How Do I Say Goodbye? Options

[Kellyt]

I’m trying to come to terms with the fact that we have an appointment later this evening to let our cat, Stinky (formally known as Chloe, but she’s been a stinker so the nickname just took) transition peacefully. She has a mass in her mouth, and two vets have told us that all we can do is make her comfortable. She’s not eating much anymore and seems to be uncomfortable so we decided, after much thoughtful discussion and many tears, that it was time to say goodbye.

Stinky is the last of our four cats-we had her sister, her mother, and another cat, all rescued by my husband. Losing Stinky means the end of an era in our lives, an era that was, quite frankly, in many ways happier than today, and that’s part of why I’m so sad. It was a time when life held more promise, we looked forward to the future in a different way, and we hadn’t yet faced the tragedies, losses, and heartbreak that we’ve more recently endured. Yet throughout those heartbreaks, we had our precious cats, and dog-who we still have- to take care of and they’ve brought us such comfort. I’m so heartbroken and afraid to be without Stinky and her love and companionship, but I’m more afraid I’ll regret it if we don’t let her go peacefully and wait too long, so the decision has been made.

I’m spending today at home, trying to stay present and enjoy her to the fullest. My heart is so very heavy and is breaking, but I have to stay strong for her.

[moon_beam]

Hi, Kelly, please permit me to offer you and your family my sincerest sympathies in the physical loss of your beloved Stinky. Losing a companion is never easy no matter what the circumstances are or how long we've been blessed with the privilege of their company. Euthanasia is the last gift of love we can give to them so that their sweet Living Spirit can be released from their frail, painful physical body and be restored to their former youthfulness in the company of the angels.

Kelly, I do so understand the agony you are feeling in your heart. I have had to make the same decision for each of my beloved companions. Each precious soul we are blessed to share our lives with has their own special place in our hearts. This grief adjustment journey is both a physical and emotional one - - for it is both your heart and your arms that will long to hold your beloved Stinky just one more minute, one more hour, one more day, - - one more lifetime. The blessing is that the love bond you and your beloved Stinky share is eternal - - her sweet Living Spirit will always be a part of your heart and memories. I hope your family will be a source of comfort to you as your travel your grief adjustment journey. But please know we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us.

I know so very well from first hand experience that when our hearts are entrenched in deep grief there are no adequate words in any language that can soothe the searing pain of sorrow. Still I hope in some way the words I share with you will offer you some measure of comfort, support, encouragement, and hope as you travel your grief adjustment journey.

Thank you so much for honoring us in sharing your beloved Stinky with us, Kelly. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam