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Hi everybody,
I'm on family vacation in florida....Samantha has been sick for three days with stomach bug at disney, had to go to hospital...now my pet sitter calls and says my 19 year old cat Murphy is dying. The cat who never let her pat her...has been crying for her when she comes in twice a day. She said it appears she's been looking all over for us...but we can't get home until tomorrow night. Everything is booked because of school vacation. I know her passing is imminent, but PLEASE join in our prayers that she can hang on until we get home.
I am on my father in laws computer, I didn't even want to come on this trip, and if she dies while we're gone I'll never forgive myself. I won't be checking in here until I get home, but I will take comfort knowing that my friends here will be thinking of us.
Thank you,
Beth
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I will definitely keep you in my prayers, Beth. I know what it is like to lose a beloved pet and I also know what it is like to not be there when someone you love is dying. my mother passed away before I could see her in the hospital. 19 years is a lot of memories.
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Beth, I'm so sorry to hear that. Take care, girl. Have a safe trip home.
"Grits is one of those country-boy words that is both singular and plural-like deer, elk and sheep. I think the singular is appropriate when there's a modifier that makes it clear one is talking about something specific. Like, 'Grits are good for you, but these here grits is tasty.'"~~Joe Wrabek
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Beth,
So sorry to hear this. Helen and I will put you and Murphy in our prayers tonight. Sure hope you can get back in time to spend a little while with Murphy. So very sorry.
Alan & Helen
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Sorry to hear about this, Beth. Take good care. Our thoughts are with you
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Best wishes going your way.
Don't be surprised if the cat is just missing you real bad.
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Sending all my positive energy too, Beth!
Hope it pans out like Dak says......
Scott
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We're praying for your cat and a safe trip home for you as well.
David
"Those Who Do Not Learn From History Are Doomed To Repeat It" George Santayana
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Hi... Will write more later...but just wanted to let you know we lost her about an hour ago.  The petsitter was with her, she was having convulsions, and she called us quickly to say our last goodbyes. She'll be waiting for us when we get home later tonight --we're still in effin Florida--, and then likely have the vet pick her up in the morning for cremation. Thank you for all your prayers.... Beth
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So sorry to hear this, Beth. Our warmest wishes are going out ot you and the family.
Al
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Sorry to hear that, Beth. Hugs and prayers coming your way.
"Grits is one of those country-boy words that is both singular and plural-like deer, elk and sheep. I think the singular is appropriate when there's a modifier that makes it clear one is talking about something specific. Like, 'Grits are good for you, but these here grits is tasty.'"~~Joe Wrabek
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Joined: Nov 2007
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Beth. I pray that Murphy is okay. My feeling is that she will be. A cat will hide when at Death's door. The fact that Murphy wants physical contact is a good sign. Please write in and tell us she's okay.
If you're just going to fan the flame, piss on it!
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Sorry to hear about Murphy  Be safe on your way back. Hugs to ya, Cher
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So sorry! Joanne
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Just had a minute to post...hubby took the day off so he could work from home, and he'll be on the computer all day.... Right now, though, I have access...because he just took Murphy to the vet. The homecoming was as unbearable as you might expect. The petsitter was so wonderful, though....she had taken all the cat paraphenalia (sp?) out of my bedroom (where Murphy basically resided -- she was a scaredy cat! --) and had placed her gently on my bed. She looked very peaceful, though she had died with her eyes open, which was very disconcerting for us (but again, the petsitter had warned us of this). She had also brushed her fur, and taken the pieces of kitty litter that had been stuck in between the pads of her hind legs (she had been too weak to clean them herself). Still, the children and I (even the mighty JJ!) were all hysterical. After a time, the kids were spent from crying and fell asleep. I actually just slid her over a bit, and spent one last night with her at my side. I was able to talk to her and apologize to her for not being with her during her last days. I did take some comfort in having that time with her -- though of course, it was too late in the most obvious way. We've decided to have her cremated...I know many people think it a luxury/waste, but we have lots of coyotes and such around here, and wouldn't want her to be dug up. We spoke at length with our wonderful vet today -- naturally, I was blubbering like a baby the whole time -- and she did her best to comfort us in our decision. She is also going to give us a book for the kids (and us, for that matter)to help them come to terms with this. I know it's not the same as losing a parent or other significant person....but since she was 19, they never knew life without her, and she was an integral part of our family. Before JJ took her away just now, we wrapped her in her favorite blanket. Then I wrote a note to God and to Murphy, and enclosed a picture of our family, which will be cremated along with her. Among more personal sentiments, I asked God to look after her, and wished Murphy an endlessly warm day, with friends a-plenty and loads of slow mice. Thank you all so much for your concern and good wishes. And Richard, how I wish you had been right with your prediction.... With love and gratitude, Beth
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Blessings on Murphy. May she rest in peace.
David & Cheryl
"Those Who Do Not Learn From History Are Doomed To Repeat It" George Santayana
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Oh Beth... I am so, so sorry.
This must be so traumatic, especially to be gone when you didn't want to be gone. I'm glad you took the time to write notes and wrap her in a blanket, and that you'll have her ashes staying with you.
My friend found a very lovely ceramic case/box for their large dog's ashes when he passed away. It's a blessing to their family to have that. I don't think it's a waste or a luxury... you'll be glad you did that.
We buried Tango in our backyard. I thought about cremation but felt better about putting him there next to all the other pets we've lost since moving to this house. We have a regular pet cemetery out there... and it was appropriate, for us.
Please know that you have all my empathy and sympathies at this difficult time. A pet is so loving and unconditional in that love, that it can truly be equally as hard to lose that beloved pet as to lose a human family member.
Give yourself time to mourn.
I still am. <sniffle>
I'm sorry I wasn't here on the 26th when you first wrote.
It may not be much consolation... but it's OK to forgive yourself... and Murphy sounds like she was in loving arms when she passed on... not your own, but she was loved and cared for.
The only lasting therapy I know of is another little furball.
I haven't found one myself yet.
Bless you - I will be thinking of you and praying for you.
If it means anything... I do believe animals have an afterlife just as we do, and that Murphy will be waiting for you to wrap around your legs again... someday.
Take care,
Linda
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Beth, I fully understand your feelings. I lost 2 cats and a dog within about a year and I know how hard it is to lose a pet. I wish you and the family comfort in the coming days.
Bill
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My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family AND also with your petsitter. We lost one of our first cats once when we had someone watching him while we were in transit. It was devastating to them as well.
When you're ready for another, oh say one to thirty replacement cats, just let me know. I got ya covered.
Last edited by Tom Tracy; 04/29/08 12:04 AM.
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I am so sorry for your loss.
Jamie
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Thanks again everyone, for your kind words...
Last night was the first night in the house without her. It was very surreal. While we know and appreciate all the platitudes, we are still feeling very very sad.
As for another pet, thanks for the offer Tom! While I suspect we'll get a pair of kittens at some point, that's going to be a way's off from now. At the very least, I wouldn't want Murphy to think she was that easily replaced....though on the other hand, it would be a tribute to her of sorts....that we would be willing to risk this type of pain and grief again in exchange for the kind of love she provided.
Two rainy days in a row here...sort of suits my mood...the angels are crying along with us....
Thank you again,
Beth
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Dear Linda,
I wanted to thank you in particular, because I know you know what we're going thru. I really appreciate your comments about our cremation decision -- JJ selected an absolutely beautiful urn...and it's sealed tight, so the kids won't accidentally get into it.
We do plan on making a little outdoor shrine for her. We snipped off some of her fur before we took her in, the kids are going to write some letters too, and we'll bury those with a few other sentimental items. Then we're each going to decorate a mosaic stepping stone for her.
It has certainly been traumatic, as you say...but in some ways, I also feel selfish, in the sense that my 102 year old grandmother is still here, and every day with her is a blessing. I hate to think I'm borrowing trouble by being such a baby about this...
But, Murphy deserves our grief...and the only cures for it will be time and another pet. Unfortunately, I can't seem to picture either transpiring any time soon....
Anyway, thanks again, Linda. And I hope time has helped a little bit on your end. I'm glad to hear Tango has some pals to hang with in the backyard....
Take care,
Beth
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Sorry Beth
Animals love unconditionally and we love them back with all we have. I try to be happy for the time we spent together, but even with all the good stuff in the past I know it's still so hard.
So I'll leave you with my lyrics from one of my songs
"No one said it was gonna be easy
And saying sorry has so little meaning now
When your lying awake and wondering why
There's no good in goodbye"
Blessings To Murphy
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Post deleted by Lily of the Valley
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Beth, when our German Sheppard died, we had a little headstone made for him. They will use "leftover" granite to do it and it's not expensive at all. We asked our son what he would like to do for Yoda and that's what he said he wanted. A tombstone. So, we did. Apparently, they do that kind of thing all the time.
When we moved, we took the tombstone with us. There's no WAY I'd ever part with it. Yoda was one fine dog.
"Grits is one of those country-boy words that is both singular and plural-like deer, elk and sheep. I think the singular is appropriate when there's a modifier that makes it clear one is talking about something specific. Like, 'Grits are good for you, but these here grits is tasty.'"~~Joe Wrabek
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By the way, Sub........that's beautiful.
"Grits is one of those country-boy words that is both singular and plural-like deer, elk and sheep. I think the singular is appropriate when there's a modifier that makes it clear one is talking about something specific. Like, 'Grits are good for you, but these here grits is tasty.'"~~Joe Wrabek
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Beth,i feel your anguish..i was very moved by your tribute to your beloved pet...i love my little dog so much i cannot imagine life without him..but there will come a day,,,,all animal lovers everywhere know how you are feeling...God Bless..Terry..
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Golly, guys and gals, you're overwhelming me with your kindness. The lyrics from Sub, the song from Michael, the anecdotes shared by Tricia and Terry and everyone else...are both heartwrenching and uplifting at the same time. Somehow it feels like you've wrapped yourselves around me like an old, forgotten electric blanket, slowly turning up the heat, and helping me to melt the cold sliver of grief I hold in my heart.
Thank you all so much for helping to ease my way thru these first few surreal days and nights without my precious Murphy. If I can figure it out, I'll try to get a picture of her up here tomorrow.
Until then, love to all.
Beth
Last edited by Beth G. Williams; 04/30/08 01:29 AM.
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Oh Beth I'm sorry for your loss.... It was time and I'm sure Murph now understands why you couldn't be there Take care
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Thanks Noel....
I am grateful that she is now at peace, and I look forward to patting her again one day....
In the meantime, just trying to bolster my heart up for when we get her ashes back next week....
Thanks again,
Beth
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AN IRONIC BUT TOUCHING MOMENT: Today I learned my sister's 13 year old kitty had had a stroke, and has become paralyzed in her hind legs. When they took her to the vet, they also discovered a tumor in her lung....so it doesn't appear that she's going to be with us much longer either. So while I'm trying to explain this to Samantha (because she knows and loves this kitty too), she calmly said, "well, Mommy, if she does die...at least Murphy will be there to introduce her to everyone." So, I cried again today. I am also astounded at the grace and forethought she had to make some sense out of this second kitty-tragedy in our family... Needless to say, I didn't tell her anything about the poor filly at the Kentucky Derby. Both my parents were supposed to be there (my mom's actually a premier race-horse painter....  )...but luckily, today was my brother and soon to be sister in law's bridal shower today. Everything happens for a reason, I know....Just wish some reasons were a bit easier to figure out.... Anyhow, just wanted to pass that along.... Take Care, Beth
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Beth,
Sorry to hear about the second kitty. And what a great response by Samantha!
I am going to hack a lot of people off, but I truly believe this: "Not everything happens for a reason. Sometimes you just have lousy luck and bad days." So, I do not always try to find a reason; nor do I expect to discover one. Some days and events are just plain rotten.
Sorry to hear of all the tragedies. Wishing you all the best, anyway.
Al
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Hey Al, You are probably the one person who could get away with a comment like that  ! Honestly, I think your "disclaimer" on the "everything happens for a reason" makes sense. There really can't be a good reason for all you and Helen have been put thru. And when you start thinking bigger, of all the tragedy in the world today, it does make you stop and think. I suspect hanging on to that belief is just a means for the heart and mind to wrap itself around the possibility of bad things happening.... Love to Helen, and nice "seeing" you! Beth
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