We Said Goodbye Today

Roxy - August 1989 to 26 April 2006.

We said goodbye today. Roxy peacefully went into deep sleep about 1310 Hrs MDT today. At 1320 Hrs she was given the final needle to stop her heart and breathing. I have lost a true friend who was always there for me and would forgive just as quick as she got mad. Always happy to see me and would just come by to say hello even if all was ok. Always there at the door to greet me and the love was unconditional.

Roxy came into my life when I was moving back to watch the house in Antigonish after spending the summer working in Halifax. I got Roxy from my cousin Alice who figured it would be a good idea to have a cat. Roxy survived to be the last of her litter. The first year was not good for me and times were tough but Roxy saw me get through it. We would go to the mailbox to see if we had mail, go for a drive Downtown to Sobey's to get groceries, or what have you.

Roxy was there for my move to Bridgewater in the fall of 1990 and we had a happy 5 1/2 yrs there. Roxy was there for my move to Calgary and she was here long enough to see us have our 10th anniversary in Calgary.

Roxy liked to go for a ride in the Chevette (first) and later the Mazda. Roxy didn't need to be put in a carrier and would lie down beside me and fall to sleep. Today on the last ride, Roxy curled up beside me and I drove extra slow so we would have this last bit of time together. She probably thought we were on another errand and she would be back in the apartment soon. I felt guilty knowing this was her last ride and I was taking her to put her to sleep.

I knew it was time for Roxy to be put to sleep. She started to lose weight and even though we tried some treatment by putting her on her thyroid pills, she never responded. She kept losing weight and I could feel every bone in her body. She still ate and would not only eat her portion but would finish Haimish's portion when he was done. The very end of life Roxy would howl at the top of her lungs and when she was lying down in her favorite chair, my leather one, she would cry until she was comfortable.

I know I have done the right thing, but my heart still aches. A part of me died today as well and I don't think I will love another cat as much as I have loved this cat. I do love my Haimish, but it is a different kind I have for him.

Roxy saw me through the first year after my Mum's death. Roxy was there for me that first winter being alone. She was there for the move to Bridgewater, the drive to Calgary. I could go on and write more, the memories are flooding my mind, but I must think about being with Haimish right now. When he realizes Roxy is not returning, he will be lonesome.

The funny thing was before Roxy and I left on that last ride today, I took Roxy into where Haimish was sleeping and they rubbed noses like they were saying goodbye. I remember when Barney was making his last trip to the clinic, before he got into his carrier, Roxy came over and rubbed his nose with her's as a goodbye gesture.

I will miss my Roxy and a part of her will always be with me. I will miss Roxy coming in a bedtime and laying down beside me and purring at me until I go to sleep. The licking of my hands or face to wake me up, more so because the dish was empty. I miss you my dear little friend, I wanted to keep you, but your body said it was time to move on and be taken out of your pain.

I believe as a Christian all our pets go to Heaven as well and they are waiting for us to arrive along with our family and friends who have gone before us.

I found a wonderful link to help with the grief over the loss of a pet.
Please Click Here

The following is a poem I received from my Veterinary when my Barney died

The Rainbow Bridge "Author Unknown"

There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of it's many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills, and valleys with lush green grass.

When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm Spring weather. The old and the frail animals are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again. They play all day with each other.

There is only one thing missing. They are not with their Special Person who loved them on Earth. So, each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up!

The nose twitches! The ears are up! The eyes are staring! And this ones suddenly runs from the group!

You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be seperated.


God Bless

"The Old Fart"

Remember - We Are All God's Creatures - Lets be Nice to Each Other.