3:50 PM, Wednesday 11 June. Yes, I am OK. Went to AA meetings at 8 AM and Noon.

My supervisor played hardball, and I am having today and tomorrow off as

emergency annual leave but have to return friday.

Yes, the apartment is a little lonelier with Pearly, but Conway is still here.

Hard to say if he is reacting much, being 18 years old and all that.

And I am already thinking of another cat. Probably not an outright adoption, as

with Pearly, but another fostering committmennt, as with Conway. This will

ease the stress of vet bills.

Conway probably isn't aware yet that Pearly is gone. If you have had Pearly away to the vet often, he probably jsu thtinks that is what it is if he even noticed yet. you know how cats respect the hiding out of hte others. Also they are conditioned to having them there psychologically as well as physically wso it may be awhile.

Andrew,

You have my deepest sympathy for your loss. I too am a cat owner and have had many pets over the years. The grief we have when losing a dear friend is not easy to overcome. Know that by giving Pearly a peaceful ending instead of sufferering shows the love you have for her. Take heart in knowing my thoughts are with you through this difficult time.

Andrew (imported) wrote: Thu Jun 12, 2003 4:17 pm 3:50 PM, Wednesday 11 June. Yes, I am OK. Went to AA meetings at 8 AM and Noon.

My supervisor played hardball, and I am having today and tomorrow off as

emergency annual leave but have to return friday.

Yes, the apartment is a little lonelier with Pearly, but Conway is still here.

Hard to say if he is reacting much, being 18 years old and all that.

And I am already thinking of another cat. Probably not an outright adoption, as

with Pearly, but another fostering committmennt, as with Conway. This will

ease the stress of vet bills.

Andrew,

i am sorry that Pearly has made the journey to Rainbow Bridge. you know that she is now playine in the fields on the near side of the bridge and patiently awaiting the day when she can escort you over the Bridge.

animal companions are the best friends most of us will ever have in this life. they give love and devotion unreservedly. i share the expressions of grief with all the others on the board.

david

If I may add one more thing, Andrew, I found it was best to stay busy in places where my cat had not been present. It may be more therapeutic for yhou to be at work instead of home where Pearly was a presence. The duties there can help you focus away from the grief. I know we feel we should grieve but the stress on you is very great. it is better to return to a normal emotional state as soon as you can, and cherish teh cat as a wonderful part of your life. Sort of like a fine chapter that has concluded and can be drawn on for the happiness it brought both of you. Cats understand and accept the passing better than we do. You do have a very sensitive emotional system and you should try not to overstress yourself with frief if you can manage it. I had a really rough time when my first and second animals had to go, so i know how important it is. I was not able to keep as busy outside of the home as I needed to be. it is rough. Sometimes it is easier to accept the passing of a beloved human because we were able to talk to them. With cats and dogs it is more psyuchical. but please realize they understand everything even the need to pass on, and they are grateful for all you did.

Andrew,

I am sorry to break the thread but I notice that David/Androboy took the time to post for you. As you probably know, he too, has been seriously ill.

David,

Please post an update, when you can, to let us know how you are doing.

Best wishes to you both.

very sorry to hear about your friend; i had my springer put down in feb of 2002, and i held him through it all.

remember that the important thing is not what's best for YOU, it's what's best for the pet. if kitty was sick much of the time, or in pain, etc, the hard decision is often the best one.

i waited 6 months before i got a pup, and i'm glad i did, but when people say you can "replace" a pet, well...... i don't think that really captures what it's like to lose one.

ever thought of doing volunteer work at a shelter? that's a great way to work through pet grief. (just DON'T try to adopt them all !!)

TB

Andrew,

Everyone who really loves their animals understands what you are going through. We love them and are loved in return. When they begin to decline we try our best to care for them and to give them even more attention. When they begin to suffer, and we know that there is no serious hope of recovery, we end their suffering (and add to our own).

I have read the pain in your posts about Pearly and know that I am facing the same thing far too soon. My 16 year-old dog is incontinent (she leaks continually) and she is beginning to have minor pains when she walks despite medication. It is only a matter of time before she begins to hurt, and there will be nothing that either the vet or I can do to help. I lie on the floor with her and pet her regularly. Two of our cats are now over 20 years old. One is still very healthy, but my wife and I expect the other to need to be put down almost daily. He’s still going, but wobbling with every step. He still looks forward to his 8 to 10 small meals every day and to being held and petted. When he doesn’t seem to be enjoying life and all of the attention he’s getting, if he is in pain, it will be time. It will be very painful to lose him.

Once your immediate pain is over, you will be able to look back at the wonderful times that you have had with Pearly. You will appreciate the peace and calm that she brought to your life. You will understand that you reciprocated and made her life pleasurable as well. It will then be time to bring another cat into your life – another cat to love and enjoy. I know that both you AND the cat will gain greatly from the experience.

I hope you will keep all of us informed when it’s time for you to adopt again. I look forward to hearing all about your new addition.

Andrew

Sorry about your loss. Nothing that anybody can say will take the place of a dear friend.

Andrew i know how it feels to loose a pet .I lost my best friend it was a small dog that was very loving and kind until a hawk killed it.I thank that was the sadest day of my life and yes i cried in the vets office when we had to put it down because of broken back so i am sorry about your loss.