Helper (1991-2007)
Yesterday was supposed to be a full day of making art work for me. Instead, I had to help my cat of 16 years leave this world and go to a better place. He lived a full life and has been battling feline diabetes for the past 3 years. In the last 6 months, my family knew that the time was fast approaching to help Helper transition to a better more comfortable place. The past week has been particularly hard on him and my family as he physically deteriorated and could no longer stand or walk. I had been avoiding calling his vet and making the dreaded appointment, but when I came home from doing my errands yesterday I knew I couldn’t delay any longer.
I was with him until the end, and I didn’t realize how difficult it would be to let him go. I know I did the right thing, but it doesn’t ease the pain. I arranged for a friend to pick my daughter up from school, so that I would spare her the pain of going to the vet’s office with me. Even our dog Zuzu knew that something was wrong with Helper. She had taken to giving him a big lick on his head whenever she walked past his resting place.
My mom sent me a great pet tribute titled The Journey by Crystal Ward Kent. I’ll leave you with an exerpt:
When you bring a pet into your life, you begin a journey – a journey that will bring you more love and devotion than you have ever known, yet also test your strength and courage.
I must caution you that this journey is not without pain. Like all paths of true love, the pain is part of loving. For as surely as the sun sets, one day your dear animal companion will follow a trail you cannot yet go down. And you will have to find the strength and love to let them go. A pet’s time on earth is far too short – especially for those that love them. We borrow them, really, just for awhile, and during these brief years they are generous enough to give us all their love, every inch of their spirit and heart, until one day there is nothing left.
But give them we must for it is all they ask in return. When the time comes, and the road curves ahead to a place we cannot see, we give one final gift and let them run on ahead – young and whole once more. “Godspeed, good friend,” we say, until our journey comes full circle and our paths cross again.
18 Responses to “Helper (1991-2007)”
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I swear when your animal leaves it’s like loosing a family member. That’s soo sad.
Maybe there is an animal heaven where they all go. 
I hope so…then we can know that they are happy and at peace. 
Sorry to hear about your loss.
So sorry to hear that your March came in like more than a lion. I went through the same thing with my ancient dog in October. I still look for her! 16 years is a long time to share with anyone. Take care.
I have never posted a comment on my wife’s blog. However, the recent passing of our friendly cat, Helper, prompted me to say a few words.
Helper was essentially our first child. We got him a little over a year after we had been married. With the exception of a brief period in 1993 where he was living with my parents, Helper has always been with us.
It’s funny how we become so attached to these furry creatures. I imagine its because they give us unconditional love and ask for nothing in return (aside from food or an occasional treat).
I had not seen the tribute until this morning and was touched by the words. I think it speaks volumes about life in general.
Godspeed Helper.
It is so sad to lose a pet, especially when it had been part of the family for so long.
Cynthia – so sorry to hear about your loss. Our pets are part of our family and it’s hard to say goodbye.
So sorry Cynthia, we lost our beloved 14 year old dog last July and I still think I see her around the house on occasion. Losing a pet is like losing a family member, they are our children! The best part is, now he is in that pet heaven in the sky, waiting for you to join him someday.
Nothing I can say can make it any easier, but your family will be in my thoughts today.
Ohh (((((Cyn))))) many hugs to you, this is so sad and I need some kleenex after reading the poem too. It will hurt bad but get easier as the time goes by. You did the right thing, she’s not in any pain anymore and sounds like she had a long life and wonderful loving home with you.
I cried so much when my young cat (several years ago) got leukemia and I had to hold her while the vet put her to sleep.
Cynthia, I am so sorry and felt sadenned as I read this. I have always said I will not have another pet because of the suffering we go through to see them part but I always end up with another one. They give us so much joy.
Our Cissy White Paws lived to be 19 years of age. She was with us when as a four year old, our son resuced her from mean neighbors. We wouldn’t let her out for over a year and they didn’t recognize her when they saw her. She lasted, she was with our son in his first apartment, until he finally went to sleep for 2 hours and died while he was sleeping. We buried her under a scrub oak bush, with deer and wild life all around as it seemed fitting. It is so hard to lose a pet. Our Mini Schnauzer lived over 13 years and she is in our back yard with an eagle and the stars and stripes stepping stone to mark her grave. We carried her in to the vet and carried her out and our hearts broke even though it was best for her. As I told the vet, “I’m crying not for her, but for me and all I have lost with her passing.” She was my friend and pal. She was the best. When we lose the best of us, we mourn.
Oh Cynthia and Family, I am so so sorry for your loss. Pets become just as much part of the family as we do, so I know how painful this is for you.
My heart goes out to all of you during this difficult time.
Hugs!
He was a beautiful cat with a very wise expression.
Thank you to everyone who has left comments. When I signed on this morning, I knew that I had to write a something about Helper, who was one of my family members. I am still second guessing my decision, but of course, there’s no return at this point.
I am so touched by what everyone wrote on my blog and in private emails…I am at a loss for words right now.
It is really weird…today, every so often, I hear Helper chirp at me or announce his arrival. I look for him at every corner where I know he would have lain. Our house is oddly silent today, even with my dog announcing the arrival of the mailman and every single person passing by.
Well, now that my desk is sopping wet with tears … *sniff*… I can only tell you how sorry I am that your furry friend had to leave you. Just know that you were a great guardian and helped him have a wonderful full life. … not only was he a blessing in your life, but you were a blessing to him. *now where did I put those darn tissues*
Oh dear, I am so sorry for your loss. I know how hard this was for you. HUGS to you and your family.
oh cynthia, your post made me cry today. I am so sorry you and your family lost a special part of that family. How blessed Helper was to have had you all and to be cared and loved so.
sending hugs
aww Cyn if he couldn’t stand or walk it was time. I’m so sorry but yes each day it gets easier and then you remember all the fond memories.
Cynthia, I’m so sorry to hear your loss. On the other hand, Helper has been blessed to have lived with you and your family. We’ve refrained from taking care of a pet as we could foresee the speechless pain when time arrived to say farewell.
I am so sorry for your loss. Helper looks like he is a wonderful friend. Sending love to you all,
Heather
Sometimes, people talk about cats (in that case) and our relationships with them, and it seems than that is not very serious…
Well, I have had always cats, and I can say that they gave me: friendship, love, illusion, hope, laughter, tranquility, example… And all for free… And I can say that many, many times cats are far more intelligent than we humans. Your cat, in this photograph appears besides Buddha. Beautiful image… Cats are really masters in this art of concentration, even of meditation. Some people can laugh if they want.
When I was a child, I threw stones to wild cats in our neighborhood, just as the other children… Poor old cats! Then, all my life I have “redeemed” that stupidity with an immense respect and love for cats, they are my favorite animals, they are my friends. I love them. And I love all animals. I live in Spain, but I dislike absolutely bull fighting, this barbarian, horrible “show”. In this aspect, Spain is not a civilised country.
Helper, no doubt about it, is in heaven. All sensitive and truly spiritual people know that there is a heaven for all beings (not only for humans). This is the true Religion of Love.
My best wishes, Cynthia,
Juan Bielsa