Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK
Cat General => General Cat Chat => Topic started by: Gillian Harvey on October 14, 2007, 14:00:04 PM
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Elsa recovered well from the respiratory infection and has been eating well for the past week. However, yesterday she didnt eat any breakfast and she seemed a bit 'spaced' out. She slept most of the day, and again in the evening, she didnt want to eat. During the evening she seemed unable to settle, she even wandered out of the patio doors and sat on the patio (most unusual, she normally likes to be indoors these days) She seemed to want to drink, but every time she went to the water bowl she just hung her head over it, but didnt drink - thats a very bad sign I think. She's not eaten this morning and I tried to give her some water by syringe, but she really didnt want it - I think she's telling me enough's enough. :( She doesnt seem in any distress as such, just very frail and tired.
She's 20 yrs old, and I've had her since she was 6 wks old, think she's made the decision for me.
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Gillian, I think you are right :hug: they know when it is time.
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Oh Gillian i am so sorry -
I sadly also agree that Elsa is telling you its time
Much love and hugs xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Oh Gillian, I'm So Sorry to read this :(
20 yrs is a VERY respectable age to reach, But as I found out, They DO seem to let you Know
and "you know Elsa Better than Anyone!!"
It's not easy but it has to be done :(
Will be thinking about you and were all here if you need us
:Luv: :hug: :hug: :hug: :Luv:
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Sorry to hear about Elsa Gillian :hug: :hug:
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Gillian, you most definately do know Elsa better than anyone. If she's letting you know, you'll do what's best for her....even if it hurts you. :hug:
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Sorry to hear this, but as you say you feel she is telling you. :hug: :hug:
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gillian ,.............. shes tird ...... :( xxxxx
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I know it's heartbreaking but, as others have said, both you and she know the time has come to let go.
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Sending :hug: to you Gillian and a gentle chin scratch to Elsa :(
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Very sad but you know Elsa best, give her a gentle stroke from me :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
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Ahh bless her give her lots of cuddles and love and let her know if she thinks it's her time to go then you understand and will be with her. I hope Elsa passes quietly in her sleep but if she is distressed in anyway I'm sure you will do the right thing for her.
:hug: Gillian and a big :hug: for Elsa.xxx
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I feel for you :hug: :hug: :hug:
Elsa's done very well to reach the grand old age of 20, and now it seems she is waiting for you to send her to the Bridge where she'll feel so much better. She must have had a wonderful life with you :) Hugs to you, and a gentle stroke for Elsa. :hug:
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Hi Gillian,
You know Elsa better than anyone and wouldn't want her to suffer. I'm sure whatever you do will be for the best. Its so sad - one of the hardest parts of loving a cat. Its also doubly sad being so soon afer Suzie :hug:
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so sorry to hear about elsa give her a :hug: i'm sure you know whats best for her i hope she goes peacefully
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I am so very sorry to hear this Gillian, I know you will do the right thing by her. Thinking of you.
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Gillian you know her best....my thoughts are now with Elsa and yourself :hug:
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I think Elsa is ready to go and after 20 years it is like loosing your best friend and you have to make that decision which will be so hard for you but relief for her
Thinking of you at this time and Elsa,
Hugs and Purrs the Clan cats and Parents
She's like my older ladies they have been my best friend through so many things and She will always be with you just not within touching distance but waiting at the bridge for you :hug:
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oh gee I am crying now and I am no help to you I know in saying that.
Elsa has had such a wonderful life with you,I mean 20 years is an awsome age and I know you will do whats right for her I have no doubt about that when/if the time comes.
We're all thinking of you and Elsa :hug:
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So sorry Gillian :hug: It really is such a heart breaking decision to have to make :hug:
The Greatest Gift
I always knew this time would come,
From the very instant our eyes first met.
How I loved you then! How I love you now!
I made a promise then, and I will keep that promise now...
You will not suffer from a pain that will not heal;
You will not know the loss of a life remembered, now gone.
It is for me alone to make this decision,
The price for the bright joy and pure laughter
You brought me during the time we shared.
I am the only one who can decide when it is time.
When my hope dies, and my fear rides high,
Just when I need you most, I must let you go.
It is for you alone to tell me when you are ready
For without your guidance, I will not know
When to lay my grief, my guilt, my anger
My sorrow and my selfish heart aside
And give you this last gift, this greatest gift.
Your eyes will speak to mine, and I will know.
The pain of this moment is excruciating.
Tears stream down my face in a river of sorrow.
And my heart drowns in a pool of grief.
For you have spoken and I have listened,
And unlike other decisions I have made
This one brings no relief...no comfort...no peace.
For if there´s one thing you´ve taught me,
If there´s only one thing I´ve learned...
Unconditional love has a condition after all,
I must be willing to let you go, when you speak to me
I must be willing to help you go, if you cannot go alone.
And I must accept my pain so you can be free of yours.
Go easily now, go quickly now,
Do not linger here, it is time for you to leave.
Go find your strength, go find your youth.
Go find the ones who've gone before you.
You are free to leave me now, free to let your spirit soar
Rest easy now, your pain will soon be gone.
I pray I will find comfort in my memories...
In the dark and lonely days ahead.
I cannot say I will not miss you, I cannot say I will not cry.
For only my tears can heal my broken heart.
But, I promise you this; as long as I live,
You will live, alive in my mind, forever in my heart.
So I give you this last gift, all I have left to give,
And this will be my greatest gift...sending you away.
It is the measure of my unconditional love...
For only the greatest love can say,
"Good-bye, go find the bridge, we'll meet again,
Loving you has been the greatest gift of all."
Forever and Always... Until Rainbow bridge....
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Sorry to hear this, Gillian :hug: It sounds like she's trying to tell you it's time. I know you'll put Elsa first whatever happens.
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:thanks: everyone. I was feeling very brave earlier, but now I don't feel at all brave. I've just had mum over - mum's always seen Elsa as her special favourite, and I wanted her to see her one more time. I tried to explain that she can't go on indefinitely not eating or drinking, but I don't think its sunk in. I was holding it all together while mum was here, but after a I took her home, that was it.
I wanted a last pic of her and, although she looks so frail and clearly to tired to get up and greet me, (she always had a funny reaction when I was taking photos, sort of like when they are chattering at the birds!), she still stretched out that paw and did that lovely scrunching up of the toes, you know - the way they do when they are sleepy and just want to let you know they are responding.
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb234/scruffyjoe/Cats/Elsa14thOct.jpg)
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Aww Gillian we're all thinking of you. :hug: :hug:
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What a lovely picture.
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Shes one brave little girl,so beautiful and she knows how lucky shes been having a meowmy like you :hug:
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Elsa is so lovely and this is such a hard time for you cos she is so special. Thinking of you both :hug: :hug:
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She looks a lovely cat, know exactly what your going through as this happened with Nigel. Its so heart breaking and not an easy decision to make.
Thinking of you both :hug:
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Gill you're in my thoughts through this hard time.
Elsa is gorgeous and what a wonderful life she's had with you. I know you'll make the right decision by her as you always have done :hug:
You know she'll always be watching over you and the other babes :hug:
xxxx
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I don't envy you this decision at all :( but I know you'll make the right one
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I am thinking of you both, Gillian. You know when you need to let her go, be brave honey for both of you. :hug:
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Elsa is a truly stunning cat. And when the time comes to make a decision it will be difficult - 20 years is a long time to have a friend as wonderful as her. She knows she's loved, Gillian and that really does matter. :hug:
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oh i'm so sorry, its so hard....
enjoy some special time together xx :hug:
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The day Hope left us she was so weak. Throughout her CRF ordeal she didn't respond to drugs or fight it. She wanted to be as happy as possible for her last few months. I always think that I didn't do enough for her. I didn't forcefeed her and gave her normal food even though I new it was bad. She wouldn't touch the vet food and I tried everything. She started to stagger in her last few weeks. I called the vets and took her in several times but they couldn't do any more than they had done. I cried almost every night.
That last day, I had "that" feeling so I came home from work early and just held her. We fell asleep together for and hour or so. During that time (sorry, I'm in floods as I type) I made my peace with her and said goodbye. I decided to to make her comfortable (she was happy but so very weak) and take her to the vet in the morning. The last thing I said to Ian that night when I finally got to bed was "why is it me who has to play God?" I knew it was right but I was so torn.
She didn't make it to the vet, she went to the Bridge in the night. I don't think you're ever convinced it's 100% right but I know Hope wanted to go and she's happier where she is now.
I hope my rambling gives you some comfort and Elsa is happy. Tell her to pass a headbutt to Hope for me :hug:
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She is such a beautiful girl :Luv:
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My heart is breaking for you Gillian & tears flowing. How very, very sad.
Special thoughts are with you & gorgeous Elsa.
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Elsa is beautiful - thinking of you both - it won't help much right now but please know that so many of us are here for you.
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Thinking of you Gillian and crying my eyes out because what you have said reminds me so much of when we had to let our little persian Bina go to the bridge, I knew it was time, I could see it in her eyes but it was so hard to say goodbye.
Hugs to you and a big cuddle for Elsa xxx
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Oh Gillian, I am so sorry for you. But you know what's best.
No matter how long we have our furry babies, it is never long enough. But at least Elsa had a long, happy life with you - and now she's letting you know that she's getting tired.
How wonderful to get such a special last photo of her. When it was time for my parents' dog to go last year, I flew home to Sweden to spend the last couple of days with her, and I got some amazing pictures and video clips that I will treasure forever.
Just know we're all thinking of you.
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Oh Gillian I am so sorry :hug: :hug:
Thank you for sharing Elsa's beautiful photo with us xx
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Elsa xx :hug: :hug:
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She is beautiful Gillian and Elsa is a lovely name. Am very sorry you are having to go through this. I went through something very similar 10 years ago with Dingle. She was same age. I remember very well how upsetting it was but I took great comfort later on in remembering what a good life she had. Thinking of you. :hug:
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Thinking of you Gillian. I dread ever having to make this decision for any of my three but hope I would do the kindest thing - and I'm sure you will too :hug: :hug:
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Oh Gillian I am so sorry, like others I am in tears now. Elsa is a beautiful girl and she has had a wonderful life with you, you know her best and will know if it is that time. I'm thinking of you and wishing you love and strength, she will always be with you and will be waiting for you at the Bridge :hug: :hug: Take care and gentle head rubs to darling Elsa
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It's a hard decision to make, Gillian. Am thinking of you and the beautiful Elsa. :hug:
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What a beautiful girl she is and what a lovely picture of her. Again..I'm so sorry Gillian :(
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Hi Gillian,
I am so very sorry to read this thread. Whilst I love all cats, she is absolutely gorgeous.
This painful decision brings back heartbreaking memories to me, as I'm sure it does for others.
The love and bond between you is obviously mutually there; I now wish you both strength and peace.
Corporal Smokey - that is a very moving piece. I have also looked hard at myself and wondered what I could have done differently when Chloe passed on. I may seem hard with some on here but I am much harder on myself. It still niggles me although deep down I know there is nothing more that I could have done. I found that I coped because it made me face myself and love of animals. Because of Chloe we now have 7 adorable rescue cats. She would definitely approve from her elevated position looking down from up high.
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Thinking of you Gillian.
Shes had a wonderful life with you and I'm sure she'll never forget you.
S xxx
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There's not much I can say that hasn't already been said but you will be in my thoughts today Gillian :hug:
Elsa is such a gorgeous lady, that is a beautiful photo - I am sure you have many lovely photos and memories of the last 20 years together.
A big :hug: to both of you
xxxxx
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you are in my thoughts Gillian, as everyone else has said you have given her a wonderful life you should congratulate yourself on that. Grief is the price we pay for love. Hugs Dx
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Thinking of you. What a stunning photo of Elsa. :hug:
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Such a beautiful girl and what a truly wonderful life you have given her.
:hug:
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I am so sorry for you Gillian, having to make this decision is always difficult.
When my Boxer dog was 13 1/2, I knew when it was his time. One day he just didn't want to get up, didn't want food and just had a look in his face that life was too much anymore.
It was a heartbreaking decision to make, but I have always known it was the right one. He had a wonderful life, lived to a ripe old age and left for the Bridge with dignity and peace. When the Vet came, he did not even get up then and though I lost the best friend I had ever had, who had been through divorce and homelessness with me, I knew I had done right by him.
Elsa too has had a wonderful life and lived to a glorious age and I know you will let her go to the Bridge with the dignity that she deserves. :hug: to you both.
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My thoughts are with you, I had to make the same heartbreaking decision last year with my beloved Ollie. When I look back I know that I did the best thing for him and I take comfort in all the lovely memories of his many years with me, something that remains with one for all of one's life.
I'm sorry for not posting sooner but I always find it very difficult to post on such things as it makes me feel very emotional.
:Luv:
Leigh
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I'll be thinking of you today, Gillian :hug:
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I haven't really had a chance to get to know you yet but I read this thread and like everyone else has said my heart is breaking for you. A difficult time for you and Elsa. There are obviously a lot of people on here who care for you and Elsa and plenty of shoulders ready for when you need them. I am so very sorry. xxxx
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Oh Gillian I'm so sorry :hug:
Thinking of you today
ems
xxxxxxxxx
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Gillian
I am so so sorry. It will be VERY difficult, but you know it''s the right thing. She wants to run pain free and be that 6 week old kitten again.
My thoughts are with you and that darling pretty girl of yours.
:hug:
Gail xxx
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:hug: Gillian, nobody has a stronger bond with Elsa than you hun, if she's telling you she's tired now, than I'm so proud of you that you're strong and brave enough to listen :hug:
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The sun wasnt meant to come out today here but it has just popped out for a brief minute, does this mean that Elsa has arrived :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
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Here too Gill, Its been really glum today but I walked out for lunch and the sun came out blazing :hug:
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Maybe the Bridge is opening its doors for a new arrival :hug: :hug:
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I'm iin floods here thinking about what they are going through :'(
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Gillian,
I can only echo what has already been said by everybody.
Thinking of you and Elsa. :hug:
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Just seen the change of title Gillian - I am so sorry and I am thinking of you. :hug:
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God bless you sweet little Elsa, have a safe journey :hug:
Gillian, hope you're bearing up as best as you can. No one understands your bond other than you and little Elsa.
Tears again now...at work too
Take care xxx
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So Sorry Gillian :'( :hug:
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So sorry Gillian.
Remember we are all here for you anytime :hug:
RIP babygirl :(
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So very sorry, In know how devasting this is :hug: :hug: :hug:
RIP Elsa, play hard on the Bridge beautiful one.
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Maybe the Bridge is opening its doors for a new arrival :hug: :hug:
Gill you've started me off with that comment :'( :'( :'( :'(
(a Beautiful but sad comment)
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I just noticed the change to the title as well. So so sorry. xx
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so sorry Gillian xxx
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My thoughts are with you, Gillian.
xChristine
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Maybe the Bridge is opening its doors for a new arrival :hug: :hug:
Yes Gill I think you were right. She's gone, about half and hour ago.
:thanks: thank you everyone for your good wishes and lovely messages, it really helps to know you are all out there in cyberspace.
I honestly thought I would lose her through the night, but no, I came down to check on her in the early hours, and she managed to lift her head and give me a little meow. It was all very calm when my vet came, he was able to find a vein and she slipped away in seconds very peacefully.
I won't have to save the little drop of milk from my cereal bowl now, nor the teeny drop I always left in my glass of milk. I won't have to protect the plates when I'm dishing up their food, or when I'm dishing up mine. I won't have to guard a packet of crisps with my life and I won't have to shut the fridge door really quickly before a rapier fast paw tries to snatch....well, anything within reach! And I won't see that eager little face peeping round the fridge to greet me every time I walk into the kitchen.
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good night God Bless you Elsa.
:hug: :hug:Gillian xxxx
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My heart is breaking for you :hug: :hug:
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But she'll always be in your heart Gillian and thats the closest place she could ever be :hug:
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So sorry Gillian, my heart goes out to you :hug:
Night night Elsa, play hard on the Bridge sweetheart xxx
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:hug: :Luv:
Leigh
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My Thought's are with You Gillian, and I'm SO Sorry about Elsa, She was Beautiful :Luv:
I'm :'( for Her just now
:Luv: :hug:
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So sorry Gillian but Elsa is still there waiting for you at the Bridge. :hug: :hug: :hug: We're all thinking of you.xxx
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RIP Little one :(
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So sorry :hug:
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I won't have to save the little drop of milk from my cereal bowl now, nor the teeny drop I always left in my glass of milk. I won't have to protect the plates when I'm dishing up their food, or when I'm dishing up mine. I won't have to guard a packet of crisps with my life and I won't have to shut the fridge door really quickly before a rapier fast paw tries to snatch....well, anything within reach! And I won't see that eager little face peeping round the fridge to greet me every time I walk into the kitchen.
But you would do anything to do it all again :'(
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Thinking of you Gill, RIP Elsa xxxxxxxxxx
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RIP Elsa :( Have fun at the bridge little one.
Thinking of you, Gillian :hug: It's never easy losing a furbabe, even when they've had a good innings so to speak and you know it's the right thing to do. And coming so soon after losing Suzie too.
THE VISITOR
In the silent, secret hours
Of a frozen, moonlit night,
Whilst you slumber fitfully, tearfully,
Broken by grief -
The soft, unseen footsteps of a phantom feline
Will tiptoe through your dreams.
When all the world is sleeping
I shall fill your empty heart with gentle memories,
And rest again, warm in the safety of your arms.
And when you awake,
Confused by sleep, half-remembering,
You will feel the parting, velvet imprint
Of my muzzle against your cheek,
And you will know
I am at peace.
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RIP Elsa :hug:
Thinking of you Gillian. x
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So sorry Gillian, its the hardest thing we have to do for the furbabies that we love
Sleep well Elsa, have fun at the bridge sweetheart and send your Mummy a rainbow. xxx
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I'm so very sorry Gillian.
:hug:
play hard at the bridge Elsa, and raid the fridge to your hearts content.
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((((Gillian)))) Elsa is now in very good company in a better place over the bridge. But her spirit will never leave you, and all the things so special that you shared with her. They will be with you in your heart forever. Smile when you think of her... that will make Elsa happy too watching you from up there.
RIP Elsa. Play hard over the bridge.
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So sorry to hear this sad news.
Sleep well little one till you meet again.
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:hug:
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So sorry to hear your news. Sending you a big hug :hug:
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So sorry Gillian, thinking of you x
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The bridge babes looked around their garden and found an empty place,
Then they looked down upon this earth and saw your loving face,
they put their paws around you and lifted you to rest,
their garden must be beautiful; because they always takes the best.
They knew that you were suffering;
they knew you were in pain,
And knew that you would never get well on earth again,
they saw your path was difficult; and closed your tired eyes.
Then whispered to you "Peace be Thine" and gave you wings to fly.
When we saw you sleeping so calm and free of pain,
we would not wish you back to earth to suffer once again.
You've left us precious memories; your love will be our guide.
You live on through your family, you're always by our side.
It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone.
For part of us went with you the day the Bridge called you home.
:RIP: :candle: :RIP: :candle:
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So sorry Gillian :hug: :hug:
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Just seen the change of title :(
Gillian so sorry to hear your sad news. We are all here for you hun.
RIP Elsa play hard at the bridge baby xxxx
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I noticed the change in title straight away. Elsa was lucky to have had you in her life, just as you were to have had her in yours. She knew she was loved right up until the moment she left (and after!) and that's such a wonderful gift to give any living thing.
Hope you're OK. Gillian. :hug:
:RIP: Elsa.
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So so sorry Gillian. It sounds like Elsa had such a fantastic life with you and I'm sure you've got so many memories.
Night night little one xxx
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Gillian - you have such strength, and love for Elsa, that you were brave enough to help her to the Bridge. She will always thank you, and peek from behind her fridge there, just to see if you're ok :) :hug:
Play hard, beautiful Elsa, until you're reunited with your meowmy.
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oh gillian, well done for being so brave and strong when elsa needed you so much. :hug:
sleep sweet elsa x
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Oh Gillian just noticed the title change :'( :hug:
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time xx :hug:
RIP Elsa play hard at the Bridge sweetheart xx you have left a very special pawprint on your Mummy's heart xxx
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If only all the cats in the world had the love and wonderful life that Elsa did.
Sending you big :hug:
Tx
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good night sweet Elsa. So sorry Gillian, you did a good thing, but it is always hard. :hug:
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RIP Elsa :(
>Gillian :hug: :hug: :hug:
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I'm so, so sorry Gillian. Sleep tight Elsa :hug: :hug:
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I'm so sorry Gillian :hug:
RIP Elsa :(
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So Sorry Gillian. WEll done to you for being brave and kind enough to make the right decsion for her. Thinking of you
xxx
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:RIP: Little Elsa. :'( xx
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Thinking of you Gillian. Glad you were brave enough to let her go. Can I just thank you for reminding us all of the possibility of pts at home. It never occurred to me in the past but seems so right. No words really. My heart goes out to you.
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God bless Elsa sweetheart have fun at the bridge with all our babes, thinking of you Gillian at such a sad time :hug:
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I am so sorry Gillian - My heart goes out to you.
Remember that line from the Rainbow Bridge poem
"All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor"
RIP ^Elsa^, forever young again at the Bridge xxxx
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RIP Elsa, safe and sound at the Bridge by now xx
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Having a little cry for you and for Elsa, Gillian.
I suppose it's some kind of eternal equilibrium... the grief of losing them balanced by the joy that they have given us through their lives.
I hope you're OK tonight - I know some people can really struggle the first night. Remember that there is help out here if you want it.
Godspeed, Elsa.
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:hug: gillian
I know exactly how you feel as i lost my precious little kitty today at 4:30pm and she was only 1 years old.
My thoughts are with you
RIP littlle one
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Sorry tez - it was the first I heard. Poor baby :'(
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Gillian, I am so very sorry for your loss, but she was such a lucky girl to have had you, and to have someone strong enough to do the best by her all the time. She was such a pretty girl, and will always be in your heart. Take care, and we are all here for you if you need us, sadly most of us know what you are going through. RIP little one.
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So sorry Gillian my thoughts are with you.
RIP Elsa :'(
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play hard at the bridge Elsa, and raid the fridge to your hearts content.
That made me smile Sabrina :)
Thank you again to everyone, your lovely messages and poems, they mean such a lot to me.
This is really hard, harder than I thought it would be - don't know why I thought it would be any easier just because she'd had a good, long life etc etc and its not like she was taken too soon, like Suzie, - but anyway, its not easier, I can't believe how I see her everywhere, I mean, see her where she SHOULD be. Mostly the kitchen of course, walking in there now is heartbreaking, I can hardly bear it. I look around and she would have been on the worktop beside the fridge, layed out on the window ledge or curled up on the carpeted tub (put there specially to help her get onto the worktop!) Then, in the lounge, on my chair (anytime I vacated it!), on the floor next to the radiator, or underneath the cat scratcher next to the other radiator.
My house is full of cats, yet it feels empty. :'(
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Gillian, I know what you mean. Parsley slept on our bed a lot (despite their being NINE cat beds in our house of varying size and style!) and after she'd gone I'd go into the bedroom and expect to see her there. I sometimes still do. And each cat has such a unique personality that no matter how many cats are still in the house with you, you'll notice the absence of that particular personality.
You know you did what you had to - but that doesn't make the loss any easier to bear. :hug: Hope you're holding up.
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Dear Gillian,
Will be thinking of you today because I know how painful it is to lose a little loved one.
Alison