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derby378

(30,252 posts)
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 11:00 AM Apr 2012

My kitty died this morning

Ginny and I rescued Banjo right off the street in December 2008. She was my little friend, and she had this habit of climbing on my shoulder and giving me a kitty hug whenever I came home from a long day at work.

Sunday afternoon, it looked like Banjo had developed a tummy ache. Happens to all critters now and then. But yesterday she got worse when I came home, and I made arrangements to take her to the vet this morning. Unfortunately, Banjo died at the vet's office.

She was probably anywhere from 10-12 years of age, and most cats don't live past 14. She was my beloved little girl, and I will dearly miss her.

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My kitty died this morning (Original Post) derby378 Apr 2012 OP
i'm sorry. barbtries Apr 2012 #1
RIP XanaDUer Apr 2012 #2
I'm so sorry. I hate this part of pets, they never live long enough. n/t Egalitarian Thug Apr 2012 #3
I'm very sorry to hear that. MineralMan Apr 2012 #4
So sorry to hear that... ceile Apr 2012 #5
So sorry for the loss of your kitty-girl. yellerpup Apr 2012 #6
Condolences HockeyMom Apr 2012 #7
Very sorry for your loss, I have 3 kitties and 2 are at the 13 age and I know it's teddy51 Apr 2012 #8
I'm sorry tularetom Apr 2012 #9
So sorry about your furry friend. TwilightGardener Apr 2012 #10
So sorry, derby378 Richardo Apr 2012 #11
Peace to you and Banjo CurtEastPoint Apr 2012 #12
you made her life better dembotoz Apr 2012 #13
Sorry derby378 slackmaster Apr 2012 #14
So sorry for your loss montanacowboy Apr 2012 #15
Poor Banjo...I'm sure you gave him a good final few years...RIP little guy joeybee12 Apr 2012 #16
.. maybe she will miss you too Voice for Peace Apr 2012 #17
(((derby378}}} leftynyc Apr 2012 #18
I am so sorry. Thank you for making her arthritisR_US Apr 2012 #19
I'm so sorry. Lugnut Apr 2012 #20
I am so sorry Hawkowl Apr 2012 #21
I am sorry siligut Apr 2012 #22
I'm sorry Lucy Goosey Apr 2012 #23
Sorry to hear. Glad Banjo found a good home and love. nt raouldukelives Apr 2012 #24
4 years Roy Rolling Apr 2012 #25
sorry for your loss bart95 Apr 2012 #26
sorry for your loss derby. mopinko Apr 2012 #27
Sounds like you gave Banjo a wonderful home, and she appreciated it. Hoyt Apr 2012 #28
Banjo had a wonderful life with your family. I know she is so grateful japple Apr 2012 #29
Losing a fur baby hurts so much... alittlelark Apr 2012 #30
So sorry. My Alice-cat is 19 and has been failing.It's so hard.Her twin, Trixie, passed 2 years ago. October Apr 2012 #31
Our Amber is 21 now, and we are at peace with her "departure" whenever it happens SoCalDem Apr 2012 #53
Wow! It is hard to say good-bye... no matter how full or short their lives with us may be October Apr 2012 #138
I'm sorry. OnyxCollie Apr 2012 #32
RIP Banjo Ohio Joe Apr 2012 #33
i am so sorry on the death of your beautiful girl. blondie58 Apr 2012 #34
I am so sorry. hifiguy Apr 2012 #35
I'm so sorry - I have a rescue kitty too... jimlup Apr 2012 #36
So sorry I am sure she was a member of your family. gordianot Apr 2012 #37
so sorry for your loss, as well. my kits send love and hugs niyad Apr 2012 #51
How can I ignore this news.... We are sorry for your loss MrMickeysMom Apr 2012 #38
hugs Pool Hall Ace Apr 2012 #39
I'm so sorry about Banjo; you gave her a very good life. spooky3 Apr 2012 #40
=( Lizzie Poppet Apr 2012 #41
I'm so sorry, derby. Brigid Apr 2012 #42
so sorry for your loss as well. banjo has many companions as she crosses the bridge. niyad Apr 2012 #52
Banjo and Patrick were probably greeted by my babies, Laddie,Nuisance, Tai and Tyler! Ecumenist Apr 2012 #77
I am so sorry tabbycat31 Apr 2012 #43
Bastet blesses those who show Her children love and kindness. Ikonoklast Apr 2012 #44
. Coyote_Bandit Apr 2012 #45
I'm sorry ellie Apr 2012 #46
I'm so sorry. myrna minx Apr 2012 #47
I'm so sorry livetohike Apr 2012 #48
I am so very sorry for your loss--our 4-legged friends are truly amazing, they give us so much love. niyad Apr 2012 #49
I understand. Gregorian Apr 2012 #50
I can empathize...I was surprised at how much it hurt when I lost my cat... rfranklin Apr 2012 #54
I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet kitty. SoCalDem Apr 2012 #55
Very sorry to hear this. I hate losing our little friends BoWanZi Apr 2012 #56
Sorry For Your Loss otohara Apr 2012 #57
So sorry to hear that. ProgressoDem Apr 2012 #58
I'm so sorry. Arugula Latte Apr 2012 #59
Who sez a Marine can't be sensitive? Good work, Marine. Brettongarcia Apr 2012 #60
The Marine insignia is in honor of my nephew derby378 Apr 2012 #89
May Banjo elicit fond memories down the road. I'm so-o sorry. snappyturtle Apr 2012 #61
I am so sorry jsmirman Apr 2012 #62
I'm very sorry for your loss. sinkingfeeling Apr 2012 #63
I am so sorry. Mz Pip Apr 2012 #64
sorry to hear this GoneOffShore Apr 2012 #65
deepest sympathies for your loss as well, from my furries and me. niyad Apr 2012 #114
I am so sorry! Rosa Luxemburg Apr 2012 #66
You have my heart felt sympathy. Johnson20 Apr 2012 #67
Hugs and so sorry you all lost your friend... Tikki Apr 2012 #68
My condolences. bigmonkey Apr 2012 #69
Condolences beemer27 Apr 2012 #70
I am so sorry for your loss... virgdem Apr 2012 #71
So sorry for your loss PADemD Apr 2012 #72
i am so sorry for the loss of your friend fizzgig Apr 2012 #73
Please accept my condolences for you little furrygirl. I'm glad that she had someone who loved Ecumenist Apr 2012 #74
You had each other... WillParkinson Apr 2012 #75
So sorry to hear about your precious kitty goclark Apr 2012 #76
So sorry TuxedoKat Apr 2012 #78
My heart goes out to you SnowCritter Apr 2012 #79
Been there. Damn, it hurts when you lose them. Ken Burch Apr 2012 #80
derby, you have my heart felt condolences. man4allcats Apr 2012 #81
Very sorry for your loss. nadinbrzezinski Apr 2012 #82
Our deepest sympathies: our beloved Butterfinger left us three years ago and we indepat Apr 2012 #83
Aw derby, I'm so sorry. redqueen Apr 2012 #84
I'm sorry to hear that Politicalboi Apr 2012 #85
I'm terrible sorry. Beacool Apr 2012 #86
I am so sorry get the red out Apr 2012 #87
It's hard to lose a friend.... Harriety Apr 2012 #88
A great big THANK YOU to everyone who responded derby378 Apr 2012 #90
I have three right now that are 15, 15 and 16.... Rosco T. Apr 2012 #91
awww... so sad. Mine died almost a year ago. Still miss her. Liberal_in_LA Apr 2012 #92
Condolences kudzu22 Apr 2012 #93
Oh my warrior1 Apr 2012 #94
peaceful passage, Banjo magical thyme Apr 2012 #95
:( I'm so sorry you lost your baby ProfessionalLeftist Apr 2012 #96
Banjo knew how loved she was. You were gifts to each other. RIP, Banjo. gateley Apr 2012 #97
When she died she knew she was safe and loved. aquart Apr 2012 #98
Hugs to you, derby378... countryjake Apr 2012 #99
My condolences liberalmike27 Apr 2012 #100
So sorry to her this NICO9000 Apr 2012 #101
By the way, glad you were not caught nadinbrzezinski Apr 2012 #102
Are you doing okay? derby378 Apr 2012 #147
I was typing for cube rats nadinbrzezinski Apr 2012 #148
Aww. Hope her kitty hugs stay with you forever. That is so sweet. Glimmer of Hope Apr 2012 #103
People who don't have a cat may not understand. Chipper Chat Apr 2012 #104
I've got an older fellow...trying to prepare myself for the inevitable. BeHereNow Apr 2012 #105
Me and my rescue kitty feel very sad for you. But you gave her a good life and love. n/t Fla Dem Apr 2012 #106
my heart goes out to you. BlancheSplanchnik Apr 2012 #107
:( sudopod Apr 2012 #108
I'm so sorry ... Raine Apr 2012 #109
We lost our 13yo Maine Coon last January as well mrs_p Apr 2012 #110
I am so very sorry. Lone_Star_Dem Apr 2012 #111
I'm so sorry to hear this. Damn. calimary Apr 2012 #112
. Skittles Apr 2012 #113
... derby378 Apr 2012 #149
So sorry marlakay Apr 2012 #115
I am so sorry for you loss. Walk away Apr 2012 #116
I think Banjo is thanking you for giving her such a loving home for the past few years crunch60 Apr 2012 #117
Take solace in the fact that she did not suffer long, FourScore Apr 2012 #118
My Deepest Condolences to you vt_native Apr 2012 #119
I'm sorry that you have been separated from your friend. I wish you peace. TheKentuckian Apr 2012 #120
RIP, Banjo. The Velveteen Ocelot Apr 2012 #121
I'm so sorry. GoCubsGo Apr 2012 #122
Fly free, little Banjo. You were loved and gave much joy & comfort to your bean. WillowTree Apr 2012 #123
I am so sorry. . . daligirl519 Apr 2012 #124
I am so sorry. When my Buddy left me, it made me feel better to think of him on the Rainbow Bridge. Honeycombe8 Apr 2012 #125
((((((((((( derby378 )))))))))))) lunatica Apr 2012 #126
I'm so sorry! My cat died a couple days ago, as well. Odin2005 Apr 2012 #127
I am deeply sorry for your loss derby378 Spock_is_Skeptical Apr 2012 #128
I am so very sorry for your loss. polmaven Apr 2012 #129
I'm sorry derby378 polly7 Apr 2012 #130
RIP BANJO - U were loved benld74 Apr 2012 #131
I hope this is useful The Wizard Apr 2012 #132
kitties and dogs are gifts straight from God. I am so sorry, honey. roguevalley Apr 2012 #133
I've got several elderly pets TrogL Apr 2012 #134
I am so very sorry for your loss, and God bless you for your kindness to this precious kitty. 1620rock Apr 2012 #135
I'm so sorry. intheflow Apr 2012 #136
So sorry NEOhiodemocrat Apr 2012 #137
I'm so sorry. silverweb Apr 2012 #139
My deepest sympathy for you in your loss. Granny M Apr 2012 #140
My heart goes out to you amuse bouche Apr 2012 #141
very sorry ... tweeternik Apr 2012 #142
My condolences Derby sonias Apr 2012 #143
I'm very sorry for your loss, derby378. racaulk Apr 2012 #144
Kikoo kpete Apr 2012 #145
So sorry radical noodle Apr 2012 #146

barbtries

(28,805 posts)
1. i'm sorry.
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 11:01 AM
Apr 2012


i have a 14-year-old and a 13-year-old. they're getting on. the younger one especially i worry he may not last much longer.

yellerpup

(12,253 posts)
6. So sorry for the loss of your kitty-girl.
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 11:05 AM
Apr 2012

I know you'll miss her little hugs and all the love she gave you. You were a hero to rescue her and take good care of her right to the end.

 

HockeyMom

(14,337 posts)
7. Condolences
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 11:06 AM
Apr 2012

Banjo had a much happier, and longer, life in your home than she would have had on the streets. I lost my 16 year old girl (shelter cat) 2 years ago. Her 22 year old "brother" (also shelter cat) passed six months after her. Like children? They were not much younger than my children who had grown up with them.

Again, my condolences.

 

teddy51

(3,491 posts)
8. Very sorry for your loss, I have 3 kitties and 2 are at the 13 age and I know it's
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 11:07 AM
Apr 2012

just a mater of time. It's no easier than a human loss as I see it.

dembotoz

(16,810 posts)
13. you made her life better
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 11:11 AM
Apr 2012

in the end that is all we can hope to do....

take comfort in your thoughts of her

montanacowboy

(6,094 posts)
15. So sorry for your loss
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 11:12 AM
Apr 2012

Apr 19th is the first anniversary of our losing one of our dear little fellows; brings back the pain again.

 

leftynyc

(26,060 posts)
18. (((derby378}}}
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 11:16 AM
Apr 2012

I'm so very sorry for your loss. I've been where you are and know how your heart breaks. I've got two 6 year old brothers I'm going to hug extra tight tonight.

 

Hawkowl

(5,213 posts)
21. I am so sorry
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 11:18 AM
Apr 2012

I had a very similar experience with my cat Woody, a few years ago. Rescue kitties tend to hide their symptoms from their people until it is very late in the game. Often there is nothing anyone can do for mysterious kitty illnesses-- except love the kitty.

Roy Rolling

(6,925 posts)
25. 4 years
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 11:25 AM
Apr 2012

The 4 years since you rescued her off the street were the best years of her life. You added 4 years of quality life and we all share your grief and honor your good heart.

mopinko

(70,147 posts)
27. sorry for your loss derby.
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 11:26 AM
Apr 2012

pets are such a big part of my life, i can't imagine life without them. so faithful, so true. always there.

japple

(9,833 posts)
29. Banjo had a wonderful life with your family. I know she is so grateful
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 11:26 AM
Apr 2012

that you rescued her, loved and cared for her, and then helped to release her from her sick body. May you find comfort and peace in your beautiful memories of Banjo.

October

(3,363 posts)
31. So sorry. My Alice-cat is 19 and has been failing.It's so hard.Her twin, Trixie, passed 2 years ago.
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 11:29 AM
Apr 2012

Peace.

SoCalDem

(103,856 posts)
53. Our Amber is 21 now, and we are at peace with her "departure" whenever it happens
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 12:05 PM
Apr 2012

We took her to the vet recently when she was "off her food" a bit for a few days, and the vet had no suggestion for us other than a bunch of big-time expensive ultra sound-y tests. The blood panel came back normal, and with her age, we decided to just give her her favorite foods & cuddle her more for as long as we have her.. She's still as boisterously feisty as she always was, and we have come to the conclusion that she is just winding down.

October

(3,363 posts)
138. Wow! It is hard to say good-bye... no matter how full or short their lives with us may be
Wed Apr 4, 2012, 12:32 AM
Apr 2012

Alice-cat is as feisty as they come! She rules all -- at 2.5 lbs -- and we have 2 female Borzoi. lol! When she "went off her feed" a few months ago, she started eating the dogs' food. Not kidding. We figured -- let her have it, she's old, deaf...

Well, darn if she didn't get stronger and start filling out. lol! We laugh, but she holds her own, and the dogs let her eat her fill.

Recently, we moved her into our private bath -- with a heating pad and cushioning in our tub. She has her own bowl of DOG FOOD (top quality) nearby, and visits downstairs when she wishes.

I didn't mean to hijack this tribute thread... but maybe talking about our cats' lives will bring some cheer to the OP's broken heart.

 

hifiguy

(33,688 posts)
35. I am so sorry.
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 11:33 AM
Apr 2012

There is nothing in the world that is harder than saying goodbye to our furry friends. She will live forever in your heart.

jimlup

(7,968 posts)
36. I'm so sorry - I have a rescue kitty too...
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 11:34 AM
Apr 2012

Her name is Katrina - she is named after the 2005 storm for good reasons not bad ones. For some reason the name just fit her. She is my primary and most important companion so I understand how hard this loss is for you.

RIP Banjo

gordianot

(15,242 posts)
37. So sorry I am sure she was a member of your family.
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 11:34 AM
Apr 2012

Our kitty of 14 years passed away last Wednesday. She had a stroke and had lost control of her left front leg. When I took her to vet prognosis was not good she continued to be in severe distress passed away the next day. We have two abandoned stray cats (one is feral) who live outside and I swear they knew what going on. Both prefer to live outside and we care for them food and health needs. Cats are true marvels of understanding and their so called aloofness is a ruse. Even our feral cat wants to be close to people just not be touched. So sorry for your loss our animal companions both dogs and cats makes us who we are.

MrMickeysMom

(20,453 posts)
38. How can I ignore this news.... We are sorry for your loss
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 11:36 AM
Apr 2012

Especially in light of loving as many kittens as I have. Mr. Mickey is in his 15th year, and we just lost his sister last month to lymphoma.... Your heart aches... I can only say, "I'm so sorry"

Every day is precious with them... I wish you comfort in the loss of your beloved little girl... Banjo.

spooky3

(34,461 posts)
40. I'm so sorry about Banjo; you gave her a very good life.
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 11:39 AM
Apr 2012

She was lucky when you rescued her and obviously loved you very much.

Brigid

(17,621 posts)
42. I'm so sorry, derby.
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 11:42 AM
Apr 2012

My kitty Patrick died of kidney failure on Friday. He will be there to greet Banjo at the Rainbow Bridge. They surely do have a way of capturing our hearts, don't they?

Ecumenist

(6,086 posts)
77. Banjo and Patrick were probably greeted by my babies, Laddie,Nuisance, Tai and Tyler!
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 01:14 PM
Apr 2012

We will all see them again some day.

Ikonoklast

(23,973 posts)
44. Bastet blesses those who show Her children love and kindness.
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 11:45 AM
Apr 2012

May Banjo be waiting for you on the other side of The Bridge.

niyad

(113,466 posts)
49. I am so very sorry for your loss--our 4-legged friends are truly amazing, they give us so much love.
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 11:59 AM
Apr 2012

my furbabies send hugs and deepest sympathies

Gregorian

(23,867 posts)
50. I understand.
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 12:00 PM
Apr 2012

I know the pain. It's very much what I experienced with two of my beloved friend cats.

There is so little one can do to help with the pain. The only thing I can do is to realize that I loved. And that I gave them a life most cats can only dream of. And it sounds like you did too.

The walks. And fun. And the look that says they really do know what you are thinking. Real beings.

Knowing that we also have felt what you feel might help you. It has been five years since I lost Bart, and two since I lost Farnsworth. Every day they're on my mind. Born in a forest under my cabin in the woods, we spent every hour of every day together. More than a dozen years of music and walking and playing in the barn. Climbing trees.

The memory doesn't die.

 

rfranklin

(13,200 posts)
54. I can empathize...I was surprised at how much it hurt when I lost my cat...
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 12:07 PM
Apr 2012

I was a big crybaby. Treasure the memories.

derby378

(30,252 posts)
89. The Marine insignia is in honor of my nephew
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 03:02 PM
Apr 2012

He's a sniper currently on duty somewhere in Afghanistan. I'm just a big ol' civilian. But I appreciate your sentiments all the same.

jsmirman

(4,507 posts)
62. I am so sorry
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 12:29 PM
Apr 2012

it's true - I'm sure she enjoyed the heck out of her years with you and it sounds as though she loved being loved.

GoneOffShore

(17,340 posts)
65. sorry to hear this
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 12:32 PM
Apr 2012

Our Katie cat died six weeks ago - she was 13 and a sweetie. They don't last long enough.

beemer27

(460 posts)
70. Condolences
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 12:53 PM
Apr 2012

I am sorry for you. A pet can form a special bond with their person that cannot be expressed in words. She will always live in your heart.

virgdem

(2,126 posts)
71. I am so sorry for your loss...
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 12:53 PM
Apr 2012

you gave Banjo a very good life and she loved you very much. Those of us who frequent this group know of the pain of loss of our furry loved ones. You are in good company here-we understand what you are going through and feel your loss deeply. I wish you much peace in the coming days and weeks as you go through the grieving process.

Ecumenist

(6,086 posts)
74. Please accept my condolences for you little furrygirl. I'm glad that she had someone who loved
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 01:08 PM
Apr 2012

cherished and clearly adored her for the last part of her life. God bless you Banjo, Safe passage Home. and Yes, I do believe that animals have souls.

SnowCritter

(810 posts)
79. My heart goes out to you
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 01:16 PM
Apr 2012


It doesn't take but a moment for them to steal your heart away.

I've two myself, Chloe and Chuck. Chloe is eight and Chuck is 6. I'm not looking forward to the day when I have to say "goodbye" (makes me weepy just thinking about it).

 

Ken Burch

(50,254 posts)
80. Been there. Damn, it hurts when you lose them.
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 01:18 PM
Apr 2012

It's like losing anyone else in your family.

I'm so, so sorry for your loss. Be well.

man4allcats

(4,026 posts)
81. derby, you have my heart felt condolences.
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 01:19 PM
Apr 2012

The last time I went through that, many here helped me with their kindness. My cat was 16 or 17 when it happened, but it doesn't matter. In my experience at least, it never gets any easier. My thoughts are with you and Ginny. Rest In Peace, Banjo.

indepat

(20,899 posts)
83. Our deepest sympathies: our beloved Butterfinger left us three years ago and we
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 01:20 PM
Apr 2012

still miss her dearly.

Beacool

(30,250 posts)
86. I'm terrible sorry.
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 01:26 PM
Apr 2012

Animals are wondeful and we all get so attached to them. At least Banjo had a loving home with you and didn't suffer a lingering death.

Hugs!!

derby378

(30,252 posts)
90. A great big THANK YOU to everyone who responded
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 03:03 PM
Apr 2012

I love you all - and I know Banjo would love you, too.

Rosco T.

(6,496 posts)
91. I have three right now that are 15, 15 and 16....
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 03:06 PM
Apr 2012

.. and they're all starting to show their age.

Your little girl will be back if you need her, and if she has unfinished business. The stories I could tell...

 

magical thyme

(14,881 posts)
95. peaceful passage, Banjo
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 03:09 PM
Apr 2012

You gave Banjo a wonderful last few years. She died loved and with a home. Can't ask for more than that.

I'm so sorry for your loss

ProfessionalLeftist

(4,982 posts)
96. :( I'm so sorry you lost your baby
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 03:37 PM
Apr 2012

You obviously made sure the last years of her life were good - she had a safe, loving home.

gateley

(62,683 posts)
97. Banjo knew how loved she was. You were gifts to each other. RIP, Banjo.
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 04:24 PM
Apr 2012

And my heartfelt hug to you and Ginny, derby378.

aquart

(69,014 posts)
98. When she died she knew she was safe and loved.
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 05:06 PM
Apr 2012

From the day you met, she was never hungry or alone and she trusted you absolutely.

Grief is the last privilege of love.

How lucky you were that you found her.

liberalmike27

(2,479 posts)
100. My condolences
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 05:31 PM
Apr 2012

I've got one left, and I've been counting the years--lost four so far, and it was awful each time.

NICO9000

(970 posts)
101. So sorry to her this
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 05:37 PM
Apr 2012

My little baby is almost 16 and my wife's two boys are 15. We lost our oldest one last November - she was 18 and seven months.

You gave Banjo a wonderful life and she obviously enriched yours as well. Please take care.

- Mike

derby378

(30,252 posts)
147. Are you doing okay?
Wed Apr 4, 2012, 11:14 AM
Apr 2012

My brother and sister-in-law made it through just fine with only a little hail and a lot of rain.

Chipper Chat

(9,682 posts)
104. People who don't have a cat may not understand.
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 05:47 PM
Apr 2012

I know how hard this is. Like losing a human family member.
My cat, Rugrat, has been my constant companion for 12 years. When she was four I went to Florida for 2 weeks and boarded her at a kennel. When I returned she had been on a hunger strike. So now she goes to FLorida with me! But I know that day is coming.

BeHereNow

(17,162 posts)
105. I've got an older fellow...trying to prepare myself for the inevitable.
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 05:50 PM
Apr 2012

It is so hard to lose a fur person- especially when you
have established love rituals, like your Banjo climbing on your shoulder
to give you a hug.

Spider likes to lay beside me at night- I put my finger
inside his front paw and he squeezes it- I know I will miss that someday.
It's the little things, the personal things that are unique in each relationship
that makes each and everyone of them so precious.

I understand the sorrow, having lost so many fur babies over my life.
It's never easy, so sorry you are going through it...

BHN

BlancheSplanchnik

(20,219 posts)
107. my heart goes out to you.
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 06:15 PM
Apr 2012

I know how it feels. It's very very painful. They are such innocent, loving babies.

Give yourself time, cry as much as you need to....rest, cry, connect with those you love. You need to be as gentle with yourself as Banjo was with you.

You'll see her again....



mrs_p

(3,014 posts)
110. We lost our 13yo Maine Coon last January as well
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 06:41 PM
Apr 2012

I'm so sorry. I'm sure you were as love by her as she was by you.

calimary

(81,350 posts)
112. I'm so sorry to hear this. Damn.
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 06:46 PM
Apr 2012


Our animals. They play such a critically important role in our lives, in our well-being, in our very spirit.

Skittles

(153,169 posts)
113. .
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 07:05 PM
Apr 2012


Grieve not,
nor speak of me with tears,
but laugh and talk of me
as if I were beside you.....
I loved you so --
'twas Heaven here with you.

--by Ilsa Paschal Richardson
 

crunch60

(1,412 posts)
117. I think Banjo is thanking you for giving her such a loving home for the past few years
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 08:02 PM
Apr 2012

She will always be loved and missed. I am so sorry for your grief , I understand what it's like to loose a beloved pet.

FourScore

(9,704 posts)
118. Take solace in the fact that she did not suffer long,
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 08:04 PM
Apr 2012

and cherish the beautiful memories. Banjo was loved.

daligirl519

(285 posts)
124. I am so sorry. . .
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 09:24 PM
Apr 2012

but she is across the Rainbow Bridge now. Take some comfort in that. I have two males, Pitch and Tut, both around 14, my Humane Society Babies. They were both kind of freaky, and I adopted them for that reason. They both have major health problems that I can no longer afford to treat, and they will have to be put down soon. I can imagine the pain you are feeling, and that I will soon feel as well. God Bless!

Honeycombe8

(37,648 posts)
125. I am so sorry. When my Buddy left me, it made me feel better to think of him on the Rainbow Bridge.
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 09:27 PM
Apr 2012

I know it sounds silly. But it really helped. My heart had been torn out. I held out hope that he was waiting for me at the Rainbow Bridge.

Know that Banjo was a very lucky kitty that you found her and gave her a happy life these last few years.

It's a sad reality that most of our pets leave before we do. Still, I keep getting them. There's always a dog or cat who could use a forever home, and I have one.

lunatica

(53,410 posts)
126. ((((((((((( derby378 ))))))))))))
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 09:28 PM
Apr 2012

I've got a couple of advanced age dogs. I can't help thinking about it. They're very healthy and act much younger than their years, but still, I think about it.

polmaven

(9,463 posts)
129. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 09:38 PM
Apr 2012

Losing our sweet and loving furry children is very difficult. You are in my thoughts, derby.

benld74

(9,904 posts)
131. RIP BANJO - U were loved
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 10:40 PM
Apr 2012

Our 2 oldest are 14 this year. Boots(named because there was already a Socks at the time), was just discoverd with arthritis in 2 of her vertebra. She has lost 2 lbs since July, and now is getting prednisone for the inflammation. She is eating more, getting around better, but still,,, I will eventually know how you feel now.
Boots was and still is a character. Part beggar dog at the supper table, vocal until she gets what she wants, loves to venture out and has the scars to prove her ventures.

The Wizard

(12,545 posts)
132. I hope this is useful
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 10:49 PM
Apr 2012

On January 4, 1993, the cat in this book and the books that preceded it was put to sleep in Kerrville, Texas, by DR. W.H. Hoegemeyer and myself. Cuddles was fourteen years old, a respectable age. She was as close to me as any human being I have ever known.
Cuddles and I spent many years together, both in New York, where I found her as a little kitten on the street in Chinatown, and later on the ranch in Texas. She was always with me, on the table, on the bed, by the fireplace, beside the typewriter, on top of my suitcase when I returned from a trip.
I dug Cuddles' grave with a silver spade, in the little garden by the stream behind the old green trailer where both of us lived in the summertime. Her burial shroud was my old New York sweatshirt and in the grave with her is a can of tuna and a cigar.
A few days ago I received a sympathy note from Bill Hoegemeyer, the veterinarian. It opened with a verse by Irving Townsend: "We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own live within a fragile circle…"
Now as I write this, on a gray winter day by the fireside, I can almost feel her light tread moving from my head and my heart down through my fingertips to the keys of the typewriter. People may surprise you with unexpected kindness. Dogs have a depth of loyalty that we often seem unworthy of. But the love of a cat is a blessing, a privilege in this world.
They say when you die and go to heaven all the dogs and cats you ever owned in your life come running to meet you.
Until that day, rest in peace Cuddles.
Kinky Friedman
Madina, Texas
February 5, 1993

roguevalley

(40,656 posts)
133. kitties and dogs are gifts straight from God. I am so sorry, honey.
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 10:53 PM
Apr 2012

keep an ear tuned in. Every so often I hear dog nails on the wood floors when my remaining dog is with me on the bed. They always stop at my door. Your kitty will always be near.

TrogL

(32,822 posts)
134. I've got several elderly pets
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 11:27 PM
Apr 2012

All my cats are well over ten and get cranky when the weather changes. We've got vials of Medicam all over the place. One dog is getting cataracts and barks at everything because he can't see. His breathing sounds horrible so he may be the first to go which would be a shame because we got him from a rescue just over a year ago

intheflow

(28,481 posts)
136. I'm so sorry.
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 11:34 PM
Apr 2012

Anything I could say now would be grossly inadequate to your loss, so here's the best I can offer: a heartfelt

NEOhiodemocrat

(912 posts)
137. So sorry
Tue Apr 3, 2012, 11:56 PM
Apr 2012

It is so hard when one of our furry friends die, but it would be harder getting through life without them.

amuse bouche

(3,657 posts)
141. My heart goes out to you
Wed Apr 4, 2012, 09:47 AM
Apr 2012

We adore our kitty cats too

Our oldest recently died at 23. We got him as a baby from a shelter and had him all his life.

It truly was like losing a family member

kpete

(71,998 posts)
145. Kikoo
Wed Apr 4, 2012, 10:49 AM
Apr 2012

meanest, toughest little cat I ever knew
eaten by a coyote 3 years ago
miss her still...


derby 378,
damn you!
you made me cry..

peace, kpete

radical noodle

(8,003 posts)
146. So sorry
Wed Apr 4, 2012, 10:55 AM
Apr 2012

Pets become part of our family, and they love us unconditionally. Saying goodbye leaves a little hole in our hearts. I lost my 17 yr old cat last fall, and I still miss her. Rescue animals are the BEST. Bless you for giving her such a loving home.

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