoughts are with you.




I know the coming days will be difficult for you.

He was very loved and I'm sure he knows it. Thank you for ending his pain. :hug: :hug: to you and Gray. I'll be sending my very best vibes to you both. It is going to be hard to come home with empty arms, so please treat yourself with TLC.

I'm so sorry. He sounds like an awesome cat.

And you're pretty cool too.

:hug:

All best for Gray and ThomCat.

I will think of you all day tomorrow, ThomCat. PM me if you want.

:hug:

i thought Gray would have a little more time with you...

sending love to both of you... my big gray boy Junior will be waiting for Gray at Rainbow Bridge to run and play.

xoxoxo to you both and to your other two kitties... and special thoughts for Silver who i know will miss Gray greatly.

:hug:

Normally I would reply to everyone. I know and like all of you, and I'd like to have something to say to each of you. But I'm kind of erratic and restless right now, and I can't.
:(

:grouphug:

Just go to your boy and love him.

:hug:

I so wish I could get to your house tomorrow. I am so sorry.

You have been a wonderful help, in this and in so many other things. :hug:

I often mention you and talk about how wonderful you are. I hope you know that.

:hug:

would the cab driver you know help you with the carrier? I don't envy what you'll go through tomorrow. You gave that boy a wonderful life after he and his brother were thrown into the street to die.

:hug:

Love you Thom. My prayers are with you.

That is a great idea. I should have thought of that. If, for some reason, I have to wait until that late then I will definitely give him a call.

I'm calling around, and hopefully one way or another I'll have some help.

drive during the same shift or an earlier one? You could call your friend (you've got his number) and see if he can arrange to have someone he trusts pick you up tomorrow morning.

They both work 12 hour days. They're at work right now.

I should call him right now. I'm waiting for two friends and my Uncle to call me back. If I don't hear from them within an hour or so I'll call him.

I know if he can't take you, he'll find someone he trusts who will. He cares about you Thom. :hug:

wonderful life, I know.

I wish I could help you get him to the vet, but Texas is a bit far away.

My heart is with you
:grouphug: :cry:

I know how heartbreaking this is, having been through it myself with my Hamlet a few years ago. He will be there to greet Gray at the Rainbow Bridge. :hug:

I know how heartbreaking this is, having been through it myself with my Hamlet a few years ago. He will be there to greet Gray at the Rainbow Bridge. :hug:

Good vibes to make the passing as easy as possible.

:hug: :cry:

You are giving Grey the best gift ever, possibly the most expensive gift you will ever give anyone or anything. He will be at peace with no pain, you will end up feeling like you were kicked in the gut. You love him so you have to take the pain and help him leave. I have been there, I hate it.


I am glad it isn't "easy" to say goodbye to pets, it means they made a difference in your life.

Rest in peace Grey. You were a good kitty.

let me know

I don't know yet about the afternoon. I might need to bury myself in work to deal with this. :(

Either way, I'd love to get together for dinner though. I'll want some company.

I just went through this with my cat two weeks ago-It is very hard to say goodbye. I wish I could help somehow. But :hug:

:hug:

:cry:

I'm so sorry Thom. Any kitty of yours has had a wonderful and well-loved life though, i'm sure of it.

:hug:

:loveya:

Hugs to you both. :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

You have given him a good life, ThomCat. And he is grateful.

Sending good vibes for an easy passage for Gray. Peace to you, friend. :hug:

You've got my vibes, of course, and good on you for looking out for Gray for so long, through so much.

If you have issue with a vet, drop me a line. I'm an asshole, but I've got a bit of pull. Favors and whatnot, eh.

Godspeed, Gray, regardless.

If my regular vet is in then I won't have a problem. He knew this was coming, and he's very accomodating.

If I have to deal with one of the other vets this morning then I don't know how it will go. :(

I have a friend coming over with a car. At least that much is working out.

Gray is in less pain this morning. I feel guilty doing this. But I know he's hiding his pain, and I know the severe pain will come back. The tumor is bigger than my fist, and he has lost half his weight. I'm convincing myself that this is still the necessary thing to do, because I don't want to have to do this, but I know I need to go through with this. Otherwise I know I'll come home from work one day soon to find out that he hid under the couch and died on his own, alone and in agony all day.
:cry:

Damn it.

:hug:It's so hard to lose a pet.

:cry: :hug:

I hope Gray finds peace. :hug: :hug: :hug:

:cry: Love from me and Goldmine and Raphael. O8)

You are a good dad.....
knowing when the time is here is a hard realization.......

:hug:

I am glad I got to meet him, albeit briefly...


Here are good thoughts and vibes

lost

I've been where you are. Its so hard..but its probably the right thing...:cry: :hug:

mikey_the_rat

Might your suffering be over. Peace and comfort to you, ThomCat. :hug:

Gray will live on in your heart!

:hug: :hug: :hug:

And your other kitties, as well. :hug:

I've been there & done that twice. :cry:

It's a very hard decision to make. Hugs & best wishes to you & Gray! He knows you love him & will always remember that.

:hug:

dg

:hug:

Even though you know in your heart that this is the best, kindest, and humane thing for him, it still hurts. Take comfort in knowing that he loved you just as much as you loved him.

There's really nothing more I can say.

If you believe in an afterlife, you know that you will see your cherished pets there when you join them.

For my favorite Thomcat

I feel your pain, I had to do that 5 1/2 years ago
and it still hurts...

:hug: :hug: :hug:

:hi:

I hold any animal I have to have euthanized while they administer the sedative, then cradle them for the last minutes of their lives.

I cry every time, but feel better for giving as much comfort as I can to them.

:pals:

He spent most of his last 4 hours in my arms. He was in my arms when the sedative was administered, and even after he was unconcious I held him for a few more minutes.

It was very hard to leave him. I kept wanting to change my mind and take him home. :cry:

I miss them all. If this is your first, in time you'll remember the good life you gave him, and be able to recall his happiness; your own sadness will fade.

If you don't have others, I hope you can find another friend when the grieving is over.

I really love my cats, and my 2 rescue doggies.

You did the best thing possible - if his tumor was that big, you were courageous and compassionate, and spared Gray unnecessary pain. :hug:

You having dinner tonight with lionesspriyanka? I hope so - sounds like you need some good company and a few real, non-virtual hugs.

and strength and courage for you. :hug:

and led a great life with you. You helped him in living and you also helped him get rid of all the pain. He is over the Rainbow Bridge and playing like a young cat that you remember him as. Just know that he knows that you loved him and appreciated the chance to escape all of the pain that he was enduring. Much love and vibes to you and your baby.

I always have good vibes to spare for you.

Good luck...

You'll both be in my thoughts.

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
then you must do what must be done
For this, the last battle, can't be won.

You will be sad, I understand,
Don't let the grief then stay your hand,
For this day more than all the rest
Your love and friendship stand the test.

We've had so many happy years,
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer so;
When the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend
And stay with me, if you can, to the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time, you will see,
It is a kindness you do for me.
Although my tail its last was waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Don't grieve that it should be you,
Who must decide this thing to do,
We've been so close, we two, these years;
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

Smile, for we walked together for a little while.

- Author Unknown

http://www.la-spca.org/pet_loss/comfort/last_battle.htm

I am so sorry. I hope that Gray has an easy transition and that you and the other fur-babies do as well.

My sincerest vibes and well wishes to you and Gray. :hug::hug:

...what a lovely cat. I'm sorry the trip to the vet will be so hard for you, physically. I hope your friends will rally 'round. I would help you if I could.

Peace to Gray, and freedom from pain and suffering. All my good vibes to the ThomCat fmaily.

:hug:

My sister's kitty is also dying - he has Cushing's disease, which causes wasting and eventual organ failure. He's still hanging in there and seems happy to see her - purring, seeking attention, etc - so as long as he's still happy and craving attention she will love him. But I know that she'll soon have to make the decision you did, and it's so tragic, because it's the last thing you want to do but when it reaches a point where they can't even enjoy life anymore, it's truly the best thing you can do for them.

But you're doing the right thing. I've had to have three animals euthanized. I know how hard it is. But it's better than a slow, painful death.

Safe passage, Gray. :hug:

Gray had a good life with you. :hug:

Its hard to lose a buddy. :cry:

:hug:

I know how hard this must be for you.

peace, love and hugs to both.:cry:

There are no words that will make this evening go easier. There is a pain that you alone will bear, but we all wish we could ease it for you. Just know that there are people here that understand your loss. Have a cry and then a smile as you think about times gone by with Gray. :hug:

It's so hard to do that because you want their companionship, but you also don't want them to suffer. :hug:

The cats I had growing up both had tumors (behind the same eye and brothers from the same litter). They were 17 and 18 when diagnosed and our only option was painkillers since surgery wasn't recommended due to their age. We decided to just put them down, they had nice long lives. It was hard, but watching them suffer would have been worse. :cry: :hug: I think you're doing the right thing.