this post was submitted on 20 Dec 2023

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Belle, you will be missed. (lemmy.world)

submitted 10 months ago by AlataOrange@lemmy.world to c/cat@lemmy.world

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This is my cat Belle, this specific photo is about 3 years old. She is currently 17, but today had been diagnosed with very aggressive lung cancer. She will not make it to Christmas, and we have decided to put her down tomorrow to spare her the pain of what is to come.

I don't know why I'm posting this. She's spent the whole day with me in my bed since coming home from the vet. She hasn't left once, not to drink, not to eat, not at all. Her breath is becoming more labored, and a part of me wonders if she'll make it through the night. I suppose that doesn't really matter anymore.

Thank you to whoever read this, it means a lot.

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[–] Lauchs@lemmy.world 26 points 10 months ago

So sorry to read this. These adorable monsters win our hearts just to break them.

For whatever it's worth, you're doing the right thing and because you're that kind of owner is probably why she wants to cuddle up with you when she's feeling rotten.

[–] AlataOrange@lemmy.world 23 points 10 months ago (5 children)

It is done.

[–] petaljiggy@lemmy.ml 7 points 10 months ago

What a sad day. I'm glad you posted a picture from a happier day. I'm sorry.

[–] limelight79@lemm.ee 6 points 10 months ago

I am so sorry. I know how it feels.

[–] cafecorse@lemmy.world 5 points 10 months ago

I'm sorry you are going through this, may she rest in peace

[–] AtariDump@lemmy.world 4 points 10 months ago

Sorry for your loss.

[–] viking@infosec.pub 4 points 10 months ago

My condolences.

[–] Scavenger_Solardaddy@lemmy.ml 21 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Eyes bright,

claws sharp,

tail held high.

Go keenly into the mist, old warrior.

Valhalla waits for you.

[–] flames5123@lemmy.world 3 points 10 months ago

That poem always gets me teary eyed.

[–] GlitterInfection@lemmy.world 19 points 10 months ago

She's beautiful. Thank you for sharing her with us.

It sounds like you're doing the right thing to save her all of that pain. It's so hard to let go of the ones we love. I hope you can celebrate her life and love her extra hard tonight.

[–] vivavideri@lemmy.world 12 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Smooch the top of her head for me. You know the spot, between the ears. While you're there, that feeling you get, fuzz on your face, imagine the deepest possible comaraderie another cat-loving human could possibly render upon you. That's us, on Lemmy, sending you all our love.

[–] AlataOrange@lemmy.world 9 points 10 months ago

I have done so for you

[–] TheInsane42@lemmy.world 10 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Pets give so much joy, but alas, they are with us a short time. Spoil her in the hours you have left together.

I already had to say goodbye to 4 cats, 2 dogs and countless guniea pigs. They all are special and they al, had a good life. I'm sure many more will follow (we still have 4 cats, 1 dog and 3 gunea pigs), but I'll try not having later pets outlive me. That would be cruel. (We already had 2 dogs that outlived a total of 3 owners and 1 cat that outlived 2)

[–] cheesymoonshadow@lemmings.world 4 points 10 months ago

My husband and I both worked from home for around 15 years, during which we had 3 indoor cats. We didn't go out or socialize much, so one of my biggest fears at the time was that both of us would die in an accident and our cats would be locked in the house and starve.

All 3 cats grew old, 2 have passed on, and we are now waiting for the last cat to go. We're not sure on his age but he is at least 19 and showing no signs of stopping. His name is Murphy and we sometimes call him the Energizer Murphy.

[–] cleanandsunny 10 points 10 months ago

I’m so sorry for you both! What a sweetie. She is lucky to have such a great human by her side ❤️

[–] Engywuck@lemm.ee 8 points 10 months ago (1 children)

I'm sorry, buddy. Be strong. One day the sorrow will go away and you will only remember the good moments with your friend. Hugs.

[–] henfredemars@infosec.pub 4 points 10 months ago

2nd. I've been there. I still miss my boy, but now I think of happy things when I remember. You can do it. It'll be okay. The love you share is worth it.

[–] thesprongler@lemmy.world 7 points 10 months ago

I'm still recovering from my loss, but you are doing the right thing. Give them peace and comfort in their past moments. ❤️

[–] spiritcow@lemmy.world 6 points 10 months ago

I'm so sorry! What a heart breaking decision. So glad you had each other for those 17 years, so precious!

We had to put down one of our kittens a few months ago unexpectedly. I was absolutely devastated and heart broken and was in a zombie mode for weeks after. I've not felt a loss like it.

So let your heart hurt and grieve, thank you for sharing her memory with us. You are not alone.

[–] jeffw@lemmy.world 6 points 10 months ago (1 children)

I’m actually in a similar situation, although my timeline is more like weeks (maybe months if I’m lucky) and the pet is a dog. It’s like losing a family member.

[–] AlataOrange@lemmy.world 4 points 10 months ago (1 children)

That's rough aswell. I don't know what's worse, having it happen fast cutting the time you have together short, or having it go slow and long.

Either way you have my best of wishes for yourself and your furry family.

[–] jeffw@lemmy.world 1 points 10 months ago

Not knowing when he’s going to take the final turn is definitely hard, but losing a pet suddenly is crazy hard too. I hope you’re holding up alright

[–] Speculater@lemmy.world 6 points 10 months ago

It's always painful to lose a friend, but don't forget the beautiful life you shared together. I've always found it nice to make a memory book the night after we had to put a buddy down.

[–] Davidjjdj@lemmy.world 6 points 10 months ago

I'm so sorry.

Poor girl, she is absolutely adorable in this picture. I hope she gets some good cuddles and pets tonight.

[–] zabby@lemmy.blahaj.zone 5 points 10 months ago

This happened to me 2 years ago, so I know it's really really tough. We put our old boy Stanley down on Christmas Eve and it was devastating. He was a long haired tuxedo that looked almost exactly like your sweet Belle.

I hope you take comfort in knowing that her last moments will be right by your side, where she likely feels the most at peace. And I also hope that you take care of yourself, take the time to grieve, and lean on your loved ones when you can.

[–] shadowSprite@lemmy.world 5 points 10 months ago

I'm so sorry. Belle is beautiful. We can never have them for long enough can we? They come into our life and want nothing but to be a part of it and forever would be too short of a time to keep them. She'll be waiting for you over the rainbow bridge.

[–] whostosay@lemmy.world 4 points 10 months ago

Sweet baby. I hope you find peace quickly, friend.

[–] FuglyDuck@lemmy.world 4 points 10 months ago

She looks like my kind of trouble! I’m sorry the loss. Cancer is… rough.

[–] Annoyed_Crabby@monyet.cc 4 points 10 months ago

I'm sorry to hear this 🫂

[–] Raz@lemm.ee 4 points 10 months ago

Lots of love and hugs to you both.

[–] transientDCer@lemdro.id 4 points 10 months ago

Beautiful cat, sorry you are having to deal with this. I lost my 2 year old husky during a surgery 6 weeks ago. Just have to remember all of the good times that we've had with them.

[–] banazir@lemmy.ml 3 points 10 months ago

I lost my dear friend over 20 years ago and it still hurts. Sorry for your loss.

[–] NGC2346@sh.itjust.works 3 points 10 months ago

She will remain with you in spirit, forever. She will merge within your toroidal flow under the form of memories, and her vibrations will be felt in your heart every time you remember her eyes and soft fur.

Rest in peace Belle.

[–] PlantDadManGuy@lemmy.world 3 points 10 months ago

She will be waiting for you in kitty Valhalla.

[–] cheesymoonshadow@lemmings.world 3 points 10 months ago

Big hugs to you and Belle. I hope you take comfort in the fact you are with her in her final moments.

[–] selokichtli@lemmy.ml 3 points 10 months ago

I'm glad Belle found you. I'm sure you loved each other, and that means everything.

[–] LdyMeow@sh.itjust.works 2 points 10 months ago

Give her lots of love and be with her for the last moments.

[–] Carighan@lemmy.world 1 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago)

She's a beauty! I lost one of my two a few months ago due to tongue cancer, which also came out of nowhere.

Give her a few scritchies between the ears from me. Cats are amazing creatures. She will have all the tuna and all the milk at the huntresses table!

[–] GregorTacTac@lemm.ee 0 points 9 months ago

I had to do the same for my cat. I was just petting him for about 2 hours straight, and I even had all of my friends say a proper goodbye to him.