Day 1 - my cat died

[PastorCat]

She had been sick for some time. Kidneys. Thyroid. The vet suspected she didn't have long to live. I was worried about leaving her for so long. The night I was packing her symptoms worsened considerably. I had a vet visit for a house call at midnight. Freckles died in my arms at 2am. I left Los Angeles for the Camino just a few hours later. Needless to say I am crushed. Crushed, but comforted I was with her as she passed. Thoughtful about the Camino ahead.

 

[Deleted member 36903]

My condolences to you @PastorCat. All pets are our loved and loving companions and we are fortunate that they share our lives. Their passing causes grief of an intensity that those who have not had pets cannot understand, but those of us who have know only too well. I am glad that you were there for Freckles in her final hours and that this gives you comfort in your time of sadness.

 

[Andpartner]

What beautiful eyes she has and what an emotional start to your camino. Like SEB I marvel at the intensity of the grief the death of a pet gives us. I hope you have a peaceful camino.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

She had been sick for some time. Kidneys. Thyroid. The vet suspected she didn't have long to live. I was worried about leaving her for so long. The night her symptoms worsened considerably. I had a vet visit for a house call at 12am. Freckles died in my arms at 2am. I left Los Angeles for the Camino a few hours later. Needless to say I am crushed. Crushed but comforted I was with her as she passed.

Losing a beloved pet and companion hurts. That you were there to comfort her during her passing was a wonderful thing for Freckles, and for you. It is hard to move on, but Camino will be a time where you can reflect on your time with that wonderful animal. You can start to recover from the newness of your grief, and begin placing all the wonderful times and memories into a special spot within your heart's Good Things vault.

My thoughts and prayers go with you, Pastor

 

[Landon Ricketts]

Pastor, it is never easy to put the welfare of a loved friend before your own. I had to make a similar decision recently when my cat suddenly suffered from saddle thrombosis. I took comfort in the fact that Dexter van Dyke (I wanted to call him Shitbags McGruber but the missus wouldn't allow it) was no longer in pain and that like you, I was there for him when he passed. They truly attach themselves to your heart and maybe when the time is right for you, you will consider giving another a good home.

 

[spagirl]

Our pets are such a huge part of our lives.
Im so sorry that you had to start your camino with such a heavy heart.

Remember that Freckles may have left your life but she will never leave your heart.

 

[Holly Mitchem]

I am so sorry to hear this. You will have the opportunity to light candles in many churches along the way. It may be comforting to light candles in memory of your lovely cat. I had a dear dear friend who died while I was walking the camino Frances and found a great deal of solace in lighting candles in his memory, and saying a quick prayer, at all the churches along the way. Buen Camino.

 

[ksam]

Sorry to see this but very glad you got to be there. It hurts even more when you've just left...or are on your way back and miss by literally minutes. Peace. Buen Camino now

 

[Marbe2]

We rescued a mixed terrier dog two years ago. He has special needs that make it difficult for us to take him to stay with loved ones or close friends when we travel. So we bring him to a great Kennel. It is his second home. They often take him from his run and he eats lunch with the ladies and gets lots of quality time from them. They now call him the affectionate lovebug and that is exceptional for a terrier! Sometimes we joke (though true) that it would be less expensive to bring him on the Camino! Of course, we would never do this! I relate this because we have really bonded with him and can only imagine how much your heart aches right now!
Pastorcat, I too, am glad you were there for her passing. Being on the Camino, may turn out to out be a blessing. It will give you a chance to grieve..seeking companionship when desired and solitude when needed! Blessings on your journey!

 

[hotelmedicis]

I'm very sorry for your loss. My condolences.

 

[chinacat]

That she died in your arms is the best you could have done for her .... and for you too.
It doesn’t take your pain away, but you know you gave her warmth, comfort and security as she died.
We become so attached to those animals in our care ... and this is as it should be.

Buen Camino

 

[Anamya]

So sorry for your loss. But you stayed with little Freckles when she needed, and she surely felt safe until the end. Have a buen camino, Pastor.

 

[Bala]

So sorry. The loss of a pet leaves a huge gap. Take comfort that you were there for her and the end, and she went knowing she was loved.

 

[Bob from L.A. !]

Truly sad...............

 

[nycwalking]

God be with you til you two meet again.

Vaya con Dios.

Buen camino.

 

[Anamiri]

I still cry when I think of my dog who died nearly 17 years ago. Just like family and friends, pets enrich and leave a lasting impression on our lives, which are all the more full for having known them. She knew she was loved.
Buen Camino.

 

[Hilarious]

She had been sick for some time. Kidneys. Thyroid. The vet suspected she didn't have long to live. I was worried about leaving her for so long. The night I was packing her symptoms worsened considerably. I had a vet visit for a house call at midnight. Freckles died in my arms at 2am. I left Los Angeles for the Camino just a few hours later. Needless to say I am crushed. Crushed, but comforted I was with her as she passed. Thoughtful about the Camino ahead.

What a beautiful girl and my condolences go out to you. You were there for her always and to the end. Your Camino has come at just the right time for you.

 

[JamesVT]

My sympathy for your loss, particularly on the eve of your Camino. I join with all the others who have shared your loss in the past when a beloved pet died, leaving a gaping hole that seems impossible to fill. I'm so sorry. Others are right-- your Camino is now before you both as a living memorial and homage to your wonderful cat and a healing for your own heart and soul, one step and one day at a time. Blessings on you both. I have loved and buried many cats in my time. Each was unique, each generous and loving. Every one of them remembered as individuals who enriched my life, comforted me in times of need, and allowed me to love them and in return be loved by them. Your Camino will honor her and the time the two of you shared together. Be well and Buen Camino.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I loved reading all the compassionate comments you have received from this forum community and I say "amen" to all of them. I hope your camino provides a catalyst for some emotional healing in your time of loss.

 

[Vanozza]

She had been sick for some time. Kidneys. Thyroid. The vet suspected she didn't have long to live. I was worried about leaving her for so long. The night I was packing her symptoms worsened considerably. I had a vet visit for a house call at midnight. Freckles died in my arms at 2am. I left Los Angeles for the Camino just a few hours later. Needless to say I am crushed. Crushed, but comforted I was with her as she passed. Thoughtful about the Camino ahead.

How heart-breaking. I have been in your place many times and there are no words that can fix it. Just put one foot in front of the other and time will heal you.

 

[JamesVT]

I neglected to mention that visiting the cool, quiet churches along the way will offer the opportunity to pray, if you wish to, and to light candles for those in your life who you have lost but who remain in your heart. I've lit many a candle for the good cats who have been part of my life over the years.

 

[JamesVT]

I am so sorry to hear this. You will have the opportunity to light candles in many churches along the way. It may be comforting to light candles in memory of your lovely cat. I had a dear dear friend who died while I was walking the camino Frances and found a great deal of solace in lighting candles in his memory, and saying a quick prayer, at all the churches along the way. Buen Camino.

. I agree. I missed your comments earlier, but agree that the moment of lighting a candle for a cat, a friend, a parent provides solace and healing.

 

[Anniesantiago]

What a sweet kitty. I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope you find peace along the Camino

 

[OzAnnie]

I feel your loss @PastorCat It’s always hard leaving our friends behind when we travel; and even harder, the grief you’re feeling right now.
I hope the heaviness lifts for you as you make your camino.
Annie

 

[zzotte]

I’m sorry about your loss.

Zzotte

 

[intrepidtraveler]

May your Camino help you move through the grieving process with grace and ease.

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

You will carry her in your heart, a very light load, and warming.

 

[NewBeginning]

She had been sick for some time. Kidneys. Thyroid. The vet suspected she didn't have long to live. I was worried about leaving her for so long. The night I was packing her symptoms worsened considerably. I had a vet visit for a house call at midnight. Freckles died in my arms at 2am. I left Los Angeles for the Camino just a few hours later. Needless to say I am crushed. Crushed, but comforted I was with her as she passed. Thoughtful about the Camino ahead.

❤

 

[lindam]

Hello PastorCat,
Hope you are dealing with the loss of your dear friend, Freckles. Reading about her passing brought tears to my eyes as I think about the death of our beloved cat, Pablito, who died back in March. No doubt you with be experiencing similar feelings to what we had (and continue to have) when we think of him and all the love we shared. He had been with us for 18 1/2 years and was certainly a member of the family. Hope the Camino brings you peace and acceptance as you look back at the time spent with Freckles.

 

[Canche]

I am so very sorry, but glad that she died in your arms before you left

She had been sick for some time. Kidneys. Thyroid. The vet suspected she didn't have long to live. I was worried about leaving her for so long. The night I was packing her symptoms worsened considerably. I had a vet visit for a house call at midnight. Freckles died in my arms at 2am. I left Los Angeles for the Camino just a few hours later. Needless to say I am crushed. Crushed, but comforted I was with her as she passed. Thoughtful about the Camino ahead.

e

 

[Michael-FL]

She had been sick for some time. Kidneys. Thyroid. The vet suspected she didn't have long to live. I was worried about leaving her for so long. The night I was packing her symptoms worsened considerably. I had a vet visit for a house call at midnight. Freckles died in my arms at 2am. I left Los Angeles for the Camino just a few hours later. Needless to say I am crushed. Crushed, but comforted I was with her as she passed. Thoughtful about the Camino ahead.

Pastor Cat, so sorry for your loss. I know it really hurts. I too was grieving, although for a different loss, when I walked the Camino last year. There were long stretches where I was completely alone; alone with my thoughts and certainly alone with God. I hope your Camino gives you the time to be alone with God; perhaps even to place this sorrow in his hands and to thank him for all the love and joy Freckles brought in his time with you. Buen Camino.

 

[camster]

Sorry to hear about your loss. Animals are a big part of our lives. Glad you were able to be with her until the end, and not far away on your camino as she passed.
I hope you are still enjoying your camino, considering...