Remembering Sam:(

[Slash]

Hi everyone...
I'm new to the forum and seeking help as I'm not a very emotionally stable person, though I do have support from my family and friends.
Yesterday, we unfortunately had to put our 8 1/2 year old cat to sleep. We found a few weeks ago that it's Kidney's were failing(we took it to the Vets after we saw signs that something is wrong like not eating, not drinking, no energy and unfortunately it lost a lot of weight.
We got medication for it which the Vet said we could try.. it would not permanently fix the issue, as you can't stop Kidney failure, but he did say it will slow it down.
We decided to go with it, and see what it does. He had it for a week, and had no issues with it at all... I thought life was starting to change again last week when I saw him starting to gain a bit more weight, he was eating more, active again, etc...
Then like a slap to the face this weekend he just stopped eating... started sleeping constantly.. stopped doing everything that he normally did...
Yesterday morning he tried to jump onto my bed but unfortunately didn't have the strength to get up.. I knew this would be his last week...
Yesterday afternoon comes along and I was sitting in room... he tried to walk down the stairs, but then he just collapsed..
I picked him up to put him on our floor and he couldn't walk.. if he did, he would wobble back and forth..... I took him into the litter box but he just sat in there...
I knew it was time to let me furry friend pass on into heaven's gates..
I said my goodbyes to him at the Vets... hugged him and kissed him for 5 minutes then held his hand while he was being put to sleep... The Vet's say it took around 30 seconds for him to be gone.. he was asleep in 10 seconds..

I cannot believe that he is gone... I got no sleep last night.... it makes me depressed(emotionally) thinking that I will never be able to see my furry friend again

What can you guys give me for advice to make me accept the fact that he is passed on.. I have good memories with him stuck in my head, but then I can't get that awful picture of seeing him asleep out of my head...

Thanks for any advice guys.. it's appreciated.

[Karen]

Don't think of it as never seeing him again, as you will always have him with you in your heart, close your eyes and picture him, and there he will be.

And there's the Rainbow Bridge Story:

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 ...

Old Norse Legend

[phesina]

I am so sorry to read of the loss to kidney failure of your beloved Sam. My very deepest sympathy to you.

[Anikaca77]

I'm so sorry for your loss. It's never easy, it takes time but try to remember all the good times, it's hard to forget the last few minutes you have with them, believe me, I've done my share recently and it's never ever easy but with time that pain will pass and you will be able to look at photos of him and smile knowing you will see him again...on the bridge.

My R.C., Anika, Milo, and Ziggy are there to keep him company.

My prays,
Melissa

[Taz_Zoee]

I am so sorry about Sam. I went through this same thing last year with my Taz. As for the image of him sleeping at the vet.....it's just that. He is at peace and no longer in pain and is sleeping.
Reading your post just brought back all the emotions from when I let Taz go. After the doctor gave him the shot to go to sleep he let out a long sigh. The vet assistant said he was finally resting. (Sorry, have to stop to wipe my eyes.)
The story Karen posted of the Rainbow Bridge is a great way to help ease that pain a little. I often just imagine Taz up there playing with the other pets I've lost along the way.
Do not let go of those memories you have. They are also important in the healing process.

RIP Sam

[Slash]

Thank you so much guys, it means so much to me..
I have a lot of memories with him.. I guess it is just a huge slap to my face cause my parents older cats lived to be 18... so I guess I thought he would live to be that age..
It's been 23 1/2 hours that he has been gone... I'm missing him every second of the day
I do have 2 other cats and 1 dog, I'm just worried about the other male cat.. him and sam were like best buddies and makes me wonder how he will react in a few days.

[carole]

You have my utmost heartfelt sympathy at the loss of your beloved and precious furbaby Sam, you have come to a wonderful place here amongst people who really understand your pain and can help to comfort you through it all, i too lost my old boy Ash Feb 13th this year to kidney failure, it is hard and it just takes time, time does heal, but it never takes away your wonderful memories of your loving furbaby and friend, HUGS to you at this sad time and just grieve for your baby.