Today is the day before my 36th birthday. It’s also the day that I sent my beloved Scooter to join my precious Harley at Rainbow Bridge.
In January, Scooter was diagnosed with Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) and Feline Hyperthyroidism. Both CRF and Hyperthyroidism are terminal (normally) age-related illnesses. Scooter would have been 15 years old this coming August.
Caring for Scooter during this stage of his life was probably one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do. Unlike Mouse, Scooter did not respond well to the hyperthyroid medication and we had a very difficult time stabilizing his CRF.
CRF is a horrible, wasting disease. When he wouldn’t eat even the most delectable things I offered, I watched my once 15 pound cat wither away to 5.3 pounds and I knew that I could not let him suffer any longer.
As I drove him to his final veterinary appointment this morning, I repeated these things to him:
You will not be sick anymore.
Soon you will see Harley again.
And I repeated these things to myself:
He won’t be sick anymore.
It’s right and it’s the humane thing to do.
And it was.
Rest in Peace My Love.
Scooter
August 1995-May 21, 2010
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food and water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they miss someone very special to them; who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. The bright eyes are intent; the eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to break away from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. YOU have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Author Unknown
susie says:
Oh, Renee. I am so sorry. Scooter was such a beautiful cat and I’m so glad you had each other.
21 May 2010 at 20:23
Anna says:
I’m so sorry to hear this. Be well.
21 May 2010 at 21:42
Julie says:
Renee,
I am so sorry for your loss. When I sent my Emerald to her final rest in 2008, she was 17 and had kidney failure. I took comfort in knowing she had a very full life and more love than any one cat could ever want/need. (((hugs)))
Julie
21 May 2010 at 22:17
Outi says:
I am so sorry Renee.
21 May 2010 at 22:26
Dawn says:
Scooter was a beatiful cat! I can’t believe he is gone. I wish I could give you a huge hug but that will have to wait till I see you in July. Until then ((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))
21 May 2010 at 22:37
brooke says:
Ah honey. I am soo sorry. Losing a family member is never easy. I will miss the guy! {{{HUGS}}}
21 May 2010 at 22:54
Valerie says:
I’m so sorry to hear about Scooter…he was a beautiful cat and companion. Think of all the happy memories and that he is free of pain. *hugs*
21 May 2010 at 22:57
Miriam Pauline says:
I started lurking here back when I did the Stitchers QOW, and this post touched me. It was the day before my 30th birthday when I sent my beloved Blackie (who looks so much like Scooter) to Rainbow Bridge for similar issues. Twelve years later, I still feel that hurt. ((hugs)) as you have done what is best for him. My sympathies (and my best wishes on your birthday too).
22 May 2010 at 03:59
Hev says:
Renee, I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I could take the pain you are feeling away. All I can do is offer you support & lots of hugs. I will keep you in my thoughts.
Lots & lots of support & hugs,
Hev
22 May 2010 at 14:27
Vash says:
I am so sorry for your loss Renee.
23 May 2010 at 02:39
Nic says:
I’m so sorry to hear this, it’s never easy to lose a companion, even when you know you are doing the right thing.
24 May 2010 at 03:21
Anne R says:
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Pets dying always remind me of our Cat when he got so old everything hurt and we had to put him down. It’s been 18 years, and he’s still in my thoughts – as your cats will be in yours. At least they can play with eachother while they’re waiting.
<3
25 May 2010 at 04:12
Christine S says:
I’m so very sorry to hear about Scooter, Renee. Losing a furbaby is so difficult, even if you know that you are helping to end their pain. (((hugs)))
25 May 2010 at 17:26