I think my sweet Harry is dying.

[Bertha Venation]

I just posted a couple of days ago, wondering if anyone else had had a cat of sixteen years, and got a lot of informative and even moving answers.

I can't tell you what's going on without blubbering, and I'm not ready for that.

I'm not ready to lose my Harry. I'll never be ready.

Perhaps more tomorrow.

[ScreamingMeemie]

1. ...I am so sorry. :(

One day, right after we moved, my 16 year old baby Merlin just walked away. Many told me that cats like to leave us to go away forever. my heart still breaks when I think of my big boy. I should never have moved him. it was losing another piece of my life with my husband. Merlin was our boy for so long.

[Bertha Venation]

12. "I should never have moved him" - no, don't second-guess yourself

I am sorry you lost your Merlin. :hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. My dear Bertha...

I'm really sorry to hear this...

And I know that late at night everything seems darker, more lonely and sad, esp. when you're facing something like this...

Remember that you're taking care of your sweet Harry, and this is a time when he cannot take care of himself...

I hope he's not in pain or feeling scared...

Hang in there, sweetie...

:hug:

[nolabear]

3. I'm sorry, Bertha. Of course you're not ready. But maybe he is.

Hospice workers would tell you that death, which, sadly, has to happen, is like a long process of forgetting. The body no longer wants nor needs the things that keep it alive and the consciousness relaxes its hold on the world. Our Purrl lived to be nineteen, and when her time came she found a spot that she wanted to lie and that we made comfy for her, and just slowly went. I loved her and love her still, but I am also proud we had all those years together and her passing wasn't terrible or violent. I hope your Harry's is the same. Peace to you all.

[madinmaryland]

4. I'm sorry to hear that. We lost our little "Prairie Dog" and "Hellaflump" within

six months back in 2004. It was really hard for us and them too. They loved each other and their little quirks made them even more a part of the family.

:hug:

[CrawlingChaos]

5. I am so sorry

I wish I could say something that would help. When I've been where you are, it has utterly devastated me. The bond we make with our animal companions is a profound one, to be sure.

I agree with others in that when they are ready, it is generally very peaceful. I think our animal friends, being far more in touch with the natural world than we are, have superior coping mechanisms when it comes to death and dying (that's my feeling anyway).

I hope whatever time your Harry has left will be comfortable, and that you will feel better soon. But truly, it does suck on an epic scale. All my best wishes to you and dear Harry.

[WillParkinson]

6. I'll hold both of you in my thoughts...

:hug: is the best I can offer.

[GoCubsGo]

7. I'm sorry.

My own sixteen year old is on his way out, too. It sucks.

[MrsMatt]

8. It's a very sad thing - I've been their with one very old girl Bettina

who still holds the number one kitty spot in my heart, even though she's been gone 7 years now.

My heart goes out to you. You will never be ready to lose such a special cat, and it will be devastating when it happens. The sense of loss will never completely leave you, but I promise the day will come when you think of him with smiles more than tears.

[hedgehog]

9. Take what comfort you can in during your best to keep him comfy

Cats and dogs come into our lives to let us know we have a heart by breaking it when they leave all too soon.

[caitxrawks]

10. i'm so sorry :(

:( I wish there was something I could say that would console you.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

11. oh Bertha, so sorry

:hug:

and a gentle scritch for your sweet Harry.