Such a rough December for you. :(

Thank you for checking in and letting us know what's kept you away.

Oh Karen, I can only imagine how you're feeling right now. My thoughts will be with you. :)

Karen, I am so sorry to hear of your many losses--human and furbaby, I feel for what you're going through--You have my condolences.
Yes, I would want Dec to be over too.

Time will take care of both the hurt and Dec.

Jim

Karen- So sorry that so much has hit you so quickly. You must be crushed. I know that we never get used to loss. This kind of week is when you ask for super natural help and expect a "Peace that passeth understanding" to hold you up. May the Lord bless you and help mend your heart.

Karen, so sorry for your losses. Yes, I pray that 2010 will be much better for all of us, and goodbye December! Hugs.

((((Karen)))) I'm so incredibly sorry! I'll keep you in my prayers, with a special one that this new year will bring peace and healing to you and your heart.
Lynn

Thank you so much for your caring words. It has helped to come here and share my sorrows. Both my old friends, and Feather, passed peacefully and quickly. No suffering, and long wonderful lives. That is a great comfort to me.
Feather has had cancer for the past year, but doing fine till 2 days ago. She came into this world in my arms, and left the same way. The vet was wonderful and Feather was unafraid, in fact she was half asleep on her blanket. I believe the best gift we can give our fur-kids is to know 'when' to let them go, and be there to hold them.
Here's my sweet girl
{{gwi:128757}}

I'll try to get back to normal posting, tho I'm going to be taking my Christmas decor down now instead of in a couple more weeks. I've kind of lost my holiday spirit.
My family did have a wonderful Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, for which I feel blessed. It wasn't till 7 pm I found out Donald had died. So there were no tears marring Christmas with my children and grandchildren thankfully.

I'll continue to enjoy all your Christmas photos tho. And Jim, I will certainly continue to lose myself in your Wonderland. You make it so easy to do that in your home.
I was sad to find your previous albums had 'disappeared' from my Photobucket saved friends albums. I think you must have made them private this year? I'll remember to save your special photos now tho. I love this year's decor so very much.

hugs, Karen

Karen, I'm so sorry to hear you've had so many losses in such a short time. Almost too much to bear. Try to remember the good times with your human friends and your furbaby. They are always in our thoughts. That is such a pretty pic of Feather. I'm sure she had a wonderful life with you.

Karen, Feathers picture & your words have brought tears to my eyes, I am such a sucker for my fur babies & our old gal cocker has a growth on her head, it's so hard knowing the end is near for them & yet they seem so full of life yet & want to be the pupppy they once were.

The sad thing about them is their short life span, over a lifetime we sure do have to part with many beloved pets.

Not to diminish your loss of your wonderful family friends either, it's so hard & seems so unfair.

I don't deal with loss very well, so I will just end here before I get anymore weepy.

Just know I know how you feel.

Oh, Karen, Feather looks like such a sweetie. You are right about letting go. I remember crying all the way to the vet and all the way back when we put Boo-Boo (Furry kitty) to sleep some years ago. I could hardly see to drive.

Even though the vet never suggested which way to go (more medicine or euthanasia), his assistant saw me (a crying mess of a woman) as I was leaving and said, "We don't ever try to persuade our clients one way or the other, but we feel it is the kindest thing you can do for your ailing pet."

2010 will be here soon. In fact, sometimes it seems that the new year shows up faster and faster each year.

Karen, I'm so sorry to hear your sad news. Hugs to you my friend. I hope the new year will bring better days for you.

Karen,
Let me add my sympathies. It's extremely difficult to lose people you love, and especially two at once! But I'm glad you're taking comfort in their long and meaningful lives and peaceful way they left this world.

And for your sweet "fur baby"--how wonderful that she could just go to sleep in your arms.

I have endured both--my precious father and a couple of just-like people kitties--all three of whom I miss when I need a certain kind of comforting. It does get better with time and when you reflect the joy they left behind in this world.

- Magpie

Oh no! Not one of your fur babies too! My goodness, it's no wonder you haven't felt like posting lately. Just too much to take all at one time! You have a very good reason for losing your holiday spirit. ((((Karen))) Luvs

All of us who have loved and lost our precious fur-babies,
know they are with us far too short a time. But their love is so unconditional, they give us so much, that our pain is a small price to pay. That is why we keep opening our hearts to others.
I have other Whippets, who are extra-glued to me tonight knowing something is wrong. But no matter how many dogs (or cats) you have, it never diminishes the loss of a single one. I still ache for so many I've lost over the years, but oh how I treasure the memories that are forever in my heart.
I know its the same for many of you here.

hugs, Karen

Karen...I had been wondering about you and thinking you've
been quiet...
I was thinking you were just catching up on
some rest after all the decorating you did.
Now, I'm saddened to hear of your painful losses.
Please know I'm thinking of you, and offer my deepest sympathy.
I hope in the days ahead, you will find comfort
in the happy memories you had with them,
and with Feather...the Happy and Wonderful life you gave her.

As hard as it may be with any loss, it's comforting to know,
as you said, they departed peacefully.
jane

Karen, I,m so sorry for both losses, it is especially hard this time of year. Reading this post has made me tear up, I can hardly imagine having to deal in person. We all know what a good mom you are to your furkids, you just think about all the good times with feather. Taking down all the those beautiful Christmas decorations will surely help keep your mind occupied. Look foward to hearing from you in the new year.
Syble

Karen, sooo sorrrry to hear all the sad news from you. I had posted a poem for you last night and my posts didn't stay on here. It's so hard to accept loss but one will smile again when you think about their new life.

Feather was a beautiful girl and I know she had a wonderful home with you. I bet she's up in doggie Heaven right now, bragging about her life down here with you!!! And yes the other dogs are all jealous.

After loosing our last dog, we haven't bought another because the loss is so hard. We only have 1 large kitty and DS's dog.

You are one very strong lady and I can hardly wait to be able to come here every night and read your humor again.

Sharing You Sorrow...and...Sending My Love

Punk

We had a rough December too, I hope you find the strength and hope for the new year ahead! I wish the best for you, so glad you posted so your friends here can encourage you and send you HUGS!

purplemoon...I see my message didn't escape the maintenance last night...so I am re-posting a message. Just sending good thoughts & prayers your way to help ease your pain with your losses.

May you be comforted with many good memories of your old friends ... and may your memories of Feather be joyful & help wipe the tears away! So hard to say goodbye. Thinking of you & your friends & families. Jeanne S.

{{gwi:127946}}

Mary Ruth, so sorry to hear you've had a rough month. Please know that all of us here will add you to our prayers.

Oh Jeanne, Your picture is "Priceless" I just LOVE it, so touching. I know Karen will love it too. I couldn't come up with a better one if I searched all night, every night. Great Job!

Punk

Karen, So sorry to hear about your losses. You have been hit with a lot in such a short period. It's so diffficult to let go of our furry family members. Your right about each and everyone being so special and the memories we keep of them. Thoughts and prayers to you.

Apparently Dec couldn't go quietly.....another trip to vet this morning, and back home alone. A massive infection had erupted in back of her mouth the vet said. Up until yesterday I didn't know she was even sick.

My dear sweet Brindle. Dec 02-Dec 09
{{gwi:128758}}

I'm just heartsick.
Karen

I am so sorry for all your losses Karen . Hugs and prayers heading your way. Kareen

Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an
animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet
goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our
special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of
food, water and sunshine and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and
vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong
again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times
gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small
thing: they each miss someone very special, someone who was left
behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly
stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his
eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly, he breaks from the group,
flying over the green grass, faster and faster. You have been
spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling
together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses
rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and
you look once more into those trusting eyes, so long gone from your
life, but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together...

"Author Unknown"

Oh My Karen...you've had more than your share this month.

I'm sorry to hear about yet another loss in your life.
I'm sure it's more than you can bear at this moment.
As hard as it may be to accept, please find comfort in knowing that Brindle didn't suffer and didn't linger in pain.
Please know there are are many of us here with thoughts and prayers for you, to bring
you through this awful time.
With loving thoughts...

jane

I wish that were true, Jane. But she did suffer, I just didn't know it. I am wracked with guilt, Brindle must have gotten sick this past week, but I was so wrapped up in the other losses, I haven't paid any REAL attention to the cats. Other than feeding and such. The vet said she was in a lot of pain this morning. (cats hide such so well unfortunately. Brindle was such a quiet little cat, not in my face like some of the others. So seeing her sleeping
or just laying around the family-room, I never dreamed she had anything wrong.

Its going to be very hard to deal with my part in this.
Had I known a few days ago, I may have been able to save her. She was so sweet, I always referred to her as the "good cat". I rescued her from a feral litter at our neighbor's when she was just 6 wks old. I really did love this little cat, and to know I caused her death will always haunt me.

Karen

Oh Please pleas Karen...please don't take on that blame..
you might not have known at all, even if you were not caught up in grief.. As you said, she was a quiet cat... you might not have picked up on it until you did.
I know, we tend to question ourselves when it comes to our handling of a pet that we had to put down...whether we
could have handled it differently. Sometimes going over and over what we could have or should have done..
This thinking really does not help us in any way other than to torture ourselves..and bring on more guilt. The bottom line, I've learned...it doesn't bring them back..or change what happened...it just makes us miserable. I really think we do this to punish ourselves.
Karen, as you, I've been there..many times, and to get through this, you must not go there.. it won't help you.

Again, try to focus on how you rescued her and the wonderful life she had with you.
This is all I can offer you at this time..and
Prayers to give you strength to bring you through.

Hang in there Karen... I'll try to support you in any way I can.

jane

Karen, I am just seeing this.
I am so sorry for your losses..around Christmas is always so hard..my dad was buried on Cmas eve when I was a teen, he was 50..Christmas always brings back such memories..
I know how much you love your dogs..
A big hug for you..blessings in 2010!

OMG! So not fair to lose two beloved furbabies in one month! Bless your heart, it's not your fault, how could you possibly know she had a bad infection? Things just sometimes happen that way. Jane is right, just remember that you gave her a wonderful home all these years--otherwise she might have ended up in the pound or been run over by a car--who knows? She knows she was so lucky that you rescued her and gave her a good home. I know your heart is hurting so much right now. (((Karen))) Luvs

Karen,

This should not of happened to you and since it did there is no reason for you to feel quilty. I loved reading the posts with all the support for you. Good thing it's not a person doing this to you or they would probably get beat up by someone here. If not physically, at least verbally.

I'm joining the force to help pick you back up and carry you forward in this New Year. Please know how much support you have and let us know if you need something. Will keep you in my prayers and hope life will get better soon.

Nice poem by Kareen and hope that will help.

Sharing You Sorrow...and...Sending My Love Again

Punk

Thank you ALL for the support and caring. I am still really reeling over the past 6 days, and having a bad time especially over Brindle knowing her loss was my fault.

I will try to return to my normal posting as soon as I can.
I am reading all your posts and seeing the pictures, which are a great distraction for me. I've been too mentally and physically wiped out to really tackle putting my Christmas decor away. But am trying to do a bit each day.
I'm tired of feeling so overwhelmed...wish there was a cure for that. But this Forum is definitely the "next best thing".
Punk...LOL...if it was a person instead of Fate, I'm sure the gang here would go after them!

love you guys.
hugs, Karen

Karen, shocked and so, so sorry to hear you are suffering another loss. Everyone is right about not blameing yourself. We do get very busy, esp. at this time of year, but you know if you would have had any sort of inkling that your baby was ill you would have taken care of her. Cats do hide it very well. Sending thoughts and healing prayers your way.

Just a bunch of Texas sized hugs from me....

Dearest Karen, So much grief in such a short time.

I posted a comment shortly after Feather's picture, but it disappeared.

Then I check back in and you've had even more sorrow? At a time like this the forum is not adequate. We need to ALL be neighbors so we could come and give you lots of hugs. You could tell us lots of stories about your Babies and we could spend lots of money on Puffs Plus so we could all have a good cry together.

And when you were feeling better, we could pitch in and put all of your Christmas stuff away, get the bus gassed up, and go shopping to take your mind off of things for a while. How's that?

I'm hoping today was better than yesterday for you and tomorrow will be better than today.

Here's my hugs for you (((((Karen))))).

Lots of love,
Betty

(((((Karen))))) I'm just seeing this now and am sooo sorry you have had yet another loss! Tragic, but as others have said, please don't blame yourself. Even in a perfect world this might not have been obvious to anyone. All any of us can do is our best and I know you are a very good Mama to your furbabies.

Karen,

Hope your feeling better soon. WE MISS YOU!!! Don't work to hard at putting your Christmas away. Betty has had her tree up for years and her family finally accepted it. That Betty is so funny!!! I think that is great but I like the change both inside and outside.

Punk

Oh Karen, I'm so sorry for your losses! I often think of you and often wonder where you are when I have some time to spend in the forum looking at all these wonderful pictures posted by everyone.

And now that I finally find a post made by you it draws tears out of my eyes because I learn all these sad news.

I wish your new year is filled with only good things, happiness, serenity, and peace!

Dominique.

Karen--So sorry to read about your recent loss of Brindle.

I don't know if you've ever seen the movie Steel Magnolias--well Quiser was getting down on herself/behavior about caring for others, Clairee said to her "you would give your dog your kidney if it needed one"
I imagine you would too!

Jim

Yes Jim, I loved that movie. And you know me well it seems. My dogs and cats are family members,not just pets.

Prosp, I've missed you and look forward to seeing you here more this year. Hope you and your sweet son are doing well.

Betty, I LOVE your idea!!! Gas up that bus and y'all come on. I could use the help putting away all the decor, and we could shop till we drop, and fill up that bus a couple of times over! LOL. Plus our weather is 70, this is the BEST time of year in Phoenix! I love it and hate being inside when its so nice out. So bring it on, LOL, and we'll all have a fine time! Would Alfred drive the bus?

hugs, Karen