A light in the darkness
I picked up the phone and dialed the vet’s office, already dreading what I’d have to say. Across the room from me, Spot sat hunched in the same cat bed he’d been in for the last twelve hours. Unable to find a comfortable position, he spent the night shifting around in the bed, occasionally tipping over because he lacked the strength to hold himself up.
I introduced myself when Peg — the senior vet tech — answered. “With Spot?” I added. “From a couple of weeks ago?”
“What’s up?”
“Spot’s had a setback. He stopped eating on Friday, and he’s lost over a pound since I had him there.” I took a deep breath. “I think it’s time to say goodbye.”
That, of course, was all I needed to say to ensure I wasn’t going to be able to talk properly any more. It’s easy to talk in the abstract about the need to put down a very sick pet, but saying it for real brings the gravity of the situation home.
“I’m so sorry to hear that,” she said. I heard her shuffling papers. “Can you bring him in at 8:30?”
I thought about it for a second. Robyn was at the pet store taking care of the kitties from the no-kill shelter where she volunteers, and had told me she could be home by nine. Even though she told me several times she would come with me, Spot was pretty obviously suffering, and she had also said she would understand if I wanted to get him taken care of as soon as possible.
“Yes,” I said, and got off the phone before I had to talk any more.
That 45 minutes was the longest of my life. I spent it sweet talking Spot, pacing, and reading the news. Time marched on, though, and it was finally time to go.
I lifted Spot off the cat bed and gingerly set him in the carrier. He looked a little alarmed, but he didn’t fight me. The drive sucked, because the closer we got, the more teary-eyed I became.
The younger vet-tech came right out and took us back to a room, then the older one came in. I explained how we thought Spot was improving, and then just completely stopped eating on Friday.
“I got him to drink a little tuna water, and some milk, but that’s all. He just sits in a bed and looks miserable. I think he’s having trouble swallowing now, because he makes a sort of smacking noise with his mouth and drool comes out. We lost a cat four years ago to diabetes, and he had the same look in his eyes before he died. You can just see it.”
I shut up, because my voice was breaking.
Spot was weighed — six pounds, six ounces — and his temperature taken. Because he was so cold, it took an especially long time. I shut up and tried to dry my eyes.
“I hear you have some problems with some beagles?” the older vet tech said. She smiled, and I thought it sweet of her to try to lighten things up some. Back on Thursday when the beagle showed up, I had called the vet’s office to discuss with the younger tech places I might look to find him a home.
“Just one,” I said. I told her the story of the malnourished beagle, and of our efforts to find him a home.
“He sounds like a sweetie,” she said.
“He is. He’s housebroken, and doesn’t get into things. He’s still sleeping a lot, though. He looks a hundred percent better already. He’s a good dog, but we’re just more cat people, and he’s freaking out all our cats.”
A rueful look crossed her face.
“My husband is going to kill me,” she said to the other tech, then turned back to me. “I rescue dogs like you rescue cats. We have one beagle, and my husband swears it’s the dumbest animal on the face of the earth. I’ll take the beagle and get him healthy again, then either keep him or find him a home.”
It felt like a two-ton weight had been lifted off me. I got an email over the weekend about a local rescue group, but I knew the dog would be living in something like a shelter if we took him there. We’d had offers from all over the country from people willing to take him if nothing panned out, but really wanted to try and keep it local if we could.
“Really?” I asked, then gushed thanks effusively.
“I may have to sleep in the doghouse with him for a few nights until my husband comes around, but yes. I’ll tell him it’s because it’s my birthday.”
She pulled the thermometer out and checked it.
“His temperature’s below normal. I thought he felt cool.”
She made some notes on Spot’s chart.
“Okay, then. I’ll go get things ready and get Dr. Patton.”
Both vet techs left the room.
I cupped Spot’s head in one hand and stroked it with the other, telling him what a good buddy he was. Outside the room, I could hear the older vet tech telling Dr. Patton first about Spot’s setback, then about the beagle. In a couple of minutes, they came in together.
Dr. Patton shook my hand and examined Spot, first listening to his heart then checking his eyes and mouth. When he looked up, his face bore a grave expression.
“I concur with your assessment,” he said. “Sometimes the best thing you can do as an owner is know when to let go.”
I nodded, because I couldn’t talk.
“Do you want to wait outside until it’s over?” he asked.
I shook my head.
“I owe it to him,” I said.
He nodded and checked Spot’s right front leg, where they’d shaved it two weeks ago to draw blood, and made sure the vein looked good. Then he tied off a tourniquet up near the shoulder and periodically checked the vein until it was raised up with blood. Turning, he fetched a syringe filled with a pale blue liquid from the counter behind him and very delicately inserted the needle into Spot’s leg. He loosened the tourniquet.
I knelt down so I was face to face with Spot and lifted his head with both hands.
“You’re a good buddy,” I whispered.
The doctor pulled on the syringe, and I saw a cloud of red erupt into the blue liquid. Then he slowly depressed the plunger, and I held Spot’s head and whispered to him until it was over.
When he was gone, the vet and senior tech stayed in the room with me while I composed myself and told them how Spot had shown up as a stray all those years ago, how I’d worked for a week trying to pet him and then the instant I could I threw him into a carrier and took him to the vet to get shots and neutered.
We folded his body in a towel so I could bring him home to bury him. Out front, as I was paying, I made plans with the senior vet tech to bring the beagle back at 1:30 so she could get him his annual checkup and set up a neutering for tomorrow morning.
I can’t help but be amazed at how everything worked out. I try my best not to anthropomorphize our kitties, but it sure seems like Spot held out just long enough to ensure a good home for the dog.
From better days.
Oh, I’m so sorry… even though it was the right decision to make for Spot, it still hurts like hell, I know.
I’m over here bawling, but I’m just so glad that Spot got to live with such great owners. You & Robyn deserve medals sometimes for being so great to your companions.
Oh, Fred!
Lovely …
Bye Bye Spot. I’m so sorry!
We are so sorry for your loss.
I am sobbing too. I am so sorry, I know you loved Spot, and Spot loved you too.
I’m so sorry.
Again, I’m sorry. Spot had the best life a kitty ever could.
Happy for the poor little beagle.
I’m so sorry for your loss. You did him right by letting him go.
I’m sitting here at my desk at work, crying. I’m so sorry for your loss, Fred.
I was exactly in the same place with my 14 year old black lab. Just as you, I stayed till the end letting her know just how much she meant to me. It’s hard to believe its been two years. We both did the right thing, but it is just so hard.
Bye buddy. We’ll miss you too…
(thanks for the photo - great lasting reminder of the sweet guy)
I, too, am sitting at my desk bawling. I had to say goodbye to my cat six years ago for the same reasons as you. I, too, stayed with him til the end and I miss him to this day so much. I hope you find comfort in knowing that you did the right thing. Goodbye, dear spot.
Just had to post. Tears are falling as I do this. I also had to put my cat down last year after 16 years. It was such a hard thing to do but was the right decision. My condolences.
I am so sorry Fred. I have been in that position as well. I, too, am sitting here crying thinking of my cat, Hocus, who we had to put to sleep in 2004 because he had cancer. I did the same thing…made sure they last thing he saw was my face and told him what a good boy he was. When he was gone, I bawled.
Spot was so lucky to have found such a caring and loving owner. He will be missed.
And I am happy that the tech was willing to take the beagle. Now you know he will be well cared for.
I know exactly how you felt . . . we did it this past Saturday. Sucks, but it’s the last, best thing we can do for our buddies who love us so very much . . .
Gotta go now . . . tearing up again.
thats a lovely photo fred *more hugs* also pleased that your beagle has found another angel to look after him.
I’m so very, very sorry.
I am so sorry. But, thanks for sharing and thanks for having him on the Christmas cards.
Sammi
I’m so sorry…
Fred (& Robyn), I’m so sorry. I am sitting in my cube at work, crying, hoping no one will notice. I send you my best and warmest thoughts and wishes as you grieve the loss of Spot. Thanks for caring so much!
Thanks, guys. We just buried Spot outside the kitchen window among the butterfly and Rose of Sharon bushes I planted this fall.
I’m sorry. I agree that it’s for the best, but that doesn’t make it any less heartbreaking.
I’m so sorry to hear about Spot. He sure picked the right guy, all those years ago, when he found you.
*hugs* Fred
Nothing else much to say. *sigh*
Thanks for posting that video. I had saved the link from a long time ago when you posted a link to it from the NPR site (I believe). I got a new harddrive and lost the link. Him singing that song makes me bawl like a baby, although I still do love it.
Just had a silly thought. The critters over the rainbow bridge are most likely shocked at Spot’s extensive vocabulary and learning how to cuss like sailors what with Spot’s potty mouth over there with them now! heh (okay, so it stopped my tears for a second anyway)
Fred,
I am so sorry that this decision had to be made. I have never had to do that before but I know i would have been bawling like a baby if i did. I am sitting here crying at work just reading about what you had to go through.
Spot was lucky to have a Dad like you and I’m glad to hear you stayed with him until the very end. I’m sorry for your sadness, though. When it was time for my cat to go (she was 18) I also stayed with her at the vet and then buried her in our yard and planted tiger lilies above her grave. They bloom beautifully each summer and remind us of her.
Fred & Robyn,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I went through the same thing with my Dorothy almost two weeks ago. Thanks for sharing the details with all of us. I found this quote a few years ago and I find myself reading it over again when dealing with situations like this.
“Some think it’s holding on that makes one strong; sometimes it’s letting go”
— Sylvia Robinson
Sorry it had to happen, but glad it’s over. it was obviously the right timing that you found someone to take the puppy. It was meant to be, once again. We will miss seeing Spot, but goodness knows we’ll never forget him. In the beginning we thought he was one odd cat, but as time went by, not so unusual! Our best to you both. Love Mom and Dad
I’m crying over her. I’m sorry, Fred.
So sorry! You let him die with dignity. It is the hardest decision a pet owner/animal lover ever has to make.
I’m so sorry Fred.
I left a candle on Spot’s Catster page.
I like to think also that Spot hung on for the little beagle.
Dammit. I held my shit together until I played the stupid video.
Bye, Spot — We’ll miss you!
Fred,
I’ve not commented here before (sorry about that), but I wanted to tell you how sorry I am about Spot. He was a good guy and so are you, for being strong enough to let him go peacefully.
I also wanted to say what a nice video that is. We love Iz around here. We only wish we’d known about him while he was still alive.
So very, very sorry Fred. Crying a little too hard to type much more.
My condolences to you and Robyn and the rest of your kitty-family. I know how hard it is to do this.
Rest in peace, Spot.
I am so sorry Fred. You did the right thing of course but it still sucks. I have 6 cats and damnit, I dread the day.
What a good life Spot had. You were lucky to have one another.
Thinking of you all.
I’m so sorry Fred (and Robyn). I’m shedding tears over here for your loss. You guys are wonderful to your little buddies. You did the right thing. Spot will be missed!
Israel Kamakawiwoole singing over the rainbow just perfect. Sorry to hear about spot…
[…] Posted by Laura on January 28, 2008 My condolences to Fred and Robyn. […]
I bet Tubby and Mr. Fancypants were glad to see Spot! God must be a cat person! I’m so sorry for your loss.
The love you share with your animal family shines as bright as quarry water on a spring day. Thank you for sharing this very intimate part of your lives with us.
So sorry for your loss, you did the right thing for Spot. It is hard to give them the ultimate gift, freedom from pain and sickness. Harder on us than it is on them.
I am so sorry. It breaks my heart about Spot, but I am so glad you found a good home for Buddy. My deepest condolences to you and Robyn.
I’m so sorry. At least Spot had a loving home where all his needs were met and then some. Letting him go was a final loving kindness to Spot. Sorry.
I’m so sorry you had to say goodbye to your buddy!! What a fitting way to send someone off with Bruddah Iz!!!
I am so sorry too. What a hard thing to have to do, even when it’s the right thing.
Bye Spot, you’ll be missed.
Sorry for your loss.
I have never lost a pet, but I sobbed at this post. I am so sorry for you and Robyn. I cannot imagine how difficult it is. Just looking at my kitties, makes me cry harder. My best to you both.
{{Hugs}} to you and Robyn. I’ve been there…with a dog, not a cat…but it is still the same. It is one of the hardest things you can do, and knowing it is the right thing doesn’t really make it any easier. Time to go wipe my tears.
I am so very, very sorry Fred. I know you had a special place in your heart for Spot.
I am so, so sorry. Spot knew he was very lucky to live with you two. I’m glad he was the one who got the spotlight on your Christmas card this year.
Three years ago we had to have the cat who had owned my son since he (my son) was three years old put to sleep. Cranky old biddy was a pain in the ass who hated everyone but my son for years. When she got kitty Alzheimer’s, though, she forget she hated us and became a friend to me. When we had to have her put down, my son did the same thing you did, except we left the body at the vet’s and the ashes are in casket on our mantle. Watching my son mourn the cat that had been his best friend for so long was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done as a parent. You have my sincere condolences, as well as my admiration for doing all you could for Spot.
I will soon have to say my own goodbye to my beloved dog soul mate. The end is coming far faster than I could ever be ready for.
The tears I shed today are for Spot and for all pets and their owners who have to say goodbye far too soon - I am sorry you had to go through it and I know Spot was grateful.
Thank you and god bless.
Gina
I sit here crying because your entry brings back the vivid memories of letting my own beloved kitty go. I, too, chose to be there with her through the end and I’ve never regretted it. How very fitting that Spot the rescued in the end helped another animal in need of rescue.
I’m so sorry, Fred.
I’m so sorry. I swear I’ve cried more in the past few days while reading your & Robyn’s site than I ever thought possible
“My Little Cat Ghost” - Lynette Combs:
The years I’ve worn you,
Warm upon my shoulder,
ended here…
surprised to find us older.
And there was nothing
left to do today
but hold you close
and help you on your way.
Be still, my little cat.
Be well; be free.
I know that you’re somewhere near,
and loving me.
Fred,
I’m sure Spot would have much rather left this world the way he did, being loved on by you, than any other way.
I’ve become partial to the black-and-white kitties over the years, and Spot always looked like such a sweet boy.
To you and Robyn, I am so sorry you had to say goodbye. But I’m also sure Tubby and Betsy were there to say hello and are probably giving him the grand tour right now.
I’m so sorry, Fred. He was such a pretty kitty - and you know he had a good life.
[…] Fred and Robyn had to say goodbye to their cat Spot today. He lived a good long life, but it is never easy saying goodbye. Please continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. […]
Fred, from one cat lover to another, I can’t tell you how sorry I am that you had to go through that today. It doesn’t matter how many you have, the lose of one still hurts like hell. But I am convinced that there is a heaven, & our pets will be there to greet us someday. Until then, hold those memories in your heart, knowing you did what was best for Spot. Hugs to you & Robyn, Rachel
I’m so sorry. I, too, like to think that he held on to help Buddy and I also like to imagine that now he’s running, grooming, and hiding under the bed like a young buck Spot.
Oh Fred, and Robyn. I’m so sorry to hear that it turned this way. He will be missed.
*Hugs* Spot will be missed, but I am sure he is watching over you and all the other blessed animals who stumble across the Anders0n path!
Fred and Robyn, I am so, so, sorry. You guys deserve a little TLC for one another tonight — and some special “Time for the Snackin” treats for Spot’s siblings. Won’t compare with the luscious tuna and catnip Spot is feasting on right now, but there it is….
We are very sorry. We are sending you purrs and hugs.
I’m so sorry.
Fred,
Sorry about Spot and I am glad that sweet little beagle will have a nice home.
Fred -
I’m so, so very sorry. Having been through that experience three times in less than five years, I know how sad it is to make that decision, even when you know it’s the right thing to do. Take comfort in knowing that you helped Spot to live a happy life, and you helped him to move on in the most comfortable, dignified way possible. I’m sure he’s thanking you for that now, wherever he is.
Dear Fred and Robyn,
I’m so very sorry for your loss. He had a wonderful life with you and was truly loved.
With love,
Martha
I’m so sorry. It’s such a hard thing to do. Hugs to you and Robyn both, and my condolences.
PS — Glad the beagle has a good place to go too.
Fred, I also posted a note to Robyn, but I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am. You know Tubby met him, and hopefully my Kramer, Shorty and Cola did too.
I am so sorry.
Thinking of you and Robyn…W
__________________________________
Message From Valhalla
You were with me to the very end and even after I had “gone” you held me, and as my soul left my body and I looked down and saw you crying, I wanted so much to tell you that I understood. You did this for me.
I tried to tell you in my own way that it was time for me to leave, and I thank you for understanding. No other will take my place, but those I left behind will need your love and affection as I have had.
You still think of me, and there are times you try to hide your tear-filled eyes….but please…be happy and think not of sadness, but of how I made you happy and made you laugh at the funny and smart things I did.
In Valhalla, there is no hunger. There is no thirst. There is much to explore. Many of us who are older take care of the little ones and guide them.
So you see, my loved one, I am very happy…
When it comes time for my friends to leave, I will meet them at the gates of Valhalla, and I will acquaint them with this beautiful and serene place, and I will take care of them for you.
Thank you for loving me, caring for me, and having the courage to let me go with dignity.
Author Jane S. Morris
This is an incredibly adorable photo of Spot.
I’m so sorry for your loss!
Fred and Robyn,
I am so sorry about Spot — I know how painful it is to lose a family member. You and Spot were lucky to have found each other. You are in my thoughts.
Fred, I am so sorry that Spot is gone. He had a wonderful home and life with you and Robyn. I am glad his final resting place is at home too.
I have been thinking of you all day and what you had to face today. You and Robyn are such fine people and have made the lives of the animals you meet so much better. Spot will see you again some day but for now he is healthy again and having a great time playing with his buddy Tubby. Take care of yourself and know that many are sharing your sorrow today in the hope that your pain is a little less.
I am not a cryer damn it Fred but I am right now. I am so sorry for your loss of Spot and I thought the same thing as you, he went out being the good kitty he always was. RIP Spot.
I’m so very sorry for your loss, Fred.
It is amazing the love that one can feel for and recieve from an animal, isn’t it? This was a touching entry that showed your love for your pet. It is a hard thing to let go, but definitely the right decision to end an animal’s suffering. Having been in that position, I know it is not easy. I am so sorry for the loss you are both feeling now. I am imagining Spot and Tubby greeting each other joyfully right about now.
Bye you beautiful boy.
)
I shall miss your sweet face.
Aw you pretended to not like the beagle,but you and some cosmic force timed your leaving just right. Thank you and bless you for that. Godspeed,Spot.
Now for the tears and ugly crying. Thank goodness I’m alone.
I know that a lot of prayers and good thoughts will be streaming your way,Fred and Robyn. Godspeed.
I just lost my thirteen year old to kidney disease. Spent weeks trying to feed him anything- and nothing appealed to him. I finally had him euthanized when my vet told me it was ‘the right thing to do’. Up until that morning, I kept hoping he’d let go- told him he didn’t have to hold on for me- but he was a figher. I will always miss him but it helps to know that I acted out of love- a selfless love.
Oh, I’m so sorry, Fred.
Fred…I’m so sorry for your loss. The right thing to do is sometimes the hardest. I know Spot was happy you were with him until the end. He was so lucky to have spent his life with you and Robyn.
See, you superhero you. Animal Angels. Works both ways.
Hugs and Purrs
I’m really glad that I didn’t see this while I was at work, because then I would have had to explain why I was crying.
Goodbye Spot-buddy. You were a lucky boy in the home department and you will be missed not only by your own people but everybody who read about you and enjoyed your pictures and stories about you and your family.
Delurking to tell you not only how sorry I am about Spot, but also to thank you for sharing him with us. He was a good buddy, indeed.
Also, it’s funny what you said about him holding on long enough to make sure that the beagle got a home because I was thinking the same thing while I was reading your entry.
I was reminded of three summers ago when my family lost our 10 year old dog Amie quite suddenly. My dad and I were burying her in her favorite shady spot at the edge of the yard the morning after she’d passed away when this young chocolate lab came running toward us from the woods. She had no tags but was definitely trained and well cared for. We called neighbors and shelters in between playing with her all afternoon, but didn’t get any hits.
The next morning our doorbell rang. A man with a shy little girl explained that he lived a few miles away but was wondering if we’d seen his daughter’s chocolate lab who had run off two days prior. Needless to say, the relief on his face and the excitement of his little girl when we told them we had her was priceless. He was so grateful that we took care of the dog, but we had to tell him how thankful we were that she’d shown up during such a difficult time for our family.
Like you, I try not to read too much into things or give meaning to coincidence. That being said, on that hot summer day I couldn’t help but feel like something else was going on when we had literally just finished putting our beloved dog into the ground and a young pup came bounding out of the trees to shower us with licking kisses. I’m glad that you found some small comfort in your experience with Spot’s passing and the beagle finding a home the same way I once did with my dog’s death. Through animals whom we love beyond measure I guess we sometimes are able to see that the world works in mysterious ways, endings turn into beginnings, and light does show up in the darkness.
Bless your heart.
I’m so sorry Fred….it’s a hard thing to do.
This is my boyfriend’s first time ever living with cats and he adores them. I dread the day we have to go through this.
My heart breaks for you and Robyn. It is never easy to let a pet go when it is their time. But how wonderful is it for Buddy to be the beneficiary of such a wonderful gift of a better life the vet will give him. The world works in a mysterious way.
What a good man you are. Sending peace to you and Robyn and all the kitties.
We’ll miss you, Spot.
Fred, I’m so so sorry. I write this with tears running down my face. I’ve been reading your journal and Robyn’s since a little before you lost Tubby and I cried then too. I was hoping it wasn’t Spot’s time yet. You are both such good people for rescuing animals the way you do. After reading for so long, it feels like we all lost Spot,too:( I am extremely happy that you found a home for the beagle though. He deserves a happy home.
I’m so sorry, Fred and Robyn. I know you’re going to miss Spot for a long while, but be assured you gave him the best possible life he could have had. My affectionate thoughts are with you both.
Goodbye, sweet kitty. He was a pretty kitty, and I am sure you’ll miss him. I’ll give my cats an extra hug tonight in honor of Spot.
I’m so sorry you had to go through that but I’m glad you stayed with him to the end. I know how you’re feeling. It’s too bad they don’t last as long as we do. And thanks for the video of Iz and the picture of Spot. What a tribute! Nice to know that Spot brought you to a new owner for Buddy.
This is the poignant part of loving a cat or dog — their season in time will not last as long as ours, and as we care for them and give them the best life they can have, we also accept the responsibility for giving them the best death when their season is done. And you did. My condolences; it’s so hard.
Fred and Robyn, I’m so sorry about Spot, but glad for Beagle.
Just .. tears. Thank you for what you and Robyn do for the helpless ones. I’m glad Spot had such a happy life with you two. And that little beagle guy was one lucky kid to find you.
Bless that vet tech!
I’m certain Spot knew how much he was loved. My condolences to you and Robyn. I wish I could write something comforting, but for some reason, I’m having trouble seeing the screen…
Our feral cat was hit by a car last week (the driver did not stop). A vet tech neighbor witnessed it and was able to administer pain meds to ease her into a better place. She went door to door trying to find the owners (we were never really her owners, we were more of the nice people that ran the diner she ate at twice a day). All this sadness is mixed with the shining examples of people who do the right thing. It’s hard to really be sad for long. Buddy being cared for by a vet tech is the best news in the world! I hope that you can post pictures of fat Buddy one day!
All this to say - What I hope for you guys now is that you get a few days of just loving the animals you have and hopefully the hobo sign on your house will fade a bit. It will never go away for good, but you both deserve some quiet time for a few days. Maybe you’d say it’s all in a days work for an animal angel, but even an angel’s gotta rest.
“WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES ANOTHER ONE OPENS”.THANKS FOR KEEPING US POSTED. I MISS HIM ALREADY. HUGS!!!
So sorry to hear you lost Spot. He lived a charmed life with you and Robyn, take comfort in that…
Fred, I was in a similar situation 2 years ago with my cat Laura and reading your entry brought it back. It was one of the hardest things I ever had to do. I spent the entire day crying and like you I was with her at the end. You guys gave Spot a good life and loved him enough to do the right thing at the end rather than let him suffer. I think it is amazing that the tech is taking Buddy, it is serendipity, fate, destiny, whatever you want to call it.
my sincerest condolences
i am sad for your lost and offer my sincerest condolences
I am so sorry Fred.
I’m so very sorry.
I am very sorry about Spot.
I am so sorry for your loss. As I sit here, listening to my favorite rendition of Somewhere over the Rainbow, I have tears running down my face - because it is at once so beautiful and sad.
I have read Robyn’s site for years (always lurking, but I did send an elephant Christmas card this year) and I always thought you must be a good man. This entry confirmed it.
I arranged the screen so that I could see most of Spot and most of the video and watch them both together, when Steve, the evil, tuxedoed love of my life walked between me and the screen - as always. I started to shoo him away - as always - then realized how ironic and wrong it was, and stopped to give him the attention he was craving.
I’m sorry for your loss. I hope I can show the same strength and wisdom when that time comes for us.
I feel your pain.
*HUGS* to you and Robyn.
I’m glad Spot was featured on your Christmas card this year.
I held out until “both hands”. It can’t help that I watched Homeward Bound tonight.
Sorry, you guys.
I’m glad that Spot’s life and last minutes were filled with love. I look at my two cats and know I’d be as devastated as you–thank you so much for sharing and I’m so sorry.
I’m so sorry for your loss, but you did the right thing. I know how hard it is to do!
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Spot. Your story had me in tears.
Hugs to you and Robyn.
Oh Fred, I’m so sorry for your loss.
We just had to say goodbye to our dear sweet dog of 12 years on Wednesday. It was hard to do the “right thing” when it felt oh so wrong.
A close friend sent me a quote that did bring me a little bit of comfort and I thought you might find some in it as well - you could always just replace dog for cat in it —- “Everybody is born so that they can learn how to live a good life and love others - dogs already know how to do that so they don’t have to stay around as long”
Tears streaming down my face…As alway Fred, You did it with Love…
So sad!!! Sorry for your loss Fred & Robyn, it’s so hard losing a little one. Take care.
I am heartbroken for you right now. It’s so hard to do the right thing and let go when it’s time. Spot knew how much he was loved and he loved you back. My sincere condolences for your loss.
I am truly sorry Fred. *hug* I love that you buried him under the window
Been there, Fred, and I know how it hurts. So sorry for you and Robyn.
*sniff*
So sorry….
Hugs to you and Robyn. So sorry.
I love so much that even at such a difficult time you were arranging a home for that darling beagle. You and Robyn are such good people, and you gave Spot a wonderful life. My thoughts are with all of you.
I’m terribly sorry for your loss; I know how much that hurts
*big hug* from the bottom of my heart
Fred and Robyn — so very sorry to hear about Spot (he is my favorite of your cats, I must admit). My heart goes out to you and all your kitties. Your love for Spot and all the beasts around you is really heart warming. Every animal should be so lucky to be in your care — and it sounds like the local animal population is trying to do just that!
I am so sorry about Spot
I had tears rolling down my cheeks, this was an emotional entry
But as everyone else said you and Robyn love your cats, and you treat them very, very well.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I sat at my desk at work and blubbered like a baby. He was a lucky cat to have found you and Robyn. Big hugs to you and Robyn and the rest of your kitties (and the beagle too…)
How heart-breaking! I know what you are going through - I had to put my sweet boy down in October. Kiss your other kitties and I’m so glad they have you and Robyn to love them.
One thing I know for sure is that Spot had a sense of humor. He loved the fact that you posted a picture of him laying on his side which might have had this reader thinking, “Oh My God, did Fred actually take a picture of…” When I read the caption, I realized that you didn’t. I swear I heard a little kitty laugh from heaven.
He’s also loving his life there even though he misses you and asked me to tell you that the word is spelled, “anthropomorphized, hellew….” And then he said, “Thanks, Dad, I love you, too, buddy.”
Sorry to hear about Spot. You did right by the old fella, right until the end. Good on you, Fred.
Fred I’m SO sorry for your loss. Just reading what you’ve went through has broken my heart. I sit here crying for you and Robyn, and rejoycing that Spot found you, and was loved by you.
Fred-
I’m so sorry for your loss. Everyone will miss Spot.
I cried when Tubby died, and I thought I could handle Spot’s passing because it wasn’t such a shock. I didn’t make it and now I look insane sitting at my desk crying for a pet that is not mine. I am so sorry for your loss.
I feel so sad for you and Robyn. I have loved and lost cats too.
I swear I heard a little kitty laugh from heaven.