I can't believe I'm writing this so early in her life. :bawling: My Tabby has gone to the Rainbow Bridge. When I took her to the vet this morning, they ran some blood work and did a urine test. Her kidney values were through the roof and the urine test showed that her kidneys weren't concentrating urine. :bawling: So she had renal failure. :bawling: :bawling: :bawling: At her young age, this was not good.

After talking to both of my parents and thinking a lot about it, I made the only decision I could make. God, I never thought it would be this freaking hard!! :bawling:

I held her ... for a while. I told Tabby to watch over Toby, Mia's kitten that was supposed to be mine ... and his sisters. And Eskimoe and Dixie ... and all the other kitties that have gone to the Rainbow Bridge.

I just want to thank all of you for your support and love. I'm really taking this kind of hard. :bawling: :bawling: :bawling:

Oh my gosh, Lisa :bawling: :bawling: :comfort: :comfort:
This is so terrible :bawling: ....I know you know you did everything for her and she knew how very much you loved her. You made her life so comfortable and fun.
I'm just really sorry, Lisa, I don't know what to say. I know how hard it is and nothing but time seems to help the pain get better. :hug: :hug:

Thank you so much Jen.

I know I did everything I could for her, but why do I feel like I've failed her??? :bawling:

I went out and told them my decision, went back in the room with Tabby and she rubbed her face on me and purred. Do you think she was telling me I made the right decision?

It sounds as though she did let you know it was time......sort of like, "Thanks for everything, Mom, but I gotta go, I'm tired of fighting". :bawling:

I felt awful after Eskie passed and still to this day, I thought I could have done more. If only this and if only that. And maybe we should have put him to sleep. I just tried to concentrate on my other kitties afterwards. Tucker will need you more than ever right now.

It's such a terrible thing, Lisa. :bawling:

And I need Tucker ...

I am so sorry Lisa, I'm sitting here crying for your loss. You did everything you could for that sweet girl!

OMG... I'm soo sorry... :bawling: :bawling: :bawling: when I saw the link on your other thread I was soo hoping it wouldn't link to The Rainbow Bridge... :bawling: you gave her a good life full of love... and now you have an angel watching over you... :angel: Tabby will always have a special place in our hearts... :rose:

I am so sorry about Tabby. She was the sweetest little cat. You did everything you could for her.

Kitty and little Snickers are with her too.

I'm so sorry, Lisa. :( It's never an easy decision, but there are times when there is just no other way to resolve things.

Tucker is going to be grieving, too, and will need a lot of extra hugs and understanding.

It seems like we're watching our little friends go off into a huge unknown without us -- and they're just so little, we can't help but be scared and worry. As you said, we always think "If I had only done this/that..."

This is normal. It's been 15 years since I had to have my Cassandra put to sleep, and I still have those feelings of guilt. But the pain does lessen over time, and Cassandra has come into my dreams sometimes... I think she's forgiven me for not being a better mom to her.

Tabby doesn't blame you -- you need to believe that. She's not in pain anymore, and that was something only you could do for her. You'll dream about her sometimes, and maybe that will bring some comfort. I firmly believe that when we dream about our departed loved ones, they're saying "hello" from the other side...

:hug:

Tears are running down my face too! :bawling:

Lisa, I am so sorry for your loss! I never expected this to happen!

You did all you could and gave this cat a great life!

RIP Tabby :lilangel: Please keep Dixie, Eskimoe, and all the other kitties at The Rainbow Bridge. :lilangel:

We will help cheer you up, Lisa!

Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...


Pet Loss Grief Support Website at Petloss.com

Tabby when I first met her right after Lisa brought her home. My daughter is holding her.

Yep, I used that website. It helped a lot, espically since you can chat with different users.
An animated verson of The Rainbow Bridge Poem

:bawling: Oh no Lisa!! I saw Tabbys name and my heart skipped a beat. I know how much those little darlings mean to you. I have tears in my eyes now.
I dont know what to say other then just keep strong and she will remain in your heart and you have lots of pictures and videos of her. You will get through this, just keep strong ok. :hug:

:bawling: :bawling: :bawling: Oh Lisa I am soooo sorry. My friend just had to do the same on Valentine's. :comfort: This sucks. I am bawling for you. :hug:
Tabby will be missed :sad: :lilangel:

My heart was in my throat when I clicked on that link, Lisa. I was holding my breath that it wasn't going to take me here.

I am so sorry for your loss. We've been on the forums together for a long time, and I felt like Tabby was a part of my life as well. Today is a sad day. :(

Sleep sweet, darling Tabby girl.

Thank you everyone for your kind words. :grouphug: I am absolutely, 100% devastated by this! :bawling: How am I ever supposed to make it through work tomorrow??

Sometimes I'll think I'm okay ... then I remember something cute or sweet she used to do and ... :bawling: And poor Tucker definitely knows something is up.

Mel ... :hug: I knew you'd take it hard. I know you always had a special bond with my girl.

Yes, Tabby was my girl. :hug: And looking at Lola, I just want to give her extra kisses because they look so much alike! Gosh, Lisa, I am just so sorry about all of this. :hug: :hug: :comfort: Please let me know if there is anything you need!

:bawling: :comfort: :bawling: :hug: I'm so sorry Lisa. You did everything you could and Tabby knew that. You are a wonderful kitty-mom!

You should take a day off tomorrow, it was really hard to go out and not bawl the day after Dixie died. :bawling:

I was the same way with Dixie, I would always remember the good times, then the tears came. :bawling: You can't stop it, you loved Tabby!

Poor Tucker! :(

Thanks, Mel ... I really appreciate it. And please give Lola some kisses from her Aunt Lisa. :hug:

It's weird ... sometimes it's like she's not gone, but then I remember ... :bawling:

Already done. :hug:

She was just sooooo sick! The vet told me the lab values, and being a nurse I know that if she were a human, she'd have to be on dialysis! :(

I am taking comfort in the fact that she is pain free.

I am so sorry to read of Tabby's passing. It is a comfort to know that she is no longer in pain. It's hard to loose our furbabies so sudden. Give
Tucker extra kisses and chin scratches.
:comfort:
Now, I gotta find a kleenex :bawling:

:bawling: :bawling: :bawling:

Oh nooooooooooo.....I'm crying too!!! She is with all of our other furbabies at the Rainbow Bridge..... You did the only kind thing you could do for her, Lisa....I'm soooo very, very sorry!! Please accept my deepest sympathy...

When you feel comfortable, could you post some more pics of Tabby? I'm going to print out the one with her in her blankie....she is a special girl! :comfort: :hug: :kittyluv: :smooch: :luv1:

:hug: :comfort: So sorry to read this Lisa. I too have a tear in my eye as I read this. Thinking of you and Tucker Xx

Oh my gosh, Lisa...I'm so so sorry. I was so wrapped up in Lucky's disappearance/reappearance that I'm just now noticing this thread. Take comfort in the fact that she's no longer suffering. Also know that Tabby is taking care of Spuddie and Munchie for me.

:comfort: :bawling: :(

Absolutely. I actually want to make some kind of a photo montage/slideshow once I figure out how to do it ... AND I'm strong enough to do it.

:hug: :hug: OMG Lisa... I'm so so so sorry. :bawling: :bawling: You did all you could for sweet Tabby. :hug: :hug: You ARE the best cat mommie.. :hug: My thoughts are with you honey.... Rest In Peace sweet Tabby girl.... :angel:

:comfort: :hug: Lisa, I was reading through the New Day thread over in general discussion, and when I saw Jennifer said that we'd miss Tabby and she'd forever be in our hearts, I felt a pit in my stomach. My heart went to my throat, and I clicked over to see what the latest thread was in Rainbow Bridge... and when I saw "Tabby"... I immediately started crying.

I am so sorry for your loss, hun. Tabby went through a lot in her short life, but you've always done everything you possibly could for her, so don't ever think that you failed her. Ever. :hug: I can't believe little Tabby is gone. :( Here I was praying and hoping she was going to be okay, and celebrating the fact that she was finally eating and playing, etc... and now this. It's not fair. I love that little girl - may she rest in peace. She'll always be in my heart. :luv1: I remember when I joined TCP, and saw that you had a cat named Tucker, and a tabby cat... I thought it was neat - as I have a tabby cat named Tucker, who looks so much like Tabby did. I'll forever remember that connection. :) BIG hugs to you and Tucker. :hug:

If you need help with it or anything else, let me know. :hug:

Thank you again, everyone, for your words during this difficult time. I made it through work, but not without a few tears.

I knew Tabby was loved by everyone, but I am simply overwhelmed by your kindness and love. I feel honored to have been this little girl's mommy ... the only mommy she ever knew. And I am happy that I had the opportunity to give her a good home. I love her, and will miss her forever.

:comfort:

Lisa, if you want to talk, vent, cry, we are all here for you. You are not alone; many of us have had to make that decision; W and I have had to 5 times and it's never easy; in fact, it is awful, but at the same time the best thing for our hurting furbabies.

But, what IS easy, is to talk about it with friends who are caring and understand. Please talk as much as you want....I'm so sorry....hugs to you and Tucker....how is my little man doing? :comfort: :hug: :smooch: :kittyluv:

He follows me around like a puppy! Right now, he's laying on my feet. :luv1:

Jess, I hope you don't mind if I post this to share with everyone. Thanks again! :hug:

My Sweet Tabby Girl

Some of the pictures show Tabby in her healthier days. Some of the long time members may remember these pictures. If you look at her then, you could ask how she could be sick. That was not the Tabby that went to the Rainbow Bridge. That Tabby, the one that I held in the vet's office on Monday, was sick, skinny, and ready to move on to a better place.

Lisa, that was beautiful.

I forgot all about that sweater! :)

Aww. She was such a pretty little baby. I am so glad you took so many pictures of her.

I knew Tabby in person and even though her pictures are adorable I am glad I knew her sweet personality. Everytime I walked into Lisa's apartment, Tabby would come running from wherever she was, purring so loud and head butting for the entire time I was there. I even witnessed her getting up ontop of the cupboards! I am glad I knew her for her short little life.

:luv2: That slideshow was nice Lisa! I remember those pictures on the other board.
Do you mind if I post this slideshow in my Xanga?

It was one of the last pictures I ever took of her ... :luv1:

No, David, I don't mind.

Beautiful pictures Lisa...Tabby was a very lucky kitty to have you as her mommy... and I know you were very lucky to have her in your life too. :comfort: :hug: She will always be remembered.... :angel:

Omg this is breaking my heart for you.
I helped Tabby see a fish tank...I love the photos. :bawling: :( :hug: :comfort: