Gabriel left us at 3:13pm this afternoon. I am happy that we had a very nice, peaceful night together last evening, and a good day today. His spirits were good, and was eating a lot. He was playing with his favorite orange "mouse" fanatically. We had to delay the injection to let him continue for awhile.
He is where he should be now.
Thank you for all of your kind words, inspiration, and compassion. It does make a positive difference.
I must thank Ross personally. If it wasn't for him and this hairbrained idea of genius for a project site, this would all be meaningless.
And, if it wasn't for you, and Henrietta and Isabel, I don't know how I would be right now.
It is good to know that Gabriel became worldly, all because of this site, and was loved by many. That is what he always enjoyed.
Aw I wish I had so much to say but I am not a person of too much words. Gabriel is in a better place for sure, and I am so happy for you for being able to take these amazing pictures of him. Something you can look at and remember. I hope you're doing good Chris. Be blessed :)
Oh, Chris, I am so sorry to hear this. I only just "met" Gabriel a few days ago, but I teared up reading this (I'm a total softie for animals). You did everything you could for him, and he knew he was loved.
i still couldn't stop crying everytime i think of my previous cat who passed away 3 yrs ago. pets are like our children, once they are in our lives, they are staying forever. i hope you find peace, time is the only cure. hugs.
Thanks so much for the update. So very sad when we lose a friend and companion. I'm sure he is in a happy and healthier place right now.
Thanks too for sharing the links to your older photos of him. I don't always have time to go through everyone's album all the way to the beginning. I hope your heart heals quickly.
Tough day mate... been there before and never easy. Mad how we get affected by our pets isn't it. Have had to put down a couple of our dogs when I was younger, always felt they 'knew' what was up...A few years back my cat died suddenly when he was just 5. My parents were looking after him as I was about to go on holiday... so, so sad...
I've stood next to that table like you did, Chris, and wouldn't leave until all the good-byes were said. It's one of the hardest things I've had to do, but I couldn't *not* do it. I know you feel the same. I'm glad you'll carry memories of Gabriel playing and eating on this last day, and you wouldn't have wanted him to be in pain. Life sucks sometimes...I'm glad you have this circle who embrace you and your cats...thank you for sharing Gabriel's pictures in all the happier times. I wish I could make all the painful things go away...just know you're in my prayers...
I have been thinking of you all day. I still remember the drive when taking my dog in, and I dread the day when my cat is no longer here. I love seeing everyone's furry friends on here and miss them all when they are gone.
Sending a hug your way. Your photo and story from yesterday brought tears to my eyes. I know that feeling of saying goodbye to, let's face it, a member of your family. Some people think I am crazy for viewing my pets as family, but that's what they've always been to me. It was a brave and selfless choice you made to ultimately save Gabriel from much pain in the future. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
I think Gabriel deliberately gave you a definite last memory of himself that you'd want to keep. To me, this was his way of saying, "You know what, it's okay and I understand." Animals are much wiser than we know.
My thoughts and prayers go to you and the remainder of you family in your hour or need. You have a lot of great memories captured by your camera, enjoy them.
When we took our dog Dexter in, we weren't allowed to stay with him.
I guess it was SPCA policy. Perhaps it might have been different if we'd taken him to a vet. Looking back, I don't why we didn't.
That was 8 years ago, and I am still haunted by the sight of him so placidly following the SPCA employee off to never never land.
Anyway...so sorry for your loss, Chris...but I am very glad you were able to be there with him.
I'm so very sorry, Chris - Gabriel is pain-free, happy and at peace now, even though it will be a long time before his absence is anything other than a hole in your heart. Thank you for sharing him with us. Hugs to you.
I've never been in a place where so many lovely people gives such support to their friends. I second so much of what folks have said here. Once Louise said 'I've stood by that table'.....that was it for me............so many memories of my dog and I feel for you so much. But all our loved pets are enjoying such peace now...I know it's a wonderful place...
Sorry for your loss Chris. He was beautiful.
I lost my orange tabby, Marmalade, 4 years ago and it's a very hard thing.
Enjoy your photos, may they bring you many many sweet memories
Chris, I have also been there. It's so hard even though you know you are doing the right thing. When my 23-yr-old cat received her injection the vet had to tell me several times, "she's gone and she's been gone for awhile now." I found it so hard to leave her.
Gabriel seemed to have such a good soul and I know you will miss him terribly. Fortunately, you do have some great photos from 365 so that all of your fond memories will come flooding back every time you view them.
I am so sorry for your loss. I've had to do the same thing. I always say never again...but, what would our lives be like without all the joy, laughter and unconditional love we get from our furry family members.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it must be for you to loose a friend. Remember the good memories with him and stay strong for Henrietta and Isabel.
Chris I am so sorry about Gabriel! I lost my kitty Garfield last fall, I had him since I was only 10 years old so I know how hard it is to lose a pet that you love so much. They become your little fur babies. Im sure it hurts right now but one day you will be able to look back on the pictures of him and smile and think of the good memories you have.
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Thanks too for sharing the links to your older photos of him. I don't always have time to go through everyone's album all the way to the beginning. I hope your heart heals quickly.
Pax Christi
Rev. Joel+
I guess it was SPCA policy. Perhaps it might have been different if we'd taken him to a vet. Looking back, I don't why we didn't.
That was 8 years ago, and I am still haunted by the sight of him so placidly following the SPCA employee off to never never land.
Anyway...so sorry for your loss, Chris...but I am very glad you were able to be there with him.
We will all miss him very much and we thank you for sharing him with us.
My prayers are with you.
http://365project.org/chrisr62/365/2010-04-27
God Bless.
Sending you a massive hug, not an easy time.
I lost my orange tabby, Marmalade, 4 years ago and it's a very hard thing.
Enjoy your photos, may they bring you many many sweet memories
Gabriel seemed to have such a good soul and I know you will miss him terribly. Fortunately, you do have some great photos from 365 so that all of your fond memories will come flooding back every time you view them.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it must be for you to loose a friend. Remember the good memories with him and stay strong for Henrietta and Isabel.