[West Texas Chuck]

Thank you everyone for your support and sympathy. I wish I had good news.

Just when Rocket seemed to be improving and regaining use of his back legs, some more of that clot apparently came loose and lodged in his brain. Susan and I had just enough time to make it to the clinic to find him convulsing, and Dr. Lisa had to send him on.

It is always hard to say goodbye, but like with our calico she was old and we watched her decline until it was time to set her free from the pain of old age and kidney failure. With Rocket it was just so sudden. He was only about 7-1/2 years old, and seemed to be in fine health three days ago. I didn’t even get to bring him home one last time once he started his circuit of vet clinics Sunday evening.

It is over, he is gone, and life goes on. Goodbye dear friend, I’ll miss your head butts and trilling meow. You were a good kid.

[CatherineofAragon]

I’m so sorry. Hugs to you and your wife.

[boatbums]

Sigh.....I'm so sorry to hear this. I think our furry friends somehow just know that we love them and that their well being and quality of life is most important to us. Rocket knew he was loved. We learn that each one of them is unique and special! I will make it a point to kiss my two babies extra today in honor of Rocket. Thank you for sharing your heartache and experience with us. I gained some important knowledge about a condition that happens only to cats and can come out of the blue and what MUST be done for them if there is any chance for recovery. Sadly, it rarely happens with this condition. The few websites I researched said that it can occur in cats with heart problems. I don't know if Rocket had any that you were aware of.

I hope you are comforted in knowing you did everything you could for Rocket and that what he got was something most kittehs don't recover from and euthanasia is the only option for them. Those of us who have faced losing our sweeties in the past share in your grief with you.

[Lx]

I grieve for your loss.

I sure wish you had good news but if you believe in God, Rocket is there with him. I choose to believe this, backed up with some Biblical verses. I asked my Pastor this same question a long time ago and he seemed to think they are there as well. I’ve yet to find a verse that says we get them back but being with their creator is a wonderful thing. I’m of a mind that God put them here so we would have some tiny inkling of the love he feels for us, warts and all.

My prayers are for you, your family and for Rocket’s last journey.

Damn it all, this breaks my heart. You did the right thing and that’s all that counts.

Head butts are awesome, I can’t help but smile when they do it, it’s a privilege and if you look into your kitteh’s or doggie’s eyes, there’s definitely a high intelligence looking back at you. I’ve got one cat that I swear is analyzing everything she sees like most humans do. I don’t know why, but God has delivered numerous kittehs to my doorstep over thirty or more years. Even one that climbed to the second floor. They’re a gift of life and God has chosen you to be their caretaker although they could be our caretaker for all I know?

If you’ve never experienced infinite, unwavering love, undeserved, then you’ve never had an animal. And by undeserved I’m not saying you’re a bad person undeserving of love but animals know when people are ‘off’ even when you first meet them. The love only grows from there. My animals are family members second only to my wife.

I wish you and your family all the best.

[Duchess47]

I am so sorry for your loss.

[Huntress]

I’m so sorry for your loss.

[cyn]

So sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. What a sweet story you told about that tiny kitten clearly in need of a good home and an appreciative audience for his kitteh antics! May the memories help to ease the pain.

[Fawn]

So sorry for your loss.....it’s heartbreaking...

[siamesecats]

I am so sorry for your loss. My heart is breaking for you.
I will pray for you, your family and for Rocket.