So, so hard. A couple days ago was the one year anniversary of the loss of our last of 4 dogs, ages 10-16.5. We lost all of them in 16 months. It was so horrible that we weren't sure we could ever adopt another one. But when sweet little Izzy found us 3 months ago, it was clear that we're meant to be pet parents and to give her the best possible life for as long as we're blessed enough to have her. Your wonderful fur baby has had such a happy cat life because of you. When the grief starts to subside, I hope you'll take solace in the fact that you have done everything expected of you as a pet parent.

As many others here have said, what you're going through is so hard and painful. Our pets share our lives but then break our hearts when they die. Be kind to yourself as you go through this transition.

I am so sorry. This is so very hard. You doing the right thing but it shatters your heart. Lots of hugs to all of you.

So sorry! Sending hugs!

Thank you, everyone. Your words are giving me strength.

Ingunn - I am so very sorry! My heart just breaks for you. We just had to put our beloved 15 yo schnazuer to sleep. We nursed her for 8 months after a catastrophic neurologic event until her poor little body was giving out. Although that was the end of June, I still grieve and miss her every day. Every day with these wonderouf creatures is a gift. Just know that you gave your beloved fur baby the most wonderful life possible and if there is any justice to the universe we will be reunited when we all cross that rainbow bridge. But we give them a part of our heart, the best and noblest of part, and they take it with them when they leave. It's not fair that their lives ar so short but that kind of love changes us fundamentally forever - you will always carry that furry baby's love inside your heart. I am sending hugs, tears and more hugs to you!! When you think of your furry baby know that they are whole and young and vibrant again and that they will watch over and love you always!!

I am so very, very sorry. That is heartbreaking. Our pets are big parts of our families. Take care. *hugs* and *tears*

OOOO, Ingunn. I am sooooo sorry. It's absolutely heartbreaking for your poor little kitty and the family. These precious creatures imprint on our souls forever and life is less fab (empty actually) without them. It's very, very hard and sad. All my love. xo

So sorry about your kitty. I have a 10 year old kitty who is slowing down a lot and I fear saying goodbye. Sending a hug your way .

I'm so very sorry for this loss, Ingunn. But so glad for your cat's fortune in having you with him every step of the way.

I'm so sorry, Ingunn. It's so hard to say goodbye to our babies. Hugs to you.

Ahhhh Ingunn, my heart goes out to you! We had to make this difficult decision in Jan and I miss our skat-cat daily!

Oh no. So sad. Love and hugs.

I'm so sorry Ingunn.

So sorry Ingunn. This day always comes too soon and always hurts so much. The pain of the loss will bit by bit fade into the joy of remembering.

I'm trying to get some work done from home today, but it's hard to focus on it. He's getting weaker by the our. We are waiting for our oldest daughter to return home from college to say goodbye. She's the one who found him for us when she was seven, and they have a vey close connection. She will be arriving tonight. The planned day is Monday, but I'm not sure we can wait that long. He doesn't seem to be in pain, but he is so tired and weak. It's almost unbearable to watch.

Oh Ingun, this is so heartbreaking to read, and 10 times worse to go through. I remember this time myself. Love, strength and healing to your entire family.
Your reply

I know all too well how heartbreaking it is to say goodbye to a beloved fur baby. Not "goodbye" but "'till we meet again." Sending positive, healing thoughts your way.

You are all so kind, it's very warming. Thank you.

We had to bring him in on Saturday already, he was getting worse by the hour and the suffering was intolerable any longer. My immediate reaction was a great relief because he finally was getting the rest he so desperately needed. Now the house is very empty, and I miss him terribly. There is a huge vacuum in my heart. But we got 13+ wonderful years with him, and we are so grateful for that. He was the very best companion for our family all his life. More than that - he was a true family member, of course. I miss his sounds, his scent, and the softness and warmth of holding him close. I miss his good mood that always cheered me up. I miss everything he was.

Thanks for checking in, Ingunn. You did the right thing, and he is at peace now. Hugs to you.

Thank you for telling us about your kitty...I can only imagine how difficult these days are for you..Missing him is a tribute to the love and time he gave to you and your family...
I read somewhere when you have grief to be kind to yourself as if you had a wounded eye, handling yourself with love and great care...carefully letting yourself grieve and feel the sadness...
Loving these precious little ones is definitely a gift from God to make our journey here not as lonely or as hard...
I will continue to think of you and of your precious kitty...

I'm so sorry... I know the unbelievable pain when a furbaby passes, but please remember, as others have said, your little one is at peace and not suffering anymore, and will live on in your hearts and memories forever....

I'm so sorry to hear this Ingunn, big hugs and well wishes to you and your family <3