In Celebration of Charlie
Charlie was euthanised at 12:30 pm today. He had a long illness. I nursed him for about 6 months, quite intensively in the last few weeks. He was deeply loved.
Handsome Charlie. The way I’d like to remember him. My photo.
He was diagnosed with a tumor in the face – in the sinuses and nose. The tumor was pushing his right eye out; it bulged. His left eye seemed to have become sunken. He had to breathe through his mouth for the past 2 months or more.
I had a long discussion with Charlie’s excellent vet, Katy at Vets at White Hart Lane, Barnes, London and looking at all the options decided upon euthanasia for Charlie’s sake. He had become quite uncomfortable over the past week being unable to settle and keeping his head high all the time. Sometimes he scratched his head which I interpreted as trying to alleviate discomfort.
He became passive and lethargic, quiet and weak. Hie eyes became dark and dull losing their life. He had such beautifully bright eyes. I felt everything he felt.
It has been a very stressful time and last night and today has been very hard to cope with.
I inherited Charlie after my mother died about five years ago. He had three legs and a big heart. He was quite an alpha-type, testosterone fueled cat but also timid and sweet sometimes.
Alert Charlie with silky black coat
He was handsome and it was distressing to see him lose his looks towards the end.
Now my home is quiet and empty. I miss him already. It seems strange because this is the first time I have not lived with a cat for 25 years.
May my beloved boy cat Charlie rest in peace. I hope he is with Binnie and Missie who passed before him. He will be individually cremated and his ashes placed with those of Binnie and Missie in an urn which I keep in my home.
I will wait before deciding what to do next.
I loved you Charlie and always will.
So sorry for your loss. Sometimes the kindest thing we can do for our cats is to help them at the very end. As long as he lives on in your memories and has a place in your heart he will always be close by, though in time you will also need a physical feline companion. I still miss Mr Minns and Kitty who both left me this year, but Bast sent me 3 needy tearaways so I wouldn’t be alone.
Thank you Sarah. He is still very close to me. My home is dead without him, hollow and lifeless. I will always have vividly clear memories of him as I have of all my cats.
It will be hard for awhile. As you will miss even the little things. Like the sound them Jumping up on things. The cute meow and Purr and when the cuddle up to you in the morning. Thats the one thing I miss still about Cassy. The sweet little way she had for jumping up and smooching and that sweet meow. So I know its so hard. I felt it too Quiet for awhile even though I had four other cats in the house.
It is too still for me. I am spending more time at my girlfriend’s home at the moment.
Thats good Michael as it would just be too quiet there. Too many Memories. Its great you got somewhere else to go. Grief comes in stags.
Oh my, Michael, I am so sorry to hear about Charlie’s passing. I cannot even imagine the hurt you feel. I am so sorry.
As I read many of the comments, my heart is filled with warmth. So many people have reached out to you to give you a virtual hug, because you have touched so many of us through the work you do. It is just wonderful.
Charlie is a beautiful and beloved cat. I’m sorry that he had to go through all of that. He was blessed to have you.
Carla Krebs
Thank you Carla. That is very sweet of you. People have been so nice to me. It has helped tremendously. It is hard being alone in my apartment. I think he is there. I’ll get over it. It is just about time but I will always have crystal clear mental videos in my head of him.
Michael, like everyone else I really feel for you. Charlie was such a lucky boy in that he had love and care till the end. I have always got myself through this horrible period by knowing that during their time with me I did all I could for the animals in my care and this final thing, as hard as it is for us, is the very last decent thing we can do for them when nothing else can be done. we all cry and deal with it in our own way and then when we are healed enough we move on, not forgetting our lost loved ones but knowing they are all around us from time to time, keeping an eye on us, then we can think about helping another little fur ball that needs a knee to sleep on. and this, i’m sure everyone will agree, is what makes us animal people tick. I like to think of them as being young, happy and free of pain, perfectly safe where nothing can hurt them. idealistic? maybe, I don’t care. I know nothing any of us says will take away your pain but I hope it helps you to know we are all thinking of you.
Thank you Leanne for your soothing words. We were lucky to have each other. I feel I could have done more.
Michael I don’t think there was anything else you could possibly have done, you tried and tried until it was obvious that Charlie had had enough, then you did out of love the thing we all dread having to do, I think you’ve been so brave throughout, please don’t torture yourself with hindsight, you did do everything. xx
its human nature to blame ourselves Michael, no matter how hard we try and we do our best for them, when the end comes we say what more could I have done? please don’t torture yourself, I bet if Charlie could have spoken to you he would have said thank you for all the care and love you have given me. try to think more of the chaos and mischief Charlie brought to your family’s life. it will make you smile, even just for a moment
Thank you Leanne. I do think about what I did and what he felt or thought and it does torment me but it will fade.
I agree with Babz, no one could have done more or cared more for Charlie and when you knew the time had come, you loved him enough to let him go, that was the greatest love of all.
so sorry to hear about Charlie , his spirit will live on ,special times and fond memories will always be with you
Thank you Kevin for your condolences. I hope you are well.
I’m so sorry Michael, I was shocked to read today when I opened up Facebook to read your Article. Just know we all here for you. It’s such a hard decision no matter what. He looks so Beautiful in those Photos. Give yourself time to Grieve, I know the pain is just so raw. I’m agreement with everyone else. I actually feel really gutted for you. He will be at Rainbow land with all Our Passed Cats and kittens. My Tammy and Cassy will be there to meet him at the Gate with love. I hope with time you can love again. Give yourself time and im sure we will all be here to support you. Hugs from me and my cats.
Thank you Kylee. I slept badly again. I thought of him and asked him to come to me as I used to.
Your this REPLY has made me cry 🙁 This is how I felt when my puppy girl PUZZO burnt ALIVE by neighbor boy 🙁
We both feel what our cats feel. We are very empathetic and some would say we have too great an empathy with animals.
Those who say our empathy is too great are wrong! There is nothing like the love shared with a cat, it’s a wonderful thing but just so very devastating when we lose them.
But it hurts and makes life difficult sometimes.
Yes the hurt is almost unbearable.
Yea it sure brings back to us the Memories and the emotional pain, I think we all Felt for our Ones that have Passed in the Past as, in the ones just gone. Charlie was a Special Cat so beautiful even with his 3 Legs. Animal emotional Pain I think is the worst Kind. As their Love is so unconditional it breaks our hearts. What they Offer in their Love is Much more than Any Human can Give. Hugs Best Wishes IM Crying too.
Aww Yes it will be very hard not having him around. Even the smallest things are huge. I truly felt your pain as he’s been with you so long. Also someone living alone with just one Cat takes a big Gap in your Life. Just go easy on yourself we all here for you. Hugs.
Michael,my sincere condolences on the death of your beloved non-human companion “Charlie”.
Thank you Rudolph. Sometimes I think having a cat companion hurts too much.
Michael, I am so very sorry. I totally understand. I have lost so many, and it still hurts. Charlie is with God and the angels now, and is no longer hurting. He is watching over us. Love and prayers for healing, peace and comfort at this difficult time. . . ♥♥♥♥♥
Thank you very much for you kind words.
My heart is just breaking for you, Michael. I was so hoping and praying for a different outcome. He looked so much like my Monty it just kind of hits home. Poor boy– at least he isn’t suffering anymore. You did the right thing, though I know it broke your heart to do it. Perhaps Charlie is still near you in spirit. You gave him a good and happy life. He will be missed by all his virtual friends around the world. Thank you for sharing him with us. He was really special.
Thank you Ruth. In my heart I felt he was dying months ago. I nursed him until the point came where a very experienced vet could see the clear evidence. I feel a bit of me dies with my cats. He is near me in spirit.
Bless your heart Michael. I know you are in pain right now, but remember all the homeless cats out there who need homes. You are right, Charlie was a very handsome cat. It sounds like you did everything you could. Let us know how you are holding up.
RIP Charlie. ♥♥♥♥♥ You will be sorely missed around here.
I am really really sorry for your great loss of a lifetime friend Michael.
feel broken and sad 🙁
May you be very strong and keep care for another life, perhaps same as Charlie.
May Charlie rest in peace, amin
grief 🙁
Thank you Ahsan for your condolences. I feel the pain of loss and the relief that he is out of pain. It was a long journey of decline which I hated to see. Difficult for me and him alike.
Micheal .. I’m very sorry for your recent loss of Charlie. RIP: sweet fur angel. Fly free at Rainbow Bridge!
My Forever Pet
There’s something
missing in my home,
I feel it day and night,
I know it will take
time and strength before
things feel quite right.
But just for now,
I need to mourn,
My heart– it needs to mend.
Though some may say,
“It’s just a pet,”
I know I’ve lost a friend.
You’ve brought such
laughter to my home,
and richness to my days.
A constant friend
through joy or loss
with gentle, loving ways.
Companion, friend,
and confidante,
A friend I won’t forget.
You’ll live forever in my heart,
My sweet, forever pet.
– Susanne Taylor
Thank you very much. The poem reflects my emotions very accurately. I am at my girlfriend’s flat at the moment. My home feels empty, lifeless, hollow.
Its so true, I Cried as reading that too. I love that Poem it speaks right for all of us here.
So sorry for your loss 🙁 I am glad Charlie had you to take of him in his last days; he knew he was loved 🙂
Thanks for all that you do!
Thank you Nikki. I was beat up emotionally at the end. Now I am sore.
So sorry to hear your sad news. It’s never easy losing a much loved companion, even when they’ve been terminally ill and we knew that we’re on borrowed time.
I hope you can take comfort from knowing that Charlie was much loved and you gave him a good life. There are many poor cats out there who will never know the gentle touch of a human hand or any form of kindness.
Thank you for your kind words Michele. It helps.
Thinking of you and how brave you have been. Big hugs x
I was hoping for good news about Charlie, and I think everyone here knows the pain you feel now .I know you did your best and he was dearly loved.And when you are ready ,you will give your love to another precious one.
Thank you Nancy. I have calmed down a bit now. It was a tense and hard day.
I am so sorry for your loss. Charlie was a special kitty and I am sure that he knew that he was very much loved. R.I.P, Charlie.
Thank you Sharon for your comment.
So very sorry. Remember the love you shared.
Thank you. I have very clear memories which I know will not die. I have very clear memories of certain moments of all my cats. They are like photographs in my mind or videos.
Oh Michael I’m so sad to hear your news you’re very brave telling us about your loss, Charlie was indeed very handsome and loved. You are very much in my thoughts. RIP dear Charlie
He was a handsome boy and to see him messed up hurt. Thanks for your condolences.
You’re so very welcome Michael I wish there was more I could do; there’s no place like home they say but for me that’s not the case if your beloved cat isn’t there with you 🙁 Please take care
I am sorry for the loss of your kitty. A cat, even if it is one cat, lights up one’s living place. I remember each and every cat I have had from my youth. They will never be forgotten.
Thank you Donna. I am the same. I have mental videos of my cats in my memory.
Sorry to hear about Charlie passing away. He is at peace now.
Thanks Harvey. Yes, it makes me feel better knowing he no longer has pain or discomfort.
I’m so very sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing. He was lucky to have had such a wonderful guardian as yourself, Michael, while he was here on Earth. He will always be with you in Spirit.
Thank you Susan. I gave him my best. We were very close. I was with him all day every day pretty well.
Michael, I am so sorry for your loss. Your tribute to Charlie made me cry. But, all cats should be so loved, that we do cry for them when they leave us. I hope your pain eases soon, I know full well how deep it can be. Run free sweet Charlie.
Reading these comments makes me cry again. Thank you Cindy.
So sorry for your loss, you did all you could, sounds like your a wonderful care giver, I hope you can find another that will bring you comfort & joy as Charlie.
Thank you Debbie. After a while I’ll think about a new companion.
Oh, Michael, not the news i was hoping for! I am so humbly sorrowful for your loss. The pain is like live electricity that runs through our hearts at times like this. Keep it in your heart that you gave him the best life you were capable of. Without you, where would that handsome devil been placed? Your heart and hands loved and cared for that little guy. He is now out of pain. Do something special in Charlie’s memory.
Yes, and so much anguish during his illness as he deteriorated. Thank you very much for your support.
So very sorry for your loss, Charlie was a beautiful cat, now a beautiful spirit, Rest in Peace little angel, God Bless x
Thanks for your support Babz.
R.I.P Sweet Charlie.
Peace and happiness for you.
Thank you Dee. Your support is very welcome.
I am so sorry for your loss, Michael. Charlie was a very special kitty- incredibly loved by you – and I can feel how much he adored you also.
Sending my prayers to you for healing.
A very memorable cat- Charlie.
Thank you Jo. Yes, it is an emotional roller coaster. Lots of tears.
I’m am so sorry for your loss! He now resides in your mom’s lap where he began. I hope you, in time, will be able to open your heart and home to another love who needs life. Sending thoughts and prayers!
Thank you very much Tina. I hope I can care for another cat. I need a bit of space now.
Space is a good thing. We grieve with you
So very sorry to hear this news.What a beautiful boy. He enjoyed a good long life. Bless you both.
You have crossed over now,
into the spirit realm.
May you walk with Bast,
and I will see you again some day.
Mother Earth, we return to you
the body of one of your children.
His spirit will return to his ancestors,
and he will continue to live in our memories.
We are thankful that we were able
to share our lives with him,
and give him to your loving arms.
3. Bast, Sekhmet, we give you back your child.
Noble, regal, honorable cat.
Watch over him, and guide him on his way
to the spirit world.
May he be blessed in your names,
and hunt ever after beside you.
Thank you Geri. Your poem made me cry.
I’m so sad for you Michael.
R.I.P Charlie, you will always be remembered with love x
Thanks Ruth and thanks for your support. It means a lot.
He was beloved by you and so many others. I’ll cherish his memory too. Sweet travels good boy. You were so beautiful.
Thank you very much DW.