Heart Broken Options

[JackieMc]

My three year old cat, Banjo, has been missing for a few days now and I just feel in my heart that he's gone. He's never been away from home for more than hour or so before. Usually when he's outside, he's just on our front lawn so he'd never voluntarily stay away this long unless something was terribly wrong. We've been all through the neighbourhood looking for him, put up signs, called the shelter, etc. But, it's as if he vanished into thin air.

And I'm not coping very well. I love him so much and I'm so scared, thinking of what may have happened to him. Yesterday I stayed home from work and cried most all day (when I wasn't outside, hoarse from calling his name). Today I came to work but I've still spent most of the day in my office with my door closed, crying. Most of my co-workers think I'm insane, although I do have a few fellow pet-lovers who have been supportive.

My husband and children are sad too but they seem to be doing better than I am. I'm so relieved to have found this board as, right now, I don't know how I am going to get through this. Thank you for listening.

[JackieMc]

Thank you all again - unfortunately Banjo still has not returned. I've had cats all of my life but, for some reason, I had a special bond with Banjo and I just feel that he is gone. My family is being very supportive but I am so struggling with this. I just feel empty inside and I cry constantly.

I am so grateful to have found you all though as it really helps me to know there are others who truly understand how I feel. And, it's also helpful for me to read comments from those of you further along this journey of grief. It does give me hope that I'll emerge somewhat intact even though that feels impossible to me right now.