Artemis, 1986-2004

[redbird]

It was clear by late last night that the only kindness we could give Artemis was an easy exit: she had no purr, she no longer wanted to be touched or to have milk or water, she could hardly move or even sleep. So we called the vet this morning, and have just come back from having her euthanized. I spent some of the time in between assuring her it wouldn't be much longer.

It did seem to be an easy death: Andy and I were both there, touching her gently, as the vet and his assistant put the needle in. The vet assured us that we were doing the right thing, which we knew but it did no harm to be told again. He also said we could stay with her body as long as we liked, but what we needed was to get outside and walk, so we did, a mile or so in the sunshine.

Eighteen years. My fuzz-beast, my chest cat, my Arte-pretty fuzzfriend.

Comments

[sneerpout.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry.

[minnehaha.livejournal.com]

Ah, sad.

K.

[red-queen.livejournal.com]

Oh, I'm so very sorry. And I know how it hurts, even when you are doing the right thing for her and helping her to go easily. As I commented in cattitude's entry, she was a very lucky cat to have made a home with you two. I still remember you feeding her scraps of lox, and when I remarked on it, you pondered briefly and said with assurance that it was impossible to spoil a cat -- they simply deserved the best. (I know Artemis agreed with that! What cat wouldn't?)

May you and cattitude be comforted among the mourners of the world.

[misia.livejournal.com]

So sorry for your loss... will be thinking of you all.

May your grief be as short you wish it to be

[dakiwiboid.livejournal.com]

and may Artemis be reborn if she wishes. And if she wishes to be reborn, perhaps she will chose to be that highest form of life, a well-loved, well-cared-for feline companion. I believe that there will be kind friends waiting to receive her at the Rainbow Bridge.

[crazysoph.livejournal.com]

How sad for you all... be good to yourselves, kind thoughts for you here from Ireland.

Crazy(and needing to go hug a cat now)Soph

[truepenny.livejournal.com]

*hug*

[tanac.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry. She was lucky to have such a loving and wonderful friend for all of these years. Peace to you both.

[bayarts.livejournal.com]

I am sorry for your loss.

[jenett]

*hugs*

May she have the cat-like blessings she deserves: warm patches of sun, attention and worship, and all the treats she desires.

[eleanor.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry.

Let me know if there's anything the boys or I can do for you.

[rysmiel.livejournal.com]

No words. *hug*

[miwasatoshi.livejournal.com]

It's always hard to lose a family member. (Anyone who tells me a pet is not family has obviously never been attached to a pet.)

[patgreene.livejournal.com]

*hug*

[maviscruet.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry. I know you did the right thing.

[rdkeir.livejournal.com]

Sympathy and good thoughts for all of you.

[magentamn.livejournal.com]

My deepest condolences.

[cheshyre]

*hugs* and *comfort*

[tsjafo.livejournal.com]

*hugs* I hope the Artemis-shaped hole in your heart can be filled with the loving memories of your friend, to ease your grief and pain.

[wild-irises.livejournal.com]

A good kitty life and a sad kitty death. Remember her well.

My thoughts are with you

[stealthpup.livejournal.com]

Even when it's best for the pet, it's always a hard thing to do, having it put down. At least you will have many memories to cherish, and you did get to spend 18 years together.

[laurel]

I'm so very sorry to hear this. At least it was relatively quick. Small consolation, but probably beats any number of other scenarios. Not that it'll likely feel like that now. You were also lucky to have her for 18 years. Take extra good care of yourself.

I hugged my cats a lot last night; I keep telling them they've gotta live forever, and I dread the day I'll have to deal with something like this.

[ailsaek.livejournal.com]

I am so sorry.

[purplecthulhu.livejournal.com]

Even more >hugs

[bibliotrope.livejournal.com]

More hugs for you and Andy. It's never easy to let go of someone we love. At least you were able to be with her and comfort her -- and each other -- at the end.