16yrs ago

[sqad617]

2 days before we were going to Singapore for Xmas, a ct left 3 kittens in our garden...Thomas, Po and Sweepy. I left instructions that a blanket be put in the conservatory and that the 3 kittens should be looked after. On our return, the had taken over the house. We kept them in comfort for 8yrs and when we came to the Med to live, our friend took them over.

Tonight our friend telephoned to say that Thomas has bone cancer and she is taking him to the vet's tonight to be put down.

[saxy_jag]

That's very sad, but you have the comfort of knowing that you gave him a long and happy life that he wouldn't otherwise have had.

Are the other two still around?

[sqad617]

Yes.Po and Sooty still alive.

Problem is, since we have been in the Med, we have got Lucy and Airborne..................!!!

[redcrx]

16 years is a great age for a moggy, sqad. and its lovely to hear that the people whove had him all that time care enough to let him rest now without pain.

[ganesh]

That's sad but 16 aint a bad run. Do you wish you had taken them with you or was that not possible at the time?

[sqad617]

redcrx....yes, thanks....we have always been in contact and our friend is a spinster and she was crying on the phone.

Homo sapiens leaves me cold.....but animals really get me emotional.

[sqad617]

ganesh.....If I had any doubt that our friend could not give as good or indeed a better home than we could, I would have taken them.

[Barmaid]

Awww Sqad, I am sorry to hear that. Your poor friend at having to make that decision too.

Glad that the three kittens had a loving home though and long may the other two survive.

[sqad617]

Barmaid......thanks...Po was hit by a car when we had her some 10yrs ago and they bad to amputate her back leg, but within weeks, she was back to normal.

[ganesh]

I'm sure you did the right thing,I wasn't criticising,I just wondered if you'd thought about it or regretted the decision after all these years.
I will have a similar decision to make when I retire abroad,and although I know they'd be looked after by family, I would rather take them. I just wondered if it was as easy to do so 16 years ago.

[sqad617]

Stupid I know, but when Lucy (here in the Med) was neutered,
I put her basket in my study and stayed up all night with her, checking for complications...................how stupid can you get?

[Postdog]

My Gizzy (dog) is going on 17, so I understand how it makes you think and feel. She had a brother (or possibly just a kennel mate, I dunno) who was the same age, and I had to put him down at christmas because of a broken leg.

it's sad,but at the same time it makes you feel good knowing the part you have played in their life, and the part they have played in yours.

Raise a glass to him when you can.

[sqad617]

Thanks postdog.

[ruthann58]

sqad i feel for your friend as have had to have several put down in the past its just heartbreaking isnt it , we also have a 3 legged cat issy she got hit by a car last september and had to lose her front leg but she is fine and still dashes about

[Jan1957]

Aaaah Sqad, you really are a softy after all. I'm the same though, much prefer animals to humans.

[NoMercy]

Couldn't have put that better myself, Jan.

Animals want nothing from you apart from food, warmth and a little love. If you can't spare that, then what can you spare?

I'm really sorry to hear that Sqad. But it would be worse for the poor cat to suffer the pain of bone cancer. xx

[caththecrazy]

Sorry to hear sad news about Thomas.

It's so difficult with pets - they bring such joy, ask for so little and leave you so devastated when they die.

Let us hope Thomas is chasing his tail in the land of catnip in the sky

[pastafreak]

Oh-I am so sorry sqad....I lost a cat to cancer last year,,and she was only 5.
I still have rare but vivid memories of my all-time fav moggy boy that I lost to the road 17yrs ago, as he lives in my heart still.
Your Thomas had a long and good life-both with you and your friend. He will always be a happy memory for you. x

[sqad617]

Thanks folks, I appreciate your thoughts.