A sad day comes tomorrow.

[slotter]

I thought of Bilko and Ollie several times today. It's going to be a tough day over there.

[Fighter Pilot]

I have a lump in my throat after reading this. It's very sad when we have to face this situation, and it's not easy. My heart goes out to you and your family. I hope you will find comfort in knowing that Ollie is no longer in pain.

Take some time to grieve, and then, take time to reflect on all the happiness Ollie brought into your life.

[scooby_doo_m2002]

amen

[Lazarus]

Poem For Cats
And God asked the feline spirit
Are you ready to come home?
Oh, yes, quite so, replied the precious soul
And, as a cat, you know I am most able
To decide anything for myself.

Are you coming then? asked God.
Soon, replied the whiskered angel
But I must come slowly
For my human friends are troubled
For you see, they need me, quite certainly.

But don't they understand? asked God
That you'll never leave them?
That your souls are intertwined. For all eternity?
That nothing is created or destroyed?
It just is....forever and ever and ever.

Eventually they will understand,
Replied the glorious cat
For I will whisper into their hearts
That I am always with them
I just am....forever and ever and ever.
Author Unknown

From this site. http://www.petloss.com/poems/poems.htm

[Tony Junior]

Dang, Laz, that brought a tear to my eye!

[Fighter Pilot]

How beautiful!!!!

[Bilko44]

It has been a day we shall long remember. Ollie was brought in to the exam room and we were given a few minutes to be alone with Ollie. He was agitated and took awhile to settle down. His physical condition had not improved.

After a few minutes the vet came in and administered the shots. Our hearts broke as he began to fight the effects of the medications. He fought like a tiger, trying to combat the effects of the drug as it worked its way through his body.

As it was my decision to put him down, I moved over and took from the lab assistant the responsibility of restraining Ollie. My tears fell upon his fur as seconds seemed like hours. The vet continued to give Ollie injections as he slowly gave up the fight and he finally became relaxed in my grip and I felt his last breath.

Everyone was in tears and I placed him in a wooden hoop cheese container, wrapped him in a towel along with his favorite toy, a pink stuffed mouse that we had repaired many times as he had destroyed this unfortunate inanimate adversary many times in the past.

I gave the vet a hug and thanked her for doing what was against the very nature of any doctor whose primary mission is to heal and save a life. Yet, I know she will be called upon to perform such an unpleasant mission many more times in her career.

We headed home through tearful eyes unable to speak as we struggled to keep our emotions in check.

I had already prepared Ollie's spot the day before and we placed him in his grave.

Now the healing can begin.

I spoke to Carolyn about all the kind and sympathetic remarks the readers of this forum had left. We are both grateful you all and your words have given us strength.

Thank You

[clau]

God Bless you and your family on this most difficult day.
May you find peace in the knowledge that you have honored Ollie through this selfless act of love.

[Tony Junior]

God Bless you all, and especially your black and white furry child, Ollie!

I just can't read this thread without tearing up and sniffing!

[Lazarus]

I have looked around this day to find something special and meaningful for this trying time. I found the poems but after posting I thought it was not something from me even though they are nice. So I made up a poem of my own. It's not much and don't know if it is the right form but hopefully it is of worth.

http://frontpage.kmoraine.com/worksh...20for%20me.doc

[clau]

It is a beautiful poem Lazarus.

[greaser]

There is something special that sets apart "cat people" from other pet owners. From one "cat person" to another, my sincerest condolences Bilko. Its hard, but you did the humane, loving thing and Ollie appreciates it. He will always be with you. Peace.

[scooby_doo_m2002]

Very nice Laz....

[Fighter Pilot]

Laz,

That is a very nice poem. Thank you for writing/posting it. I'm sure Ollie thanks you for it too.

[Bilko44]

Thank you Laz for those special words of comfort. They are beautiful.

I have saved this thread so I can share it with friends and family.

Today we are returning to normal around the house and the pleasant thoughts of Ollie are now more prevalent.

Again, thanks to one and all who took those few moments to lend emotional support during a very trying time.

Thanks, again,
Carolyn & Dennis; and I'm certain Ollie sends his thanks, as well.

[metagirrl]

Here's a bit that a friend shared with me during a similar experience:

WHY DOGS DON'T LIVE LONGER THAN PEOPLE
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year- old Irish
Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their
little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping
for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family
there were no miracles left for Belker, and offered to perform the
euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements,
Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for the four-year-old
Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn
something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family
surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time,
that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes,
Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's
transition without any difficulty or confusion.
We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about
the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had
been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned
me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.
He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good
life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The
four-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they
don't have to stay as long."
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply, Speak kindly. Leave the rest
to God.

[johntofva]

That was a very nice story. Thank you for posting it metagirrl. And WELCOME to pachitalk.......

[DaStooge]

I'm sorry for your loss Bilko, I know what its like to lose a pet. Best wishes through your trying times.

[jwegger]

Dennis,
Sorry for your loss, we had to put down 2 of our three dogs. Everyday I remember the good times we had playing and watching TV together and the cold nose in the back when the oldest one would want the heater turned on. Sometimes I still hear them pacing the halls at night making sure everyone is safe asleep.

Rest in Peach Ollie

[Bilko44]

Slotter,
I inadvertantly deleted a post of yours praising the thoughful and tender post by Metagirrl. I apologize and invite you to post it again.

Metagirrl,
I agree with Slotter that your post is wonderful and it is indeed appreciated by Carolyn and me.