Today at about 1:20 we euthanized our pet tabby Arthur. He was diagnosed a couple of months ago with IMHA, and his immune system was slowly destroying his red blood cells. He was lethargic to the point of unconsciousness. The corticosteroid treatments worked for a few weeks, but his immune system would not stay suppressed and began, once again, to destroy his own blood.

The last few days he was almost comatose - rarely even acknowledging my presence. Yesterday he actually came over to me as I sat on the couch, laid at my feet, and when I didn't immediately pick him up (I thought he might like a break from the constant attention), he lost his patience and jumped up onto my lap for the final time.

Our vet was wonderful, but even though I've had this happen before, my heart is aching like an open wound. I forgot completely how much this hurts. It seems like my soul is torn in half.

Would everyone who reads this please say a small prayer that Arthur finds his way to whatever afterlife awaits us all? I like to think that one day I'll close my eyes and wake up surrounded by the ones who have passed on before.

Good night Arthur baby. Good boy.

Oh, DJ!!!!!!!

I am so so so sorry for your loss! It seems much too soon for you to be going through this again. I think we need at LEAST a decade between losses... but often it does not work this way...

I think of you often, even though I am not out here much anymore. One of my favorite posts ever was from you -- it was titled something like "they chose tears..." Sweet friend, I know you know all of this, but we DO choose tears. The joy they give us is worth all the tears....

And you are going to have to let the tears flow for awhile. I am so sorry for your pain, but I know you were a wonderful mommy to Arthur and that he had a fantastic life with you and he is grateful for you helping him move on.

I know he is in an angel's lap now.

Love to you sweet friend!

--Jennifer

Bless you dear Arthur. You have been let loose of your earthly bonds and are now at peace. Your family loves you and can't wait to meet you at the bridge.

Hi DJ

So sorry for your loss, I have lost two cats this year so I feel your pain.

What a lovely cat Arthur was such beautiful eyes, he looks like my Topsy who died in May aged 22.

Cleo 2

Hi DJ
It has been many months since I have come to LS. I am sorry to hear about Authur.
It has been 1yr and 9months since that awful day of losing My Moose it has been a long journey. During that journey I lost Gato Manx my 17yr old manx to cancer in his ears. I am forever changed because of losing my little fur family. Like I have said many times before....it's the everyday things that bother me.
I hope you will find your way through your loss, I know you will for I remember how strong you were and how much you helped me when Moose was hit by that car. I like to think of our furbabies as part of our being, our souls, they are part of the treasures we are storing in heaven.
Love, Pamela

Please know that a prayer is being thought for your little one, and I have no doubt he is in that place we all go to when we leave this world. I have also lost 2 cats within 6 months, and even though I thought getting through the first one would "innoculate" me from the pain of losing more pets, it doesn't work that way. I still have 5 other cats, and the thought of losing any more of them is absolutely unthinkable. I almost hope I go before they do, sometimes, because the pain is so agonizing. I feel for you in your loss, and know that your Arthur is safe and secure and happy where he is, and you will one day find yourself again in his loving company. Take care - Barbara

Thank you all for your kind thoughts and wishes - I often envy people who have a strong faith in some kind of afterlife - it seems to take away some of the uncertainty. I wish I had that kind of faith.

I keep finding pictures of Arthur in our various digital camera memory cards around the house - it's driving me crazy.

Hi DJ!

I'm so sorry to hear of your precious Arthur's passing -- he certainly was a very handsome boy !!



I guess no matter how many furkid losses we go through during our lifetime, they all seem to hurt just as badly... I know the feeling of "a soul being torn in half" -- it feels as if ones heart is broken into many, ,many tiny jagged pieces.... And, it does hurt soooooo badly that we wonder if we will ever feel "OK" again...

You will feel "OK" again -- I know that for sure! Only with lots & lots of time, with friendship (you do have a friend in me, DJ), with patience & the support of everyone here at Lightning-Strike......we will all be here to help you, my friend!



I have said a prayer to my sweet Angel Ernie-Bird, that she meet up with your darling Arthur and show him around Rainbow's Bridge....

With every single fiber of my being DJ, I sincerely believe that you - that all of us, when it is our time to go to Heaven, we will be re-united with ALL of our sweet furbabies - all of our animal friends, who have gone on before us.

You and your family are in my prayers!

Love, Peace, Good Health & Happiness, Always

Denise