Bear 1995-2009 (13, nearly 14)

**joeymlib** · 10-24-2009, 03:09 AM

After typing, and retyping, and retyping..

I think it's the racing mind and the sleep deprivation, and slight depression.. but anyway, we (my family) will be taking our cat Bear to the Vet at 11:30 AM to be put to rest. He has an invasive cancerous tumor of the lower jaw, left side, and has been causing him troubles with eating, and seems to constantly goop blood - just not at a rapid/fatal rate. We were offered the "opportunity" to put him to sleep the day we came in, thinking it was just a gum disease (not having really felt his jaw to check for a tumor), but being as my mother and I were the only ones there and at how hard it hit us.. we figured it'd be better if we took him home for the rest of the week.

Well, now the rest of the week has past - we're all out of Fancy Feast, and it seems Sylvester will be our sole housecat starting 11:30 AM.. which makes me feel even worse, because the two are like brothers - not literally, but he'll miss him just as much as we will..

I love you Bear, we all do.. I'm sorry you couldn't of lived longer, healthily.. I really feel silly now saying you'd live to be 25, or maybe even older.. but like your true owner says (my brother).. you had a good run. I hope you have a wonderful rest.. We will always miss and love you.

Some pictures, taken by my younger sister back in about June maybe..

We have much better photos lying around.. hehe, as you see he's actually quite lazy. >_>

This is the first time I've lost a cat, or any animal.. or any being that's close to me. I lost a Dog long ago, but circumstances were much different.. this, this was just a complete surprise - and shattered what was left of my naivety. (I'm 19, so I'm sure this won't be the first pet I'll lose down the long road..)

We're all going to the Vet I'm sure, but my mother will be the one who accompanies him to be put to sleep.

It's going to be quite different around here for awhile.. no more seeing our fat buddy laying around in the most random corners, baskets, blankets.. no more hearing his roaring purr everytime you barely hovered over him with your hand. Been around since I was 5.. since he was born, never did I once think he'd die - not like this. (Not because of some damn tumor..)

PS - Sorry for those who read and get thrown off by anything in the post.. it's 3 AM Central, and so I could have some poor grammar or.. just.. stupid writing.. Thank you to anyone who cares to read though.

**Taz_Zoee** · 10-24-2009, 11:05 AM

I've been exactly where you are just this past July in fact. My Taz was 14 years old and had failing kidneys. He was my first pet in my adult life that I had to let go. I still struggle with the fact that maybe it was too soon. But deep in my heart I know I did the right thing for him. Just as you and your family are doing for Bear.
Here is a popluar story to help us feel better when we have to make these decisions.

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

So take comfort that Bear is at the Rainbow Bridge patiently waiting for the day he is reunited with you and your family. And I'm sure my Taz (and several other pets) will show him around.

RIP Bear you were/are a beautiful, very loved kitty.

**pomtzu** · 10-24-2009, 11:25 AM

What a beautiful boy that Bear is, and I'm so sorry that you have to let him go on to RB. It's a very brave and loving thing that you do for him - to let him be at peace before he would have to suffer thru a long and painful ordeal. You're doing what's best for him, and he loves you for that.

Unfortunately, there have been other PT kitties her recently with the same form of cancer. It seems to be more common than I had ever realized.

RIP beautiful Bear, and peace to your family.

**Karen** · 10-24-2009, 11:35 AM

Rest in peace, handsome Bear. You will live on forever in your family's hearts, and likely in the presence of little white hairs, woven into the fabric of their lives and homes.

**phesina** · 10-24-2009, 11:40 AM

I am so very sorry. What a handsome boy! Rest in peace, dearest Bear. You are loved so very much.

My deepest sympathy to you and your family, joeymlib.

**happylabs** · 10-24-2009, 12:20 PM

So sorry for your loss. He was a beautiful cat. It is never easy to say good-bye to a pet. Be comforted in knowing that this is the most humane thing you can ever do for your kitty. He will not suffer when the vet puts him to rest. He will just go to sleep peacefully. Hugs and prayers.

**Moesha** · 10-25-2009, 09:31 PM

I am very sorry to read this. I haven't been able to bring myself to post here, although I've tried several times. Tomorrow will be 3 weeks since I had my Morgan put to sleep. He too had an oral cancer. His was a tumor on his upper jaw. I still have tears thinking and talking about him, but it is getting easier each day. I miss him terribly, and I'm sure you'll deal with similar feelings grieving for your dear kitty. I hope you can find some comfort from the words and thoughts posted here and in the happy memories that you carry with you.

**catmandu** · 10-26-2009, 09:24 AM

And we hear that Bear had a Great Time at Hawks Cay Resort near Ducks Island in Florida , and is already taking up with a Lady Cat Angel!!

And hes made Lots Of Awesome Angel Friends

And has a Place in mind where You will All gather again.
One Fine Day!

**joeymlib** · 10-26-2009, 04:54 PM

I liked the latest post, made me quite happy - I imagine he's having a fun time, and I'm glad.. I'd rather he be happy than to have kept him in his state he was in longer.

I payed a little visit to his grave, it's odd to imagine he's under that mound of dirt - well, that his body is at least. It was a good spot though, thinking about it.. we put him right next to a tree, one of my mom's favorites, and that little rock I found for his headstone seems to work out quite nice. (We have random stones in our backyard.. Sort of as a design, holds up dirt too. We're built on a hill I suppose is why.)

We've been helping Sylvester get over his grief about it - he's been more cuddly, but you can tell.

Thank you again, the replies have helped a lot.. and I appreciate them. I showed some to my family, including the Rainbow Bridge poem - and the Candle, which I just thought was very nice.

To Moesha - I'm sorry to hear, as well to everyone else that is here.. It's sad to see them go away, especially like that.. but every cause it own is as depressing as the next. Thank you for bringing yourself to add a post to this as well though. -hug- I'm sure Bear and Morgan have met already though, he's a docile friendly one..

So his added sweetness and kind nature is a plus to all the rest up there.

Love you Bear, and Sylvester I think says hi as well.. (he's laying on my left arm as I type.)

bah, but I really do hope our other Kitty gets over his sadness soon..

**catmandu** · 10-26-2009, 06:36 PM

Sadly it does take time.
I think Our Cats are closer to each other than a lot of people, even family as Our Cats dont have the baggage that we have with other people.
They love more unconditionally , and more deeply.
I know My Juke Joint Joseph misses His John Hnacock a great deal.
Maybe one day you will see a Cat who needs a home badly, and Sylvester will have a New Friend.
I think Bear would like that , and Bear would be thier Guardian Angel, the way My Found Cat Angels are here!

Thier Love is Furrever

**kb2yjx** · 10-27-2009, 02:11 PM

I wrote a note to your sister on the thread she posted on Bear. This special cats become such a part of our lives, and no matter how long they live, it is never long enough. In May, our 17 yr old Norton was put to sleep. Barry and I talk about Norton and all our cats that are at the Bridge. Memories are a great comfort. Take Care. Sleep softly, sweet Bear.....