O.T. Sorry if my attitude isn't very good today...

Hi All,
I know that this being the beginning of a New Year, with wonderful possibilities of healing and happiness are filling most people, and I'm so very glad that it is!

But, my attitude may not be the best today, and I would like to apologize. My 15 year old cat, who has been fighting an infection, went out yesterday afternoon and never did come back. It was 23 degrees last night, so knowing her and considering her infection that we were having troubles clearing and her age, I know that she won't be coming back.

I got this cat when she was just 6 months old and she came to signify my "release" from a horrid, horrid marriage and a new life - even though I was desperately ill. She was full Manx, and as any of you who have owned a Manx, you know they are "quirky" to say the least, but she just fit into my life!

thank you for allowing me to feel that I could come here to post this. Most of my friends are here, and I feel like I could share this with you all.

Thank you so much, Marie! She really was a trooper! She put up with me being ill and when I was at my worst (bed ridden for 2 months) I couldn't hardly roll over in bed.... or breathe! She would stick so close to me that she would smother me!!

I have a saying - my "pets" are my family and my livestock are my pets. Even my goats knew this!!

Again, thank you for your kind words - it helps to "talk" about her a bit.

Many hugs to you, my friend. Feels like we've known each other for a long time.

Trav, I am so sorry to hear about your Manx ... What some people call "pets" are actually FAMILY - I know firsthand how wonderful they can be, and how heartbreaking it is when they are not well ...

Years ago, we had a cat named Ernie - he was, as I'm sure you can attest, unique and very independent ... One day Ernie got out ( he would routinely try to escape when the door was opened ) - whenever this happened, he would always come right back, as if to say "Haha, I got ya"

But one day particular day he just wandered off - he was approaching 20 years of age, and when he didn't come back, we figured we'd never see him again .... Well, the next day, he came back, but it was only to say "goodbye" .... I firmly believe that he wanted to go off on his own, but returned one more time ..

( great, now I crying lol )

I am sure that you took the best care of your Manx, and that they truly love you ...

Hey trav, you're allowed to share your grief here too. :) So no apology needed, ok? I'm so very sorry for your loss. Animals do have a way of getting deep into our hearts and they know how to comfort us when needed...give or take a few. I think people who have a love of animals are the best! Email me if you need to talk about her.

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Thank you so much, Denise and Garden!! This is why I posted here. You all understand.... well.... me! It's so good to be around my friends when I'm going through this.

My husband is a great guy and he is very sympathetic towards me with this, but he's not ever bonded with a cat before - even though he thought she was a cool cat as well.

I am so sorry about your cat friend. I know she will be watching over you in her place in animal heaven from this day forward. She will always be at your side.... I once had a dog that was better therapy for me than any best friend or counselor I have ever had and when he passed I was devastated. I know the sadness you are going through. Just know she is watching you and with you in spirit.

Traveler, I am sorry for your loss. Cats are very resilient and nature has given them natural survival skills that we often take for granted. Lets pray that your cat comes back safe. Let's not lose hope.

Hi Trav,

I'm so sorry,I've had many wonderful cats in my life and I still miss every one of them.

I have had a very worrying couple of days with "Nell" one of my dogs,she picked up a very bad case of bacterial gastritis just after Christmas and it has been touch and go since then........I love her very much so I was terrified she wasn't going to make it.

One of my old cats once disappeared for 2 weeks and I was convinced she had gone away to die.......but no ,she came back so there is still hope.

Sending you hugs and hoping that she will return.

Tickled

Thank you so very much - each and every one of you!! Each post made me feel that much better - seriously. Being able to share this with those that I care about is therapy in and of itself.

While I seriously doubt she will be back (other than in spirit) because she was fighting a pretty bad infection, I still watch the door.....just in case. I'm sure that routine won't end quickly, but will fade as the full understanding of her passing settles in.

Okay - enough of that for now - I'm starting to tear up again!!!

Much love and kindness to all of you!! Thank you.

Whew! I know I was feeling pretty down and was sure concerned that I was being a bit too "stern" - not really the word I'm looking for, although mean isn't the right word either, so I guess just not as pleasant????

Anyway, thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers for me. Those are two things I don't believe anyone can have too much of!! Thank you!!

Thank you so much, Yogi!! (((((hugs)))))
And thank you for your ever so kind words.

She's not in pain (her hips were getting really bad and she did have a bad infection in her sinuses), so at least she doesn't hurt any more. She was a really good cat for me in so many ways (LOL! I'm crying again! Oh well!).

Unfortunately - and this is what makes me a 'not-so-good' farm girl! LOL!! Every animal born must also die in one way or another. She had a really, really good life. That's what matters now.

Thank you all once again for your support and well wishes. It really means a lot to me!

Thank you so much for your kind words, Asada.

;( Sorry Trav, sometimes I think of that movie where the humans souls are attached their pets. It would make sense because my pets just get me and I adore them. I'm happy that your cat was there when you needed her.

This is one of my favorite stories, you have probably read it before. Granted I'm a dog person but I think all animals have amazing senses.

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/09/loyal-dog-spends-six-years-at-masters-grave/