[FONT=Arial][SIZE=7][COLOR=green]I am grieving the loss of my cat, Trouble. She was five years old at the time of her death. I have two other cats as well, Melia (her 3 year old daughter) and Allie. The cats were all in a shelter at Louisiana State University after the storm. After we were able to return to New Orleans, we were able to take the cats with us. Three days prior to us moving into a new place, Trouble passed away. I am thinking she had a respiratory infection. One morning I woke up and a neighbor at my boyfriend's dad's called me and said that my cat died. He had her body in a bag and a bucket so that I couldnt see it. He told me that I could bring her to the vet and they would take care of things. I did and got her collar back. I never expected her to die, they said she may have been so fair into her illness that it may have been terminal. Well, lately I have been blaming myself and crying a lot at night. When I tell people around her in New Orleans, they act like it is no big deal, but my cats are my children. I have no one here to talk to or relate to about my loss. I found this website through CraigsList.com. I am looking for some people who can relate to my experience. I mean in three weeks we lost everything, our apartment, my job, and my cat, Trouble.
Dawn

Hi,

I am so sorry for your loss. I understand how you feel. My cat just died last Sept. 24 and I am still hurting....My thoughts and prayers are with you tonight....

Take Care,
Rubie

You certainly have had enough crosses to bear in the recent weeks. It may sound cruel to those who are not pet lovers, but some of the saddest stories that I heard from the hurricane were about those forced to leave their pets behind. I am genuinely sorry for the tough times that have been forced upon you. In our area, several shelters have taken in Katrina pets, and one by one, they are receiving loving homes. It is great to see their tails wag again. Take care of yourself in the coming weeks. Hopefully, when the shock wears off a little bit, your heart will be open to a new friend. Keep coming back here to let us know how you are doing. I will be thinking of you tonight as I go to bed and will say a special prayer for you to find some peace.
Pat

Dear Dawn,
I am so sorry for everything that you have had to bear. Unfortunately those that have never truely bonded with an animal don't understand how devestating a loss like that can be. You shouldn't blame yourself with Trouble's passing. Its always easiest to blame ourselves or look back and see what we could have done differently to prevent tradegies like this from happening again. Katrina was a complete devestation for everyone involved and that is where the blame should lay. Who would have thought she would have caused so much pain. Please be easy on yourself. The best you can do is take one day at a time while you slowly rebuild your life. Please keep in mind that Melia and Allie may be feeling her loss as well and with everything that has happened with them they may need some extra special love too. I lost my kitty Odin 4 months ago. There hasn't been a day that has gone by where I haven't shed a tear for him. But the pain does get easier to bear. I wish peace and happiness. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. This is a wonderful forum to come to for support.

((((((Big Hug!!))))))))
Love,
Cynthia

I am soooo sorry for your loss. Not just your pet, but everything. You obviously have been through a lot. I can relate to losing a pet. My Baby Girl (mini black pomeranian) passed away in July then not long after that, my daughter lost her beloved cat Krystal. I know that it is very hard to lose a pet and some people don't understand the bond that you had. I hope that things get better for you and know that no matter what, your precious Trouble is with you all the time. They can never leave your heart.

Char

My heart goes out to you ~ we all pray for the victims of this terrible storm and the animals who sacrificed their lives that their owners might live ~it is so hard to understand it when our sweet babies get sick and hide it from us so well ~ this happened to me also ~ although not as devestating cir%%stances as a hurricaine ~ but there is one raging in my soul ~ I am so sorry for your loss ~ God Bless you ~ Love, Kathryn

Oh, that is so sad. To go through all of the loss that you did and to lose your beloved pet. I am so sorry.

You poor, poor sweetheart. As if you haven't had enough to deal with...now this. Gosh, I really don't know what to say except try & hang in there. If your religious pray...if your not religious.....pray anyway. It's so hard to lose a pet and you have to really be patient with yourself....you've been through so much & I'm sure others in New Orleans are dealing w/their own losses right now...that makes it even harder. There are a lot of very caring people on this site so come here when you need to vent. Everyone here knows the pain and grief we're feeling....and we also have unconditional love for our furbabies.
Sending you a big hug,
Juls