Wasn't on here much over christmas, reason being the sad loss of Molly, our Maine Coon cat.

She was 18 years old, quite a good age for a cat, but had been getting thinner for months even though she was eating regularly. No point taking her to the vet at that age, hearing was going as well and I'd rather she saw her final time out in comfort than being poked and prodded and fed pills!

Christmas Eve she came in and did not eat, slinking to the sofa and going straight to sleep. Knew it wouldn't be long right then, so we made her comfortable in the conservatory at night, gave her a cuddle and left her in peace in the warm. Christmas morning we had the unfortunate task of laying her to rest.

She was a friend for 18 years, one of those animals that's always there to listen when you need them, and has helped me through some very tough and testing times with the ex years ago.



RIP Molly 


Paul (gutted)

Paul, having been owned by many cats over the years, I know exactly how you feel.
I still miss mine cuddling up to me in bed and greeting me when I come in.
A good help is getting another straight away, especially a kitten as they are so naughty they keep your mind busy.

John.

Thanks. Luckily we still have Tigger to keep us busy, our 8 year old Ginger tom who is as soppy as they come 


Paul

Sorry to hear of your loss.

We had one of our much loved guinea pigs die the day before new year's eve...he passed away in Mrs Dreyfus' arms. Very sad when a pet you are attached to dies, they leave a big gap in your life.

Sorry to hear that Paul.  What a day for it to happen.    At least she had a great 18 years with you.

It's bad enough losing a much loved pet and it seems even worse when you have to take them to the vets for the final injection.

After the last time that happened nearly two years ago I said that was it,no more dogs....I think it took about a week to get another one and of course that one had to have a friend,so now we have two miniature dachshunds again.

Sorry for your loss,but at least there's no more pain and suffering.

Allan

Sorry to hear this news Paul. Thought you had been quiet on here recently. Catchup soon for coffee and some loco running time...

The following piece of prose is perhaps suitable in this instance; 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.... 

Sorry to hear of the sad passing away of your cat Paul. It is always difficult to bear but particularly difficult during the Festive season.
I know it probably help right now but at least you have 18 years of memories to keep with you.

@ Claude - moved me to tears, but thank you for posting that 


Paul

Sorry to hear, Paul - I know it's hard enough to lose one of our rabbits, guinea pigs, mice etc. who are "only" with us a few years.  18 years is a fantastic time to have an animal be part of your life, I hope Molly leaves you with a lot of happy memories that will stay while the last few days fade.

Hi Paul,sorry for your loss mate.
I had a ginger tom some years ago,guess what he was called!The wife,at the time adopted him,he lived on our street all his life and when he came to live with us he was in a bit of a state.We had him down to the vets and he said he was around 7 years old,maybe slightly older.The wife and I had only been married a few months when he came to live with us.She fell in love with him when he started following us home after nights out with friends.She cooked him some fish one night and that was it,we were his.Amazing how it happens when you come to think about it.Funny thing is,I can relate to your story more than you may imagine,because less than two years later,the wife and I split up and it was a very torrid time for me,but after it all started to look up,there he was,my companion on the settee and in bed when I went there.It was almost as though he knew what was going on with me and was always there for a cuddle and a stroke.Its quite incredible how when you are at a low ebb how relaxing the sound of a purring cat can be,in return for his company and comfort,I fed,watered and kept him in a nice warm,dry house which he had the run of.I loved him to bits.
When he died,I was in a worse state than when the wife left,but like you,I knew he wouldn't last long.He died in the most common way that domestic cats do,his kidneys failed.Not in any pain,I am assured due to my love.I only fed him the best quality cat foods and that is what did for him.Quality cat food is very rich in all the essentials and their bodies,even though they love it,can't cope.He died an old cat as well.My only pet I ever had.I couldn't bare to get another one as he was irreplaceable.
My current girlfriend has informed me that we are getting a dog.I have never had a dog before so I'm new to the whole dog ownership thing.We don't live together either and won't until her daughter goes of to university which isn't for another three years yet.
My only stipulation is that it isn't a silly,yappy thing or a staffy.Down our way,staffies are owned by quite a lot of people who think an aggressive dog is an extention of themselves.The yappy dogs I mentioned are the type owned by vacuous women who carry them around in their handbags,you know the type,Paris Hilton wannabe's.
My choice would have been a Westie,Jack Russell or standard Yorkie with floppy ears.Her choice is a Lasa Apso which is perfect in my opinion,not very big,very playful and gentle as her oldest daughter is about to have a baby any day now so it needs to be gentle around kids.Hopefully she won't call it something stupid or it'll have two names!
Once again,sorry for your loss Paul.

Pete

Sounds similar Pete, although I had Molly from a kitten at 12 weeks old. As you say, little friend that just appears in front of you when your head is in your hands and you don't know what to do next, and a face that says "come on then, tell me all about it"

She saw me through both physical and mental abuse by my psychotic ex before she got locked away, and the ensuing financial woes. Even a week before christmas, frail though she now was, she was still there for the new Mrs Sprintex when she was upset about something - supportive till the end.


Paul

Sorry for your loss Paul and others here.. I understand how you all feel, I had a Cocker Spaniel from 8 weeks old to 10 years old when he passed away on the 1st jan 2011. I was devastated. I still miss him now, even though I have two cats, who are both so soppy and cuddly. I keep thinking of getting another Spaniel, but it wouldn't be fair coz of the hours I work and the shifts.
Memories are precious, keep them alive.
Best wishes, Tim

Words are hard Paul when you lose such a supportive friend. I can't feel your pain, but I too know what it's like to lose such a friend. Just reading about your loss brought back memories and a few tears, of one of our cats, Megan, who we had as a 10 week old.

Megan almost treated me like a kitten. Always there in times of trouble and grief. Many years back she helped me through a very bad, very long period of depression. Not that I was dirty, but she would 'wash' me, well hands and face anyway. Sadly I had one of the toughest jobs in my time, of having to get a vet to put her to sleep. To this day I don't know how I drove to the vets and home again after.

Although I now have Archie, who is always close to me (sometimes too close) when I'm at home and a good friend, he's not quite the same as Megan.

Yep I'm a soft dope when it comes to our cats.

Enjoy the memories of Molly.