Pets aren't just like family, they are family.  I am so sorry to hear about you have gone through with Cliff, I know it must have been very difficult for you.  My heart goes out to you along with (((((hugs))))) for you and (((((Angel Hugs))))) for Cliff.

hadit

Sally, as lovers of animals, the greatest gift we can give them is to end their suffering. I know they are grateful to us for allowing them the dignity of a peaceful passing. I understand your pain in losing your friend Cliff. Diva


Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

sallyb,

Thanks for your share. How sad. I think that many of us have pets that share our lives and are there for us when the A's can't be.

My kitty, Birdseed, was 12 years old. I had to put her to sleep last spring. She was the best kitty ever. She was my touchstone. My recovering A said he wanted out of the relationship a year ago so going into spring was hard enough. I thought well just leave then because I will always have my cat for comfort. When she died I was devastated. I thought how will I ever get through my husband moving out, my last son graduating from high school leaving me with an empty nest, etc. without her there. I cried and cried. But I realized that as with people, my cat had her own path and couldn't do everything for me.

I didn't think that I could ever get another cat. It is just too hard. I have my 2 dogs that sleep by my bed when I am scared and lonely. They run with me too. But my HP brought my another kitty 3 weeks ago. She was scared and starving and I took her in. I told my A that I am not as lonely when I have a kitty cat.

In support,

Nancy

(((((((((((SallyB)))))))))),

I am sorry for your loss. I am an animal lover myself and when I had a dog I used to introduce her to my guest as my extremely hairy child. I got her right before my oldest daughter was born. When my "A" and I split up I had custody of both of our kids, then the car broke down (she used to love going for rides), then my second daughter was born. My poor little Wicket (she was a Lhaso Apso) started peeing on my baby daughter's clothes and blankets. She was jealous, I think because I took my baby with me when I left home, but not her. I couldn't I didn't have a car, and I was using the bus and I had no way of fixing my car. I took her for walks and took her for to friends house if they were okay with her coming when my friends picked me up. My "A" suggested that we find someone who could take her, where she could be the only child. That was the hardest decission I ever had to make. And then one day she pooped and peed on some baby clothes I had in the dirty clothes basket in front of the washer. I realized that keeping her was the wrong thing. She would always be in trouble, and what kind of a life is that? So I gave her to his sponsor's mother-in-law. She had another doggy friend to play with and they got along great and her new adopted mom loved her to death. Her last few months were great for her. I had no way of knowing, but the dog she was now living with had parvo, and my sweet sweet Wicket died shortly after I brought her there. I miss her still and this was 3 years ago.

I cannot have a pet now because of the apartment I have since moved into. But as soon as I can move out, I am getting a dog. No one can ever replace my Wicket, but I jsut don't feel whole without a dog.

I understand the pain.

Much Love,

Sorry to hear about ur cat. Last year my cat died. I was upset.