Charlie's gone

[thelmalu99]

...Gone from this world, that is, but certainly not from my heart.
I left work early yesterday to take him to the vet and when I walked into my house to pick him up, he was considerably worse than the way I had left him in the morning. Charlie was having trouble breathing and when he tried to lay down, he seemed like he was in pain. You know how cats just plop themselves down? Charlie would put his rear down and then slowly ease the rest of his body down. He was breathing through his mouth and his whole body heaved with the effort. His skin was starting to turn blue from the lack of oxygen. Needless to say, something inside me told me that I would not be bringing Charlie back home.
I know I made the right decision for him, but I have to say it was the most difficult thing I have ever had to do in my life. I guess love means that you never want to see your loved one suffer and you know when to let go.
Charlie was a wonderful cat and I feel very privileged and grateful to have been able to have him in my life. I am in incredible pain right now, but I wouldn't trade the time I had with him for anything in the world. He was my little companion and he brought such joy into my life.
Thank you all for your kind words and prayers. It really means a lot to me to know that you care.
Thelma

[Cougie Wechsler]

My deepest sympathies over your loss. I am very sorry and you are certainly in my thoughts and prayers.

[wolflady]

Oh Thelma, I was so very sad to see your post this morning. I know how hard it must have been for you, but knowing that you did the right thing for Charlie just shows how much you loved him. I'm positive that he knew that too You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of loss...
Much love from Karen and Scooter and Marius...*HUGS*...

[catwoman]

Thelma,

I am so sorry for your loss of your wonderful Charlie. I know he is looking down on you with love and gratitude as he crosses the rainbow bridge. We are all sending you {{cyberhugs.}}

Dianne

[Maresche]

Thelma, {{hugs}}
I'm so sorry to hear about Charlie's passing, but never doubt that you did the right thing by him--he's not suffering anymore.
Also remember that you gave him a chance that not many other people would have. I know I'm not the only one who's put down a stray they found as soon as they heard it had FIV/FELV. You gave him a loving home and the best life any cat could want. Never forget that.

[Freckles]

Thelma, I'm so sorry about your losing Charlie. I know he was only about one year old, but that makes no difference. It doesn't take long at all, for him to fill your heart with love. Remember the good times.

[TheAntiPam]

One of the hardest parts about opening our hearts to the love of a dear pet is that we also open ourselves to the pain of losing them.

Charlie's love and spirit will stay with you always! My sincere sympathy to you and my best wishes for brighter days of remembering your dear Charlie.

[AmberLee]

{{Thelma}},

So sorry to hear of your loss. May you find comfort in the memory of the loving home you gave Charlie, and in the hopes of the Rainbow Bridge.

[thelmalu99]

Thank you, thank you, thank you everybody for your kind words. You're all so nice and reading your posts has really helped me start to feel better.

Chuck, you're right-it's a blessing that I don't have any other cats. When I adopted Charlie, I wanted to get a companion for him, but I decided to wait until I had him neutered, vaccinated and tested. It's a good thing I did.

Cougie, I really appreciate it!

Karen, Dianne & Maresche-I'm sure he knew that he was loved. I made sure that those were the last words he heard before he passed. It gives me great satisfaction to know that I was able to provide him with love and a good home for his short life.

Joan, yes, it only takes a second for them to steal our hearts, but I don't think we would have it any other way!

AntiPam, You're so right! Thank you for your beautiful words.

Thelma
Oh, and do you know what was so cute? On Charlie's last night with me (Wednesday), he wanted to stay under my bed and when I went to check up on him, Yertle was under there with him. Call me crazy, but I think Yert might have been watching over him, sensing that he was not okay.

[thelmalu99]

AmberLee, thank you so much for your comforting words.

Thelma

[Pam]

Oh Thelmalu my heart sank when I read the title of this post. I am so, so sorry to hear this. AntiPam is right. When we open our hearts to these precious animals we know their lifespans are so short but in Charlie's case it was cut way too short. We are never ready. I am glad that Charlie spent his last night with Yertle. Who knows what goes on between animals. I think Yertle may have been a comfort to him. Please know that I feel very badly for what you are going through. If it is any help, most of us have gone through this with some of our pets so feel free to grieve and vent. We understand. We are all friends here.

[4 feline house]

Thelma,

When I opened up the topic list I gasped, because right there at the top it said "Charlie's gone". I told my son last night that if it had been good news you would have posted immediately after bringing him home from the vet. By the time I first read the post that he was sick, it was already several hours later, and I had that feeling that as I was posting well wishes, he was probably already making the journey to the rainbow bridge. I knew you would have to grieve before you could let us know.

I looked on Joan's list, because I couldn't remember if you had other cats, and when I saw I remembered - just Charlie and Yertle, and Charlie barely out of kittenhood.

I had a little kitty who died of FIP before he was a year old, it was 17 years ago and I still choke up when I tell his story. I know what you are going through.

These little guys are never on this earth long enough, but it seems especially cruel and sad when they've been sick their entire, short lives. I'm so glad Charlie had a compassionate, loving mom to spend his short life with. And I'm glad Yertle helped him cross to the rainbow bridge, for I am certain that's why he was with Charlie last night.

Cyber hugs to Thelma and Yertle ((Thelma&Yertle)), we are all so very sorry Charlie had to go.

I hope, when you are ready, you get another kitty so your blessings of love, care, and compassion can be bestowed on another little furry one needing a good home.

[Logan]

Dear Friends and Thelmalu,

I can not tell you how heart warming it is to come to a board like this, share in fun stories and games, but also to watch how this special community of pet lovers come together when a member has a sick cat, dog or other pet. There is a very sick German Shepherd being reported on the dog board, and the outpour has been phenominal.

Thelmalu, you are the reason for my post tonight, but I just had to remind each and every one of you how special you are. Charlie had too short of a life, but your love and special attention did not go unnoticed by him. Or us, for that matter. I am so glad you were with him, and knew when it was time. It is one of the hardest decisions you will ever have to make, and I've only done it once, but I remember my vet telling me, you will know. And I did, and you did too.

I don't know if you can hug a turtle, but focus your attention on something, like all the wonderful memories of Charlie that you have. And let yourself be sad. This is sad, and each of us have experienced situations like this and understand exactly what you are going through. Please come to us individually or as a group if you need support.

Logan

[ July 21, 2001: Message edited by: Logan ]

[Cinder & Smoke]

Dear Thelma ~

You know you did your best for Charlie and that now he's in a Better Place - waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge.

Visit PetLoss, the Rainbow Bridge Site, it will help.

We all share your loss.

[AdoreMyDogs]

Thelma...I am so very sorry. My heart aches for you. You did give Charlie the life he deserved, though, even though he was FIV+, and that is worthy of the higest of honors.

My thoughts and prayers go out to you while you grieve for your lost friend.