I'm sorry for your loss.

No mater how many times you say to yourself that they are just an animal it does not work. They all work there way into your heart and each time you lose one its like tearing a chunk out of you. The best you can do is give them as much love and care while they are with you and make sure that they don't suffer.
Regards,
Gerald.

Originally Posted by craig_c

We'll take Mr.Raider in this afternoon, we just can't save him this time. In the mean time, we're keeping him comfortable.

We are Really gonna miss him.

All of us who care about our "family" mourn with you. It's never easy,but remembering the good times does help a bit.

TANK

Thanks guys! The condolences really do help. While every one is special, this little kitty was very special to me, he was 'my' cat and I has his human. He'd almost always met me at the door when I came in, and I was his favorite place for belly rubs and trading physical affection. I carried him home in my arms (he was a feral kitten) and he died in my arms as well.

This one really hurt because he fought to hang on to the very end, trying to stay alert even though he was so terribly weak he could hardly hold his head up until the sedative took him. Even then he didn't 'relax until the potassium stopped his brave little heart.

I know it is supposed to be 'for the best,' and that his kidneys were beyond repair and now he is 'not hurting' any longer, but I really have to wonder if I really had the right to make that decision for him.

As it is I am still coming to grips with the fact that he won't be waiting at the door or making his break down the top flight of steps to check around the corner of the banister ever again.

Blaze, on the left, is the only one left of Raider's little family.

Originally Posted by steamboatmodel

No mater how many times you say to yourself that they are just an animal it does not work.

Truth, truth, truth! And it is, of course, because they really are more than 'just an animal.' Each one is a unique and special little individual and they bond with us just as we bond to them.

Originally Posted by steamboatmodel

They all work there way into your heart and each time you lose one its like tearing a chunk out of you. The best you can do is give them as much love and care while they are with you and make sure that they don't suffer.

Yep.

I wonder what causes kidney failure in our animals. Is it something we give them in their diet?

We had our cat on medication for that, and she lived another three years, but our dog was diagnosed as untreatable, and we had him put to sleep.

Craig, it is a better choice to end an animals suffering than to prolong it. You did the right thing.

Karl, there are many foods that we humans eat without issue, but for a dog can cause renal failure, and other serious issues as well as certain death in a short amount of time.

http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/ss/slides...ould-never-eat

http://www.entirelypets.com/toxicfoods.html

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison...ple-foods.aspx

Tom, thanks for posting the articles on what dogs should not eat.

Although I was well aware of these items as being a no-no for a dog, it's always good to see the list out in front as a reminder.

Christmas For Our Friends !

A new igloo was well warranted.

All pets, have their favorite spots to snuggle into or hide in, it seems.

Hey Pops if Buddy doesn't like the new house I'd be happy to live in it. By the way can I use the Tbird tonight? Pete

Christmas around here

Those are Great pictures Mr. Smith ...

Buddy's new house is done and he has moved in.

Originally Posted by norgale

Hey Pops if Buddy doesn't like the new house I'd be happy to live in it. By the way can I use the Tbird tonight? Pete

The 'Bird is in her cage for the winter, but maybe we could work out something for next summer.