Thursday, June 25, 2009

a day of goodbyes.


Today didn't go as planned. Our sweet kitty Dax (aka: Poopalicious) hasn't been eating for several days, and while she is 17 years old, we hoped there was something we could do. We found out that she had a whole set of big problems, including a large mass in her belly. She was having a hard time moving, couldn't eat, wouldn't drink, and her heart was racing.


We lost her today. We were all with her to the end, and said our goodbyes. It is so hard to go through these things with small kids (we went through this with Monkey almost exactly one year ago). I don't believe in lying, hiding it, making cute stories about kitty heaven, or going behind their backs and telling them later. We stick together as a family, and so while it was a rough day for all of us, we grieved together, supported each other, and are also relieved that she is no longer suffering. She was very loved.


We will miss her, our sweet kitty.

29 comments:

Sam said...

:( I'm so sad for you guys. Why does it hurt so much more when you see your little kids feeling the pain too? Thanks for sharing.

TCallihan said...

It is so hard to lose one you love! I am sorry for your loss. Light to you and your boys during this time.

Sara said...

So sorry for your loss. Pets are such dear members of the family. I hope you all find peace in the fond memories that Dax has given you. xx

Sarah said...

That's hard, but also so right (if that makes any sense).

Amy Dingmann said...

I'm sorry for your loss :( I'm sure Dax was thankful to have you all there until the end. Its hard not to cave to lying or hiding or making up stories about kitty heaven. You're an honest mama...and building a sweet strong family.

Anet said...

So sad... I remember Monkey last year. It's so hard to lose a pet. I love the way your family sticks together and lets it be what it is.
Poopalicious is a great name, she sure was a beatiful kitty.
((Big hugs)) to you and the boys.

Joy said...

Awww...I'm sorry you lost your sweet kitty. :(

Astrid in Bristling Acres said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. It's always sad to lose a pet. We lost a dog this past winter. It was very difficult explaining to my then two year old what happened to our dog.

Anonymous said...

i'm so sorry for your loss. sending lots of healing vibes your way.

Brittany said...

Our family has said goodbye to two sweet four legged companions over the past four years and trying to help very young children (all under four at the time) understand that their buddy was gone was so very difficult. My thoughts go out to you and your family as you grieve the passing of your furry loved one.

tiff said...

what a tough day...but it is so healthy to be honest. what a sweet cat and oh so lucky to be a part of your family!

Jenell said...

O, Denise. Big hugs to you. I am touched that your family is working through it together.

Michelle said...

Aw, so sad. I like how you deal with death though.No lies.

Julie said...

My heart goes out to you & your family. It's hard to lose a beloved a pet.

Sarah said...

Oh, I'm so, so sorry. Seventeen years is a long time for a cat to live - she must have had a wonderful life.

I like the way you handled it with your kids. Honesty about such things is a good way to handle them.

Lynch Family said...

So sorry to hear your news, thinking of you.

se7en said...

Oh I am so sorry for you guys. It is so hard to lose a friend like this. I hope you are all feeling better soon.

Annabella said...

Precious sweet kitty. I'm so sorry. I've been there way to many times. Never gets easy and it's just so sad.
Again so sorry for your loss. Dax was so pretty and I'm sure you have wonderful memories.

Tara said...

Dax looks like a well loved member of the family and I'm so sorry you are all missing him right now.

I'm a shoot from the hip kinda gal too with explaining these things....
kids respond to honesty.

Hugs to you all...

Helen said...

I am so sorry. She looks like such a sweetheart and very loved too. All the best to you and family during this difficult time.

Candace said...

Beautiful photos, you can tell she had a happy life.

Anonymous said...

Hi Denise,

I'm so sorry to hear about your kitty. I am sad to read this. Remember those 17 years and all the good memories.

Take care. Hugs.

TheOrganicSister said...

i'm so so sorry :( i hope the boys are handling it okay.

~tara

Yarrow said...

Oh I am so sorry to hear about your sweet kitty. I have been there, my Missy was 18 when she developed a growth on her neck. It is better being honest with your children, they are very lucky to have parents who can support them in their grief. One day, when they must deal with losing a person they love, they will have the tools to do so, and grow from the experience. I send emotional healing energy to you and your boys. Blessings.

dawn klinge said...

That's so hard. I'm very sorry for your loss. What a cute kitty.

animal lover, quilt lover said...

Everybody has said it. So sorry for your loss! In a few weeks or months, you as a family can go to the animal shelter and pick out a new kitten or 2.

Lisa said...

I'm so sorry. It is so heartbreaking to lose a well loved pet. The poor boys, such a hard lesson to learn and I agree with you that honesty is the best way to talk about it. I hope the family is healing ok.

lisa :)

Pussnae said...

I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your sweet kitty Dax.

Anonymous said...

(((((hugs))))