Conference misery::feline_v1

    I understand totally what you are feeling in regards to losing a 
    beloved animal/friend/baby.  
    
    One of the best ways to cope is to remember the good times.  You will
    cry at your loss but the memories will also make you smile.   I still
    remember my beloved Keisha and still laugh/cry/smile at the pictures
    and memories.
    
    Storm is filling the void that Keisha left and she is creating new
    memories for me to laugh/cry/smile at.
    
    When you are ready,  go to an animal shelter and find another kitten
    to fill the void.  Only this time, keep it as an indoor kitty.
    
    Sandi, mom to Lightning, Thunder, DejaVu, Patches, Storm the Dog, and
    		  Grey the Stray
    

    Karen, Please tell your friend that we are sorry for the loss.  There
    is nothing that really seems to help but time.  I have lost many pets
    over the years and it is different every time.  I have gotten over each
    one and then gotten another baby.  It can be wonderful gaining the love
    and friendship of new little kitty.
    Paw pats from us all,
    Karen, Ruby,Stinky,Wing,Goldie and a few that can't be counted yet!

    I also would like to send my sincere condolences to your friend.
    It is always so sad to lose one of your best buddies.  Just keep
    remembering all those cherished memories and know that you gave
    him a wonderful life.
    
    I too agree that once she is ready....she needs to go find a new
    friend to adopt.  It's not that your trying to replace the one
    you lost...but it sure helps filling the void.  (And if you get
    a kitty it sure will bring ALOT of excitement to the house)
    
    So sorry from me and my crew.
    
    Sandy (Tamba, Poco, Barkley, Agnes, Chloe, and Dewey)

    
    I too, send condolences and best wishes. I just lost a cat who had been
    with me for 13 years. There is no way to make it feel better except to
    wait out the grief and try to look forward. Remember the good times,
    and take comfort in the fact that she gave her little friend a good
    life, one that was probably better than some people get. 
    
    It helps to talk freely about the good memories AND the feelings of
    loss.  And to realize that a long-lived human with feline-love will
    inevitably have to suffer this sooner or later - the little guys just
    don't get to live as long as we do, but they sure have a good time
    while they're around.
    
    Last but not least, by all means get another little cat friend, but only
    when she's ready - she'll know when it feels right. One friend or pet 
    can never replace another, but we need to have lots of them in our lives.
    
    
    Chris & Cinnamon 
    

      Losing a loved one is going to be a sad, painful experience, and
    that the person feels that way of course, is expected.  Having been
    through it quite a few times myself,  I understand.  
      There was a lovely note in here not too long ago about a girl I
    believe in Calif.  that had lost her cat and the warm, compassionate
    replies that were an excellent expression of how many of us had dealt
    with such grief.  But, I couldn't find it,  I looked back,  but  I just
    didn't see it, I thought it was earlier this fall.  Too bad,  it
    contained a lot of beautifully written replies.  Maybe the moderator
    knows?
      
                               Denise

    We're so terribly sorry about the loss of your cat.  It must have been
    particularly terrible for you finding her in such a state.  I know
    it was a comfort to her that you could be with her at the end.
    
    Karen, Sweetie, Holly, and Little Bit.
    

    Thanks for your kindness.  My colleague is going to pass on your
    replies to his friend.  I'm sure they will be of some comfort to her.
    
    Bye for now,
    
    Karen

    I know how it feels to lose a dear friend like this.  I lost my
    first cat this way.  The hurt never quite goes away, but it becomes
    easier to live with in time.  For me, one of the hardest things to
    deal with was the feeling of guilt - that I was resposible for her
    death because I let her out.  Over time I've managed to forgive myself
    and will never make that same mistake again.
    
    For me, living without a little furry friend was just too hard and I
    went to the shelter and got two new cats two days later.  They didn't
    take Kathryn's place, but having them to love helped to heal me.
    It made me direct my love outward towards them instead of locking it
    up. When to get a new pet is a very personal decision - but if you want
    one now you shouldn't feel that this is wrong.
    
    The feelings of grief that come with the loss of a pet are very valid.
    The death of a pet is that much more difficult because many people
    just don't understand the the grief you feel is just the same as what
    one feels when one loses a human friend of family member.  Pets 
    are just as important in our lives.
    
    I hope that soon things will be easier for you and that you will
    make room in your life for another furry friend or two.  I also 
    hope you will make these cats indoor only.  (Get two so they'll
    have each other for company and exercise).
      Nancy DC
    

    
    just remember:  the more we love, the more we leave ourselves
    vulnerable to the hurt, the loss, and the grief.  but without the love,
    we wouldn't feel at all; and then we wouldn't even feel alive...
    
    our condolences,
    diane stella & stanley