[momcats3]

My heart is broken today. I had my beautiful 18 yr. old kitty put down today. He had CRF and was failing. I am filled with doubt. Did I do the right thing? What if he could have rallied one last time and I didn't let him? I even think, did I do it for my own convenience so I wouldn't have to deal with this later in the week/month(s) when I didn't have time? For cat lovers and non-cat givers alike, we all know we deal with this issue every day with our patient families. And our response is yes, family, you are doing the right thing by making your loved one comfortable until the end. In my case, I made the decision before he got any sicker. So why am I having such a hard time with this? And how can I comfort families when I feel so lost and empty inside?

[VivaLasViejas]

Please accept my condolences on your loss.

Yes, you did the right thing.......elderly kitties with renal failure don't do well. I know from experience that the decision to put down a beloved pet is one of the hardest one ever has to make in this life, but when made out of love and concern for relieving the animal's misery, it is also the most loving thing you can do for them.

If you can, please take some time off. What you are going through is a very normal grief process, and you need time to mourn your pet and accept his loss. Don't let anyone tell you he was 'just' a cat.......he was a member of your family.

My heart goes out to you.

[jnette]

I couldn't say it any better than Marla just did.

I'm so very sorry.

Be kind to yourself as you were to your Kitty. He is not failing now, but is at blissful rest.

Peace to you. (((((HUGS))))))

[earle58]

oh my goodness,

i am just so so sorry momcat.
my heart just aches for you.
so many of us understand the pain of letting someone go to forsake their suffering.
yes.
you made the right decision, no doubt.
your cat was so very sick and any time left would have been w/o quality, and just a mere existence.
and he is truly at peace now.

with my heart,

leslie xo

[lazydaze22]

Thank you, for being such a loving and wonderful pet owner! Too many let their furred or feathered loved ones suffer so much longer than they have to, just because they aren't ready to let go. I am sure your kitty thanks you for letting him leave his earthly life now, in love and that decision made for him by one he loves too. I am so sorry for your loss. It is an asbolutely heart wrenching pain and I hope the memories help you smile through the tears.

My dog of 15 years, there since my earliest memories, had to be put down due to CRF too. Once my family made the decision, it was amazing. Looking back at the pictures he was radiant and there is an actual glow surrounding him. He was more alert that he had been in months. It made such a difference to know how happy he was at the end and how he left this earth surrounded by love and not alone and scared and in pain. You did a good thing for your kitty. Sending many warm thoughts and hugs your way.

[lazydaze22]

http://rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm

A wonderful poem to read.

[jaimealmostRN]

I'm so sorry Momcats ((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))

[medsurgnurse]

Originally Posted by momcats3

My heart is broken today. I had my beautiful 18 yr. old kitty put down today. He had CRF and was failing. I am filled with doubt. Did I do the right thing? What if he could have rallied one last time and I didn't let him? I even think, did I do it for my own convenience so I wouldn't have to deal with this later in the week/month(s) when I didn't have time? For cat lovers and non-cat givers alike, we all know we deal with this issue every day with our patient families. And our response is yes, family, you are doing the right thing by making your loved one comfortable until the end. In my case, I made the decision before he got any sicker. So why am I having such a hard time with this? And how can I comfort families when I feel so lost and empty inside?

I'm sorry for you loss. you loved your kitty and didn't want him to suffer anymore. You did the right thing.

[Tweety]

Hugs. My sincere condolences for the loss of your companion. You did the right thing.

[ktwlpn]

Originally Posted by momcats3

My heart is broken today. I had my beautiful 18 yr. old kitty put down today. He had CRF and was failing. I am filled with doubt. Did I do the right thing? What if he could have rallied one last time and I didn't let him? I even think, did I do it for my own convenience so I wouldn't have to deal with this later in the week/month(s) when I didn't have time? For cat lovers and non-cat givers alike, we all know we deal with this issue every day with our patient families. And our response is yes, family, you are doing the right thing by making your loved one comfortable until the end. In my case, I made the decision before he got any sicker. So why am I having such a hard time with this? And how can I comfort families when I feel so lost and empty inside?

Of course you are heart broken-you lost a good friend today.It is hard because it IS you and yours.....You made a commitment to your furry friend that you would not let him suffer and you had the courage to follow through.....You did the most unselfish thing---I hope I am as strong when it comes time to help my 23 yr old guy go in peace......Somoeone once said that dogs and cats lives are so much shorter then humans are because they all have lessons to teach each one of us....Their shorter lives enable us to know and love more of them throughout our lives and learn the valuable lessons we need.....