A sad day...

[bobfowler]

I kinda held off posting this, but here goes...

We lost one of our cats this past Thursday. Hershey, a 9 year old chocolate Persian that we rescued the Saturday after 9/11/01, had a massive stroke a little after 8 in the evening. She had collapsed in the hallway outside my home office and gave out a most horrifying scream. We rushed her to Red Bank Vet Hospital, but there wasn't anything they could do for her, so we made that tough decision to have her put down. She lost all motor skills and could move only her head (barely).

She was a great cat, very loving, and one of the most gentle creatures you'd ever want to meet. Before we rescued her, she spent 2 years in various foster homes - no one wanted her because her right eye had a lid problem that required surgery, and the resulting treatment made her look "less than perfect." Well, I'll testify that those that refused her did themselves a great disservice. Hershey wanted nothing more than a warm lap and someone to rub her belly. Give her that and she purred like a truck...

See ya on the other side girl.

[richinny]

i miss my cats. they'll enjoy her company.

[gaylejoe]

We know that someday we will face the time when we will have to make the same decission. Our 2 cats just finished a 12,000 mile trip with us in our AS. The older one was with us last year when we traveled 13 States. Both of them are great travelers and have never caused a problem for us.

[overlander63]

Bob, I'm sorry for your loss. They say the price of a good pet is one broken heart in the end. At least you had nearly 7 years with her.

[Journalist]

I'm truly sorry for your loss. I lost my 12-year-old cat, Harry, to kidney failure some months back. We had to make that same decision. I still get choked up a bit when I think of him. It's amazing what a big part of your life a beloved pet can become.

[TBRich]

We're sorry for your loss....Hershey was a beauty and she no doubt had a happy life with you. She went quickly, which is good, and she'll be waiting for you to rub her belly again...and will pur like a truck once more.

[juel]

Being owned (for various reasons) by 7 cats (yes I said 7) I know your pain and I also know you are a wonderful person for taking Hershey into your home. Our last (I hope) rescue is a very small gray kitten found alone outside at midnight with dogs trying to get to her. Having lost all imagination by this time, we call her Seven. Be strong and believe me, there is another wee beastie out there who desparately needs your love. Hershey will send them your way.

[Roamin Cat]

Oh, Bob, I am so sorry your family had to make this tough decision and my heart aches for you all. Hershey was obviously loved by you and loved you back, what a beautiful gift! I am glad you all had each other.

At present we have four cats, our latest rescue having found us the day we left for the Jam - so we took the little 7 week old bundle of fluffy grey fur with us! She is settling in nicely and we love her. Like you, we have experienced the pain at the end more than once, so hard. But like you, we know Love is worth it.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you

[davidz71]

Originally Posted by overlander63

...They say the price of a good pet is one broken heart in the end...

Terry, I've never heard it put this way but you are so right.

Bob, I've been there and it is so sad. You'll always remember her.

[mandolindave]

It sounds like you gave Hershey a good life and that she loved you bunches. I trust that you spoiled her a little bit.

[cameront120]

So sorry for your loss. It sounds like you gave her a wonderful life.

[Mel]

Bob, I'm so sorry. Hershey was a beautiful girl and I know it's hard to not have her around anymore. You were blessed to have her for the time you did, though.

[eubank]

Oh, I so feel for you. Please accept my condolences.
Lynn

[thecatsandi]

Bob,
A loss of a dear pet is always hard. I lost one to cancer 5 years ago and two to a vehicle. a year or two prior to that. My condolences. I know how you feel.

[Sugarfoot]

Bob, I'm so sorry for you and your family. She had good years in your loving home and it sounds like she repayed with her love 10 fold.

It hurts so when they leave us.

[Mackhopp]

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Everyone here who's got a pet knows how hard it is. I had my Sammy (cat) for 17 years - got him as a kitten when he fell off a 12th story balcony (and nobody claimed ownership of course). I had Clyde (Sammy's buddy) for 19 years. It's very tough. But I personally take solace in the fact that they had terrific lives with us, and that they don't understand what death is.

Sammy and Clyde will take care of Hershey, I'm sure of it.

Take care.

[Stefrobrts]

So sorry to hear about Hershey, she sounds like she was a wonderful friend.

[jnerges]

Hershey was a beautiful cat. Looks like a great personality. We are so sorry you lost her. This is a tough time but hopefully made easier by the thought that you are not alone.

John

[bobfowler]

Thanks everyone for the warm thoughts. We have a large cat family here (10 at the moment). It's been hardest on our most senior cat, Guinevere (a 12 year old shaded silver persian). She and Hershey were very, very close. With any luck, she'll snap back to her old self soon enough.

[BDandTTs]

We send condolences and a few tears to mix with yours. I know that yowl. You'll hear it occasionally in your imagination, but then you will remember the pur.r.r.r.r.r.r.ing.

When Hershey runs into Cooper, I'm sure they will become fast friends.