Monday, December 06, 2010

Saying Goodbye To My Best Friend

I had to say goodbye to my best friend and companion of the last 20 years today. Luke fell ill recently and has been really struggling. He was in a lot of pain. Making the decision to end any one's life, even a pet, is perhaps the most difficult decision we can face in life. You could not ask for a better friend and companion than Luke has been to me. He was just that kind of a devoted pet. As much as I loved him, I could see in his eyes he was ready to pass to a new world, but he was simply clinging to this life because he knew how much he meant to me. The veterinarian told me his kidneys and liver had shut down, which came as no surprise to me. He might have eaten some of the bad Iams food that was recently recalled. Not sure. Most cats live for only 12 to 15 years. I shall forever cherish the 20 wonderful years I had with Luke. Farewell my friend.

16 comments:

varangianguard said...

I am very sorry for your loss.

Blog Admin said...

I'm so sorry to hear of Luke's passing, Gary. It's always a hard decision to make when our four-legged friends are suffering.

Had Enough Indy? said...

I'm so sorry Gary. Luke had a good, long life.

Paul K. Ogden said...

Gary, I am so sorry to hear this. I've been a cat owner over the years - nothing wrong with dogs, just not home enough to take care of them. I have had cats who were wonderful companiions and I missed them dearly when gone. Sorry to hear this news.

Cato said...

Sorry, Gary.

Here's some actual cat-typed words of condolence:

m n b[]b plbvk,vm

Indy4U2C said...

Pets are companions and give us a better life...

Losing a pet is as painful as losing a family member. I am sorry for your loss.

Concerned Taxpayer said...

My condolences, Gary. They aren't animals, they're fur people.

Diana Vice said...

Sorry to hear about your loss.

M Theory said...

I was sorry to hear about Luke. As you know I love cats and lost a couple in the past few years. It's hard to let go of a life that's so intertwined.

Luke's pic is absolutely adorable.

They say some animals have souls. I know Luke does.

Thanks for posting the tribute to Luke's life.

Nick said...

I'm sorry for your loss. My cat, who was 21, passed away a few months ago.

Gary R. Welsh said...

Thanks to all of you for sharing your kind words.

Bradley said...

Sorry to hear about your loss, Gary. Sounds like you had a good twenty years with your friend.

Unknown said...

I'm sorry to hear about Luke. We had to put one our cats down this morning. They had to bring me a box of tissues.

guy77money said...

I'm sorry to hear about Luke. It is amazing how the fury friends can grow on you! My youngest son talked my wife into getting a cat about two years ago. After two litters we decided to get her fixed and the boys talked us into keeping the runt of the second litter. Having never owned a cat before it is quite awesome how they can become part of the family. Sounds like Luke lived 20 very good years!

IndyDem said...

So sorry for your loss, Gary. Its really hard to let go of someone who has given unconditional love year after year. I belong to 3 big dogs and each one means the world to me.
Our furry friends are members of our family, they add years to our lives and fill them with joy.
We should all strive to be as good a person as our pets think we are.
Our thoughts are with you in this sad time.

Anonymous said...

When the dog I had raised for 14 years had to be put to sleep I cried for a week. I was simply inconsolable. And for a year my heart just ached for him. Any time I thought of him I would just begin to cry. It was a little embarassing. But I could not control my grief over losing my dog. A year later a young, little stray came into my life, and it made all the difference. I'm sorry for your loss Gary. Grief is a cruel emotion.