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."

I have 3 cats and love each one of them, so I can identify with you. My condolences go out to you, Slim.

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).

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

Slim, I relate and sympathise with you. I'll think of you and Cricket with a nice smoke. Time heals.
Ron

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!

Sorry to hear that. The loss of a pet that has become a family member is a tough loss. X

My Condolences!

...octo

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

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

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

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.

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...

I have two cats.

I feel for you Slim!

Cayman

This post has me considering adopting another Greyhound. Cricket's legacy will include one "saved" Greyhound racer in the very near future.

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".

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.

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

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

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