About to lose a loved one...

I don't know where to begin as this is really painful to write. My furry best friend, my cat - Klaus -, will be crossing the rainbow bridge soon due to an incurable illness.

The whole illness/process has lasted for over a year and my mom and I have done everything to try to improve his health and provide him with the opportunity to live a dignified life. However, there is nothing else for us to do.

It is painful for me to think about the future without him because he is my little companion and we've been through a lot together with the passing of the years. So, that is why I am writing this. I am hurting and I am trying to find a healthy way to deal with all this pain that I am feeling and that I am sure I will continue to feel as time passes by.

I am currently attending therapy to deal with all these emotions, but I really would like to hear your some kind words, prayers or messages from some of you who have experienced the same emotions that I am feeling.

Thank you for reading.

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Pretzel · 70-79, M

First of all - I totally understand your pain.

The next thing is to gird your loins and realize that your next step will be the most unselfish thing you can ever do for a pet. And that is to let it go when there is little or no quality of life. This is the TRUE cost of owning a pet.

I've cried when two of my pets died. One died unexpectedly and the other one had to be put down.

Allow yourself time to grieve before you get another pet - and don't think of it as replacing your cat - go to the pound or shelter and rescue one - and provide them a good home.

Time will help. I have another one that will be headed over the bridge to meet my other pets - I'll enjoy as much good time as she has left and then I'll do what's best for her - even though I'll probably cry again.

You're not alone - a lot of us have lost pets.

American21 · 31-35

@Pretzel Thank you for sharing. Honestly,it makes it a bit better to know that others have gone through the same and that I am not alone in my pain. It's my first time losing someone so I am really scared.

dancingtongue · 80-89, M

@American21 @Pretzel I was going to say essentially the same. If the cat is suffering, in pain, has no quality of life, the greatest gift you can give them is euthanasia. And the couple of times I have had to do it, the Vet lets you stay in the room as they sedate the animal and prepare the injection and every time the animal has looked at me with this expression of gratitude. I know part of that is the sedation taking hold, and a lot of it is my projecting what I hope to see. But it helps to be there for the final parting. And rescuing a replacement from a shelter helps as well, but I echo the advice to let some time pass and don't think of it as finding a replacement but a successor with their own personality, their own contribution to make to your lives together.