Smokey had been a part of us for our entire married life. About a year ago, she was diagnosed with hyper-thyroidism, and we had her on Tapazol pills, having to give them to her twice a day.

My wife said we got her about 6 months after we were married, and that was 17 years ago. She was like one of the kid's we never had, and we treated her like she was our child. She was with us longer than any other cat that has been a part of our lives.

She had a better life, and was treated and was loved more than many children have had it in this world. And, in her final days (months) we did all we could for her, but we knew it was going to come to this
eventually ... and we just couldn't see prolonging it any longer.

The Vet gave her a final check-up, and told us that the 'yellowing' of her ears indicated that she was going through liver failure, kind of like jaundice. She also said that her kidney's were very small and
hard. That, and her intestines being 'ropey', was a sign that the may have had diffused intestinal cancer, but wouldn't know without extensive tests, and if confirmed ... she wouldn't be able to do much at her age anyway. We decied not to prolong her suffering any loner.

We both were with her when the Vet performed the euthanasia on her ... and she went quickly (couldn't have been more than 5 seconds) and very peacefully. She was sitting up on the table, and I was holding her
... and she just laid down, while I cradled her in my hands, and left this world. She barely made a sound, just a small guttural noise, that I felt more in her throat, more than I heard. Nina didn't hear a
thing.

The Vet said that she had to be one tough feline to have made it for as many years as she did ... indicative that we took very good care of her.

It was a very troubling decision to make on the spot, but she's no longer suffering and had the best life possible ... which is our only comfort during this difficult time. She was a big part of our lives and we certainly enjoyed her time with us.

I know that many people here do not like cats, but she was one good feline, and had been a great companion over the many years that she owned us.

May she rest in peace ...

God Bless you and your family. I am sorry to hear about your loss, does not matter what kind of pet, family is family.

Slim,
My deepest of sympathies. I feel very moved and honored that you would share this touching tribute to Smokey with us all.
My wife and myself both feel as you do, our cats are our family. I feel as much love for them as any human I know, and they reciprocate.
I feel that every day with a freind like Smokey is a blessing. Rest in peace, Smokey. You will be missed.

Sincerest condolences to you and your wife. Smokey will be waiting for you.

Damn furballs. The nerve of them stretching our hearts like a trampoline and bouncing all over us. The same goes for those daggone mutts too! Might as well throw in those winged bombers too!

Sorry to hear about your loss Slim. The advice I offered to you last year still stands. When you can...find it withing both of you to open your home...do it...again.

Slim: Sorry to hear about your family member. My girlfriend and I are close to my cat as well, so I understand it must be tough.

hugs to you and your wife on your loss. Pets are part of our families and losing them hurts especially when you have had them for a very long time. Just a few months ago we had to have our cat put down, he was only a few years old but had contacted a disease that we didn't know about till it was too late. I was there when he was born and the mother let me start petting him when he was just a couple days old and he was very special to me and to my mom. Maybe some day I'll get a cat again, but right now we live where we can't have them 😞 I'm not even supposed to have bun bun we hope to be moving by the end of the year so maybe we can have some more pets then. Again sorry for your loss Slim 😞

Slim, sorry to hear this - I remember a couple of years ago when we had to put our dog down of 15 years, it was terrible but the last year or so, he was really suffering so we looked at it the same we that you are. At least the are not suffering anymore.

Slim,

I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Many people think of cats and dogs as just animals. I for one do not!! They are family members. The decision you made is a very hard decision to make, but necessary none the less. I am sure you and your wife did what ever you could do to keep her final days as plesant as possible. I am sure smokey is in a better place and has no more pain. My next smoke will go out to smokey and your family.

Slim,

I know how hard that was for both of you. We've had our cat our entire married life too. We got her a month after we were married in 1985 and she is starting to show signs of kidney failure, etc. We consider her our oldest child.

My best to you and your wife during this difficult time.

So sorry to hear of your loss. I understand your sorrow being that I lost my K9 partner on Dec.21st. My condolences to you and your wife.

Ricky

Losin a kid is always hard.

Slim,

I understand fully how you feel. My heart goes out to you and your wife. You did the right thing to think of Smokey's quailty of life before your feelings of letting go. It has to be one of the hardest things to do. My kitty ...now about 13 or so... I hope we are that lucky to have her as long as Smokey had lived. Smokey was a very lucky cat to have had two people so caring. My prayers go out to you..... God Bless

Karen

there is a special place in our heart's as well as in heaven, rest in peace and God bless...

Sorry for you lost Slim.

Sorry to hear that Slim,I just went thru that with our dog. I'll burn a good one for Old Smokey. X

Slim, been where you are, my condolences. It always amazed me that the kindest thing you can do for an animal winds up being the toughest thing for an owner.

Egg

Slim,

So sorry to hear about your loss. I really wish I didn't open this post at work, because I feel a few tears rolling down my cheek. We have 3 cats and I love them like they were my kids. In fact, Trish busts on me all the time, because of it. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

Sorry for your loss.

Low

My deepest regrets to you and yours...

Sorry Slim... 😞

PT