Every day at school my preschool daughter picks out a library book from the IMC to bring home. On Monday she picked out Curious George Goes to the Hospital
. I thought it a rather odd choice but read it to her anyway on Monday night. The next morning my husband woke up and went to feed and care for our cats. He noticed that Katy Bear looked sick and put some food in her bowl. She tried to walk, but couldn't. After consulting with the vet on the phone, we learned that her symptoms were consistent with a stroke and she probably wouldn't live. Before taking her into the veterinary office we talked with our daughter and told her that Katy was very sick and that she might not survive. With heavy hearts we had time to say some quick goodbyes. The vet put Katy to sleep.
As soon as my husband left for the vet's office, my daughter went to retrieve the Curious George book. She really wanted to understand what was happening to our cat, and I couldn't help but wish that Katy Bear would return just as Curious George had from the hospital. Sometimes books are good at explaining difficult topics but I don't own any that help explain the loss of a beloved pet. My husband and I adopted Katy 10 years ago, when she was just a kitten. We'll miss our mouse catcher. We'll miss our apple peel eating cat. We'll miss her shoe loving ways. We'll miss her.
Find more of this week's Wordless Wednesday (or Wordful) posts at 5 Minutes for Mom or Seven Clown Circus.
33 comments:
I'm so sorry to hear about your pet. Losing a pet is always hard, and after having one for a decade--well, it becomes so much harder.
It sounds like the Curious George book was a little touch of fate.
Oh I am so sorry. Gosh I should have brought tissue!
Sounds like Curious George was a great cure to explain such a difficult time and tragedy.
*Hugs
Karie
That's so sad. I'm sorry! I'm glad you had the book to help explain things.
I am so sorry. (hug) Losing a pet is so difficult as they are one of the family.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Sounds like Curious George wasn't such a bad pick after all.
Oh my goodness......Just last month, we put my beloved calico to sleep. It was heart wrenching - and so very hard to make our 2 year old daughter understand. My husband had given her to me the first Christmas we were together as boy/girl friend almost 10 years ago. Very similar story to your own.
BIG HUGS to you for the loss of what clearly was a very well loved and treasured member of you family.
What a sad but teachable moment!
I'm so sorry you had to put your kitty to sleep. I had to do the same thing with our first cat, but my oldest was too young at the time to need to explain anything to her. Good thing you had George to help you out.
Hugs.
aww - so sorry for your loss!
Your blog title caught my eye over at Daisy's blog, so I thought I'd come visit.
What sad news to find! I'm am so sorry you had to say goodbye to your beloved Katy. Please know that she will forever be in your hearts.
sss's mom
I am so sorry for your loss. Our kitty had a stroke last November and passed away. Explaining to children is awful. HUgs!!
Hugs and purrrs to you all!! Our thoughts are with you!! W are glad George was there to help!!
Your TX furiends,
I am very sorry that Katy Bear had to go to the Rainbow Bridge. She was very beautiful.
sorry to hear of your loss! :( best regards!
We are very sorry to hear that Katy Bear had to be put to sleep. She didn't suffer for long though and that's a comfort we think. It must be very hard for all of you. Your little girl was lucky she could say her goodbyes to Katy Bear.
Gentle purrs, Siena & Chilli
I am so, so sorry. I am in tears now. Katy Bear sounds like a special girl (beautiful too). I am a kitty person myself, and I know how much this hurts. They really are our second children and they are loved so much.
I am so sorry.
I'm so sorry for your loss! Pets are truly part of the family, and it's truly a shame they don't live as long as we do! I don't know what I'll do when we eventually lose one of our pets!
Oh no, I am SO SORRY to hear about your loss. We recently lost our 19-year-old housecat so I know what you are going through.
I am sending warm thoughts and prayers your way and so are all the furbabies in my family...
Jaime
I'm so sorry about Katy. She's so pretty and sweet looking.
Thanks for stopping by my blog.
Purrs,
Lucy
ohhhh so sorry to hear about your darling cat!! what a sweet little story though...
So sorry to hear about your cat! It's hard when you lose a member of the family. Praying for you!
I have been in your shoes and can appreciate your pain. I remember telling the kids was the hardest part. Blessings to you.
How very sad, I am so sorry to hear about your loss.
Oh, I am SO sorry! She was a gorgeous cat! It's so hard losing a pet, especially one you've had for as long as you had her. Hugs!
I'm sorry!
I'm so sorry to hear. I can't imagine how tough it must be!
Our furry family members provide us with so much love, it's hard to say good-bye. Hugs to you all as you remember your sweet kitty.
Connie
I have tears in my eyes. I'm so sorry for the loss of your kitty. I've gone through it three times now and I know how much it hurts.
Hugs,
Carol M
Aww. Poor thing. It is so hard to loose a family pet. That's what they become.. a part of the family.
Praying that you all can laugh at all the good memories of your mouse catcher :-)
Aw, I am so sorry! It hurts all the same whether it's an animal or a person.
At least you have your memories =]
That is so sad! I'm so sorry. :(
I'm so sorry for your loss. It's terrible to lose an animal who has become part of your family -- I still miss our Tuckers who we lost a few years ago now. The vet said it was either a stroke or a brain tumor :-(
One book that my children really enjoy is called Kitty Heaven. I got it for them when we lost Tuckers and they still ask to read it periodically so they can see that Tuckers is doing well :-) It's a very sweet book.
I still miss my first kitty, Ringo!! What a blessing your daughter picked out that book... hopefully it helped a little!
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