Missing My Daggy
I was holding Daggy on my lap loving her down when the phone rang about 4:00 p.m. yesterday afternoon. It was the Vet. He told me he could stop by after he closed up. As much as I wanted some more time with my cat I told him that it would be best to get the deed over with.
Immediately I took Daggy into the kitchen and opened up a can of tuna fish. I drained out the water into her bowl. This would be her second bowl of “tuna fish water” for the day. How she loved that special treat. I then laid down on the bed with her on my chest. I made a triangle with my thumbs and index fingers which she rubbed with her face. This was one of her favourite interactions to do with me. Her whiskers were fully extended meaning she was content and safe in “cat language”.
This picture is from September 2006 showing Daggy in one of her favourite spots: on my chest giving me kisses.
How my heart was breaking. My poor little girl. She had been incontinent for about a month. I could live changing out the dog training pads, but there was more. She no longer climbed the stairs to her “kingdom” on the second floor. That was her domain. She seldom ventured into the backyard, driveway, or front porch on her own anymore. It did not seem right to be weeding and not have Daggy “helping” me by demanding love and attention. There were a few spots in the bedroom she now claimed being pretty much inactive 24/7. I could tell she was having difficulty walking. She no longer stood for very long. Her joints must have been aching.
The door to the driveway was open so I was able to meet the Doctor and his assistant when they arrived, holding Daggy to my chest. They came into the bedroom. Daggy was very docile as I held her on my lap, sitting on the edge of the bed. Under normal circumstances she would flee with any stranger entering the house. I stroked, talked, and loved on her as the sleeping injection was given to her. When her tongue slipped out, I knew she was under. The Doctor laid her out on the bed and she was given the injection to stop her heart. It was painless and she died in familiar surrounding. I just hope I’m as lucky when my time comes….
It has been very dry here for the past few weeks. I had to use the pick axe to break open the ground where Daggy was to be buried. She had a spot she loved to lounge and soak up the sun. That is where I laid her to rest. She was placed in a linen pillowcase that was handed down from mom’s first cousin, Elsie. There was a monogrammed “E” just under the hem stitching. She was then placed inside another flannel pillowcase that had been my mom’s. I gently lowered her into the ground. I had a pile of loose topsoil nearby I used to fill in her grave. The hard lumpy clay would not do.
I keep looking for my little girl in her favourite spots as I walk around the house. She is out of her pain…it will take a while for me….
My Dagney: 1998-2013
I feel for your loss. I went through this last year with my 17 yr old tabby Pooka, who I grew up with and had a special bond with; your entry made me cry. I still miss her sometimes.
Warning Comment
I feel for your loss. I went through this last year with my 17 yr old tabby Pooka, who I grew up with and had a special bond with; your entry made me cry. I still miss her sometimes.
Warning Comment
Oh my friend … I am SO SORRY! I cannot imagine how difficult it must be.
Warning Comment
Thinking of you and the kitty.
Warning Comment
Your dear Daggy. Take care.
Warning Comment
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and Stumpy.
Warning Comment
I’m so sorry. As a regular lurker, I have read so many lovely entries about Daggy and Stumpy. But our hearts know when the time is right, and as you say, it’s how we’d want to go when our quality of life went. I hope you and Stumpy have a peaceful few days. Be gentle with yourself
Warning Comment
i am so sorry.
Warning Comment
You are breaking my heart. My eyes are leaking now, and I am so sorry.
Warning Comment
Oh no! What a horrible loss, brick. I’m glad you did everything you could to lessen Dagney’s pain and give her a good last day. Pets are members of the family. That top photo of you and Dagney just underlines that. How is Stumpy doing? He is probably pretty morose. I’m hoping that you and Stumpy can comfort each other in the days ahead.
Warning Comment
She was a lovely lovely cat.
Warning Comment
🙁
Warning Comment
Saw your note at LightButHearty’s and came over to give my condolences. So heartbreaking when you have to let go of a pet. Rest in peace, Daggy.
Warning Comment
I am so sorry for your loss. I’ve been thinking about you all weekend. {{{huggs}}}
Warning Comment
Saw your entry on the home page, so sad, had me crying. Been there many times, so I know how u feel. I’m going to bookmark u, so u can send me msgs. If u wish. Such a sad story. I can feel your pain and heartache. I had my cat cremated several years ago. She will be buried with me. U sound like a very sensitive, caring man. TC and God Bless.
Warning Comment
🙁 – – – –
Warning Comment
I’m so sorry that you lost your furbaby. It’s so hard.
Warning Comment
I’ve been thinking about you all day, but this is the 1st chance I’ve had to be on OD. I’m so sorry you are missing your Daggy so much. You did the right thing in putting her out of her misery. You arranged it so perfectly. She enjoyed a special treat, a favorite interaction with her #1 human, & she was in familiar surroundings with you loving on her when she went to sleep for the last time.
Warning Comment
Losing a pet is hard. Can’t imagine what I’ll do when my cat’s time is up. Have you thought about filling the void with another pet? Also, I feel like a perv for having noticed and enjoyed your being shirtless in that picture. 😉
Warning Comment
I was just looking at my Indie today and thinking about how someday, he will die, and how much that will hurt for me. I wondered how it would happen and if I would have to “put him to sleep.” It broke my heart, and he’s still right here, so I can only imagine your pain. May your Daggy rest in peace, and if there is an afterlife, may you meet up someday and rejoice.
Warning Comment
you are on the front page of OD right now!
Warning Comment
My fur daughter is 15 years old. I know her day will come soon. I’m so very sorry for your loss. I’m sure you’ll always miss her but I hope your pain will ease soon.
Warning Comment
Sorry for the loss of your cat. As a cat lover, I know the feeling. Be well.
Warning Comment
I saw you on the front page. I am so sorry for the loss of your dear Daggy. Wanted to give my condolences. I am a furmommy of 3 cats. I can only imagine what you are going through. Love and Light.
Warning Comment
So sad. My eyes are filled with tears and my heart with sorrow, but I know that you did the right thing. It is so hard, but they trust us to do the right thing for THEM, no matter how hard it is for US, when the time comes. Rest in peace, sweet kitty. All my love to you, J.
Warning Comment
She is a beautiful cat, and I am so sorry for your loss. It’s one of the hardest things we have to do as pet owners, but it is also good to know when the time has come. I went through this with my cat, Sam, who lived to be 21. It was hard to make the call to the vet, but nobody else could do it for him. What a wonderful life Daggy must have had. You were both very lucky!
Warning Comment
Saw you on the home page. We said goodbye to our golden retriever on Wednesday. I’m sorry for your loss. It really is heartbreaking to loose our little furkids. Hugs from a stranger who understands.
Warning Comment
I am so very sorry. I hope Stumpy is holding up ok. Hugs from here.
Warning Comment
My sweet friend, I tried noting last night but Computer froze up, so I’m typing from phone! I see your getting a ton of love here, that’s the great thing about OD! My heart is broken for both you and Stumpy! I know how you are about your kiddies, like most folks about their fur babes! Hard for me to think about Dagney without tearing up!! You & Stumpy remain in my thoughts!!! Hugs!
Warning Comment
I am sorry you loss your fur family.I understand.I went thru the same thing with Lola Falana who like yours was a Tort.I use to call her the Tort of Sorts…She is burried in my back yard also and I had a paver brick made with her name and kitty paw prints on it.I still think of her when I go out in the back yard.I turned it into a flower bed.She will be in my heart forever just like yours.Lola Falana
Warning Comment
I saw you on the front page and wanted to leave a note. I have lost 5 pets over the last few years. It never stops breaking your heart. My sympathy.
Warning Comment
I so feel your loss as I just lost my Harley dog 18 days ago. There is nothing more special or comforting in the world than a four legged bundle of fur. They are so loving and devoted. Daggy was indeed a very special cat who will be missed a lot. Hugs to you!
Warning Comment
I grew up on a farm. It seemed that I was always crying because of the death of a cow or horse or dog or cat…etc. That’s the only down side of loving an animal…
Warning Comment
I’m sorry about your loss.
Warning Comment
I think it’s so wonderful that vets offer an at-home euthanasia. When the time comes for my three cats I hope I’ll have the option and means to let them go in our home that we shared. I’m so sorry for your loss and be kind to yourself while you grieve.
Warning Comment
My tears mingle with yours, Brick. Yes, to leave in your arms, painlessly, at home is a gift we can give our beloved pets. I am so very sorry Daggy has had to leave. She was as blessed to have you as you were to have her. My sincere sympathy.
Warning Comment
I read your Note elsewhere about fearing you may be heading into depression. I learned when my very first cat died that the only thing to do was to rescue another. There is a waif identical to how you found Dagney that needs a wonderful person like you in its life. You would be a gift to any cat. Please do not despair, Dear Friend. Spread the love in Daggy’s spirit.
Warning Comment
I’m so sorry to read of the loss of your long time friend. God bless,
Warning Comment
Random: I’m so sorry for your loss. Daggy is so beautiful in these pictures.
Warning Comment
So very sorry to hear this. How lucky she was to have you as her human!
Warning Comment
Saw you on the front. It’s a great kindness we can offer them, this final escape from pain…but oh, we are left so alone. I worked in vet clinics for nearly a decade, and have assisted in I don’t know how many farewells…but years later, I still tear up, even just reading about one. Going to hug my furry crew now.
Warning Comment
Been there. So sorry 🙁
Warning Comment
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.. 🙁
Warning Comment
I also came along your entry on the front page and wanted to offer my condolences. I am so sorry for your loss 🙁 Daggy was a beautiful girl and I know she is thankful for the life that you gave her (it sounds like a great one). I hope that soon you are able to find comfort in your happy memories of her.
Warning Comment
I felt this entry deeply. I am love cats. My heart is withyou.
Warning Comment
i’m sorry. my heart hurts for you. my eyes are leaking with pain for you. i know you hurt. how is stumpy doing? i’m sure there’s a sense of loss there. stumpy will need some extra loving for a few months. prayers for the two of you. take care,
Warning Comment
I’m so sorry for your loss – I know it as well. I have lost 3 elderly cats and one youthful cat in my time. Well, I’m not counting the 5th cat that disappeared, as I never found out what happened to her. But in short I am no stranger to the heartbreak of losing a beloved pet. Sounds to me like Daggy was a heartwarming companion to have around. You will definitely miss her but at least youcan bask in the happy memories, and know she was a loved kitty.
Warning Comment
I missed this entry and the rest about Dagney because OD was being difficult. You did the right thing for Dagney, hard as it was and is for you.
Warning Comment