r/seniorkitties • u/Dicecatt • 1d ago
Almost 18. Saying goodbye to this handsome old man tomorrow.
I've been weeping for the last few days. But today, all of a sudden he's cuddling with me, which he hasn't done in several weeks. Is it crazy that I think he's saying goodbye? That's nuts, right? But it feels like he is.
I won't second guess the decision, it's the unselfish thing to do, he isn't processing food although he eats constantly, he's stopped grooming, vet said his dementia is severe. But he's telling me he loves me today. I'm so very sad. I'm so very grateful he's interacting with me today. This is one of the hardest things I've ever done.
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u/Material-Draw4587 1d ago
He is saying goodbye to you, what a sweetheart 👑
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u/xCeeTee- 1d ago
When my Nan's dog, who I grew up with, was in his final days he couldn't walk or anything. She had the appointment scheduled the day after I was visiting. It broke my heart leaving him, I spent about 50% of my time at her house growing up. The final day I went to see him he walked a few steps towards me, and my nan couldn't believe it. I remember crying so much. He passed away that night in his sleep.
I've been told animals will wait to say goodbye before they die. It's heartbreaking we outlive our best friends.
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u/Damn_Gordon 1d ago
I cant imagine how hard this must be and i am scared of that day for me in the future.
My deepest condolences. I am sure he loves you and he will always remember you. He will live on in your heart and memory while watching you from heaven.
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u/aePrime 1d ago
I’m sorry. It’s a very hard decision, but it’s for his best interest. I had to put my very sweet boy down a couple of weeks ago, and I was spending time with him on my bed. Like you, I was crying, and he came over to comfort me even though I was crying over him. He loves you, and you are doing right by him.
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u/KiKi31Rose 1d ago
Im so sorry. Im putting mine down in a couple hours. It’s just the worst. I don’t even know what to do with myself. All we can do is give these kitties the best lives ever 💜
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u/Nectarine555 1d ago
Thinking of you, OP. He’s gorgeous 🖤 I’ll let my kitties that have gone before know so they can show him around 🪽
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u/SpadeORiffic 1d ago
I love his neat while chhest hairs and the little spot in his left eye
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u/haikusbot 1d ago
I love his neat while
Chhest hairs and the little
Spot in his left eye
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u/Purplejerk72 1d ago
My heart aches for you 💜 I believe that handsome boy is saying goodbye and giving you one last gift, that’s such a beautiful thing. My Sam did the same for me when he was sick, for weeks he preferred to spend it outside in his enclosure where it was cool. It broke my heart because he used to be so cuddly and always insisted on sleeping under the covers with me every night. One night a couple days before ‘The day’ I was laying in bed missing him and bawling while desperately searching the web for anything I could do that would miraculously save my boy when I suddenly heard his cat flap and seconds later felt him jump on the bed, something he hadn’t been able to do for awhile. He spent the next few hours lying on my chest cuddling nose to nose with me. It was the last cuddle we had besides during the car ride to the vet and his very last moments. I cherish that night with all my heart and I absolutely know that he knew I needed him to show up for me one last time. That was almost 13 yrs ago and I still miss him everyday, I couldn’t even write this without ugly crying. The choice I had to make for him was absolutely the hardest decision I ever had to make and I’m 43 and I’ve been through some shit. Our furry family members are so so special and such a constant source of unconditional love that when they move on they leave a huge void in our lives. I’m certain your boy loves you so much and will never truly be gone. I’ll ask my boys Sam and Macho to help greet him on the other side 🌈💜
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u/PJammerChic1010 1d ago
I’m truly sorry for your pain 💔💔he’s the bestest boy he’s comforting you now 🖤🖤sleep in love and bask in eternal sunshine ☀️ 🐾🌈🌈🐾
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u/Consistent-Mouse5672 1d ago
So sorry (for you) to see. He looks like life has become difficult. The next will be a cozy one with lots of great days.
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u/Additional_Alfalfa35 1d ago
That’s so tough. He’s beautiful. Hard as it is, you’re doing the right thing.
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u/THECATLVT 1d ago
Cognitive decline in cats is usually secondary to thyroid disease, cancers, renal disease and more. Sorry to see this happening. :(
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u/Flat-Count9193 1d ago
Oh honey. I am so sorry. He looks my baby that got his angel wings two weeks ago. You gave him a good life and he loves you. I know it's hard, but the process is quick and it looks like they just fell asleep. I keep my baby's remains and keepsakes near my bed and I still talk to him.
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u/ElectricalCancel2946 1d ago
We have lost our kitty of 23 yrs she is missed daily. I fought with myself on putting her down but as a past rancher I chose to let her pass quietly in her environment and with those she spent her entire life with. It was hard but I sat beside her luckily as she passed. She could barely lift her little head but she mustered the energy to my hand her final kiss. Each of us must decide what is best my decision for her I do not regret. Very sorry for you and God Bless
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u/Shelisheli1 1d ago
He knows it’s his time. He is making sure you know he loves you. He’s not saying “goodbye”.. more like “see you later”. He will be waiting for you on the other side
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u/Civil_Hour_3031 1d ago
What a gentle man. No words can truly help but force yourself to think of the funny things, even the frustrating things, because he lived a full loving life.
We lost our little lady of 18 years about 6 months ago, and it still hurts sometimes, but you get through it.
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u/karen_in_nh_2012 1d ago
Oh, sweetie ... your beautiful, beautiful kitty looks just like my Hansel, who was basically the kitty LoML (Love of My Life) ... I lost him in October 2021 when he stopped eating. He became diabetic and I could absolutely manage that for him and would have for as long as he needed me to -- but he didn't respond to insulin, which meant he was doomed.
And I can barely write this without wanting to bawl my eyes out again, because Hansel will be FOREVER in my heart, and I very very occasionally get to dream about him and hold him and cuddle him again in the dream, and I live for those moments.
So, so sorry you are going through this. He will live on in your heart FOREVER.
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u/Stunning_Sand_7594 1d ago
I just put my kitty down 2 days ago. I’m still running around trying to avoid reality (adrenaline). So I’m 2 days ahead of you. It’s perfect timing now to say goodbye to your kitty. Your kitty is ready and so are you. Best wishes and write us with how you are doing. This Reddit group is great.
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u/toodleoo57 1d ago
I'm so sorry. Black cats are special. I wasn't right for two years after I had to put down my heart boy, but then I realized he'd want me to get more cats since he can't be with me. I'll always love him.
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u/DoodleFK 1d ago
Oh I'm so sorry 😭💔 it's so easy to feel like you're not making the right choice. Please try not to live with the guilt of that, but instead live with knowing you gave them so much love and made the hardest decision ever for their benefit. Best of luck 💜💜💜
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u/KatCrack46 1d ago
I know your heart broken. It’s so hard dealing with a kitty with dementia. You get good and bad days. Eventually it’s about keeping them safe. It was a hard decision of us to make too. I’m sending f hugs and prayers.
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u/brandiLeeCO 1d ago
So sorry for your loss. I lost my baby also at 18 years just last week. He went peacefully at home.
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u/Successful-Space6174 1d ago
I’m so deeply sorry he’s a beautiful soul and will be with you for eternity he’s letting you know he loves you for eternity 😇🐈⬛🙏🌈
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u/Jorganti 1d ago
He is indeed a handsome one, very sorry. He must know it's close to that time, and wants to spend it with his human.
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u/itsjoe0618 1d ago
I’m glad you got one last cuddle with your boy. Hugs and condolences as you face the grieving process. 🫂🖤💐
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u/shadowjacelunar 1d ago
In the end he is saying he loves you and wants to make you happy for the last time! He knows he won't be there physically so he is saying he will love you forever! Losing someone is hard but remember they will be waiting for you when it's your time! Also it's okay to cry and have troubles moving on. I still have troubles with either family or pets passing away till this day. But I remember they are still there for me but not physically. Take your time as well before getting another pet(if you want to later down the line).
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u/Proof_Condition4745 1d ago
his little old man face is so sweet. senior cats are so special i’m so sorry😔💕
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u/NefariousnessKey1177 1d ago
The night before I put my girl down she cuddled with me twice which she hadn't done in a long time. I think they know, maybe he's saying thank you.
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u/Alexcamry 1d ago
Teared up reading this one.
It’s wonderful he wants to be with you instead of hiding.
Hold him until the very end
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u/danceORbox 1d ago
I'm sorry and enjoy this last rally ❤️ he knows. My first kitty lived to be 21, and his kidneys and liver were really going. We had to leave town for a few days (our petsitter was a medtech), and when we came back, Ian the cat was shockingly spritely and loving, cuddles and purring and slept with his chest over my hand. I was elated he felt well. Next morning, he crashed. Vomited blood, and just lied down on his side by front door, eyes out of focus, barely responsive, no sounds, no obvious movement. Rushed him to the vet for the last trip, bawling. Got to hold him one as he crossed over. We were so worried leaving him for three days with the sitter. I think he worried about us. Waited and hung in there just long enough for us to get back home. Then he let go. I choke up thinking about that last night, not knowing that it was, and am so grateful he gifted us that.
Enjoy every moment ❤️ It goes fast.
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u/DumpedDalish 1d ago
I'm so sorry -- what a sweet, beautiful boy, and you can see how much he loves you.
You are doing the right thing for him, even though it is such a hard thing. It is a gift of love, and I truly believe he knows that.
Please take care of yourself out there, okay?
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u/TopCaterpillar6131 17h ago
Just seeing this today. Godspeed over the Rainbow Bridge to your little old man. He will be there waiting for you when your time comes to join him. They never really leave us. The love still remains.
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u/pandawhiskers 16h ago
Reminds me so much of my 18yo gal! Was the hardest thing to let her go, but she is in a better place. He will always be in your heart 🖤
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u/TelephoneFree351 1d ago
So very sad and sorry for you 😿 Your fur baby is saying goodbye for now. Bless you for taking such good care of him and for having the courage to let him go. It will hurt for a long, long time but you will take comfort from your memories. Take lots of pics and love on your boy right to the end. He’s a handsome fellow and trusts you to see him through.
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u/Prudent_Fruit_6674 1d ago
I hate saying goodbye to a good friend. The hardest thing is being there and letting them know everything is going to be ok and he is going to feel better. It tears me apart once they pass. My world has less in it when I have to say goodbye. I miss my Squirt and Keetah.
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u/sandfleazzz 1d ago
So Sooo very sorry for both of you. Said goodbye to my little girl last July. Almost ready.
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u/dart51984 1d ago
What a beautiful gentleman. My sweet little Bess will meet him on the other side of the rainbow bridge and show him around. She’ll know all the best spots to sunbathe and watch birdies. Then when you’re ready, you’ll see him again someday. 🐈⬛❤️
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u/Magilla1969 1d ago
My heart goes out to you…. So difficult to watch this happen, despite efforts to do whatever you can with food, medication and other treatments, to keep them thriving as best as humanly possible. And yes, a handsome little guy. Take care of yourself. Hugs. ❤️
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u/Specific_Cow_186 1d ago
I’m sorry to hear that. Saying goodbye is never easy. But the cat may visit you after being put to sleep I know Amelia the cat visited me in spirit right after being put to sleep January 30th 2018 at 2:19pm
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u/Silent_Ideal7678 1d ago
So sorry to have had this truly loving black having to say goodbye inn his final
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u/Neither_Classic_9916 1d ago
Stay strong. He’s a very sweet looking gentleman. I’m sure he thanks you for the years and years of love
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u/eowynladyofrohan83 1d ago
My friend has a female tuxedo cat with a spot on her iris in that same location.
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u/Cool_Nightmare_Kitty 1d ago
I'm so sorry you are going through this pain. He is a handsome boy, and take comfort in knowing one day you will be reunited. Until then, he is still looking out for you and always in your heart.
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u/Far_Way2188 1d ago
What a gorgeous boy. I’m praying for you. It’s the most difficult choice to make.
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u/Missant77 1d ago
Wish him the best rest.
Had to said goodbye to my boy back in December, still miss him everyday. Even today when I get back home, I sometimes have the feeling that he is waiting for me to me.
Please hug him for me and stay with him until the last second, it will be the world for him.
Good luck
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u/TigerBillHawaii 1d ago
Our condolences as you say good-bye to each other. But you will see him again, someday. He will be waiting at the Rainbow Bridge 🐈😢🌈. And then you can cuddle again and everything will seem like normal.
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u/thelek66 1d ago
You have my deepest condolences. It is never easy to lose someone close, especially if you share a deep bond. I have been in your place many times, and it never gets any easier. After a personal loss of my own, I was struck with an inspiration and wrote the following passage. My hope is that it helps you as much reading it as it helped me writing it.
The Holes in Our Souls.
As we ride this old earth on it's journey around the sun, we accumulate holes in our souls. These holes happen when someone very close to us leaves this world and moves on to the next. These can be family, friends, and even pets. As each passes, they take with them the best part of our souls that remain. But fear not, for if you take a moment and look deep in your soul where those holes are, you will find that they are not empty. For although they took the best part of your soul with them, they left a part of their own souls with you. This is so that, although they are no longer here, they are not truly gone from you. You will feel their presence and their love for you and you will be able to remember them. They will remain with you until the time that it is your own turn to leave this world. Then, when it is your time, you will take small pieces of the souls that you leave behind. Then you will fill the holes with pieces of your soul so that they can remember you in the same way that you remembered those who left before you.
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u/crgts 1d ago
I’m so sorry. He’s a beautiful boy. I’m so glad you are not second guessing your decision. Your boy is rallying. He’s most likely suffering and your selfless decision is best for him. It’s the worst thing about being responsible for these lovely beings. You’ve obviously given him a wonderful and caring home.
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u/jesss_ie 1d ago
I’m so sorry. I’m currently waiting for my 21 year old void to tell me it’s time. My heart goes out to you. He loves you so much and he’ll always be with you.
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u/banshee1313 1d ago
I am so sorry. You are doing the right thing, though it hurts. I had to make similar decisions. Don’t beat yourself up.
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u/Gau-Mail3286 1d ago
So sorry to hear that. When you look back, remember that you had many good years with him, and look back on those good times; that will give you some comfort.
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u/GraphicDesignerSam 1d ago
That my friend is your little boy showing his unconditional love for you which is just natural to him. And you are fulfilling the greatest act of love for him by letting him take his well earned rest. He will leave a little bit of his soul in your heart to be with you forever 🌹
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u/Adorable-Gate-2192 1d ago
He knows it’s time, and he knows he needs to make sure you know that he loves you beforehand. It’s a beautiful thing to hear him do that for you. You’re gonna remember that for the rest of your life. He came to you and said I love you and thanked you for all the years of love and happiness. And he wants to tell you that everything will be okay. He’s a gorgeous boy and he will be remembered and loved forever. Thank you for sharing him with us. I may have just met him but damn I already love him too! Rest easy sweet boy, you were the bestest boy ever.
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u/SeaweedPotato 1d ago
My cat was also like saying goodbye the night before the day he was about to be put down. He has been suffering from a disease and he is paralized whole body. The night before, I slept by his side and he is just staring at me. I was just crying until i fell asleep and when i woke up. It was the worst day of my life
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u/InternationalAct7004 1d ago
I’m so sorry. He is trying to comfort you and knows you love him. Godspeed little guy. I wish you a healing heart ❤️
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u/InadmissibleHug 1d ago
When we plan to give them a gentle end to their lives, we take their pain and make it ours.
I think he’s saying good-bye, and thank you. I think they know somehow.
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u/boredATwirk 1d ago
I have a black cat tattoo. It is now this cat tattoo. I will think of him daily.
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u/potatoqueen666 1d ago
Fly high sweet angel. My utmost condolences and thoughts go out to you today. My deepest sympathies for you both. 💜🦋🌈
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u/401jamin 1d ago
My cat lived to about 19. He looked exactly like your boy. I loved him very much. It’s been 6 years now and I’m still thinking about him. He kept my lap warm and my heart full.
He loves you. You’re a good pet owner. I hope you the best
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u/virogar 1d ago
The best advice I got when we had to put down our 23 year old tortie, who just wasn't there anymore in the same way:
"They often can't express pain in ways that we can see it, but they're still able to feel it. It's our jobs and responsibility, as the people they trust with everything and as an act of love to free then when they're trapped in it."
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u/ImperfectAuthentic 1d ago
I've put down 4 cats in my life, all at the end of their natural lifespan. From when I was a little boy to a grown man. I think it gets worse as I age.
It's hard, but the best thing is if the cat is suffering or if it's unable to look after itself and may get lost or hurt itself, it's the best thing for it or it might just disappear one day and you'll never know what happened and that's even worse.
Allow yourself time to grieve, people who've never had pets might not understand, but it's truly heartbreaking.
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u/ByteAGiga 1d ago
Heart goes out to you, OP. We had to put down our 17 year old cat recently. He had developed a growth on his face, had hyperthyroidism, kidney disease and a heart murmur. We couldn't fix one problem without it triggering his other problems. I miss him every single day and still cry at times. I also laugh at his antics and reminisce about all the love he gave. It's one of the hardest decisions we ever have to make and we don't take it lightly. Sending you good vibes to see you through this tough time. P.S. Tell your kitty to find this boy when he crosses that bridge. His name is Lou ❤️
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u/ButterThyme2241 1d ago
I’ll chant for the little fellah! Nothing like a handsome black cat I had so many growing up and they were always the best. Looks and sounds like you gave them a wonderful life.
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u/907499141 1d ago
I am sitting here now sad, knowing that I myself will be there again and again. I feel your pain, I feel your sorrow. All I can say is I am sorry.
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u/skits112189 1d ago
Looks like my Spaz-moe, eye speckle and little bit of white in chest. He lived to be in his 20’s
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u/McSwearWolf 1d ago
What a majestic and handsome man. May he be cherished and honored in your memories; the gifts and love he shared will not be forgotten.
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u/BaseballAccording158 1d ago
Give him the best of his life with happiness and love treats and playtime and a cuddley nap
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u/AeskulS 1d ago
It’s not crazy to think that. I said goodbye to my old man earlier this year. He spent a lot of our last few days together.
I had to leave to go back to uni, and he reportedly deteriorated right after I left. 3 days later, a vet was called to send him on his way. My family said he was ready, approaching the vet with pride, which he never did.
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u/Next-Caterpillar4982 1d ago
Reminds me of my 18 yr old Spook, when he passed away. 😿 He was getting so lethargic and I told him it was ok, he could go be with my dad. A couple hrs later, he passed over the rainbow bridge.
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u/Familiar-Belt2318 1d ago
Awww. What a gift he’s giving you. And you’re doing right by him. Sorry for your loss. Our little black cats are the best.
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u/EssaySharp5089 1d ago
He looks just like my black cat Odin. He makes our life so much better. I hope your heartbreak is minimal. My heart breaks for you!!
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u/CuriousVampireCat 23h ago
We had to say goodbye to our boy Loki almost a year ago. I was crying about him last night and your boy is looks just like him. Cherish your memories I feel your pain
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u/Dazzling-Snow-1780 23h ago
I’m so terribly sorry… He knows you love him so much and you are doing the right thing… hugs ❤️.
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u/susanbob 22h ago
One of the saddest decisions we have to make, but also one of the kindest decisions we can make. I’m so sorry, he is a very handsome boy who is clearly loved ❤️
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u/Hejira0921 22h ago
OP is handsome, even majestic! I’m sure those cuddles are full of love for you. It’s so hard saying goodbye, I hope all your happy memories bring you comfort 💗
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u/RadioLongjumping5177 21h ago
So sorry you’re going through this. It is certainly heartbreaking. I hope this brings you some comfort.
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u/tykytys 1d ago
He knows you are sad, and he loves you so much, unconditionally, that he wants to comfort you even if things are confusing to him.
After tomorrow, when he has gone to his reward, he will still comfort you in your heart and your head. And, one other thing: he will still love you, forever. Take care.