My Beloved Tj, died Options

[Lisa...NOAH'...]

Hi...I just found this site and need some words of encouragement. Last night my cat TJ died in my arms. He has been my best friend for the last 22 years. My husband got him for me right after our honeymoon at the animal shelter. He has been with me for all the milestones of my life including the birth of my children. I had TJ longer than my son. TJ was diagnosed with CRF in March. I started giving him Sub-Q therapy on a regular basis along with Gaviscon. Last Monday I took him to the vet because he was getting weak...diagnosed with anemia as I suspected. He was started on Winstrol and seemed to be improving. However, over the weekend something seemed to change. He was extremely tired but still eating small amounts. I spent all weekend and all day Monday with him lying on the couch comforting him. If I would get up to get something he would lift his head to see where I was. He didn't seem to be in pain and wanted to be held. Last night at 9:25 as I was holding him...he looked up at me...took a few last breaths...and was gone. This morning we buried him in my flower garden near the deck that he loved to lie on. I can't believe that he is gone. I knew the time was near and I had him a very long time but it hurts so bad! How am I going to cope?

Lisa...NOAH'S ARK

[unagirl]

Hi, Lisa - I wanted to respond because you left such a nice post for me yesterday (mine was the post about losing our Bubba Jack last Thursday to CRF). I know exactly how you feel....i really do!
I got Jack when i was 19 years old, and he has been with me through all of my adult life!! He saw me through happiness, sadness, new apartments, new roommates, new cities (he even rode on a plane right under my feet when i moved out of state!) He met my husband with me (which was one of the greatest things for me because he FINALLY had a daddy!!), he planned a wedding with me......he was even AT the wedding! Every memory I have from 19 years old to now somehow includes him. He was truely a part of my heart and my soul. And now.....i feel like part of my heart and soul are missing. It's so hard to cope, i know. It's only been 6 days since Jack left, and every minute is a struggle. But....for the first time i woke up this morning and instead of visions of him sick or flashes of that terrible day last Thursday coming into my head....i had an immediate recollection of back when he was a kitten and i had several friends over at my apartment.....and Jack came trotting out of my bedroom to greet all of our visitors with my wonderbra in his mouth! I found myself laughing like i haven't laughed in weeks!!! It was a wonderful feeling.

I know it's still so close to losing our babies.....but as time goes on, with some amazing graces, we'll be able to only think of all the wonderful things. Even the things our babies did that drove us nuts will become blessings. I have to believe that, because i had a small glimpse of it this morning. Just give yourself all the time you need to grieve, and try and focus on those AMAZING 22 years!!!! That's how they stay alive in our hearts and our souls. And don't forget.....your are not alone.

lots of hugs and good wishes
-Vikki :>) aka unagirl