Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Tough end to a tough week

I'm not one to 'wear my heart on my sleeve" nor do I often invite the public into a private matter...but because many of you know him and have been here I feel I should at least make it known...

Last weekend Our cat Lancelot (lance) went missing...he was 15 years old and in ill health...after an exhaustive search every night this week in the surrounding woods and back yards, we finally received a call from a neighbor a few doors down saying that he had been 'visiting' her regularly, and he looked ill so she had taken him to a local shelter...this morning after going to the wrong shelter, and finally the right one...they informed me that they had no record of him being dropped off...the son who actually dropped him there was insistent that he had done so, but they had no record of any such event...after talking to the son again I was certain that he had done so!...after insisting that they "find him" I was again told that a search of the premises had been made and he was not there...despite the sons insistence...In talking with him he had to much detail to have made it up...building location, appearance, forms, questions on those forms...I finally caught someone leaving for lunch and she promised that she would investigate it further upon her return, and requested that I fill out a form and they would call me...I politely (really I was) told her If she didn't mind I would wait...she didn't...I did...when she returned she did investigate and I was told that do to his condition he was euthanized on Thursday...I requested the body...I was told that they had already been picked up by the crematorium..I requested that they call to see if I could recover the body and take him home...they are closed on Saturday but a call was made and a message was left...the crematorium called right back...the remains had already been cremated, and the ashes spread...after 15 years he was a huge part of our family and left an impression on all who met him...pretty cool for a cat....we are all devastated by this and particularly the circumstances around it... but we take some solace in the closures that this horrid day provided...tomorrow we will visit the ground where they spread his ashes and bring a bit home where he belongs...

Sorry to hear about a loved pet passing. I don't understand why your neighbor took him to the shelter. Why didn't she call you instead?

I'm very sorry to hear about your cat. People who don't have animals don't realize how much a part of your life they become. Things will get better with time.

Sorry to hear that, sounds like he was like our last cat, after 6 years with us (recon he was 2 when he arrived) he just dissapeared, not a trace. Sometimes they just go their own way.

Very sorry to hear that Rob, really hard to not be able to say good by and bury him at home. I am not a cat person but am an animal lover and totally understand,makes me sad at the thought. Seems cats usually go off to die. I had a really cool cat as a kid that acted more like a dog than a cat. If the he was really sick maybe it was for the best even if it hurts now. I feel for you.

The neighbor was 4 doors down and we live about an acre apart so we did not even know them only the ones next door we know and they knew Lance. He liked to visit with people. Plus It was the long weekend and most were away.

Sorry for your loss. Animals have a way of breaking down the barriers and leaving an empty space when they're gone. I've had to euthanize a few and if it's any consolation, it's a peaceful process.

That's a tough situation to work through, we have both cats and dogs and each loss really hurts. My deepest condolences to you and your faamily. A kitten would be good in a couple of days...

Rob-

Like you, I'm not one to wear my heart on my sleeve. Several years ago I had to put down the coolest cat that you could ever meet (just like your Lance). Greystoke lived with me for 12 years and was a feline that was honestly more human than cat. Putting him down was one of the most difficult things I have ever done (and the worst part is that he knew it was coming).

I only say that to say this- your unrelenting pursuit to find out what happened to Lancelot speakes volumes as to your affection for his presence in your life. There's an old gospel song that says "we shall all be re-united."

I hope for both of is that it's true.

I understand your pain at his passing. We had to put our cat 'Jake' down about a month ago. He was pushing 17 years. He new it was coming, but in a way it was what he wanted. He was hurting, (he had seizures and I think the last one he had he kind of beat himself up), he gave up trying. When he quit eating we knew it was time. Still miss him, and always will. It will get easier with time.

Bet cha anything Lance appreciated everything you guys ever did to give him the kind of life most animals would dream of having, and that they all deserve.

My condolence.

I'm sorry to hear about your loss. My old cat, Lucas, died just before the Holidays last year. He was the type of cat that even won over cat haters. He came to Kentucky with me from California and the loss was devastating. I recently picked up a one-year-old Siamese cat from the shelter and though he can't replace the loss of such a good old friend, he is a great new pal.

Rob and Cathy, I'm so sorry for your loss.

my little "scooter" took missing a month or so ago,,, 'bout give up on him coming back,,,sure miss my little "bed buddy". don't know if a hawk or coyote got him, as we live in the woods. you miss the lose,,,,condolences.

So sorry, Rob & Cathy.
My wife and I have always had, and always will have at least one dog.
Some of them truly amazing.
It's never easy when they go (even the knotheads).

But we keep doing it.

There are kitty's needing a good home........

Animals, why we have them just so we can set ourselves up to be devastated by their loss? The reason is they give us so much in return, it does make it worth it even if the hurt can at times be almost unbearable.

Sorry to hear about your cat Rob

A.C. and I went to the crematorium this AM...the lady was VERY sweet and the have a large 40 + acre "gentleman's" farm (beautiful location) she showed us where they spread the ashes and we took some home...Lance would have liked it there...The other two pets (dog and cat) are looking a bit confused but are enjoying the extra attention...the other cat is NOT a cool cat, as Lance was, in fact she DEFINATELY is a blond (in the stereotypical way of course...wouldn't want to offend the smart blonds here)over the years we have been fortunate to have a some great pets and, though I am a dog person, we have had some very cool cats (more like dogs or people) Lance was by far the coolest! It has been a real b!tch of a week and the last two days have been he!! on the whole family...your thoughts and kind words (though difficult to read at times) have been a help. Lance was very old, and sick, he had lost a ton of weight in the last few months, and this day was soon to come. Still he maintained his activity...in the end it was his overt friendliness, combined with his "skin and bones" appearance that did him in. The people who took him to the shelter were devastated by the news...they were just trying to help a "very friendly and starving looking" cat out...They did the right thing (given the circumstances and information they had available) I do not hold them responsible or fault them in any way! It is just unfortunate that the opportunities we would have had if we had done this in our time and our way, were taken from us, but as I said this day was not far off.
Again thanks for your kind words and thoughts!


and BTW rest assured the shelter has ALREADY heard from me and I'm certain it's not the last time!

Very sorry to hear about "Lance", I'm guessing he wore no "tags" , due to space limitations shelters only hold "strays" for so long~~ill or sickly ones are put down quick. Many years ago I worked for a city shelter that advertised they never put animals down~~I was fired for going public about that BS~~~again, sorry for your loss,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Rob,

Sorry to hear about Lance I believe I shared the couch with him the night before we left for GA.. It is just a shame it had to happen this way.

John

Rob and Cathy,
I'm sorry to hear about this. I know my dog and two cats are like family members to me and my kids. It sounds like Lance was a very cool cat.

Will

My condolences, Rob and Cathy. It's always tough to lose a four-legged family member, regardless of the circumstances. Sounds like Lance had a great life with you guys though.