I never thought I was a cat person

Ghetto · October 13, 2014, 09:48:39 AM

until this week.

My cat died today. Almost made it to 20. Lived a long life for sure, and he had it awesome.

I think when my dogs have died or have had to be put down, I was sad, but not crying sad. It might be because my kids are older and I worry about their reactions and sadness.

Today is a bad day. Thankfully I have a student teacher.

I am thankful he passed this morning without me having to give the euthanasia order. I said yes, then he passed on his own. Just one more way he made my life better/easier.

So I'm not even sure why I'm writing this on here. Just need to vent. Gotta share your feelings with the family.

TomM · October 13, 2014, 09:55:50 AM

Having a good thought for you and that kitty Dale. Sorry about your loss.

bigG · October 13, 2014, 07:49:16 PM

Anyone in your life for 20 years is gonna leave a mark. Great as it was, nothing like the hurt of losing a friend like that. Great you didn't have to put him down. Last dog I had to do that to ripped my heart clean out.

Glad you had a great cat. You deserve that.

TomM · October 13, 2014, 07:54:14 PM

Still havin' a good thought for you!

bigG · October 14, 2014, 06:38:43 AM

Sounds like the cat deserved you. Lucky cat. That kind of lifespan is amazing though.

I taught a kid who raises St. bernards, and when my kids were little, she offered me a pup from the latest litter. I was pumped, until I found they usually last 7-10 years.

Glad you had decades of friendship.

littleguy301 · October 18, 2014, 06:23:23 PM

it is all good Ghetto. No problem and I hope things get better for you.

DrSnide · October 18, 2014, 07:01:54 PM

Sorry about your loss Ghetto. We lost our black lab earlier this year and I had to take a day off work and cried like a baby. Felt no shame about it at all. My thought are with you and your family.

DrSnide · October 18, 2014, 07:07:31 PM

Quote from: bigG on October 14, 2014, 06:38:43 AM
Sounds like the cat deserved you. Lucky cat. That kind of lifespan is amazing though.

I taught a kid who raises St. bernards, and when my kids were little, she offered me a pup from the latest litter. I was pumped, until I found they usually last 7-10 years.

Glad you had decades of friendship.

Same reason I won't get a Boxer. Our Golden is 14 and I think is starting to get dementia. Good news is he is still very happy and acting like a goofy puppy again. Probably need funeral leave when he runs out of time, best dog I've ever known.

Ghetto · October 19, 2014, 04:44:06 PM

Thanks to all of you. I do appreciate it.

Never realized the impact of an animal until this all happened.

wraslfan · October 23, 2014, 02:02:32 PM

I was on a fishing trip when my GSD died of bloat. Around 10 guys on the trip...still couldn't help it. Cried like a baby.

bigG · October 23, 2014, 02:57:54 PM

Not ashamed at all that I cried when I put my last dog down. Loved her dearly.

littleguy301 · October 23, 2014, 08:12:46 PM

my son asked me some time ago if I would cry when digger dies. I never gave him a second and responded "like a baby!" He was shocked but I explained that it is alright to show emotion for things you love and care about.

Not long after that I ran over digger and my boy watched the tears flow down my cheeks and he knew I was talking the truth.

Ghetto · October 23, 2014, 09:18:02 PM

Quote from: littleguy301 on October 23, 2014, 08:12:46 PM
my son asked me some time ago if I would cry when digger dies. I never gave him a second and responded "like a baby!" He was shocked but I explained that it is alright to show emotion for things you love and care about.

Not long after that I ran over digger and my boy watched the tears flow down my cheeks and he knew I was talking the truth.

You are pretty awesome LG. Even if your driving skills are a bit shaky.

imnofish · October 26, 2014, 01:00:08 AM

Sorry that I didn't notice this earlier. So sorry for your loss.

What a privilege to have a beloved pet in your life for 20 years!

I had to make the call to put down a dog that we had for 15 years and a cat that we had for 17 years. Both were very hard to do and I definitely cried, as did the rest of the family. The cycle started over, with our current dog (3 years old) and cat (6years old). I have to say that during retirement, you get even closer to your pets, because you have more time to spend with them. They become your "retirement kids" and add a lot of enjoyment to your daily life. After losing our older pets, I was convinced that I didn't want more of them. My wife is a wise (and determined) woman who "surprised" me with the next generation of pets and I have often thanked her for ignoring my misguided wishes in this regard. Here's hoping that you find the right pet to keep you company for the next 20 years...