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Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums -> Alcoholics Anonymous -> Alcoholics Anonymous -> Had to put our 15 year old cat "Tigger" to sleep this afternoon **Updated with baby pics**
Post Info TOPIC: Had to put our 15 year old cat "Tigger" to sleep this afternoon **Updated with baby pics**
StPeteDean


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Had to put our 15 year old cat "Tigger" to sleep this afternoon **Updated with baby pics**
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One of the hardest things I've ever  had to do.  Every cell in my body was trying to get me to turn the car around, on the way to the Vet.   Earlier this week she stopped eating and drinking and her breathing was very labored.  Took her to the vet wednesday and he found a tumor in her abdomin, and told us she wouldn't last long.  Dianna and I babied her for a couple days.  I held her head up all night last night, so she could breathe easier.  Apparently I cared (loved) that cat a lot more than I knew because I cried hard and often today.  At first I tried to take the easy way out, stuff my feelings and say "it is what it is and it's only a cat", but at 15 years old, she's an icon of my wife and my relationship as the wife got her when we were dating.  She been through 4 houses and several hurricane evacuations and shared my pillow a few thousand times.



-- Edited by StPeteDean on Saturday 19th of June 2010 07:54:48 PM

-- Edited by StPeteDean on Saturday 19th of June 2010 07:56:12 PM

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angelov8


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RE: Had to put our 15 year old cat "Tigger" to sleep this afternoon
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I feel the "It's just a cat/dog" thing doesn't pay homage to the gifts of communion we get by living in close quarters with the rest of creation.  Thank you for sharing.  I have nursed my cats all night too, but have never experienced a life change such as death with one of my animal companions.  Heart, Angela

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Reffner


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So sorry for your loss Dean. It's hard when we lose the things that are a part of our lives. I'm sure it's little comfort, but you did the right thing. You and your wife are in my thoughts and prayers.

Brian

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Larry_H


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Dean,

My condolences on your loss.  A few years back I held a Siamese that I really loved while she died.   The pets in our lives really attach them selves to us.

Larry,



-- Edited by Larry_H on Friday 18th of June 2010 08:59:27 PM

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Dave Harm


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Dean,

I am so sorry for your loss... there is no such thing as "just a cat" or "just a dog" after 15 years. They bring such comfort and peace to our lives and when it is their time part of our souls go with them.

I remember the first time I put an animal to sleep. It was a dog named "Fire" a very bright red lab-collie cross. He was my only friend after my first divorce and stayed with me through my early days of sobriety.

He got cancer and for awhile we did do chemo. But he was 13 and I started to wonder was I trying to keep him alive for him or for me. His veins started collapsing and I just couldn't handle it anymore.

The vet let me stay in the room as he gave him the shot. The vet left the room and I balled like a baby for a good 20 minutes as I stayed with him until he no longer took a breath.

He was my best friend and I still think about him. It never gets easy.. but I also can't picture myself without a cat or dog in my life...

Again I am sorry for your loss...
Dave

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I am so very sorry, I have no words

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jonijoni1


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OMG that is so very painful, Dean. I am so sorry to hear this. They truly are our friends in ways that humans just can't connect... they are so very special to us and such a big part of our lives, in thousands of small but important ways... peace in your house tonight and please know that I understand your pain.

((((hugs))))

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gonee


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Sorry for your loss, Dean. We had to put our Maltese to sleep last year and I know how painful it is.


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Jerry F


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You brought reality home for me Dean. I will now up the gratitude for the two pups
which share Maurine and my home and life.  I've also done the stay up and hold
and support Sadie our youngest pup as she slipped into paralysis from a temporary
damaged back.  Unlike Tigger, Sadie is still rocking this family and I will make sure
to enjoy it all while we still have her.  She's got stomach problems off and on also
and we gotta nurture her more when it flares up.  I am aware they both have bit
off a big part of my heart and what that means every day down the line.   Hope you
heal softly.    In support.



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SteveP


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Sorry to hear Dean. My wife and I have had many-loved pets. I understand.

Steve

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pinkchip


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noooooo....cats rule. Sorry for your loss Dean

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mikef


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Sorry to hear that Dean,we also had to put 2 cats down after hip surgeries and tons of Vet calls.Our whole family stood in the room with the vet when they injected both Milo and Oreo..They definitely become family members and people that may think there only animals probably dont have any...I again have 2 cats,they make me crazy but love them so...we still have the pictures on our fridge...peace my brother....

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bikerbill


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I believe I know how you feel. Been there. I started to stay sober on a wednesday, on teh following saturday I adopted a full grown cat. She never saw me drunk and at times she was the only thing between me and a bottle or a rope in the early days. I had to have her put down the day before I moved house, due to her Liver Failure.

I'm fostering a cat now, Layla, for my mate who is working abroad for a while.

You did the next right thing, hard though it was.

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louisa


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(((((Dean & Dianna))))
My heart goes out to you. I believe Tigger is still here - albeit not in the physical sense so (((((Tigger)))) too.
Louisa xx

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Just Toni


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Hi There Dean,

Sorry you and your wife have to go through this....as all the others here, did experience the same loss about 3 years ago.

I wanted to offer to you and your wife, a wonderful little website, where you and your wife can permanently leave a little memorial for your "Tiger". You can put pictures in, you'll see....  Someone offered this suggestion to me back then...I found it very soothing....

I was thinking that perhaps your wife might enjoy it possible a little more...but I don't know...anyway...here is the Website.... Rainbow Bridge.com. A very sweet and compassionate site....has beautiful music too when you open.

Sending condolences with lots of love to you both.
Toni 



-- Edited by Just Toni on Saturday 19th of June 2010 10:29:06 AM

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janet


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Ah, our sweet companions. How I love mine. They do not judge,they're loyal,unconditionally loving,comforting,and there.

I had a boxer named "Bully"who ran out in front of a car and it broke his back...the vet said, even with surgery he probably wouldn't make it. I was so distraught that when it came time to put him down I ask if I could lay down with him on the table. I did.

I had a cat named Zach for 14 yrs. I had moved several times and he always came along w/me.
He adjusted to every new city and place. One day I'd let him out briefly and he never returned. I put up flyers,walked all around in search of him,even had it put on the local am radio that he was missing and I offered a reward. I cried and worried as if he were a child. Then my husband found him across the road in someones yard.
We buried him. Somehow, I felt that a part of my past had died along with him.

It is sad. I am so sorry about your loss StPete. 

J

-- Edited by janet on Saturday 19th of June 2010 12:53:53 PM

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Toad


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Hello,
Nice to be sober so as to feel all these fine emotions.
Thank You.
Wayne

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turninggrey


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Sorry Dean, Its tough to say goodbye to a loved one.
Tom


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RE: Had to put our 15 year old cat "Tigger" to sleep this afternoon **Updated with baby pics**
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I know the pain associated with losing a pet... I'm a man, I cried all the way home saying".... I'm a man, this shouldn't hit me so hard, how did someone tough like me ever get attached like this to a darn animal...

That animal was a part of my life, a part of my family and I still miss him.

John

(((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))

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StPeteDean


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Thanks family, your comments helped a lot.

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ljc


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Aww geez Dean,
Im really sorry about your cat. I know from experience how hard it can be.

I had a miniature pincher named 'Cash' for 11 yrs. He got sick bout the last year of his life and finally one day he hadnt eaten for about 2 and was just lifeless. So, off to the vet we go again. Just me and him ... an emergency visit.

Vet says, he wont make it thru the week. I decided right then and there to just have him put to sleep. I was alone with Cash, I hugged him and kissed him and cried and said good-bye. ( This was over 2 yrs ago and Im now still getting choked up as I type this ). Even the Vet was teary eyed and the office staff was crying too.

I prayed about the whole thing while it was all happening. I asked God to help me make the right decision and I have to believe He did.

No more booze today to ease the pain of situations and circumstances such as these. Today I have God, real friends, the program and myself to get thru it all.



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cindy


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my condolences, animal companions are often the most healing and comforting relationships we have. human ones tend to be so much more compicated hehe....im sorry for your loss (((hugs)))

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jonijoni1


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Oh.... precious baby pics... me, Scouty (doggy) and Kidderroo (maine coon cat) are still praying for you.

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Dodsworth


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Dean- I'm sorry to hear you've lost an old friend. Sounds like Tigger had a long illustrious life!

take care.

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Mike B.


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Dean,
I'm sorry to hear of your loss.  Pets are part of me and my family.  I've been present(thank god) during the passing of two family members.  My dad and my dog.  I held my father's hand as he passed and my dog head as he passed on.  I struggled emotionally more with my dog than my dad.  Just a fact.  Hang in there.  Glad you posted.

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louisa


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Oh what BEAUTIFUL photos.....of BEAUTIFUL Tigger.  Oh God. So beautiful.

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