His name was Church.

RalphVboy · Post by **RalphVboy** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 9:48 pm

Yesterday was one of the most difficult days I can ever recall going through emotionally. Jennifer and I put our eldest cat Church to sleep.

His name was Church and he was one of the sweetest rescue cats I ever met. He was a big black kitty when I met him about a year ago at 24 lbs and every ounce of him was affectionate. She rescued him 7 years ago and had named him after one of the characters from the Halo-inspired series "Red vs. Blue". Church is a known whiner in the show and our cat had the cutest protest/squeak/meow I've ever heard. It's hard to describe but the easiest way I could describe it is a kind of short "wah!" and it was music to our ears.

He was diagnosed towards the end of March with fatty liver syndrome and diabetes. We tried nurturing him back to health, and for the past 2 weeks he was acting so much like his old self. He would beg for food, paw at the door wanting to go out to the porch, crawl onto our laps and watch the rain fall down with us. I realize now he was trying his hardest to give us a few more wonderful memories before he had to leave us.

Last week we noticed his health deteriorating and brought him back to the vet. By this time he was a shadow of his former self at 14 lbs. He was hypoglycemic and could not eat, drink and could hardly walk. We tried this past weekend to nurture him back again but he was in too much pain, giving us the most sorrowful low wail and the most imploring eyes I have ever seen. We just knew he couldn't take the pain anymore and that he asked us to let him go.

So at 1:30pm we had him at the vet. We laid him down on "Ducky", his favorite plush animal, and held him as he went to sleep. For the rest of my life I'll never forget how peaceful he looked when he went or how he spent his last moments gently rubbing on Jenn's hand as we whispered our goodbyes.

Thank you, Church, for taking care of Jenn for so long before I met you and for being such a wonderful friend. You were our "Baby Boy". Seven years is far too short for a wonderful cat like you but within that time you brightened our lives and we know we're better people now for having gotten to live with you. You'll be forever missed, but forever in our hearts.

Goldknight · Post by **Goldknight** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 10:06 pm

Aw Ralphy I'm so sorry.

Losing a pet is never easy. Hepatic lipidosis is a horrible disease and Diabetes can be a pain to regulate on some kids. I can imagine what y'all went through. If you need anything (Venting) I'm here.

I'm glad that Church is resting peacefully now and no longer in pain.

LLslickD · Post by **LLslickD** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 11:33 pm

Im so sorry for ur loss. I know what you went through (as i've been through this with my dog) its one of the hardest things ever. My thoughts are with you.

Cloud · Post by **Cloud** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 11:33 pm

for your loss is not a big deal.

irmgaard · Post by **irmgaard** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 11:57 pm

RalphVboy, Iâ€™m so sorry . But I am certain that Church enjoyed your friendship as much as you enjoyed his; and passing in the arms of those whom we care about is surely the best way to say goodbye.

kathpatty · Post by **kathpatty** » Wed Jun 03, 2009 5:39 am

So hard to lose a beloved pet...

But remember the years of great health and affection... you will meet again at the Rainbow Bridge

Post by **sensei** » Wed Jun 03, 2009 6:57 am

As a lifelong cat owner (currently seeing my own Oliver through his final summer) I can understand your grief. You at least have the assurance that your meeting Church gave him a far better life than he'd have had otherwise, and I believe that the love you shared has meaning (and ultimate reward) in this life we are all called into.

God bless.

Post by **JWR** » Wed Jun 03, 2009 9:17 am

Ralph , Boy do I feel your pain.

Word's don't start to describe how sorry I am for your loss of Church.

Cloud · Post by **Cloud** » Wed Jun 03, 2009 9:18 am

I lost my train of thought.