Has anyone lost a pet? How old was it when you put it down or when it died?

[wolfsoul]

My cat Lady, 1 and a half, was eaten by coyotes, , My cat Roxy, 18, died of old age, my cat Miss Kitty, age unknown, never came home My cat Spudz, age unknown, was run over, but lived and never came home.
My bunny, Nibble's, old, back legs were suddenly paralyzed and so she had to be put down, my bunny Rascal, 2 years, died of heat exhaustion while I was on vacation
My dog, Bear, 13, died of old age. My dog Spudz, 15, died of old age.
My gerbil, Icarus I, died of a heart attack when she was only 7 weeks old

[moosmom]

There have been MANY cats that have come and gone in my life, both my own and fosters.

Marina Mar, a beautiful black Turkish Angora wannabe, was born to a feral mother on a boat in a marina, hence her name. Mar is Spanish for ocean. Marina Mar captured my heart when I began volunteering. I had her for 3 1/2 years when she was diagnosed with a suppressed immune system and a disease that caused painful ulcers on her ears and in her nail beds. She went to the Rainbow Bridge in November of 2001.

Casey, my beloved Bubba Dude, also developed cancer in his sinuses. He went to the Rainbow Bridge 2 weeks before Christmas of last year at the age of 7.

My heart aches for them both.

[slick]

In 1987 when my boyfriend of 13 years and I decided to separate, he promised to look after Casper and OJ. They were brothers - 2 yrs old. He was in a house and the cats were happy there. I was moving into an apartment that did not accept pets. I trusted him. Bad mistake.

Eventually he moved out of the house and Casper was given to a home close by but kept running away. OJ was given to a home on Vancouver Island. Since that was so long ago they are both probably very happy at the RB now. To this day I have their pictures up on my Wall of Fame at work and I've tried to forgive myself for abandoning them. Still hurts to this day.

And now, as I see my Speckles age (she's 16 now) and I know that one day I will have to be prepared for her demise. Believe me, I'll be leaning on all of you then.

[RedHedd]

I just put down my beloved Goldie last month after a short bout with liver cancer. She was close to 15; I'd had her for a little over 14 years. It was heartbreaking, but at the end she came to me in the middle of the night, fell over onto the bed next to me (her back end had quit working, poor baby) and spent the rest of the night by my side. I knew it was time to do the humane thing. First time I've had to do that. My place just felt so empty afterwards that I knew I'd be getting another cat soon. Now I've got two new kitties and am going through the introduction phase. It's stressful, but I'm glad I got them both - both rescues from AnimalSavers in Sacramento. They are the kitty odd couple. Mitzi is a short, round long-haired calico with very pretty markings and white mitts and Mr. Mishi is a long, skinny red Maine Coon.

[Denyce]

I am so sorry about your Goldie. There is nothing anyone can say that really helps. I have been there 3 times now and I still cry at times. Now I have 4 that are all about the same age. I am not so sure that was a smart thing. *smile* But.....congratulations on the 2 new kitties in your life. They sound beautiful. Nothing ever replaces what was lost but the new helps the pain to ease.

Denyce

[slick]

Hey RedHedd - welcome to Pet Talk. So sorry about Goldie. I started to cry reading your response. Perhaps you could start another thread in the Cat General section and post her picture for us to see. Would also love to see pics of Mitzi and Mishi

[carole]

a HUGE welcome to pet talk RedHedd, I am certain you will enjoy your time here, I am very sorry to hear of your loss, it must have been very hard to make that decision, but take heart goldie will be at peace now at rainbow bridge.
I hope you can post pics of your new kitties, they sound really cute, love to c them, they will help you get through the grief, goldie will always be in your heart and memories, now you take care, and a hug to you and your new kittycats.

[ScantyNebula]

oh boy this stuff is very hard to read, so so sad. I lost a cat who was only 2 years old, got sick from infections and fighting with other cats outdoors and had to be put down. I didn't want her outside but he was born outside and was tearing up the house..my parents made him go out. Now I have my own home and will NEVER let my cat outside. It was very hard for me. I lost a Golden Retriever several months ago. He was about 12 years old. He lived a good life. I miss them both.