R.I.P. Gaines
 

My darling cat, Gainesboro Thomas (Gaines, Gainesburger, Gainesy Wainsy, Buggy Bug...Native American name Panther Scamping) had a seizure today. I took him to the 24 hour emergency vet in South Dayton. According to the doctor, any diagnostics...while offered, would only prolong the inevitable. Seizures indicate a brain tumor, or kidneys or other organs failing.

I thought he was about 15, but in talking to my ex we figured he had to be even older than that. Though we don't know how old he was exactly when we found him, the timeline suggests more like 17.

I had to make the tough decision. I loved this cat more than breathing. He was such a boy's cat, but especially in these last months of it being just me and him, he was a mommy's boy too.

He brought me years of snuggles and laughter, and he has been my rock who was always there after a long day at work. After dinner, of course. What a boy.

He was so beautiful too. I had recently posted about him being a Russian Blue. He was very healthy. Healthier than any of my other cats. He was healthy healthy healthy until one day, today, when he wasn't. I was with him until he was gone. I was given the choice to say goodbye and leave the room. But I was there when he took his last breath. I could only do that for him, in the end.

I love you Gaines. Thanks for being my best pal.

I don't think I'll have another pet for a long time. If ever.

Oh I'm so sorry -and so soon after Taj :cry:

Sorry bout yer Cat :(

Very sad. Praise to you for staying with him.

I think you need a pet, Infi, to keep you off the very bottom of the black moods. Just not yet.

It's very sad to lose a pet.
You made a very difficult decision, but you will remember your good times with him longer.

Take care.

It's always hard to lose a close friend. The fact that he came in a feline package doesn't change that.

You must do what is best for yourself. But I hope you learn to love again.

So sorry. I feel your pain. Remember the good times.

sorry, hunny.


when i took Bunyip to be put down (kidneys failing 15 yrs old, wasting away)... I was not expecting the girl to offer to just take him, and see to it... letting me off the hook of watching my friend die... and I got the vibe that they prefer to handle it without you there... so I agreed to just leave him....

I felt like such a shit after. You did the right thing, no doubt. When Banzai was put down (same thing as Bunyip) I held him as he died. It was much harder... but it was not about me... it was about him. This is not a fun thing to go through, shaw. People can be kind of glib about the loss of a pet... but fuck them this hurts like hell. Really Really sorry you lost your friend.


BIGWARMHUG

Well said Jim.

I feel for you. It's very hard to lose a pet and I am sorry for your loss.:(

You gave him your final act of love when he needed it most. Good on you for staying with him,( not doing it is haunting.)

Aw Im so sorry IM. It does hurt to lose a friend. I was with Beau when we put him down and then we took him back with us to bury him in the back yard. Watching him go was pretty tough. What a big hole he left.

I'm sorry you lost your kitty, and like the others, I think you did the right thing being with him at the end. I sat on the floor and cuddled Sheba till she was gone too. That last cuddle was the most important one I ever gave her I think.

It fucking sux when someone you love dies, even if they do have four legs instead of two. xxx

*Hugs*

Oh, honey, I am so sorry. I'll second what the others have said, and add my own sorrow to the heap. 17 years is a long life for a kitteh, but not even close to long enough. I know the 13 years I've had so far with Pilau feel almost fleeting at times (though also forever). Virtual hugs are all I can offer.

Like Zen though, I think you need an animal companion. Not yet, but sometime.

I'm so sorry to hear this. I add my sympathies, sweetie.

You did right by Gaines - you made the hard choice and stood by his side. May he rest in kitteh heaven peace and may you, too, find peace knowing you did the right thing and you loved him with all your heart.

Hugs.