Feeling sad...

[KatieBDR]

Hi Everyone, I dont usually post in here but I'm glad there is a pet section. I am feeling pretty sad at the moment and would love to connect with other pet lovers.

Long story short, I moved to Italy after college and met my (now) husband. If any of you have ever been to Rome, you know it's the city of cats. I'm allergic to cats but a HUGE animal lover and we couldn't get a dog there because I was out all the time while working and doing my Master's Degree so we decided on a cat. We ended up with two since two brother kitties were abandoned. Then it became three because the vet over there knew I wouldn't be able to say no to another abandoned kitty!

Anyway, we moved back to the US three years ago and of course brought them with us (not a fun journey). Just yesterday, our cat Giaccolo' ran upstairs and let out this horrible cry. I told my husband to rush home and he took him to the vet (we have a 9 month old and almost 3 year old so I didn't want to take them if it wasn't necessary). I just thought he strained his hind leg.

Turns out he had a tumor and he was bleeding into his abdomen and dying. He was only nine and such a social and sweet cat, inseparable with my daughter. He would lie on his back all day just wanting to be pet. We had to go so she could say goodbye while he "went to visit some other kitty friends" and I held him on my lap while they eased his pain and he went, of course hysterically crying the whole time. We are just devastated, including the other cats who can't find him and my daughter that keeps asking where her cat went and can I find him for her, please

Thanks so much for listening-it helps writing. I know time will help but I'm going through the denial, shock and disbelief phases right now...

[rojosells]

Sorry for your loss. I lost a cat to cancer a few years ago. It was heartbreaking to see her go. Our pets are like our children. You will need time to grieve. Take care of yourself.

[Amy Jacobs]

Loosing a pet is like loosing a family member. I know it hurts.

[KatieBDR]

Thank you--it is such a shock to wake up and not have him here with our other two! It really did help to write that, even to people I don't know, so thanks for letting me share.

[BarbB]

I am so very sorry for your loss. I know from experience how devastating it can be. Animals are my passion and I do think of them as my family. As you saw, it is so humane and peaceful how they are put down and he is now pain-free. It does get easier with time but you feel that time will never come - it will.

Wishing you and your daughter all the best.

[KatieBDR]

Thanks so much for your kind words. I think I feel it even more prominently than my husband who was so close to him too because I stay home with the kids and it's just so hard coming home from an activity and not having him waiting here. Ahh, just a waiting game to feel better!

[Pooperoni]

So sorry to hear about your beloved gatto. My sincere wishes for your family's pain to ease quickly.

[Lumara]

I was so sorry to hear about your precious Giaccolo. I've been through it and know how much it hurts. He was lucky to have a home where he was so obviously loved, and hopefully you'll be able to remember the good times with him when your initial shock and grief have lessened.

[KatieBDR]

Thank you all so much. Your supportive messages are really touching!

[Carouselcorn]

I have lost a few pets in my life and they each hold special places in my heart even after all these years. They are family.