Lost friend

Rainbow Bridge

The Rainbow Bridge is the theme of a work of poetic prose written some time between 1980 and 1992, whose original creator is unknown. The theme is of an other-worldly place to which a pet goes upon its death, eventually to be reunited with its owner.
    • Bronze

    Lost friend

    I have posted messages in the past when I lost two beloved dogs within 3 days.  My life became busy over the summer with family issues and I have been very lax in logging on until today.  Once again, I have lost a beloved friend.  What I thought was going to be a routine vet visit for a sore leg turned into a devastating outcome  My 5 year old cat, Smoke, was diagnosed with a massive bone tumor that had advanced far beyond treatment.  Our vet said she had never seen such a massive, fast advancing tumor in a cat.  The vet offered a couple of options, removal of his leg and shoulder, which would have made it almost impossible for him to move around, or allow the University Vet Lab to remove bone samples for testing.  All of which, were extreme treatments for any animal to endure. Although Smoke had overcame two other medical conditions, this was one he couldn't beat.

    Smoke was a tremendous cat. He purred 24/7 and loved to be asleep on anyone's lap.  His personality was one of a kind and I will miss him dearly.  I have second guessed myself for the decision to put him down, but I just hope the vet was correct in her diagnosis that he would not have been with us much longer.  To anyone who has a cat, you know how much love they can give to you.  Smoke will be greatly missed by my husband and I, but we both hope he is enjoying the peaceful life he now has.

    • Gold Top Dog

    I'm so sorry for your loss. Based on what your options were, I'd have done the same thing as you did. It's never an easy decision, but if I have to err, I want it to be on the side of the least amount of suffering and I think you did that too. I do know what it's like to lose a beloved cat and I only hope that the wonderful memories you have will give you some comfort. 

    • Gold Top Dog

    I am very sorry for you loss.  You did the right thing.  I know how hard it is to lose a cat and I know that only time will heal your pain.  Just know that he is in a better place and he's not in any pain. 

    • Gold Top Dog

    I'm very sorry for your loss. Smoke sounds like a wonderful cat and you've paid him fine tribute. The final gift we can give our precious friends is the release from pain, even when it is at the expense of our own sorrow. Run Free Smoke!

    • Gold Top Dog

    I'm so sorry for your loss.I know you've heard it before, but you did do the right thing.