We had to put our 16 year old cat to sleep tonight

[Toots]

We have a 16 year old cat, Mr. Hayden. Back in November he had something wrong with one of his eyes, it looked like he was squinting all the time. Our vet said he had an ulcer and we gave him drops and an eye gel. After 3 weeks it still was not healed up. Our vet sent us to an animal eye specialist. He prescribed more drops, more gel. Eye still didn't heal up. Finally, the vet took x-rays and did an ultrasound. The results showed a big tumor behind Hayden's eye and going down into his throat. Due to his age and the location of the tumor, our vet said it would be almost impossible to remove the tumor. He said 75% of tumors like this are malignant. So we've been watching Hayden slowly get weaker and slower. In the past week, he had alot of trouble eating and his left cheekbone was puffed out. We knew the tumor was growing.
We took him into the vet tonight and he said it was time. Actually, it was very peaceful. Hayden was given a sedative to make him sleep and then the vet administered the euthanasia drug. I've never been in the room with my pet when this was done. My husband couldn't be in the room, he had to go into the waiting room.
It is so weird to be here at home without Hayden. I know we did the right thing and he is in a better place. Its been a very stressful and sad day.

Our pets just do not live long enough. I know this board has alot of animal lovers who will understand how I feel now.

 

[Dave Hutchins]

My tears and feelings are with you tonight, I had to put down my favorite kitty and I cried for a week. they are our children with a furry coat.

 

[Maverick2272]

I am so sorry you had to go thru this, you are right our pets just don't live long enough. I have had to put down two dogs in the last four years, I insisted on being there and holding their heads in my lap until the end. It really hurts but hopefully we will be re-united with them again.

 

[expatgirl]

I'm sorry to read about your Mr. Hayden. I'm tearing up as I write this. We have always been cat owners and know what it's like to lose an old family friend.

 

[Fisher's Mom]

Aw, Toots, I'm so sorry. It's really awful to lose one of our furry family members. 16 years! He was really your boy. I'm glad it was peaceful for him but me heart goes out to you and hubby.

 

[kadesma]

Oh Toots,
I'm so sorry..I've had to put my best friend down about a year ago and it still hurts me..Your little friend is now at peace..You did the kindest most loving thing we can do for our pets..You stopped the pain..That kitty new he was loved...I wish you comfort and peace.

kadesma

 

[LadyCook61]

I am so sorry for your loss. I do know how you feel.
~Diane

 

[MexicoKaren]

Toots, your kitty trusted you to care for him, and you absolutely did. I've been there more than a few times now at my age, and it is always so hard. Seems like they just stay in your heart forever. Allow yourself to grieve and be kind to yourself. You deserve it.

 

[pdswife]

I'm so sorry. Lily Lily Queen of cats sends her love too.

 

[Maverick2272]

You know, we started a gardening section here, maybe we should have a pet section as well?? With so many of us being pet lovers, we could be sharing all kinds of support and tips with each other, as well as amusing stories and pictures.
Just a thought.

 

[Mama]

I'm so sorry to hear about Mr. Hayden. A couple of years ago we had to put our dog of 13 years down. She had problems with her hips and had gotten to a point where it was too painful for her to walk. It's a very difficult thing to do...even when it's the right thing to do. But I believe we'll all see our beloved pets again one day...and in a much better plce.

 

[Katie H]

Oh, Toots, in tears, Buck and I send you love and prayers. Saying good-bye to our furry family is never easy.

Many years ago, we had to put down our dear, Porky, a 19-year-old Siamese kitty. He was with us long before any of our children were born. He loved us and all the children who came along. He loved it when our daughter dressed him up in her doll clothes and pushed him in her dolly stroller.

When we had to make the decision to put him down, our youngest son offered his beloved "R2-D2" bath towel to wrap Porky in for burial. The gesture still makes me tear up.

Our furry babies are in our hearts and will always live there.

Please feel the warmth and strength of our hugs to you at this time of sadness.

 

[Toots]

Thanks everyone, for the kind words. I knew we had alot of good animal people here, in addition to being nuts about food.

I knew we would eventually have to put Hayden down, but you are never really prepared to do it. It feels so weird to be sitting here on the couch and he isn't here beside me. Even though he was really sick, he'd still get up by me and try to snuggle.

Thanks again for the good vibes and kind words.

 

[sattie]

My heart is broken for you. I know what a hard decision it can be and how much it hurts to lose your close friend. May our Lord comfort you, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

 

[JoAnn L.]

So sorry about your Mr. Hayden. May the happy memories of your pet ease the pain of his loss.

 

[Barbara L]

I'm sorry to hear about your precious kitty. It is so hard to lose our babies.

You know, we started a gardening section here, maybe we should have a pet section as well?? With so many of us being pet lovers, we could be sharing all kinds of support and tips with each other, as well as amusing stories and pictures.
Just a thought.

I think that is a good idea.

Barbara

 

[Bilby]

So sorry Toots about Mr Hayden's passing. Yes you did do the right thing and it isn't easy to do. I've had to put down five cats since 2000, the first one being a stray that had been visiting me for a couple of years. I have been with them all at the end and now have all their urns on my stereo in the lounge. I figured with Blackie that he had been mistreated during his life and that he at least deserved some respect in death. My eldest cat is now 21 and each time she goes into a deep sleep and doesn't seem to be moving, I have to go and check her breathing! The day I know is coming but I hate to thing of it as she has been with me since I was 18. She has already outlived her mother and sister.

Thinking of you and your DH.

 

[redkitty]

Awww Toots, I'm so very sorry for your loss. And I couldn't agree with you more, our pets don't live long enough. I can't imagine how lonely the house was without Mr. Hayden. My thoughts are with you and your husband.

 

[vilasman]

I understand your pain and feel your loose. Prayers are with you

 

[babetoo]

losing your pet is one of the hardest things.

i had my kahlua for 14 years. he was just so sick, i had to let him go.

now i have thomas, who is four years old. i would be very sad were anything to happen to him

remember all the cute things your boy did while u had him.

babe