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RIP Ivan
I had to put Ivan down today. He had gotten sick last September with crystals in his bladder which then blocked him from urinating. He spent 2 days in the Vet hospital and came home ok. The last two weeks he has had recurring bouts with the same thing. Today he had another blockage and I decided he had had enough pain and suffering.
I had plenty of time since his first bout with this problem to get used to the idea of losing him, but it’s still hard. He was only 10 years old and I expected that he would be around for many more years. My other cat is almost 19 and I fully expected (and have been preparing myself) for her to go before Ivan. But that’s not the way life is.
I am remembering the good times I’ve had with Ivan – and the terrible pest he was – with fondness. My housemate always threatened to send him to the moon when he ate her plants, but she will miss him almost as much as I will.
I have such a terrific vet; he is so compassionate and honest. He told me the first time I brought him in that this was more than possible; it was likely. That wasn’t what I wanted to hear, but I needed it so I could prepare myself. I treasured the time I had with him since I knew what could happen. This last week after his last hospital stay, I showered him with love and attention. Yesterday was a good day, we played and cuddled. I’m glad I have that to remember.
Hug and kiss your pets if you have them. And hug and kiss your family, too.
.
Boobie the Rocket Dog
February 6th, 2013
Soooo sorry, Claudia.
He looks like Thomasina, the cat from the Disney movie.
Anonymous
February 6th, 2013
so sad, condolences
Durka durka
February 6th, 2013
Losing a beloved pet can be very hard. You have my sincerest condolences.
jclady
February 6th, 2013
I’m so sorry, Claudia.
We love our furry friends so much and losing them is never easy.
Time and memories will help with your healing.
HUGS!!!
Stranded in Sonoma
February 6th, 2013
He’s in heaven where he will get to pee on anything he wants. And Claudia, he’s waiting there for you, but he’s happy and not alone.
MaryfromMarin
February 6th, 2013
Oh, dear Claudia, I am so sorry! I know you will miss your little sweetheart so much.
Thank you for the beautiful picture of your beautiful friend. And thanking God for Ivan’s love in your life.
cato
February 6th, 2013
You have been blessed by Ivan as he was by you.
Memories are powerful reminders of the Blessings we have enjoyed.
roadmaster
February 6th, 2013
We pray for your peace & comfort at this time.
We had to put our little kitty, Hope, down a few months ago – cancer, 19 years old, 17 of which she was a delight to us.
Tomorrow is Kiki’s turn – she’s 16 but has started having tremors in her legs and can hardly jump up in my chair. She was my trucking kitty, logging nearly 500,000 miles with me in my Peterbilt until she “retired,” several years before I did (so who is smarter?)
God gave us pets to demonstrate the love and devotion he wants us to give Him
Jerry Manderin
February 6th, 2013
What a beautiful testimony about your kitty cat Claudia.
:*)
Kairn
February 6th, 2013
That is a truly handsome kitty. I am so sorry for your loss Claudia. I can see that Ivan was clearly a very well-loved fellow.
KF
February 6th, 2013
So sorry about Ivan passing Claudia.
My last cat lived to be almost 19 and the heartbreak was terrible when she had renal failure and we had to have her put down. I used to live near a wealthy area (Saddle River NJ) and there actually was one “cat lady” who kept their cat on dialysis, but I was told it was painful for the cat..
I developed a cat allergy after that so I never was able to get another (I’m just happy I discovered the allergy before I got another cat).
Jim
February 6th, 2013
I have been through that and I have had very similar experiences, but you did the best for yourself and for Ivan. My condolences are with you.
Lance o Lot
February 6th, 2013
My condolences, Claudia.
Dadof3
February 6th, 2013
Aw, so sorry for your loss, Claudia.
Pet’s are also a real reflection of how much you care about others. You know – getting a clue about what they want without having to be texted. No conversation talked you into loving them and them you. Only y’alls actions towards each other mattered.
illustr8r
February 6th, 2013
(((Hugs))) Oh, Claudia, I’m so sorry.
You did all that you could (bless your compassionate vet) and made the best of the time you had with Ivan.
I know how hard it is. Even though I have 2 new kitties I miss dear Haggis. I can’t talk much about him without starting to blubber…*sniff*…H will meet Ivan on the rainbow bridge…they’ll share the iotw secret paw shake.
Cat Whisperer
February 6th, 2013
When you’re used to hearing purring and suddenly it’s gone, it’s hard to silence the blaring sound of sadness.
Jimbo
February 6th, 2013
Claudia – I’ve had to put down 5 cats, including Friskie who looked like Ivan (orange tabby?). It’s never an easy task and you have my sincerest condolences.
RANDO
February 6th, 2013
So sorry for your loss, Claudia. I know how bad this hurts.
Love ‘em while you’ve got ‘em.
NoMoBo
February 6th, 2013
Awww, Claudia, I’m so sorry. They leave big holes in your heart when they go, but even so, we are blessed to have them. Condolences.
moarkdave
February 6th, 2013
Hugs and prayers for you Claudia.
I am so sorry to hear about Ivan. He is in a better place, without pain, and will be waiting for you in Heaven.
Jane
February 6th, 2013
I am so sorry, Claudia. I am sure you were the very best part of his life.
Adrienne
February 6th, 2013
Claudia – I have no doubt Ivan is waiting (and happily cavorting) at the Rainbow Bridge to greet you many, many years from now.
Condolences and prayers for you and Ivan (yes, I pray for animals.)
Jethro
February 6th, 2013
Mrs Reynold’s Cat, by John Keats
Cat! who hast passed thy grand climacteric,
How many mice and rats hast in thy days
Destroyed? How many tit-bits stolen? Gaze
With those bright languid segments green, and prick
Those velvet ears – but prithee do not stick
Thy latent talons in me, and up-raise
Thy gentle mew, and tell me all thy frays
Of fish and mice, and rats and tender chick.
Nay, look not down, nor lick thy dainty wrists -
For all thy wheezy asthma, and for all
Thy tail’s tip is nicked off, and though the fists
Of many a maid have given thee many a maul,
Still is that fur as soft as when the lists
In youth thou enteredst on glass-bottled wall.
My condolences Claudia.
morning glory
February 6th, 2013
Oh Claudia, I am so sorry that you have been temporarily parted from Ivan. You will see him again. Our pets are waiting for us over the rainbow bridge.
He’s beautiful and I’m sure he loved being your cat.
Thoughts and prayers to you!!!!
Towg
February 6th, 2013
I am saddened by your loss Claudia. I wish I could express how much.
Menderman
February 6th, 2013
**sniff sniff** I am very sorry to hear about Ivan, Claudia. **sniff sniff**
Mrs Compton
February 6th, 2013
Hugs Claudia.
99th Squad Leader
February 6th, 2013
Claudia, my sincere condolences. Ivan looks like he was a great mouser and loyal friend.
Claudia
February 6th, 2013
Thank you, everyone, for your kind words. They do help with the healing.
Moe Tom
February 6th, 2013
As Gus MacCrey said in “Lonesome Dove” when the Irish kid got killed by snakes, “dust to dust, the best thing to do with death is walk away from it. Now let’s move on to Montana.”
My condolences Claudia.
RWF
February 6th, 2013
So sorry Claudia.
I have been there before. Miserable empty feeling in your heart.
Take comfort in knowing that your Ivan is in a better place and you provided a wonderful life for him while he was here.
Bayouwulf
February 6th, 2013
My words cannot heal the broken heart from the passing of a friend, four-legged or otherwise. My cat Angel was around 19-20 years old at her passing six years ago now. I hope Angel and Ivan will pass the time together until we can be with them again.
My deepest condolences.
Diann
February 6th, 2013
Oh, Claudia. I am so sorry. There is nothing in life quite as wonderful as the love of a pet. They are constant, always faithful (like little furry Marines). What joy they five us. What love they share.
Mary of Bethany, Buffy, Willow and Arlo send their love. “Arf” “Meow” “Meow” “Meow”
Moe Tom
February 6th, 2013
Old Gene Autry Song:
“A four legged friend
A four legged friend,
He’ll never let you down.
He’s honest and faithful
Right up to the end,
My wonderful, wonderful
Four legged friend.”
Dan Ryan Galt
February 6th, 2013
There are no ordinary cats. Sorry to hear about Ivan Claudia. Not much worst than losing a pet. As much as Kitty and Sam drive our Lab Tyler crazy, we still love them.
When the time is right, another furry critter will come along and help ease the pain. Hope it’s soon for you.
? everything
February 6th, 2013
my heartfelt condolences to you & yours. my grandma used to say “there’s nothing like a red cat” & she was correct, I had a one eyed Ginger who I swear understood every syllable I uttered.
locknload
February 6th, 2013
I’m not a cat person, but as the owner of many German Shepherds, I know the loss of a friend all too well. My sympathies for your loss, it is indeed, heartbreaking.
Carlos The Jackal
February 6th, 2013
I’m so sorry Claudia.
I know how much it hurts.
Lowell
February 6th, 2013
I’m so sorry.
Boo, Popeye and Attila send their condolences also. Boo says he was a handsome figure of a cat.
yourfavoriteunkle
February 6th, 2013
Sorry for your loss. There’s no such thing as the affection you get from cat.
Pearl Clutcher
February 6th, 2013
Claudia, I am sorry for your loss. I too believe one day we will be reunited with our pets on the otherside at God’s feet.
Sorry,it sucks I know
February 6th, 2013
Had to take my 10 year old cat,who sleeps on the floor every night,next to my wife and I to the Vet Xmas eve. In a snowstorm. The 26th the vet called no improvement. Had to put him down. I still look for him around the house,everyday.
I don’t want any more pets. It’s just too much.
Mr. Pinko
February 6th, 2013
Everybody (humans included) at the Pinko household sends their condolences.
Aunt Liz
February 6th, 2013
Oh GEEZ Claudia. I’ve been frittering here and about on the web and just came to this. I am so sorry AND I’m at a loss. Ivan was the most splendid specimen of Catdom. I am mourning with you right now. I knew he was ailing – and said a prayer – but I SHOULDA KEPT IT UP.
Cate
February 6th, 2013
Oh nooo… Very sorry to hear about your kitty.
Aunt Liz
February 6th, 2013
Claudia – I don’t know how many photos you have of Mr. Ivan the Terrible – but I sure would like to see them posted on Claudia’s Critters some time – WHENEVER YOU feel like it. Just sayin’…
DebZeppelin
February 6th, 2013
Aww..those beautiful eyes that can see into a human’s soul. Peaceful rest, Ivan.
Goldenfoxx
February 6th, 2013
I hate hearing about people losing their pets. My daughter today told me their little terrier Mickey has diabetes. I’m sorry–I know that it hurts Claudia.
bubba
February 6th, 2013
bubba says we invite these creatures into our lives knowing that they are going to do this to us, but the best of us do it anyway. God bless you claudia. You did the right thing.
old_oaks
February 6th, 2013
Sorry to hear your loss.
One of the saddest things I ever did was put down my cat of 20 years. But I’ll probably go mental when my dog dies.
factslady
February 6th, 2013
Deepest sympathy on the loss of your furry companion and prayers for comfort and peace.
Noelegy
February 6th, 2013
I’m so sorry. I just lost my 18-year-old calico baby a few weeks ago. Ivan was a very handsome cat.
Chieftain
February 6th, 2013
I’ll rub my Gus’ ears and think of Ivan tonight Claudia…best wishes.
Noelegy
February 6th, 2013
P.S. Their lives burn so briefly because they love us so brightly. ♥
scr_north
February 6th, 2013
So sorry to hear of your loss Claudia. However, you can be sure that Ivan will be waiting for you at Rainbow Bridge where you’ll cross over together. God Bless.
TN Tuxedo
February 6th, 2013
Oh, Claudia. I’m so sorry.
I know just how you feel. Our 11-year-old beagle had a stroke the day before Thanksgiving this past year. The pain she was going through was more than any medication could soothe. We ultimately had to let her go on Thanksgiving Day.
The days ahead will be tough without him. But soon, ten years of precious memories will overcome the memory of this day. And as long as we recall those memories, our furry friends will live on in our hearts.
Go rest easy, Ivan. And if you see a fat, loud-mouthed beagle named Molly, don’t worry: she’s all bark and no bite.
Spartan
February 6th, 2013
I’m so very sorry Claudia. It’s never easy. My Buster is dealing with the same issue. It’s so difficult to watch and can’t do anything about it.
My prayers are with you. You have a new angel watching over you, now.
mkultra
February 6th, 2013
I’m sorry to hear about your little friend, Miss Claudia. God bless you.
Ricky
February 6th, 2013
I’m so very sorry for your loss Claudia.
hanoverfist
February 6th, 2013
Iivan’s got at least 4 new friends that I had who went before him.
A dog too(if they let “Those People” in):-0
Stirrin the B.S.
February 6th, 2013
Claudia, like so many here, I have experienced the loss of a beloved pet – a member of our amily for 11 years. Not just “a loss”, but actually having to take my dear dog to the vet to be put to death, and then having to witness the act. I know how painful it is and I wish you peace and comfort in dealing with your loss.
Wraith
February 6th, 2013
RIP, Ivan. May there be toys to play with, vermin to chase and loving laps to sit on for the rest of eternity for you.
Weldor
February 6th, 2013
Goodbye Ivan.
When we lose a fuzzy child, we are all diminished…
Debbie
February 6th, 2013
Condolences, Claudia. I hate thinking about things like this. I adopted my Trixie after hubby passed away, and it’s taken me a long time to gain her trust. She’s so sweet and gentle, but she’s now 7 yrs old….and time passes so quickly. xox
Troy
February 6th, 2013
He was a cutie.
I am sad for your loss.
Roxy my Chi-waa is getting a big hug tonight.
Trixie Bluebell
February 6th, 2013
I’m so sorry for your loss. It doesn’t matter how old our animal friends are, the loss is always acute. I had to put my 1st cat down when she was 15 after she had a stroke and my 2nd cat down at age 24 when her body began shutting down. Hug yourself and make sure you keep at least one of his favorite toys and know that he’s running around happy and pain-free in kitty heaven.
Geoff C. The Saltine
February 6th, 2013
Claudia. We are so sorry for your loss of your beloved Ivan. We have a orange tabby, our first one ever. If Ivan is like our Jax, we have found them to be the sweetest of cats. He will be waiting for you with those lovely green eyes and your open lap.
Your friends on the net Geoff and A.A.
Bad Brad
February 6th, 2013
Sorry about your Kitty Claudia. Not much worse then losing a pet. I wish I could send my lab pup over to wash your face and make you feel a little better.
Claudia
February 6th, 2013
You all are such wonderful people. It may seem strange to say, but I have cried tears of loss and joy reading all your kind words.
Thank you for your comfort.
Nice cat book
February 6th, 2013
Yourish.com (the cat lady)
Darkness Rising: Book One of The Catmage Chronicles
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009PV3GVU/ref=redir_mdp_mobile/177-6641148-2345121?camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B009PV3GVU&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl&tag=merylyourishc-20
Bayouwulf
February 6th, 2013
I’d make a wild guess here and say that everyone here loves you, Claudia. You certainly brighten up Sunday mornings here at iotw. Peace be unto you.
BigSlurpy
February 6th, 2013
My dog had a similar problem some years ago. I started putting some lemon juice in her drinking water and the problem went away.
evn steven
February 6th, 2013
I’m sorry you lost your friend, Claudia. Bless you for being the kind pet “owner” we all know you are.
NeeNee
February 6th, 2013
Claudia, my friend . . . I well remember the tears and sadness in 1994 when we put our “Itsy” yellow & white kitty down. He was going to be 18 and had what we called kitty Alzheimers. If he was curled up on a kitchen chair while I cooked, all was well; he would fall asleep. But when he awoke, if no human was in the room he would put forth the most mournful, howling cry. Then he stopped being able to jump up on the bed with us at night, and finally we realized he was urinating in every corner of our newly-carpeted rooms.
Six years later my mother (who had dearly loved the Itsy Boy) passed away. She had just had her 90th birthday and cats were the love of her life—especially yellow ones. As we pulled into the country cemetery near our farm, a big yellow cat came walking out of the field. He stood in the middle of the gravel intersection watching us drive in. Then he actually sat down to watch. When all of us were inside the cemetery, he got up and walked back into the field. Re-incarnation? No, I think it was God’s way of saying Mom was okay and reunited with all her cats in heaven!
Moe Tom
February 6th, 2013
Nut for nuttin, but you people at IOTW are a pretty decent lot. Just sayin’.
Melody
February 6th, 2013
So so sorry, Claudia
Billy Fuster
February 7th, 2013
Ivan was lucky to have you.
Blink
February 7th, 2013
Claudia, Sorry to hear you’ve lost your pal.
Was this the kitty that played tunes on the door spring?
_______
Yes. And he was doing that just the day before. I hope there are doors in heaven just for that! – Claudia
JimBob
February 7th, 2013
RIP
LadyGun12
February 7th, 2013
I’m so sorry you lost your beautiful Ivan, but you did the right thing. It is so hard to lose a being who loves you just the way you are and is thrilled to see you when you come through the door every day. I kinda feel sorry for people who don’t have pets. I think I’ll give my canine babies Emily, Hudson, and Jake an extra hug tonight.
Bad Brad
February 7th, 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6TFW1F6oY0
/
Ninsuna
February 7th, 2013
>Hug and kiss your pets if you have them. And hug and kiss your family, too.” ….
Pets ARE family, Claudia, and Ivan was your baby. I’m so very sorry for your loss. I know just how you feel.
Racist
February 7th, 2013
I am sorry you lost your friend today Claudia. I’m one of those cold-hearted “cat-haters” myself, but I know how much they can mean to the people who do love them. I’ve only had one cat I even marginally cared about, and I still miss her sometimes…even 5yrs after she disappeared. I don’t really know what happens to animals when their work is done. But I know they leave behind smiles to last for years to come!
Jeannine
February 7th, 2013
Sorry for your loss, he was beautiful and will be waiting for you.
Merry Poppet
February 7th, 2013
I’m so sorry, Claudia. Ivan was beautiful and clearly well loved. His pain is over now. He’ll be waiting for you on the other side, and the reunion will be joyful.
Unruly Refugee
February 7th, 2013
May the Good Lord Bless you Claudia, and comfort you over the loss of Ivan.
Buck Ofama
February 7th, 2013
So sorry for your loss, Claudia. Putting down a pet is one of the hardest things to do. I know from personal experience. I had to put down my 8 year old dog, “Bootsy” about 17 years ago. Still miss her to this day.
AbigailAdams
February 7th, 2013
Dearest Claudia, Someone once said that pet owners are stout-hearted people who value the joy and the love of an animal more than they fear the grief of certain loss.
Godspeed sweet kitteh, Ivan. God bless you, Claudia.
Millertime
February 7th, 2013
He will live forever in your memories, and comfort you after the hurt subsides. Pets are family members and prove that there is unconditional love. Thoughts and prayers to Claudia and her family.
Ivan looked like a really cool cat.
caroleigh
February 7th, 2013
You’ll see him again. Claudia in the meantime please get your pictures together and show us a montage of Ivan the terrible. We are all thinking of you and your loss. But he’s just on the other side of the rainbow. WAITING. I had a deformed goat, rejected by her mother, so I became her mother. She was 24 hour care with severe anomalies, she was my shadow day and night for eight years. She died 13 years ago, and I’m still not over it.
Reiuxcat
February 7th, 2013
I’m sorry you lost your furry friend Claudia.
It is never easy. Now memories of my Reiuxcat are welling up in my eyes as we had to put him to sleep because of cancer, 14 years ago. (hugs for you)
MNHawk
February 7th, 2013
Sorry to hear of this, having done this myself just last November.
I don’t know which way would be easier. Your way thinking about it for months or mine…where it developed over the weekend and Tuesday morning, goodbye.
Stache
February 7th, 2013
Claudia,
Thank you for sharing, and so very sorry for your loss.
Ivan looks just like my first cat, Tom!
[ We weren't allowed to HAVE a pet, but never turned away a stray. So when Tom was old enough to leave his mother, I set him down a half-block away from home, two hours of 'here-kitty-kitty' later, I said "Look Mom! He followed me home! ]
-and he stayed for 17 years.
Again, sorry for your loss, but thank you for sharing and caring.
Tuesday
February 7th, 2013
Claudia, I have a cat named Tommy that looks a lot like Ivan. I love him to pieces. Sorry for your loss.
@Bad Brad–great video.
Tim
February 7th, 2013
So sorry.
conservative cowgirl
February 7th, 2013
Claudia, I’m so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful cat he was.
Team America
February 7th, 2013
Claudia – I haven’t been online for a couple days. I’m so sorry for your loss of Ivan. I felt like I knew him from your stories. We’ll all miss him.
Betty
February 7th, 2013
I had a cat named Leo with the same problem. When he was two my vet operated on him and cut a new hole for him to urinate from. He came home with a straw holding the hole open. When it healed the straw was removed and he urinated fine. Had to be careful not to feed him fish cat food and a few others because they cause crystals. He lived to age 14.