My companion of 20 years died Saturday morning.

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  1. Sara Tonyn profile image60
    Sara Tonynposted 15 years ago

    I had BC for 20 years and she was such a great cat! And so pretty! She was deaf the last 10 years of her life so she became closer and closer to me. I think she figured I'd protect her from what she couldn't hear. But who knows why cats do anything really? lol

    Anyway, I've been trying to keep busy so I don't dwell on losing her and start crying again. But I think some of you will understand how much it hurts to lose a "friend" like BC so I thought I'd pay her a little tribute by mentioning her here. I really loved that furball!

    1. WriteAngled profile image82
      WriteAngledposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      I do understand how it hurts. They find a way into our hearts. I am owned by four cats now, but still miss my lovely Liquorice (Licky) and Cleo.

    2. Cagsil profile image70
      Cagsilposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      I'm saddened to hear you lost your companion. sad hmm

    3. Ladybird33 profile image67
      Ladybird33posted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Ohhhh...I am so sorry, I just lost my cat of 18 years and I know exactly how you feel!  Much love, prayers and thoughts for you during this time.

    4. Laura Thykeson profile image63
      Laura Thykesonposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      I am soo Sorry!! I am the pet, lol, of two cats and two dogs, all rescue animals. so, I understand completely, believe me. I got the two cats during a bout with skin cancer, and my two dogs during and while I have had heart disease. My husband works a lot of hours, and they are my constant companions. I don't know how bad I would take it if and when I have to lose one...

      My heart is with you.

    5. Actioncameron profile image60
      Actioncameronposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      20 years of wonderful companionship. How neat. Sorry for your loss... I'll bet there's lots of little furballs would like to come live at your house. Be well!

    6. yenajeon profile image56
      yenajeonposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Omg I just started crying. My 6 month old kitten has Wet FIP and was given a few weeks. He is also having quite a hard time. I totally understand you as he is the love of my life. I have no idea what I will do without the tiny little cutie. My heart goes out to you. I'm so, so, so sorry. Sigh I hate crying.

      1. profile image0
        wordscribe41posted 15 years agoin reply to this

        I had a kitten with wet FIP, also.  I feel for you, it's so hard to see a little kitten so sick.  You have lots of support here, no doubt.  HP is full of animal lovers, huh?

        I have an almost 18 year old cat in chronic renal failure now.  It's awful, she has to have subcutaneous fluids everyday and I'm getting to the point of needing to make a eutanasia decision.  I'm now seeing her quality of life slipping away.  It's so painful.  I can't imagine not having her.... I've known her longer than my husband and kids.  Ugh.  It's the only downside to loving these wonderful creatures.  I wish they lived longer.

        1. yenajeon profile image56
          yenajeonposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          Wordscribe: is there anything specific you did for the kitty that had wet fip? Right now my kitten has miraculously surpassed the 4 month mark. I have literally done so many natural/herbal crazy things. I have been maniacally researching and reading for innovative ways to counteract fip.

          I was wondering how long your cat lasted and what kinds of measures you took. Thanks so much for reading.

          1. profile image0
            wordscribe41posted 15 years agoin reply to this

            Pallative care, really.  Unbeknownst to me, she had it when I got her.  She lived until she was 8 months old...  I had to put her down at that point.  She stopped eating and just hid under the bed.  This was a while ago, so I'm hoping there's more information out there now.  I wish I could help more, I remember how hard it was.  Like you, I'd be researching like a maniac/talking to vets...  I know they CAN live quite a while.  My little one was very sick from the get go, however.  Hugs to you and your kitty.  If you ever need an ear, I'm here.

            1. yenajeon profile image56
              yenajeonposted 15 years agoin reply to this

              Wordscribe - Thanks for your kind words. Tuxedo is moving around less and is super sick. Fortunately he always seems hungry!
              He's such a fighter, and I've been coming to terms with it a little more.

              Right now he is on holistic medicines. Someone suggested acupuncture but honestly I know he would hate to leave his house all the time to go and have needles stuck into him. sad

              Please let the shark liver oil work a miracle!!

              1. Sara Tonyn profile image60
                Sara Tonynposted 15 years agoin reply to this

                I really hope a miracle happens for you and Tuxedo! Poor little guy!  sad

    7. horsecrazyheidi profile image60
      horsecrazyheidiposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      I am sorry for your loss. cats are wonderful pets with alot of personality

    8. alexandriaruthk profile image62
      alexandriaruthkposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      animals have spirits too, sometimes they visit you and guard you, in some sort of the way, am sorry for you, HUGS

    9. profile image0
      Poppa Bluesposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Sorry for your loss. I wrote about mine in a hub titled "Cages"

    10. profile image56
      Twitterwriterposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      No two losses are the same - but I certainly can relate to the loss of a special cat.  I lost my "Marbles" three years ago.  Though I have other cats, including Marble's mother - Tara, I still miss Marbles. 

      I found it useful to make collages with her photos, and to write about special moments we shared! 

      Please find peace in her memory!  :-)

      1. Sara Tonyn profile image60
        Sara Tonynposted 15 years agoin reply to this

        Thanks so much for the ideas. I know other pet owners such as yourself understand what it's like. smile

        But you may want to rephrase this sentence: "I lost my "Marbles" three years ago." wink

  2. waynet profile image69
    waynetposted 15 years ago

    Yes it is sad when that happens it's been 3 years since we lost dinky donk (yes that was the cats name! lol!) best just to remember the good times and know that you gave them a good life!

  3. theirishobserver. profile image60
    theirishobserver.posted 15 years ago

    really sorry to hear about the lose of your friend, those who dont have and dont know animals cant really understand the pain one suffers at the lose of such a comapnion

  4. Flightkeeper profile image69
    Flightkeeperposted 15 years ago

    Sara, sorry to hear about BC, cats are such independent creatures that you can't help but admire them.  That she allowed you to get closer is so sweet.

  5. profile image0
    Crazdwriterposted 15 years ago

    I am truly sorry Sara for your loss. I know it hurts but maybe it'll help if you wrote your cat a ltter? Even though she has passed sometimes it is good to write a letter, almost healing. I am in the process of doing this and it is hepling me remember my past pets. smile

  6. Mark Knowles profile image59
    Mark Knowlesposted 15 years ago

    Sorry to hear that. 20 years is pretty good for a cat. smile

  7. profile image0
    lynnechandlerposted 15 years ago

    Aw...I'm so sorry. I lost one of my babies last year and it hurt like the dickens. Take the time to mourn because they do get in our hearts. Much love.

  8. Sara Tonyn profile image60
    Sara Tonynposted 15 years ago

    Thank you all for being so kind and understanding. It helps and I really appreciate it. 

    Crazdwriter, I may try that letter idea!

  9. profile image0
    Crazdwriterposted 15 years ago

    Go for it Sara...it definitely helps. and when you are feeling down you can pull out the letter and reread it. Or even write an enitre new one on what you are feeling right then and there. smile *hugs*

  10. Ohma profile image60
    Ohmaposted 15 years ago

    Losing a companion who is as loved as BC is so sad. Crying heals the soul. Cry if you must fighting it does an dis-service to the love you shared.

    1. seanorjohn profile image72
      seanorjohnposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Sara so sorry to hear of your loss.When my cat was run over in front of me I was absolutely devastated. It took us three years before we could bring ourselves to get another. we now have two adorable sisters just a year old.We still miss Oscar our first cat.
      I always thought of myself as a dog lover but I really grew to love Oscar.we only had him for a year so I can imagine how your 20 years attachment must be hard to come to terms with.

  11. profile image0
    Brenda Durhamposted 15 years ago

    I know how you feel, Sara.

    After my cat Ashes died (I had had him for 15 years) I cried for days.

  12. profile image0
    Justine76posted 15 years ago

    maybe write her a tribute hub?
    Im sorry for your loss.

  13. Patty Inglish, MS profile image87
    Patty Inglish, MSposted 15 years ago

    I am sorry for your loss, Sara -- Every friend, animal or human, knows a part of us that no one else knows. That is a tremendous loss and difficult to fill.

  14. manlypoetryman profile image79
    manlypoetrymanposted 15 years ago

    That is terrible news, Sara Tonyn...It is sad to lose an animal "friend". Sorry for your loss.

  15. Maddie Ruud profile image69
    Maddie Ruudposted 15 years ago

    Deepest condolences, Sara.

  16. profile image0
    wordscribe41posted 15 years ago

    I'm so very sorry, Sara.  I completely understand...  I lost my cat last March and then our dog last Halloween.  It's just awful and empty.  I know what you mean about keeping busy, I had to do the same thing.  Anyway, as a pet lover, you are in my thoughts.  Hang in there...

  17. whiteorchids profile image62
    whiteorchidsposted 15 years ago

    That is heartbreaking I am sorry to hear about your loss

  18. profile image0
    Pani Midnyte Odinposted 15 years ago

    I'm sorry for your loss. It was only a few months ago when I lost one of my cats as well.

  19. Sara Tonyn profile image60
    Sara Tonynposted 15 years ago

    Thank you so much, every one of you. I really love animals and obviously I'm not alone in that. It's comforting to know others understand how I feel. Thank you; I so appreciate your compassion!

    1. Cagsil profile image70
      Cagsilposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Blah, blah, blah....so does now mean we can hi-jack your thread.....since we got all the condolences out of the way? yikes tongue

  20. abcd1111 profile image60
    abcd1111posted 15 years ago

    Sara, Sara, Sara...

    I know you are hurting deeply. It is a major loss. If you ever feel like it, I'd love to read a hub about BC. I KNOW you have funny stories to tell. 20 years offers plenty of endearing moments.

    If BC didn't have a sense of humor, I'm sure you have some humorous anecdotes about your relationship with him. It may help you heal to reminisce about some of your favorite moments with BC.

    If I didn't have dogs, sometimes I think I wouldn't have anything to talk about.

    xoxo

  21. camlo profile image82
    camloposted 15 years ago

    I have a cat called Nero. She's been with me for nearly 12 years; since she was a kitten. I couldn't imagine being without her, and dread the day when I am. I'm really sorry for your loss. My condolences. Camlo

  22. profile image0
    Tammy Lochmannposted 15 years ago

    So sorry Sara hope you feel better.  I lost my chihuahua Emily in the summer.  I know how you feel

  23. nadp profile image74
    nadpposted 15 years ago

    My heart went out to you when I read about the loss of such a wonderful friend.  I know just how much it hurts.  When my little Yorkie died I went through what you're going through now.  Casey was 12 - he was my first pet ever and I became so attached to him. After he died I kept saying that I lost my constant companion - my "puppy pal".  Pets hold a place in our lives and our hearts that is different from any other relationship.  It's total, accepting, non-judgmental love.  I was comforted by words that my vet said - that it was time for Casey to leave his tired old body.  I hope that holds some meaning and comfort for you too.

  24. Anamika S profile image62
    Anamika Sposted 15 years ago

    I can understand how much if it would hurt to someone who was with you for that many years. I cried and cried and even refused to eat anything for days when my pet dog Tiger died. And i was only a school kid then.

  25. profile image0
    cosetteposted 15 years ago

    sad i'm so sorry Sara. when my little bun-buns got sick last July, just that made me cry. i know your heart must be broken. i like the idea of honoring her with a hub. our little furry friends bring so much joy into our lives, and sorrow when they leave us behind. ((hugs))

  26. Niteriter profile image60
    Niteriterposted 15 years ago

    You have my sympathies. Our connections to our animal friends are often as strong as they are in any human relationship. I hope peace returns to you soon.

  27. cluense profile image76
    cluenseposted 15 years ago

    I feel for your loss. Our furry friends are more then animals’ they are family. Loosing BC is very sad. However, you will see her again one day and that will be a heartfelt reunion!

    With Love and Blessings!
    Cluense

  28. Ann Nonymous profile image60
    Ann Nonymousposted 15 years ago

    Many, many years ago my family lost a dog in a car accident. I- thankfully -do not remember the grief of the experience but I do remember all the fond memories of that wonderful dog that was part of my family...
    More recently I had a dog that was slowly morphing into adulthood and when I moved into the "city" learned that she didn't adjust too well.  So I found a country home for her. She didn't pass away but I do miss her a lot and I do think of her at the oddest times....and she was only mine for about several months!!!
    I can't imagine what you are feeling after 20 years with your 'partner'....hope you feel better soon!

  29. AEvans profile image74
    AEvansposted 15 years ago

    I am so sorry Sara we love our pets and I know it would be hard without them, (((Big Hugs))). Write about your baby, wrap all of the toys in a basket with a big red bow and keep on a mantle, next to your babies picture. Sorrow is now but having your babies things will be a comfort to you down the road.

  30. GoldiString profile image61
    GoldiStringposted 15 years ago

    I don't own any pet/s.. but i certainly know the feeling of losing a special someone. So hugs to you,..your purring cat might be gone--physically- but I am pretty sure she/he left you too many nice memories.

  31. Sara Tonyn profile image60
    Sara Tonynposted 15 years ago

    The outpouring of sympathy and empathy from all of you is sincerely appreciated. It makes me feel good to know there are so many loving pet owners here.

    Thank you all, whether or not you own a pet, for your words of understanding and compassion. It's very touching and comforting.

    I extend my heartfelt sympathy to all my fellow hubbers who have also suffered similar losses.

  32. abcd1111 profile image60
    abcd1111posted 15 years ago

    Just checking in.

    There are so many compassionate people here. I hope each day gets a little easier for you.

    1. Sara Tonyn profile image60
      Sara Tonynposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks, things are getting better. I'm focusing on the good times. smile

  33. figment profile image79
    figmentposted 15 years ago

    All I can say is : (

  34. profile image0
    Crazdwriterposted 15 years ago

    Hey Sara stopping by to see how you are doing chica? *hugs*

  35. profile image0
    wordscribe41posted 15 years ago

    Yes, checking in like CW, too.  Just wanted to see how today is going for you.  It does get a tiny bit easier each day.  Emphasis on *tiny*.

  36. Sara Tonyn profile image60
    Sara Tonynposted 15 years ago

    Wow. It's really touching to see people take the time to check up on me. You're incredible! smile

    I'm doing better each day, thanks. I hope the same is true for everyone else who has suffered a loss. And once again, thank you all sincerely for your sympathy, concern and support!

  37. lovelypaper profile image55
    lovelypaperposted 15 years ago

    My heart goes out to you. What a loss. Hang in there.

  38. Sara Tonyn profile image60
    Sara Tonynposted 15 years ago

    @lovelypaper Thank you. Things are getting better. smile

    @Poppa Blues That's a very powerful hub. Thank you for your concern.

  39. profile image0
    Justine76posted 15 years ago

    My cat woke me up this mroning and I thought of your  eyeball....I thought, gee, I remeber when I lost Eric. I hope she's feeling a little better today.
    And here you are, feeling a bit better! Hang in there, eventually the memories will only make you smile.

    1. profile image0
      wordscribe41posted 15 years agoin reply to this

      You're so cute, Justine.  The eyeball's hard to forget!

      No, I, too have thought about you, Sara.  I see you posting here and there (posts I all agree with) and I wonder if hanging out in the forums helps keep your mind off your kitty.  I remember just wanting to fast forward through time in the beginning so I could feel better.  Anyhoo, I hope time is easing your pain just a little.

      Laura

  40. Daniel Carter profile image63
    Daniel Carterposted 15 years ago

    They are like family to us, our pets. So sorry to hear about this, sara. You know in addition to a letter like crazd recommended, how about a hub on what it's like to live with an aging, deaf animal? I mean, that would give other pet owners a real insight about the whole life process.

    Anyway, beyond that, I know how difficult it is, also. Sending lots of kindness and big hug.

  41. Sara Tonyn profile image60
    Sara Tonynposted 15 years ago

    @Justine Yep, a little better every day. smile

    @Daniel Thanks so much for the kind, comforting  words -- and the hug! I may do a hub on deaf pets. In addition to BC (my cat), I also had a Siberian Husky (Sheba) who went deaf as she got older (17).

    ODD, ISN'T IT? I DON'T GET IT! I WONDER WHY ALL MY PETS GO DEAF? WHAT COULD THE COMMON DENOMINATOR BE? WHAT'S CAUSING THEM ALL TO LOSE THEIR HEARING? wink

    @wordscribe Yes, visiting the forums helps. All the fighting, kicking and screaming is a wonderful distraction. lol

  42. yenajeon profile image56
    yenajeonposted 15 years ago

    Thank you so much Sara Tonyn - I honestly am really glad I chose not to put my cat down against the vet's wishes. About 2 months ago she recommended I do it because she assumed he wouldn't survive another week. But like I mentioned, its been over 2 months.

    I am really sorry for your loss though, and I hope things will get better for you soon!

  43. habee profile image93
    habeeposted 15 years ago

    Oh, Sara, I am so sorry. My mom had a big white cat named BC. He died at the age of 19. I'll be thinking about you.

  44. ForkArtJunkie profile image60
    ForkArtJunkieposted 15 years ago

    I'm very sorry for your loss, death of a loved one is so difficult. I have suffered through the agony as well of losing someone dear to me. For me, there really wasn't much that helped  but the passing of time. Eventually the sad day you said goodbye is a dimmer memory. Instead you think of all the funny things they did, the snuggling and hugs, and the happy times you had together.

  45. Sara Tonyn profile image60
    Sara Tonynposted 15 years ago

    @habee There must be something about the name BC that allows cats to live long lives. smile Was your mom's cat deaf? I know many white cats with blue eyes are. My cat wasn't white but she went deaf as she got older. Anyway, thanks much for your kind words. smile

    @ForkArtJunkie You're right. Time eases the pain and memories heal the wound. Thanks for your understanding and sympathy. smile

  46. profile image53
    Jill Bruceposted 15 years ago

    I am so sorry about BC.  She sounds like a wonderful little girl.  I lost my Ashley when she was 14.  Worst of all, I really believed I killed her by using a flea medication that was too strong.  I had her cremated, and her funery sits on a beautiful shelf in my sewing room along with a ceramic trinket holder that has her fur from the last brushing I gave her.  I truly hope your heart will heal soon so that another special cat can fill your heart and your house.

  47. earnestshub profile image72
    earnestshubposted 15 years ago

    So sorry to hear of your loss Sara. As you get older yourself you lose so many pets. They just don't have our lifespan do they? I am very sad with every passing, but our family always keep more and more pets. It is always hard to get over some animals. Our labrador lasted a ridiculously long 17 years. I miss him 10 years later, but as someone said, the memories are good to hold on to. smile

  48. habee profile image93
    habeeposted 15 years ago

    Sara, Mom's BC wasn't deaf. She and my oldest daughter found him in the parking lot of the grocery store. He was just a tiny kitten, starving and covered with grease and grime.

  49. Jen's Solitude profile image80
    Jen's Solitudeposted 15 years ago

    Sara, it is sad to read of your cat's death. 20 years certainly is a long time to have such a wonderful companion and crying is totally understandable and natural under these circumstances. Give yourself some time to adjust and again sorry for your loss, it is no small deal.

  50. rcgal profile image59
    rcgalposted 15 years ago

    Oh, we had one cat for 21 years.  He was such a good boy.  Losing them is hard, since they are such good companions who love us unconditionally.  They don't care if our work project failed or our sports team got annihilated in our last game-they love us just the same.

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