Discussion
I have owned these two cats from kittens. George and Brynn. They were born to a stray/wild cat mother who apparently abandoned them beneath a bin behind M&S in Norwich. When. I got them they were so tiny I could fit them both on one hand. I seemed to have to teach them everything by mimicking what the mother would do. Eat, clean themselves etc.
They have both had a charmed (cat) life ever since. Growing up in a farmhouse in north essex With acres of land as their own. Then moving to a place with even more land to explore. Ponds, forests, hedgerows etc.
This is George as a young un.
Here he is. Lording it up on his big rock!
We got pretty close, George and I. Hd used to go for walks with me around the local area. Always up for a rub. Pretty much followed me around the house when he was not sleeping. We would even eat together occasionally. His favourite was egg yolk!
Almost 18 years ago I held these two in my hand. Tiny things. Today, George died!
I have no idea why/how etc. Old age I guess. This morning he was trotting around the garden. Checking his perimeters as per. Then went for a nap on the sofa. And just died! Nothing suspect before you start. I seriously believe it was just his time.
The reason for this post? I have never had to do this before. Deal with the death of a beloved pet. I feel like a complete wuss, but I’m in bits! He was my boy, my compadre. I’ve had to dig a hole tonight and bury him under his favourite sunbathing spot. It’s the hardest thing I have ever had to do!
Reason for this post? Christ knows? R.I.P. George.
They have both had a charmed (cat) life ever since. Growing up in a farmhouse in north essex With acres of land as their own. Then moving to a place with even more land to explore. Ponds, forests, hedgerows etc.
This is George as a young un.
Here he is. Lording it up on his big rock!
We got pretty close, George and I. Hd used to go for walks with me around the local area. Always up for a rub. Pretty much followed me around the house when he was not sleeping. We would even eat together occasionally. His favourite was egg yolk!
Almost 18 years ago I held these two in my hand. Tiny things. Today, George died!
I have no idea why/how etc. Old age I guess. This morning he was trotting around the garden. Checking his perimeters as per. Then went for a nap on the sofa. And just died! Nothing suspect before you start. I seriously believe it was just his time.
The reason for this post? I have never had to do this before. Deal with the death of a beloved pet. I feel like a complete wuss, but I’m in bits! He was my boy, my compadre. I’ve had to dig a hole tonight and bury him under his favourite sunbathing spot. It’s the hardest thing I have ever had to do!
Reason for this post? Christ knows? R.I.P. George.
mini me said:
Cheers. Didn’t post that looking for sympathy by the way. Although appreciated. Just thought I should try and talk. Like I said. Being a bit of a wuss at moment.
Nothing wussy about it at all, and it wouldn't have mattered if you were looking for sympathy. Many of us here have been through it.
Cheers guys. I know you are right. He had a long and happy life and at least he didn’t spend a long time being poorly and deteriorating. We still have his sister Brynn so no new additions for a while I hope. Although she is obviously the same age so is a bit of a worry. We all managed to get through the day today mostly dry eyed.
Sorry to hear OP.
We rescued one of ours, called Tiny, for obvious reasons. She is a spitting image of George, and was left out on the street in winter without food by her "owner"
We got her via our DiL who took her in and passed her onto us, even though she knew who her "owner" was. We had to take her straight to the vets, she had a swollen tongue, couldn't eat and was completely listless.He told us she had a virus and would have been dead within 24 hours.
She had antibiotics and within 24 hours she was like a different cat and has been healthy now for 7 years or so.
She has given us so much pleasure over the last few years and hopefully she will live as long as George.
He clearly was loved and well looked after and happy and they can't ask for more than that, but it is the most awful thing when they go.
Console yourself with those thoughts, you made a little cat very happy and the fact he stayed with you for so long is proof of that
We rescued one of ours, called Tiny, for obvious reasons. She is a spitting image of George, and was left out on the street in winter without food by her "owner"
We got her via our DiL who took her in and passed her onto us, even though she knew who her "owner" was. We had to take her straight to the vets, she had a swollen tongue, couldn't eat and was completely listless.He told us she had a virus and would have been dead within 24 hours.
She had antibiotics and within 24 hours she was like a different cat and has been healthy now for 7 years or so.
She has given us so much pleasure over the last few years and hopefully she will live as long as George.
He clearly was loved and well looked after and happy and they can't ask for more than that, but it is the most awful thing when they go.
Console yourself with those thoughts, you made a little cat very happy and the fact he stayed with you for so long is proof of that
Sorry to read about this. We've been through this five times ourselves, all have which have been due to extended illness or, on one occasion, knocked over by a car which didn’t stop. As difficult as this must be for you it sounds like it was a peaceful way to go.
From experience I know that this will be very difficult for you, but it will get easier with time, and eventually all you'll have will be good memories.
My condolences.
From experience I know that this will be very difficult for you, but it will get easier with time, and eventually all you'll have will be good memories.
My condolences.
Well OP, you certainly have my condolences. He is a handsome chap indeed. Two years ago I was ambivalent to cats as they seemed solitary creatures and appeared to give little back (when compared to dogs). I eventually gave in to my wife's pleas to get a cat. She researched long and hard and found a brother and sister that seemed so comfortable together that she had to have both. I frowned! It took a very short time for me to be completely taken by them. They are now very much part of the family and I love having them around. A complete reversal for me. I am not looking forward to the experiences you are having. I think the suggestion of getting another cat is a good one. Be well fella. Happy memories eh?!
Once again all. Thank you for the lovely replies. Still a state of shock in the household. Feels to me right now as though things will never be “normal” again. I know though time is supposedly a great healer.
As I said. We still have George’s sister. She seems very healthy at the same age. Obviously a bit confused at present but coming round. Anyway. No new cats just yet. I couldn’t do it to her.
Received a condolence card from mother today. It has a picture of a snow scene with a tree in the foreground. Perched on a branch is a George like cat sat next to an angel watching the scene below. Sounds corny as hell but it’s a lovely watercolour type job. That’s it. I’m off again! He he. The card has been put out of sight for now.
Cherish the good times with your furry friends! As you have said. It’s only the memories that can cheer you up when they are gone. I am lucky, I know, to have many happy ones. That’s what I am concentrating on.
As I said. We still have George’s sister. She seems very healthy at the same age. Obviously a bit confused at present but coming round. Anyway. No new cats just yet. I couldn’t do it to her.
Received a condolence card from mother today. It has a picture of a snow scene with a tree in the foreground. Perched on a branch is a George like cat sat next to an angel watching the scene below. Sounds corny as hell but it’s a lovely watercolour type job. That’s it. I’m off again! He he. The card has been put out of sight for now.
Cherish the good times with your furry friends! As you have said. It’s only the memories that can cheer you up when they are gone. I am lucky, I know, to have many happy ones. That’s what I am concentrating on.
Not really had many pets, had a cat when very young, used to like him, but when I found him dead outside (old age too) I don't think I mourned too much, just buried him and got on with life.
In my mid 50's now, was finally persuaded by the wife a couple of years back to get a dog, this addition has changed my life, go out for hours walking with him, constantly with me, to the point I'm dreading him going at some point, he's only 3, should last to about 14 if everything OK.
I used to think pets were just animals, they're not as most owners know, I just found out later.
RIP George.
In my mid 50's now, was finally persuaded by the wife a couple of years back to get a dog, this addition has changed my life, go out for hours walking with him, constantly with me, to the point I'm dreading him going at some point, he's only 3, should last to about 14 if everything OK.
I used to think pets were just animals, they're not as most owners know, I just found out later.
RIP George.
Similar I guess for me. My family as a child, we always had cats. My mum is a cat person. We have had many over the years. Some, no one dare I say it, was even more of a companion than George. I was a lot younger then. And I guess luckily I was never around when chippy actually departed. I was at University 100s of miles away for that one. The others I was just too young to really get it I think.
This is the first I have ( as I feel) ever been solely responsible for. First time I have had to dig a hole. First time I have had to be the one to see almost from birth to death and although they are family cats, my family didn’t exist until they were around 5 so.... dunno. I’m waffling again aren’t I.
Think what I’m trying to say is the same as you. In my past, even if very close, pets were just that. This time it’s different. It’s horrid.
Enjoy your dog mate. Enjoy every moment and take lots of pictures and memories. It’s really hard when they aren’t there anymore 👍
This is the first I have ( as I feel) ever been solely responsible for. First time I have had to dig a hole. First time I have had to be the one to see almost from birth to death and although they are family cats, my family didn’t exist until they were around 5 so.... dunno. I’m waffling again aren’t I.
Think what I’m trying to say is the same as you. In my past, even if very close, pets were just that. This time it’s different. It’s horrid.
Enjoy your dog mate. Enjoy every moment and take lots of pictures and memories. It’s really hard when they aren’t there anymore 👍
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