Thank you & Goodbye

Thank you all, members and founders of this forum, for the advice,
support and peace of mind knowing that help was just few typed words away
Our sweet Rusty was euthanized today during what I thought was to be a quick visit to treat a skin irritation, and sore, with a dose of antibiotics.
His condition was much worse.
The wound was much more serious (don't really want to get detailed) and infection had spread inside.
I was thrown off guard but we knew in our hearts that he was living on borrowed time.
I hadn't ever really been able to regulate Rusty's BG since his diabetes diagnosis in March and, the effects of a non specific nuerological incident/ episode last July.He left him slow, a bit confused and not able to groom himself very well, if at all.
I had to bring him home from the Vets before they even begin his anesthetized grooming last month because his BG was sky high.
He was beginning to loose his ability to walk & overnight took a turn for the worst.
Rusty was truly a cat with 10 lives!
He was outdoor neighborhood stray rescue with more than a few injuries and close calls.
One summer, My husband was secretly leaving food closer & closer to the back deck in the early mornings until I saw a scroungy skinny orange cat hanging out in front if my sliding glass door.
Only then, did my husband "fess up!"
He attached himself to my elderly Dad during his morning visits and actually knew the sound of my dad's car and would be waiting at the door for him!
Just last night my now 98 year old Dad called to ask how his "buddy" Rusty was doing.
This cat was so sweet natured and affectionate to everyone.
He would follows us around and sit with us on the deck or near our "Pride" rock in the yard. (See collage) He was so patient and affectionate to other cats and when we fostered kittens he took it upon himself to "corral" them if they strayed to far from us while sunning in the yard. He loved to greet each guest with a leg rub during our summer cook outs.
My hear hurts so. I miss him very much.
I cannot look or walk by one of his favorite napping spots without a lump in my throat.
We have devoted countless hours to his care these last few months hoping to extend a good quality of life for as long as we could.
But I know, beyond a doubt, that to euthanize him was the most compassionate kind & loving last thing we could have done for him.
He deserved to leave this world peacefully & pain free feeling safe & loved with me petting him and him hearing mine and my husband's voices.He gave us so much joy.
I also believe from the depths of my soul, that God entrusted Rusty (and all our rescues) to us. We were meant to be his caregivers. We are all chosen to care for and love our pets until it is time for us to say goodbye.
It is said that to "love one another" is a part of God's greatest commandment .
I know His creatures are included.
The love we have for our animal companions, and them for us, is, I believe, an example of true unconditional love.
I wanted to share my grief with you today for perhaps a selfish reason, to help me begin to process my grief response.
But, also, hopefully , to help others find comfort in their grief.
I will of course, always miss Rusty. But, I know my feelings will subside in intensity as I work though the loss of my beloved pet.
Just one of many types of loss we humans are destined to experience before we leave this earth.
ANY creature worthy of our love,
is worthy of the gift our grief.
I will pray for you all, for the graces
needed to help one other and to help your beloved felines.

 

I am sorry you had to let him go, but it sounds like it was the loving decision.

 

Marie, my heart goes out to you. You loved Rusty enough to allow a peaceful, painless passing. Bless you for that. You took the very best care of him. Now take care of you, DH and your Dad. We grieve with you. You don't have to be a stranger, if you feel like you can, stop in and say "hello", let us know how you are. It wasn't only Rusty that was important here. Peace and comfort to you.

 

I am so sorry to read this. It is so hard to see our beloved furbabies leave us.
But you gave him the kindest gift of all...even though it is so hard for you.
Land softly Rusty

 

(((((((((( Marie and DH ))))))))))

Fly free, Rusty... land softly.

 

Marie, I’m so very sorry for your loss. You gave Rusty a wonderful life and loved him enough to allow him a peaceful crossing. Fly Free Sweet Rusty

 

Marie, I am so sorry. I am already feeling sad remembering how hard it is to say goodbye to sweet kitties that have gone on ahead. You can be proud of loving that dear little soul so fiercely. And thank you for the photos, he was such a handsome boy.

 

So very sorry for your loss. He was so blessed to have you for a mommy!

 

I am so sorry for your loss. Rusty was a very special little guy. I hope all your wonderful memories of him will help your heart to heal. ❤️

Fly free, sweet Rusty, and land softly at the Bridge, where there are many other beloved GA kitties waiting to meet you.

Marie, please don't be a stranger. You will always be welcomed by your "family" here.

 

I’m sorry you had to let your kitty go.

 

I'm reading this with tears in my eyes for your pain and gratitude in my heart that there are people in this world who care enough to welcome those who need it most and show them compassion and love. Rusty was very lucky to have you.

 

So sorry for the loss of your sweet Rusty. What a beautiful boy he was!

 

I am so so sorry for your loss! What a special boy he was! RIP sweet Rusty!

 

I'm sad to read this this morning. He sounded like such a sweet kitty who was very much loved and who loved everyone

 

I'm so sorry to hear about Rusty, but it sounds like he had a wonderful life with you!

 

I don't have the words.

 

Your humor and compassion often put a smile on my face and eased my anxiety! God bless and continue to be the person your cat KNOWS you to be!

 

It seems like you both just got here Marie. Your husband is a big softy and your dad...I should be so lucky to be 98 and have a cat on my lap.
I will miss you my friend. Maybe one day another little paw will reach out to you and you'll wonder why this cat is drinking so much water. We will all still be here.

 

I'm sorry for your loss.