It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Pixel. She fought her kidney failure battle with everything she had. Wayne and I constantly debated the "is it time" issue, but this morning there was no debate. Pixel let her feelings be known.
While normally I wouldn't go into details about something like this, the story is just too amazing not to share. It was as if Pixel knew how agonizing the decision to euthanize her was to us. After lapping up some water, she walked over to her cat carrier and meowed. Wayne asked her if she was trying to tell us something. While we cried, the cat went over to get more water, which she promptly vomitted up.
Seeing her discomfort, I went over to the carrier to open the door as an experiment. So help me, the cat put herself in there as if to say, "It's time." With tears running down his cheeks, Wayne called the vet and made the arrangements. Within a half hour, Pixel found peace.
We miss her terribly, but deep in my heart I know we did the right thing. It wasn't easy. Things like that never are. But Pixel gave us the ultimate gift. In addition to 18 years of love, she freed us from the weight of deciding when it was her time to go.
Pixel/PC/Pickles, we love you and will miss you more than you will ever know...
Take care,
Jill Freeze
http://www.JillFreeze.com
poor kitty
I had to put my doggie to sleep last month...it was the hardest thing to do. He ws my friend for 12 years. He fought hard...he just couldnt do it anymore.
Terri
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Ah (((Jill))) ......
Yes .. that is the hardest of decisions
18 is a marvelous old age .... we lost our Russian Blue in 2005 .... Dad had passed eight months before, and Morph missed his terribly .... renal failure is common in Blues and it's rare we've been told for them to live longer than 10 years ... our Morph was going on 13 ... so we were blessed too .... though losing him so soon after Dad, made Dad's loss all the harder
(((soft hugs)))
~~ KatherineT ~~ I'm a Harlequin Addict, and I'm proud of it!
~~ Quiet Canadians ~ 2008 Book Challenge Blog
{{{Gentle Hugs, Jill}}}
Jill, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We too are living with a kitty who is battling CRF. Pixel was taking care of you in her final time as much as you had been caring for her. Take your time to mourn, and then rejoyce in the wonderful memories that you have of her. It will be hard, but the time for fond smiles and not tears will come. Pixel, you will be missed.
Gentle hugs to you and your family.
Sharon
{{{{{{Hugs for you all}}}}}}
I'm so sorry. It's so hard to lose a pet . . .
Penn
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I am so sorry for your loss
Sadly, I share your pain. Our 14 year old Sheltie passed away 2 days ago -similar circumstances. I am so sorry for your loss.
Tammy
What a Supportive Group!
Thanks for your hugs and thoughts. Beonlyone, katherineT, yenastone, I'm so sorry for your losses My heart goes out to you!
Penn, you're a sweetheart like always
Sharon, thanks for your thoughtful words. I think that's partly what made the event so emotional; the way Pixel was looking out for us, too. I wish you and your kitty all the best and many more happy times together!
Our other cats aren't sure what to make of things. It'll time for them to establish a new pecking order I guess.
Hugs to you all, and many, MANY thanks!!!
Take care,
Jill Freeze
http://www.JillFreeze.com
I am so sorry
I am so sorry. I am glad you shared this. Our cat Mowgli died of kidney disease 2 years ago this April. I do think cats know. I was very sick in the hospital that March-April. Mowgli was so sick. I can't explain it but I really feel that Mowgli hung on as hard as possible til I got home. I am so happy I couod spend his last days with him. We had no choice at the end. I feel so thankful that our vet helped us give hospice care as long as possible.
I am sorry. I just wanted you to know you aren't alone. It's a wonderful story and I am glad you were spared the decision.
AKA Merri
Family Challenge Team: The Spine Breakers with my dh Glenn AKA Phaedrus
So sad...
Oh Jill how sad to have lost your furry friend Pixel....but I'm sure there are many friends to greet her on the other side of the rainbow bridge! And good to know she's not suffering anymore.
{{{hugs}}}
Jayne
Community Manager
"We cannot really love anybody with whom we never laugh"—Agnes Repplier
So sorry
Jill, I was sorry to hear of the passing of your cat, Pixel. Animals can be so amazing, can't they? I swear they know so much more than we often give them credit for. My bf & I have 4 cats right now and they are just like family to us. I am heartened that she was able to give you the necessary strength to let her go when she knew it was her time. One of my cats just came to sit on my lap as I am writing this... It is so hard to say goodbye. Know that you are in our thoughts and I hope that helps in some small way.
Aww...
So sorry Wayne, Jill and family. It's tough losing someone you've had around for such a long time. Hugs to all of you.
Lori
PUTTING IT TO THE TEST, Harlequin Blaze, April 2008
UNLEASHED, Harlequin Blaze, November 2008
Join me on my blog at www.sizzlingpens.blogspot.com
or my web www.loriborrill.com
Thanks for sharing your story
Jill and Wayne, thank you for telling us about Pixel ! When our beloved cat Mowgli was very sick, also kidney failure, his wise and understanding vet said that our house was a hospice for an old person. That thought helped us care for Mowgli until he died at 17 yrs. When we adopted a new kitty a month later, I wasn't sure I was ready but our vet pointed out he would soon remind us of Mowgli when he was younger. I'm sure your other cats will likewise help you both when you miss Pixel.
AKA Glenn
Family Challenge Team: The Spine Breakers with my lovely wife Merri AKA Paisley
Megahugs to you all
I know it's a sad time, but at least you all knew it was time
Great photo of Wayne and Pixel
Now you can cherish the fond memories and be happy knowing she's no longer suffering
Hugs
Sadhbh
Dream Team 2008 Challenge blogs
Wayne and Jill
{{{{{HUGS}}}}} for you both. When our German Shepherd died is one of the very few times I saw my dh cry. Losing a loved pet is difficult. We will pray that soon the memories of the hard times will dim, and only the good memories will shine on in your hearts.
DonnaH
I'm so sorry
That is a great picture of Pixel. What a pretty kitty. I'm so sorry you have lost your friend. Our pets bring such happiness to our lives and are members of the family. You were very blessed to have Pixel for so long. Hugs to your family.
Margie
That's so sad.
Warmest sympathies to you and the family from FF and her Shadow.
"Perhaps what the average member of a group is capable of doesn't limit what a given individual can accomplish." -- Boston Globe, letter to the editor
March's Member of the Month!
I know how hard it is to
I know how hard it is to lose a furry friend. Over my years I have had many cats and have had most until they were 14 years or older. My son gave me his Rottreiler to care for when he went to New York for school, I had Sarah for over 5 years and was devastated when she developed bone cancer. I knew they are all waiting for me at the Rainbow Bridge so that we can cross it together. But always remember the love it gave you while you had it and all the happy memories.
Joan
I know how hard it is to
I know how hard it is to lose a furry friend. Over the years I have had many cats and have had most until they are 14 years or older. My son gave me his Rottreiler to care for when he went to New York for school, I had Sarah for over 5 years and was devastated when she developed bone cancer. I knew they are all waiting for me at the Rainbow Bridge so that we can cross it together. But always remember the love it gave you while you had it and all the happy memories.
Joan
I know how hard it is to
I know how hard it is to lose a furry friend. Over my the years I have had many cats and have had most until they are 14 years or older. My son gave me his Rottreiler to care for when he went to New York for school, I had Sarah for over 5 years and was devastated when she developed bone cancer. I knew they are all waiting for me at the Rainbow Bridge so that we can cross it together. But always remember the love it gave you while you had it and all the happy memories.
Joan
Last Night was Hard...
It was really hard on Wayne because his "teddy cat" was missing. Pixel used to sleep up by his chest where he could hug her like a teddy bear. When he woke up one of multiple times in the night, he read all of your kind words.
I live somewhere now where I've been able to make few adult friends, especially since my poor vision keeps me from driving. I have to say your outpouring of warmth and compassion has made me feel sooo much less alone. (Ick. That wasn't the best sentence in the world...LOL)
Meg, my longhair calico, has been plastered to my head, stealing my pillow, jumping on my bladder, and purring until she drools all over me. The other cats seriously know someone's missing...
Hugs to you all. Have a fun and safe weekend!
Take care,
Jill Freeze
http://www.JillFreeze.com
I can't say I identify
as Kimi won't come anywhere near me for a hug, but hugs to you and Wayne (you can hug each other from me
) and hopefully the other cats will settle down soon
Of course they know Pixel's missing, but hopefully they'll adjust much as you will
Hugs again
Sadhbh
Dream Team 2008 Challenge blogs
(((((Hugs))))) to Jill & Wayne
Thanks for sharing a difficult time with us. I'm sure the family is missing Pixel but comforted to know she is not suffering. It is always tough to say good-bye. Take good care of yourselves while adjusting to your loss.
That is a great picture of Wayne & Pixel. What a little sweetheart.
I'm glad we are here to give you comfort & strength.
Take care, happy reading,
Donna M, Dream Team member
Jill & Wayne
my sympathies to you both on the loss of your faithful friend.
Kate
TBR--The Born Readers
Condolences
I'm very sorry for your loss. It really is hard to lose our furry family members, but you did can comfort yourselves knowing that you did everything you could for her and loved her and gave her a good home for 18 years. That's really something great and you'll always have your memories. She was such a pretty girl. Again, I'm sorry for your loss.
"It is to the credit of human nature that, except where its selfishness is brought into play, it loves more readily than it hates."
Nathaniel Hawthorne – The Scarlet Letter
I thought you might like this story that my aunt sent me.
It's a typical internet circulation story, but it's sweet.
__________________________________
"This is one of the kindest things I've ever experienced. I have no way to know who sent it, but there is a beautiful soul working in the dead letter office of the US postal service."
"Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my 4 year old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so she dictated these words":
Dear God,
Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick. I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her, you will know that she is my dog. I really miss her.
Love, Meredith.
"We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had."
"Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, 'To Meredith,' in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies.' Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note":
Dear Meredith,
Abbey arrived safely in heaven. Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away. Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by. Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you. I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much. By the way, I'm easy to find, I am wherever there is love.
Love,
God
______________________________
"Perhaps what the average member of a group is capable of doesn't limit what a given individual can accomplish." -- Boston Globe, letter to the editor
March's Member of the Month!
Fake Frenchie
Okay. That made me cry. Very sweet and what a wonderful person who took the time to send the package.
"It is to the credit of human nature that, except where its selfishness is brought into play, it loves more readily than it hates."
Nathaniel Hawthorne – The Scarlet Letter
You Guys are Awesome!!!
Thanks so much for all of your support. And FF, I loved the story about Meredith. How sweet!
Wayne's been working 120-hour weeks on a project he finds enormously challenging (programming, not writing), but I think that's helped him with adjusting to Pixel's absence. As for me, I'm finally getting the chance to become seriously involved with the kids' high school band. It will be a great way to help an amazing program as well as my kids, and it'll keep me out of trouble, too
.
I guess I'd better post my latest book review. I just wanted to pop over and thank you all again for your incredible support. Hugs to all of you!
Take care,
Jill Freeze
http://www.JillFreeze.com
Hugs to Wayne and Jill
Losing them is so hard -- we've lost three in the last 5 years, and it's so, so hard. Feel for you. Hope you keep hold on happy memories and find some new friends to bring you smiles sooner than later.
Sam
2008 RITA FINALIST: Untouched
NO RESERVATIONS, Blaze Anthology, July '08
Blog with Sam and friends at Love Is An Exploding Cigar
Guest Blog:July 7, June P Baker