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Last post 21 years ago by daveyg2. 46 replies replies.
Say good-by to Crickett ...
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Slimboli Offline
#1 Posted: Thu, Mar 6 2003, 12:14 PM EST
Joined: 07-09-2000
Posts: 16,139
I just found out this morning from our Vet that we have to 'put down' a very smart and loving long-standing member of our family, our cat of almost 15 years, Crickett.

She has been one of the biggest joys in our lives, and has been a constant source of unconditional love, companionship and entertainment ... for both myself and my wife.

For our entire mairried life, she's been a big part of our lives, for so long in fact, she's almost been like a kid to us ... and today at 5 pm (Pacicific Time), I must end her life. That's about 3 hours from now ...

The biopsy results said that she has 'Squamous Cell Carcinoma', one of the most aggressive cancerous tumors found in cats, and it is growing under her tongue, where it is untreatable. It has spread
throughout her body to her lungs and kidneys. She hasn't been able to eat, drink or clean herself properly for almost a month now, and it's almost to
the point that where we will have to start feeding her liquefied high calorie food and giving her water with a syringe.

... it's time.

I know what we are about to do the right and humane thing ... but it is going to be one of the hardest things I have ever done in as far as I can remember. It will be extremely painful to witness such a wonderful personality and loving spirit leave her body. Both my Nina and I will be there to hold her,
talk to her, and comfort her as she takes her last breath.

... so far this has been the longest day of my life.
81144.jpg
rck_1 Offline
#2 Posted: Thu, Mar 6 2003, 2:02 PM EST
Joined: 01-28-2003
Posts: 656
Slim,
So sorry to hear of your loss. I had a cat of 4 yrs that I had to put down and it was the hardest thing I ever did. I can only imagine what you must be going through!!

Rob

qball Offline
#3 Posted: Thu, Mar 6 2003, 2:06 PM EST
Joined: 09-07-2002
Posts: 250
Sorry Slim. People who don't have pets will never understand. I lost two of my ferrets this year and it was awful. Thank God we were successfully able to remove two tumors from our dog Max this past Monday. My hearts goes out to you.
DrMaddVibe Offline
#4 Posted: Thu, Mar 6 2003, 2:11 PM EST
Joined: 10-21-2000
Posts: 55,675
I knew I guy when I was in the Army that had a mid-sized statue of a dog. He was real possessive about it too! If anyone got close to it he'd flip out. I asked him about the statue when we were out shooting pool one night. Turns out that this was his childhood pet that grew up with Tom. It was his "buddy". When the dog died after 15 years of joy the family had the dog creamated and placed into an urn. Well, as Tom grew his fondness for throwing parties at his parents house(when they were out of town)did as well. One of the guests knocked over the urn and the dog's ashes were scattered all over the mantle. Tom gathered as much as he could and put the remains in a couple of freezer sized ziplock bags. The idea hit him then to mix the dog with clay and make a replica. He said his parents thought it was soooo thoughtful(he didn't confees that he broke the urn!!!)and let him take the statue with him when he got to permenant party.

I recently read where they're making some sort of stone and turning it into jewelery.

Sorry to hear about your loss. I'm a dog guy myself, but those lil furballs sure will leave ya talkin' about them sometimes! Salute,salute,salute!
jdrabinski Offline
#5 Posted: Thu, Mar 6 2003, 2:12 PM EST
Joined: 08-16-2002
Posts: 794
Slim, my family's cat had the same problem. Still remember, and am still saddened by, the day he was put down. Back when I was in college, but I remember it like it was yesterday. Know how you feel. A real loss. Best thoughts with you...

John
Slimboli Offline
#6 Posted: Thu, Mar 6 2003, 2:19 PM EST
Joined: 07-09-2000
Posts: 16,139
Thanks to everyone ... yeah, this hasn't been a good day.

Well ... now comes the hardest part. The wife and I are off to the Vet's office to have Crickett put down.

In 45 minutes ... only her spirit (and all the memories) will be with us.
E-Chick Offline
#7 Posted: Thu, Mar 6 2003, 2:40 PM EST
Joined: 06-15-2002
Posts: 4,877
Hang in there man...

It's never an easy task. Pets are such a big part of our lives that when something goes wrong, it hit's us pretty hard.

You did the right thing...

Group hug...
jjohnson28 Offline
#8 Posted: Thu, Mar 6 2003, 2:41 PM EST
Joined: 09-12-2000
Posts: 7,914
Sorry to hear about Crickett Slim but like you say it's the right thing to do.
osage Offline
#9 Posted: Thu, Mar 6 2003, 2:44 PM EST
Joined: 02-18-2001
Posts: 492
Sorry to hear of your loss. My wife and I are going to be going through the same thing very soon with our 141/2 year old cat. She has a thyroid problem that is wasting her away. It is going to be a hard day for us as well.
BMW Offline
#10 Posted: Thu, Mar 6 2003, 2:57 PM EST
Joined: 10-21-2000
Posts: 3,010
I can totally sympathize Slim. I come from a long line of farmers and was taught some of the harsh realties of life at a very early age. When I was a kid I accompanied my father and grandfather with the chore of putting a very sick kitten down. Things were handled differently then and we did it ourselves. I've since had to repeat the chore more than once and it never gets easy. Sometimes I think it's easier on my wife when I take care of business when she's not around and the animal just "disappears".

My heart goes ou to you Slim and Mrs. Slim, I have no kids and my pets are my family.

Barry
Mr.Mean Offline
#11 Posted: Thu, Mar 6 2003, 3:09 PM EST
Joined: 05-16-2001
Posts: 3,025
Slim, I am truly sorry to hear about your loss. 15 years is a long time for a cat. My prayers go out to you and your family.
gerber Offline
#12 Posted: Thu, Mar 6 2003, 3:47 PM EST
Joined: 10-30-2002
Posts: 783
As a cat-person that's been through this, I can only sympathize. It's a hard thing to let a faithful friend go, and an equally hard thing to face life again with that friend gone. In addition to my condolences--I can tell that Crickett was very special indeed--I can only offer the suggestion that you not take too long to adopt another. It won't fill the empty place, but it does help. And introducing a new pet with its own personality and quirks will bring a great sense of companionship even while feeling the loss of Crickett.

All the best,

Dan
Spiny Norman Offline
#13 Posted: Thu, Mar 6 2003, 4:31 PM EST
Joined: 09-04-2002
Posts: 899
My sympathies Slim.
They become such a huge part of us, it's like a part of our soul is lost when one dies. One of the great heartbreaks in life is they're only with us for such a short time. I've have some wonderful Cats and Dogs with unique personalities. Tears me up every time one passes on.
Hang in there.
-Spiny
eleltea Offline
#14 Posted: Thu, Mar 6 2003, 5:19 PM EST
Joined: 03-03-2002
Posts: 4,562
Very sad.
Slimboli Offline
#15 Posted: Thu, Mar 6 2003, 5:24 PM EST
Joined: 07-09-2000
Posts: 16,139
You all have been a great deal of help to me with your sentiments ... yes, even you E-Chick, who I know hates cats ... ;^)

It didn't go as smoothly as I had hoped, but she is now no longer in pain. Being as dehydrated as she was (the last few days she couldn't drink much water) her blood pressure was down, and the vet had a hard time finding a vein. He stuck her several times, poking around in all four legs ... and she suffered a little before he found one that would take the needle. But once he did ... she went quickly and peacefully.

When I got home ... I went out back and fired up a memorial Bucanero 'Full Sail' ... in honor of her wonderful life, and for her journey 'sailing' into the animal afterlife. I gave her my own private eulogy ... and then offered her spirit the billows of my smoke to follow into the heavens ...

I know that may seem corny to many (osage will understand), but it felt like a very moving and spiritual thing to do ...

God bless her wonderful little soul ...
jhaybailer Offline
#16 Posted: Thu, Mar 6 2003, 7:23 PM EST
Joined: 02-19-2003
Posts: 9
Its so hard to loose a loved one.....In my prayer's jhay
RICKAMAVEN Offline
#17 Posted: Thu, Mar 6 2003, 11:30 PM EST
Joined: 10-01-2000
Posts: 33,248
toby and i will cry for you all.

geordie, my first dog had to be euthanized in 1973 at age 16. i have less pain in my heart now, but he will always be there.

someone once asked me, if you believe in heaven, who would you want to see. geordie.
wbslngr Offline
#18 Posted: Thu, Mar 6 2003, 11:45 PM EST
Joined: 08-27-2002
Posts: 748
Sorry for the loss Slim,

I have had my cat for only two years but when you are alone and think that some day they'll be gone and that is when you feel that pain. Sounds like you had a wonderful life with her though.
redneck1 Offline
#19 Posted: Fri, Mar 7 2003, 12:20 AM EST
Joined: 11-15-2000
Posts: 813
I know exactly the pain you feel. Have three memorials in the back yard from the cocker spaniel family we once had. Annie (the mother and grandmother), Maggie (the daughter and mother) and Buddy (the son and grandson).
SteveS Offline
#20 Posted: Fri, Mar 7 2003, 4:44 AM EST
Joined: 01-13-2002
Posts: 8,751
Slim ...

It doesn't seem corny to me ... the bond between yourselves and the cat has been strong and very real ... the cat's passing doesn't change that ...

I can relate to your experience ... about 2 years ago, we lost a dog that'd been part of our family for a long, long time ... we still talk about her a lot and feel her presence in our family ... I had her cremated, then had her ashes put in an attractive box which now sits on a table by the front window where she used to love to sit looking out at the world ... I'd like to think she's still enjoying that view.
Cisco Offline
#21 Posted: Fri, Mar 7 2003, 5:30 AM EST
Joined: 07-19-2002
Posts: 19
Slim,
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and best wishes to you and your family.

"...Please do not dwell upon my death,
But celebrate my life."
Sonny_LSU Offline
#22 Posted: Fri, Mar 7 2003, 5:32 AM EST
Joined: 11-21-2002
Posts: 1,835
I have 3 cats and love each one of them, so I can identify with you. My condolences go out to you, Slim.
Jon@CAO Offline
#23 Posted: Fri, Mar 7 2003, 5:46 AM EST
Joined: 08-23-2002
Posts: 745
Slim - I feel for you and I'll say a lil' prayer today to St. Francis for Crickett...

We've been through that pain numerous times over the years, however, I would not change or take back anything - I've loved all of our animals like children. We currently have (2) VERY large dogs and (3) cats - we've lost 3 cats and one dog over the last 7 years. Hang in there - and give Crickett a hug for me (always remember that you are doing this out of love - you would only be acting selfishly if you kept Crickett around to endure months of pain and suffering).
Charlie Offline
#24 Posted: Fri, Mar 7 2003, 5:51 AM EST
Joined: 06-16-2002
Posts: 39,751
Slim,

So sorry for your loss of Crickett. I have had to put down a Vizsla at the age of 14 and a dachshund at age of 15 and it is a sad time that we all dread.

I found a poem that I think is fitting:

"If tears could build a stairway
and memories a lane,
I'd walk right up to Heaven
and bring you home again"

I do not know who wrote this but I am having it engraved on a stone for our backyard.

Pets mean so much to most of us, I wish God would have given them longer life spans.

Charlie
rleaverton Offline
#25 Posted: Fri, Mar 7 2003, 6:22 AM EST
Joined: 09-11-2010
Posts: 273
Slim, I relate and sympathise with you. I'll think of you and Cricket with a nice smoke. Time heals.
Ron
Slimboli Offline
#26 Posted: Fri, Mar 7 2003, 6:29 AM EST
Joined: 07-09-2000
Posts: 16,139
We have two other cats ... Mandy the Manx (the fat cat who's picture I posted here awhile back) and Smokey, who both seem to sense that something big has changed in all our lives.

Funny critters they are ... they seem to be trying to comfort my wife and I, and are showing a great deal more affection and are sticking by us more than usual.

On a lighter note ... we also still have Gus (the desert tortise) who will outlive both my wife and I. Although he is not as animated, and is lacking the personality's our cat's possess ... I can pretty much depend on him being around awhile longer.

For those new folks who did see my picture posts on Gusturd, I've had him for 40 years!
xibbumbero Offline
#27 Posted: Fri, Mar 7 2003, 7:12 AM EST
Joined: 01-25-2002
Posts: 12,535
Sorry to hear that. The loss of a pet that has become a family member is a tough loss. X
octowings Offline
#28 Posted: Fri, Mar 7 2003, 7:39 AM EST
Joined: 10-22-2002
Posts: 390
My Condolences!

...octo
mkraus47 Offline
#29 Posted: Fri, Mar 7 2003, 8:11 AM EST
Joined: 02-04-2003
Posts: 196
Hey Slim, Just wanted to let you know that I know what you are going through. I love my pets more than almost anything else. I've had to do the same thing for my pets. No one here can make your pain go away, just know that we understand and take my word for it, it gets better. Sitting here four years later I still miss my dog, I always will, but my memories are filled with our good times over those 15 years and as Rick said She is waiting for me. Keep your head up, treasure your remaining family all the more, remember that you made Her life worth living as She added to yours,and every time you light up that same cigar remember Crickett, and what She meant in your life. Mike
pgatour00 Offline
#30 Posted: Fri, Mar 7 2003, 8:25 AM EST
Joined: 11-28-2002
Posts: 301
Slim,

I feel for you man. I had my cat "Maddie" for 12 years and had to put her down for cancer last summer.
It was a long and drawn out illness similar to the situation you are describing. I have lived through family member deaths, but this was the hardest and saddest thing I have ever had to live through. I think it is something about the vulnerability of animals and the fact that I have no children yet and she was the most responsibility I have ever had.

Anyway, I just wanted to say I am sorry for your loss.

Regards,

RT
Lowman Offline
#31 Posted: Fri, Mar 7 2003, 8:27 AM EST
Joined: 12-03-2002
Posts: 6,982
Sorry for your loss.

I have been a cat owner for 5 years. (It came with my wife as a package deal.) Grown attached to her. Will probably feel the same way when Oreo's time comes..

Low
ducati996 Offline
#32 Posted: Fri, Mar 7 2003, 3:05 PM EST
Joined: 01-02-2000
Posts: 3,477
Sorry for your loss, Slimboli.

I too remember caring the body of my favorite Greyhound out of the vets office and burying her in the backyard. The worst day of my life.
Robby Offline
#33 Posted: Fri, Mar 7 2003, 3:28 PM EST
Joined: 10-30-2002
Posts: 5,067
Poor cricket... As I’ve said before, I would have no hesitation shooting someone in the face if they broke in my house, but if I find a moth inside, I catch it and put it out. I love animals. I had to put my cat down after 600 dollars of emergency care to try to save her. This was about 3 years ago. Heather was her name and God I loved that cat. I hadn't cried so hard in a long long long time. I was there with her. I was very very hard, but it was the right thing to do. Take pictures, share memories, live life and embrace it. It goes by quickly...
cayman2b Offline
#34 Posted: Fri, Mar 7 2003, 6:33 PM EST
Joined: 05-19-2000
Posts: 1,734
I have two cats.

I feel for you Slim!

Cayman
ducati996 Offline
#35 Posted: Sat, Mar 8 2003, 6:44 AM EST
Joined: 01-02-2000
Posts: 3,477
This post has me considering adopting another Greyhound. Cricket's legacy will include one "saved" Greyhound racer in the very near future.
snowwolf777 Offline
#36 Posted: Sat, Mar 8 2003, 10:42 AM EST
Joined: 06-03-2000
Posts: 4,082
Sorry for your loss, Slim. The wonderful thing about cats is their longevity over many other pets. Properly cared for, you have many wonderful years and memories. Mine: Ting-A-Ling, adopted from Humane Society in 1981, died 2000. Bud and Bee-Bee, adopted 1984, died 2001 and 2002. MOTR (middle of the road), resuced 1986, deaf but still going strong in 2003. Go to the local Humane Society and rescue your next "best friend".
Steve*R Offline
#37 Posted: Sat, Mar 8 2003, 3:41 PM EST
Joined: 07-23-2001
Posts: 1,858
My condolences. Crickett was your friend and companion. It is a tribute to both of you that she will be missed. You did the right thing. Allowing her to suffer who have caused her and you unnecessary pain.
chuckler Offline
#38 Posted: Sun, Mar 9 2003, 5:46 AM EST
Joined: 08-14-2003
Posts: 4,238
Because our pets touch us all, the loss of a pet takes a toll on us all.

My heart felt sympathies go out to you, and your family.

PT
miluns Offline
#39 Posted: Sun, Mar 9 2003, 9:29 AM EST
Joined: 01-06-2003
Posts: 199
Slim, remember all the love that was shared. Nothing can take the pain away, but always cherish your memories as they are the most precious part of life and love.

Sorry for your loss,

God Bless,

Mike
Epicurean Offline
#40 Posted: Sun, Mar 9 2003, 5:15 PM EST
Joined: 11-20-2002
Posts: 1
Slim,
Check this out; it has always brought comfort
(and tears) to my wife and I...all our children
have 4 legs and a tail.
http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm

Phil
Cigarick Offline
#41 Posted: Mon, Mar 10 2003, 6:33 PM EST
Joined: 07-28-2002
Posts: 3,078
"The dumbest cat is smarter than the smartest dog."
John D. MacDonald
jd1 Offline
#42 Posted: Mon, Mar 10 2003, 7:12 PM EST
Joined: 02-14-2001
Posts: 3,118
Sorry for your loss Slim; yes, many of us have been there and it never will be easy putting an animal down. I remember it like it was yesterday.
Peace be to Crickett and your family.
ducati996 Offline
#43 Posted: Fri, Mar 14 2003, 6:42 PM EST
Joined: 01-02-2000
Posts: 3,477
I pick out my adopted Greyhound tomorrow. Thanks Cricket.
E-Chick Offline
#44 Posted: Fri, Mar 14 2003, 6:53 PM EST
Joined: 06-15-2002
Posts: 4,877
Way to go Ducati!
Tobasco Offline
#45 Posted: Fri, Mar 14 2003, 6:55 PM EST
Joined: 02-08-2003
Posts: 2,809

Slim, Im very sorry to hear about your loss. My wife and I have been married for 23yrs, no kids. Our pets are our kids. Its very painful to lose one. Hope you are holding up ok.

Mag
daveyg2 Offline
#46 Posted: Fri, Mar 14 2003, 11:26 PM EST
Joined: 04-24-2002
Posts: 288
Slim,

I am truely very sorry to hear of your loss. To me most times, animals are far more deserved of life than people. I have had people die in front of me and I have to say that a pet(a true family member) is more devistating. It is a sad but true reality for me at least. A person believes that they have had some sort of impact and influence on others. This is what is more relieving to me when a person dies. The ability to reflect and know what you have done in your life before you die, is a capability that pets (animals) do not fully realize or think about. Pets do not really understand what precious roles they can have in a human's life (or other animal's lives) and often think of themselves as subservant and beneath that of their owner. This is the saddest part of a pet's loss. Seeing true innocence lost is the hardest part in my eyes. Pets are a lot tougher, nicer, more honest and far less self oriented than we are as a whole. Pets want to eat, be warm and be loved, like everybody else. Something to think about.




Cigarick,

It is actually proven in many cases that dogs are about 10 times more intelligent than cats, but that is not what this post is about.

daveyg2
daveyg2 Offline
#47 Posted: Fri, Mar 14 2003, 11:52 PM EST
Joined: 04-24-2002
Posts: 288
Slim,

You should also think about how much of a long and fruitful life your Cricket has led (im sure you have been consumed with this thought) and realize that 15 years is a solid lifetime. One can be a little more restful thinking of this. I am not looking forward to the day in which I will have to face the same. I have gotten more joy out of my dog (Heidi), than I have from almost all people. Dogs are basically hairy kids that are short and cant talk. It is always joyous coming home to the equivalent of a 4 year old child that doesnt give you any real problems. Now having that stripped away by death is something that no parent wants to face, yet we all get dragged into the "pet thing" the same way. Anyone who doesnt think that pets (real pets, spiders and the such arent included) are almost the same as people, are just plain ignorant and really do not understand what it really means to be a breathing organism. Despite the fact that I basically can have a flip switch when it comes to caring about human death, I can not say that I have one for animals. They are like children to me. Never different than that to me.

daveyg2
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