Our beloved cat Fred was put to sleep this morning. Fred had been very ill since November with an incurable pancreatic disease and while he fought the good fight for four months, he was steadily declining. His quality of life went completely away this weekend and for the very first time since being sick, he was in pain. Although it made us all heartbroken to put Fred to sleep, it was the right thing to do to end his suffering.
Fred was 12 years old. We adopted him when he was a little kitten. He was the sweetest cat I have ever had the pleasure of knowing (and I have known a lot of cats). Fred loved his humans and his best friend for the last 9 years has been our dog, Sam.
May you rest in peace, my sweet little cat - you were a wonderful companion and a great friend for the last 12 years and I miss you already.
This image was taken last year, when Fred was in excellent health, and became part of my aday.org project. Best viewed large.
Aw Danny I'm so sorry for your loss, it's so hard when we have to make that decision for our loved ones, Fred looks a gorgeous boy & I'm sure you both gave each other tons of love so you just have to remember the wonderful memories you had together
love the intense look on him. very suspecious of what was about to happen to him.
sometimes it is best for them. I had to put down a beloved dog in similar circumstances
@abhijit Thanks for the comments. This was taken almost a year ago and he is looking at some small critters in the backyard - that is why he has that intense look. He was totally out of it and his body was shutting down when he was put to sleep yesterday.
Tears are welling up in my eyes as I read this. I am so, so sorry for your loss, Danny. Fred was a beautiful cat and it sounds like he was a major part of your family just as our Daisy is. Sam will be lost for awhile I'm sure. Awwww, so sad.
What a hard thing to do. My dog from growing up got very ill and my parents were going to have him put to sleep. He ended up dying on his own before they took him in. So sorry for your loss and that you had to do this today. Pets are such sweet members of the family. This is a lovely portrait of Fred. He had wonderful eyes.
I'm so sorry for your lose, it's always sad to loose a loved pet, but I think you did the right thing, even though it was quite hard a decision to take!
@fueast@calm@x1nij@buttercup@still_beachradish Thank you all so much for leaving such kind comments. Posting this tribute to Fred has helped with the catharsis, but I still have a hole in my heart....
Sorry to hear about Fred... always loved this shot of him http://365project.org/soboy5/365/2012-11-15
I am pretty sure he's out in a never ending field of catnip, like he was in that earlier photo.
Oh Danny what a lovely story about Fred how you looked after him I am so sorry to have read this as i love all types of Animals it saddens me to here of any Animal that is suffereing or has suffered so sorry Danny you lost Fred : - (
Beautiful cat! I'm so sorry for your loss Danny! Our furry friends become such a huge part of our lives and it's hard to let go. Your are in my thoughts.
sorry for your loss Danny, it's always a hard thing to do, but good he is in peace and away from pain. This is a wonderful shot of him - love the colour in his eyes. i'm sure he'll live like all beloved pets in your heart forever!
@kelsi87@ozziehoffy@seanoneill@jannkc Thank you all for the kind and thoughtful comments. He is missed everyday by his family. Sam, our dog, is absolutely despondent over Fred's loss. He was a lovely cat and a good friend.
I'm so sorry! We know what it is to lose a much loved, adored pet. It's so difficult. Poor Sam. He probably wonders where his friend is. Are you going to get another kitty to keep him company?
sometimes it is best for them. I had to put down a beloved dog in similar circumstances
@abhijit Thanks for the comments. This was taken almost a year ago and he is looking at some small critters in the backyard - that is why he has that intense look. He was totally out of it and his body was shutting down when he was put to sleep yesterday.
I'm so sorry for your lose, it's always sad to loose a loved pet, but I think you did the right thing, even though it was quite hard a decision to take!
I am pretty sure he's out in a never ending field of catnip, like he was in that earlier photo.
@stuckinoz Thanks so much, Janelle - your link brought a smile to my face for the first time in days!
@jubu Thanks, Ju!
@jgilker Thanks so much, Jessika!