i had to make that decision for josephine 10 years ago, and it was heartbreaking but it was the only decision i could make. her quality of life was gone and it was just going to be a matter of days. i kind of wished i'd had to make that decision for napoleon because i know that his last moments were painful and alone.

anyway, i'm sure that josephine and napoleon are showing fig around. (i'm not sure at all. but it's kind of fun to think about).

It's been a sad time -- my friend L-B made the very tough decision for her dear kitty Lucky yesterday, so I'm sharing her sadness and grief this week. I hope for her and for you that having many friends share your grief eases your hearts a little.

Oh Sandy, sending hugs & wine.

Dogwoods are one of my favorite trees. I think it's a wonderful resting place full of beauty. The slideshow was a moving tribute as well. He was a wonderful cat who had a wonderful life.

Maybe you could rename it a catwood tree.

http://mysubstitutesandysknittingblog.wordpress.com/

Just want everyone to know that my blog is a bit broken right now. Of course, I cannot figure it out.
So, see my substitute blog until I can get if figured out!
Sandy

Oh Sandy, I missed reading your posts the past couple of days. When we had to have our first Scottie put to sleep right before Christmas many years ago, I was a mess. We had a grief counselor at work who helped me figure out what that dog meant to me and that I was grieving that as well. I had Mackey longer than I had my husband, she was my contact to life before Chuck. Judging from Fig's dates, he was with you through many of life's significant moments. What a wonderful time you had with him.

Wish I could be with you in person right now.
Li

I agree. After I had to make the tough decision with our old beagle, I called each of my 3 kids to tell them how hard it is to make the decision for a pet, and to remind them that I WANT them to make the same decision about me. I've always been adamant that I don't want to be kept on once the quality of life goes, but until then I never really realized how hard it is to actually do it. I really respect anyone who can choose the toughest choice for any loved one, animal or human, and I hope I'll be able to do it again, with the grace you showed, Sandy.

I missed yesterday's post so I'm crying for you today. I've put more than my share of kitties down and they never get any easier. Sending hugs your way.

PS - You're killin' me. First David Cassidy and now Jon Bon Jovi???

Consider yourself hugged, Sandy.

Part of being a good caretaker is knowing when your animal is ready to move on- even when you aren't quite ready yourself. You showed Fig a real kindness. You will see Fig again someday- this is something I really believe. Fig knows he was lucky to be so cared for and he thanks you with all his heart.

Another hug to you today, Sandy.
Such a hard decision, but you made the kindest choice.

I'm glad you're feeling a bit lighter. And I'm glad that our culture allows us to do the humane thing by animals who are suffering so, and can't understand why they hurt. Fig will always be with you.

xo

I know exactly how you feel.
We had to have our family dog put down this past summer. The week before his death watching him suffer and contemplating his passing was the most heartbreaking thing. For months afterwards I hated going out in the yard! He was my gardening buddy and I missed him terribly. But he no longer hurts! I think of him somewhere in pet heaven playfully chasing rabbits and basking in sunshine. Maybe he and Fig are napping together. :)

Hang in there, Sandy. Saying goodbye is so hard ...

I never met him, but I was a Fig fan via your posts. He reminded me of my old kitty, Boofus. Just looking so sage in those pictures. She was tiny, but cosmically huge. Cats can be that way.
Now I have to rather large fur-covered basketballs, who celebrated their fourth anniversary with us (from Buddy Dog) today. The same day I took a stray to Buddy Dog; skinny, starving and cold. I'm happy to think he's warm with a full belly tonight.
Which is the beauty of animals; they bring out the best in us, just when we've thought we've given all we can.
Enjoy your wine, and I'll raise a glass to Fig too.

Sandy, I'm so sorry to hear about Fig.

Beautiful tree - what a wonderful spot. Hugs!

If you're willing to schlep into Cambridge, these concerts are a joy. They're free, so get there early.The 99th Annual
Christmas Carol Services
Sunday, December 14, 5:00 p.m.
Monday, December 15, 8:00 p.m.

The Sunday, December 14, service will be broadcast on WHRB 95.3 FM. For those outside the Cambridge area, WHRB provides Internet streaming of services from its website, at www.whrb.org, simultaneously with the live broadcast. Download Carols Program (PDF)[Go to the Memorial Church website to download the program.] Music's the best part of the holidays, I think, this year and always.

I remember after Maxwell died, I kept thinking I saw him out of the corner of my eye. I wish you peace, Sandy.

Eli and I just looked through his slide show again--what a beautiful cat. His tree looks beautiful, too.

Oh Sandy, I am so sorry about Fig. I didn't get to read yesterday's post till just now. I lost my favorite cat suddenly at 10 years old in August. I know how hard that decision must have been to make. I had to make my decision suddenly that day and it was very hard. Fig was a lucky cat who had a great life with your family.

It isn't Christmas without It's a Wonderful Life. I'll lift a glass of wine...
Here's to you Ms. Sandy

♥

You made the toughest call of all. Fig was a lucky cat. I think you picked the most beautiful resting spot for him too.

It *is* a wonderful life. Have a glass for me. Hugs.