Earth

[catelin]

I dug my oldest cat's grave this afternoon. The vet's coming over tomorrow afternoon to put him down but I figured that the last thing I would want to do once it's done is dig a hole. I'm paying extra for the house call, but the almost 20 years of companionship is worth the cost. He deserves for the last thing he's knows on this earth to be home and love. I've been sad about it but peaceful. It's time. I can tell he doesn't feel good. He stopped eating a couple of days ago and I knew. I'm not sure if it's that I'm getting older and learning to accept loss and death more gracefully, but the feel of the cool earth in my hands was oddly comforting. Odd indeed when I consider how terrified I used to be of being buried. I still shudder at the thought of being embalmed or any such nonsense, but as the years pass I find the thought of just being placed in a hole in the ground like my cats more reassuring than frightening. Burying him tomorrow will be hard, but we're all part of the earth. I'll take comfort in the thought that he is going to the only home that is more home than the one he shared with me.

Comments

[francita.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry for your loss. A companion of almost twenty years is indeed precious.

[wretchmuffin.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry about your friend, but you're doing him such a kindness. I hope the next day is filled with ease and good memories.

[themowingdevil.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

I'm so glad you had twenty! wonderful years.

[cobaltika.livejournal.com]

peace, cat.

[dao.livejournal.com]

I think that you are both lucky to have shared that time together.
I am sorry that it has now come to an end.

[liminal-space.livejournal.com]

i'm sorry -- know i'm thinking of you.

[haleiwatown.livejournal.com]

What's his name?

And I'm sorry for your loss, in advance. I'm sure he feels your peace and is grateful for it.

[mockngbirdgirl.livejournal.com]

The cat is my user pic has been my soulmate and companion for the last 13 1/2 years. I pray to whatever celestial being exists that I have another 6 1/2 years with him.

I wish you and he solace and strength tomorrow - and you peace in the days to come.

[cathead9.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry. I lost my kitty of 13 years this past August and we gave her a proper Jewish burial in the back yard (my brother-in-law had determined that she was a Hasidic kitty) and said the Kaddish for her. It's so hard to let them go but it's even harder to see them suffer.
We have a new kitty now who is helping us heal. I hope you and your boys and your other animals will heal too.....

[lacyunderall.livejournal.com]

please bury some treatsies from me to him.

[fireangel-999.livejournal.com]

I wish my cat could have died at home. :-( My thoughts are with you in this difficult time, and with your kitty. Sounds like you have both been very lucky to have each other. Give the kitty a smootch for me and tell him about my Bez. She's a looker with her long soft fur and bright green eyes. Tell him to ask for Arbez aka Sweet Stuff aka Purr Girl. Maybe if you mention it they will hook up. Oh and tell him she loves to have her butt spanked and don't let her shy act fool him. *hug*

[buscemi.livejournal.com]

Twenty years. Wow. *sends good thoughts your way*

[sun-set-bravely.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry to hear that you and your loving companion will be parting ways. You have prepared his grave so carefully, so lovingly, and I know he will be grateful for that. May his departure for the next home be peaceful, and may you mourn him well. Love.

My condolences

[snaxxx.livejournal.com]

I know you've been expecting this moment for awhile, but it's still tough. It's wonderful how you've given him a wonderful and caring home. I'm glad that you are helping make his journey home a speedy one, rather than prolonging his discomfort.

[jourdannex.livejournal.com]

I am so sorry Catelin. I had something very similar a short time ago, I am so glad that you can have the vet there, to do it at home.

I also am feeling the same way about passing, not sure if I am starting to accept it more gracefully because I am getting older, or because I have lost so many....or because I lived through losing one that meant the most.

But I think it has to do with your last sentence. You put it beautifully, that is exactly how it feels. You both will be in my thoughts tomorrow.

[jenrieshka.livejournal.com]

Cate,

Losing a pet, even when you know in advance, is always hard. I think it's so sweet to plan his parting so that he's in familiar surroundings. Would that we could all go in such a fashion.

[normalgrrl.livejournal.com]

so sad...

I am sorry for you losing your kitty.

[themouseketeer.livejournal.com]

May his last time on this earth with you be filled with love and dignity. May his passing be calm and peaceful. And may your mourning be tinged with more memories of the joy he brought than sadness.

[yingli.livejournal.com]

~so purrfectly spoken~
sending thoughts of solace and peace...

[hollow-warrior.livejournal.com]

A very lucky cat to find such love, and a very lucky human to share it.
:::hugs:::

[fayzee.livejournal.com]

Just wanted you to know the old cowgirl knows what you are feeling, and thinking of you with love of cats, and all the creatures on our earth.

[roadnotes.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry for your loss, and glad you had this much time together, and that you can do these last things for him.

[sweet-byrd.livejournal.com]

I am so glad you had 20 years together. You'll both be in my thoughts today.

[bizetsy.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry. Also, a housecall--what a lovely idea. xo

[bookfoole.livejournal.com]

My condolences.

[biztheinsane.livejournal.com]

It's great that you're going through with a proper burial. I hope your last night together seems endless.

[wisteria.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry hon.
Sending warm hugs your way....

Love, Deb

[supremegoddess1.livejournal.com]

:(