Tak, I am so, so sorry.  I hope you read the poems that some others
posted for you in the thread "For Tak."  I don't know what to say.
Your love for Betty was/is so beautiful.  Most all of us have had to
make this decision at least once, or several times, and know how hard
it is to decide the exact moment "when."  For me, it was always hardest
beforehand, trying to make the decision.  Once my little kitties were
released from pain, I felt an overwhelming relief combined with the
sadness of mising them.  It sounds as though you may not feel that
relief yet but I truly hope you do very soon.  It's not for me to say
you did the right thing but I certainly feel you did as I have done it
myself and never felt I did the wrong thing.

Is there a beautiful park or place of meditation you can go to for a
little while?  When my 18 year old cat had to be put to sleep, I went
to a healing garden at a local retreat after I left the vet.  It was so
beautiful and peaceful and I really felt he was there with me, amidst
all the natural beauty.

I hope you find comfort from knowing how many people on this group care
about you and feel your loss.  I really think that time will ease your
pain and allow you to remember only the wonderful times you and Betty
shared.  Take care of yourself and try not to second guess your
decision.

Candace

((((((((((((((((Tak)))))))))))))))))))))

I know that feeling. I did that when Grant died to. I felt very very
incomplete. I do not know what you are doing with her remains, but it
helped me tremendously when Grant came home. I put his ashes in a
little chest. It took me a while, but Then I put his favorite toys and
some poems people gave me in with him. He is in my bedroom so that he
can still sleep with me every night. I never believed, until that
happened, about the "closure" thing. It isn't really closure, but the
feeling I had of waiting for something, I didn't know what, was finally
over and I could grieve normally and begin to move on. I still feel the
grief but not nearly as badly. Please keep posting here, post your
feelings, talk to us. WE know how you feel. I wish I could be there and
take you out to the park or for a drink. I wish I could view death as a
beautiful part of the circle of life, but I must admit that it is not
so for me. It is just sad and leaves we living with much doubt and so
many questions.

I would wish that you would consider helping other kitties. Maybe
volunteering to socialize at the shelter in Betty's memory. Something
active.  There is no other Betty, but she has sisters and brothers in
need of a friend, not necessarily to bring home, but just to let them
know some love in their life, even a little tiny bit.

Oh Tak, my dear dear friend, I am so sorry. My tears are for you. Betty
is whole and happy again, but you my friend hurt and I hurt for you.

Tak - I am so, so sorry that you and your beautiful Betty had to go
through this.  My thoughts and prayers have been with you all day; I
don't think I could be more upset if it were one of my own who went to
the Rainbow Bridge today.

Tak, you gave Betty a wonderful home and a wonderful life.  She was a
beloved kitty and she knew how loved she was (and probably took
advantage of that fact, at times!)  Her life would have been very
different if you hadn't come along.  She would have to have faced all
of this alone.  But she was a very lucky kittey -- she had you.  She
had a wonderful life with you, and you were with her to the end.

You will have wonderful memories of her.  I know that, because I have
enjoyed all of the special things which you have written about her
through the years.  Right now, those memories hurt like hell, but, with
time, you will come to treasure them.

I don't know if there is anything I can say to comfort you today.  I
hope it helps to know that there are many, many of us out here who have
loved both of you and are feeling your pain deeply today.

McZ19, slave to Bonnie and Cindy, seventeen-year-old Russian Blue
wannabes

Tak I wish I had the words to make the pain go away.  I wish I had the
ability to bring back the joy.  Tears fall for your loss.  Please remember
you are not alone everyone here is there holding your hand giving a shoulder
to cry on whispering in your ear it will be ok we might be worlds apart but
we always will be there for you

<TEARS>

Matthew

I'm so sorry, Tak, I'll light a candle for Betty. I'm crying with you.

Hang on in there, Tak! Slowly, slowly, it will get better, I promise.
{{{{{{{{Tak}}}}}}}

You cry for a long time. Cry until you feel relieved, until you know that
Betty is not gone, you just can't see her anymore.

(((((((((((((Tak))))))))))))

Joy

I'm sorry, Tak. That sweet, polite little cat was a special girl. I
know how dreadfully you miss her.

Sherry

Oh, sweetie, I'm so sorry.  It will take some time, but you'll slowly
recover and life will go on.  Take the time to grieve.  It's warranted.  If
and when you can extend yourself again, you may find another partner.
Again, I'm so, so sorry.

kili

I am so sorry, Takayuki. At least she cannot suffer any more. It will take
time for the sharp edge to come off the pain of your loss, but I would be
lying if I said there would be a day when it doesn't hurt. Be good to
yourself, let yourself grieve fully and if it begins to really weigh you
down, gather momentum and thrust it as far away from your mind as you can,
so you can keep functioning.

And, for your little Betty, when your heart has healed enough, consider
saving another wonderful kitty life, rescue another cat, maybe an adult
nobody wants--but it doesn't matter. So many need you, and Betty would
approve.

{{{Tak}}} You've done the best and kindest thing for Betty in having
the courage to release her.  I can't pretend you won't miss her, she
was a dear, sweet wonderful cat. I won't deny the next few days will be
the hardest, and when you'll miss her most acutely. An empty apartment
can just break your heart when you're missing the animal who used to be
there.

But... try to keep an open mind about this.  Mourn Betty certainly, she
desesrves that. And don't just rush down to the local animal shelter.
However, I've found in my own case that the best comfort for the pain
of losing a beloved cat friend is to find a new cat to love.  Betty
cannot be replaced, but she can have worthy successors.  Not right away
certainly.  But you have a huge heart full of love, and there are many
cats who need you to give them a loving, forever home as you did for
Betty. It's a win-win situation.

In the meantime, here's the kleenex, go ahead and have a good long cry.
Don't bottle up your feelings.

Melsisa

Tak,

You and Betty have been in our thoughts all day. {{{{{{{{TAK}}}}}}}}.

The emptiness and pain will gradually lessen, and you'll find yourself
smiling at the wonderful things you and Betty shared. I truly believe
that a loved one doesn't die as long as they are alive in your memories
and thoughts. If that is indeed the case, Betty is truly blessed to be
imortal.

We've lit a candle for her journey to RB.

Helen M

((((((((((Tak)))))))!  I've been thinking of you and Betty, especially hard
today, Tak.  I've been crying over these postings and for your pain.  Please
know you did the right thing by her and she will be watching over you now.
I think of her meeting Frodo, Shetra, Omar, and all the other RB kitties who
are keeping an eye on us.

As for what you do now, I'm thinking you're going to grieve for awhile, like
we all are doing for and with you.  Betty has always been a special kitty
for all us rpca'ers, too.  I can only tell you that over time you will sort
your feelings through and you'll be remembering all the good times you had
together; you'll think about what kind of special way you'll like to
memorialize your friend and you'll find that tribute to be comforting,
whether it be donating to some special cause in Betty's name or planting a
tree or flowering shrub or writing a poem or story to commemorate her.  I am
also thinking that you have so much love to give that I think you'll find a
need to share that with another lucky fur friend at some point, and I'm sure
Betty will forever feel the honor of being the catalyst to have empowered
your capacity for love in this way.

When my Frodo passed (I'd had him for over 20 years.) I was terribly bereft
but I felt I had always been there for him, especially at the end, and that
he knew it.  And I feel that he's been instrumental in steering other little
souls in our direction, especially those souls who were maybe more on the
needier side; I think he was definitely an influence in what kitty rescue
efforts I've participated in.  Celeste and I figured he's up at the Bridge
feeling pretty self-satisfied.

Please know we are thinking of you with love and we'll be lighting a candle
tonight,
Christine, Celeste, Oreo, Midnight, Robin, & Tucker

One more thing, Tak -- this site may be of comfort to you.
www.petloss.com
Christine

So sorry for your loss.  It is so hard losing our furbabies.  I lost my
ScooterCat about 4 months ago and I still grieve.  Just know that you gave
Betty the best life and remember the joy that she brought you.

Sue

I am so very sorry, Tak!

I understand your feelings of loss and emptiness. Dear God, I understand.
We love of furred companions, and we do our best to give them as much
happiness and comfort as we can. Unfortunately the time always arrives
that we learn that their lifespans are tragically shorter than ours. It
hurts so horribly, horribly  much. When they become ill we have an
obligation to help them to a peaceful, painless end. When that time comes
we owe them that help. It's horribly, horribly painful but we do owe it to
them. That is the most loving, caring gift we can give them.

My heart has been hurting for you and Betty since I learned of her cancer.
I have been dreading this day, as I'm sure you have. Please, Tak, hang in
there. Hold tight to your fond memories of Betty.

Dan

So sorry for your loss.
Lighting a candle for Betty, missing her with you.
Purrs from Thea & Bono
Hang in there and remember your good times with Betty.
Best
Lena

I have hardly been able to think of anything else except you and Betty since
your previous post telling us about the vet visit.  I wanted to send a reply
but every time I got your post up, my eyes filled with tears and I couldn't
see the screen.
That's still the case so if there are any typos, please excuse.  If you feel
like I did when I lost my most beloved (and had to make the same awful
decision) you will be stunned at first that it's actually happened, that you
have done it.  It's almost like clinical shock.  It probably is, actually.
This might be replaced in a few hours with bouts of weeping, let it happen.
I actually wailed (I have never done that before or since)  I couldn't help
it.  It was 48 hours until I could stop weeping for more than a minute or
two at a time.  My mum was alive at the time and she phoned me the next day
and said  "How are you?"   I just burst into tears again.  She said "this is
such a severe loss for you that it's important to let your grief out, cry as
much as you want to, but if you are still crying all the time in a couple or
3 days, I'll go down to the doctor's for you and get a sedative."   My point
being that you will probably not have experienced such an awfully painful
thing before so expect to be non-functional at the moment.  It's normal when
we lose a great love.
Be kind to yourself.  No-one could have done more for Betty.

I am particularly fond of roses.  For one of my birthday presents last year,
Nuele sent me three rose-scented tealights in frosted glass holders.  She
wanted me to light one on my birthday in December, so I did.
I have lit the second one tonight to light Betty's way to the bridge.

Like the others said, we are here if you need us.

(((hugs)))
Tweed
KFC, Boyfie

*hug*

Dear Tak, I've been thinking about it all day, and yet it still gave
me a bit of a start when I read your message saying Betty had gone.
That's how it is-- no matter how much we know, and how much we have
had, we are never ready for this when it comes.  We always wish we
could have more of them.    What would Betty want for you now?  Betty
would want you to be extra good to yourself, and not to beat yourself
up.  She would have had her illness anyway-- and she was lucky enough
to have you to nurse her and be with her through it-- and be strong
enough to know when to let her go.  Take it very easy-- one step at a
time, one day at a time.  And remember we're here, and we know just
what it feels like.

Theresa
Stinky Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/album/125591586JWEFwh
My Blog: http://www.humanitas.blogspot.com

Make Levees, Not War

((((((((((Tak))))))))))
Let yourself grieve for her - but know that she will always be with you
in spirit, if not in body. We are all purring for you here. Nature is
bigger and stronger than any of us, in the end, and it's very hard when
cruel and unfair things happen to those we love, and we can do nothing
to stop it happening.
Great sympathy and thoughts for you tonight -

Deb.

Oh, Tak. I'm sorry you had to go through this, but at the same time --
I'm glad you had these extra days with Betty. Sometimes our pets leave
us unexpectedly and it's so hard to come to terms with it. With a
terminal illness, it's not fair that they have to go through all of the
things that come their way, but somehow I think it's slightly easier on
us. We have some extra time to love them and spoil them rotten and say
good-bye.

When we have to make the decision and then watch them as they leave us,
I don't think that image ever goes away. It's not always an easy
departure which makes it doubly tough to forget. Their last moments are
like a video tape that plays over and over in our minds.

You have to fight it. What I did was remember what a small amount of
time was those last few moments. They had lots of years that were
wonderful and that last minute was just a speck of time. Every time I
started to see those images, I tried to push it out and remember how
many years we had together and what fun they had, what their favorite
things to do were...

And if life works for you like it did for me, there was someone else who
needed a home that I swear was sent by the furry who just had to leave.
I believe they have it all planned!

Do whatever you need to do to feel better. Sometimes I've just gone out
anywhere where there are people and just wondered in the crowds.

Take care of yourself,

Rhonda

A candle will be lit for Betty's safe journey to the RB. She will be happy
and pain-free there.
Lily & her mama

I so very sorry for your loss. I have read so many of your posts about
your wonderful Betty, I feel I knew her....

It is so unfair that we are destined to outlive our little furry ones;
and it's doubly unfair that Betty didn't get to live out her life fully.
Life is unfair in many ways. But one thing is certain: Betty's life was
immeasurably enriched for sharing it with you, especially near the end.
when you were doing everything you could to make her short time left as
happy as possible.

But in time, the pain will begin to fade....I hope it doesn't take too
long for you.

Most all of the 'regulars' here have lost one or more kittys, and we all
grieve together.

~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Life without cats would be only marginally worth living."
-TC, and the unmercifully, relentlessly, sweet calico kitty, Kenzie.

How you behave towards cats here below determines your status in Heaven.
- Robert Heinlein

Life is very difficult. Once you understand that, life becomes easier.
-Buddha

*Hugs*

I'm so sorry you & Betty had to go through this.

But in a very practical answer to "what happens now" (because I can't say
anything better than what has already been said to comfort you) you will
miss Betty for the rest of your life, but the pain will become less so that
one day, you'll be able to smile and laugh at her memory rather than cry.
That day looks an infinity away right now, and thats OK, you have to go
through grief one slow step at a time. Its right and natural to grieve, and
its a testament to the love you had for Betty.

The next few days, you'll probably just be kinda numb, barely believing that
she's no longer around. You may occasionally try to convince yourself its
not true, or perhaps try to 'haggle' with whatever Powers you believe in
that if you could just do something, anything, you could have Betty back.
There's an "if only" stage in there too, but you've been grieving for Betty
for a while (even though today is the day she actually left), so I know
you're familiar with "what if" game.

At some point you may feel very angry at the unfairness of it all. And it
*is* so unfair, and you have very right to be angry about it. Don't be
afraid of this anger, its part of the mourning process, and we need to work
out the frustrations that things didn't work out as they should have despite
our very best efforts (and, Tak, you did *so* much more for Betty than
anyone could have asked of you). After the anger is spent (or mostly spent),
you may well fall into a bit of a depression, of resignation that Betty has
indeed gone and in the end there was nothing you could do about it. This
stage is about accepting he reality of hte situation.

The last stage is acceptance and hope, where you realise that whilst life
will neer be the same, that you have to keep on living with hope and
ambition *and thats what your loved one would have wanted*.

Some Do's:

 a.. Give yourself and the person you care about permission to grieve in
your/their own way, taking the time that is needed.
 b.. Sort out the different problems associated with grief and handle those
easily remedied first.
 c.. Allow yourself to talk about the loss, and encourage others to do so.
This is particularly helpful is the loss is the death of a loved one.
 d.. Draw on relationships with friends and family.
 e.. Consider joining a support group (RPCA is probably good enough, but
www.petloss.com and www.rainbowsbridge.com are excellent web pages for
people who are dealing with the grief of their own beloved furry companions
 f.. Develop ways or rituals to celebrate your loss (birthdays,
anniversary, life celebrations, etc.) Writing poems, creating a web page in
her memory, planning what youwant to say at her funeral etc etc.
 g.. Turn to God or spirituality in any way you find meaningful.
 h.. Be patient with yourself and others.
 i.. Look for the gift that comes with every loss.
 j.. make an appointment with  councillor who specialises in pet loss if
you feel you aren't coping.
 k.. Continue to love and hope.
Some Don'ts:

 a.. Don't assume there is a right and wrong way to grieve.
 b.. Don't allow yourself to be pushed or pressured to move on or stop
grieving until you are ready. It should feel natural to you to move on . . .
that is when you are ready.
 c.. Don't be silenced by the loss. Talk about it openly with family and
friends.
 d.. Don't punish yourself or things you could have or did not do.
Hope htat helps in some small practical way.

You are in our thoughts & purrs today.

Yowie

{{{{{{Tak}}}}}

I'm so sorry.

{{{{{{Tak}}}}}}}
Your heart will hurt for some time. It will then tell you when it's time
to find another cat that needs a loving home. Not a replacement, for you
cannot replace Betty, but a successor. Give yourself time to heal, as
much or as little as you need.
Take care of yourself and think about a healthy, full of life Betty
waiting for you at the RB.

Realistically?  You'll grieve for her, as you would for any
dear companion.  (At least here, you won't get anyone
protesting "but it was only a cat!", which too often happens
when you express your feelings to non-pet people.)  If
you're really lucky, some poor, pathetically needy feline
will insist upon adopting you (long before you think you're
ready for one), and you'll find room for it in your heart.
  It won't ever REPLACE Betty, but it will ease the hurt a
little, and may become just as cherished, given time.

"Rise up slowly, Angel.  It's hard to let you go...."
Sincere condolences.  MLB

When they go, they take a piece of our hearts with them.  And yes it hurts.
Only after a while we learn that while they were with us, our hearts grew
bigger.  Big enough to share.  And we begin to heal.  And to remember the
love.

Jo

(((((((((((((((TAK)))))))))))))))

I'm crying right along with you, I know how much you loved your Betty. I
know she was a good little girl, and the feeling like a boulder sinking in
your gut when you must watch the end. But please know that right now she's
crossing a Bridge to place where there are no tears, there is no pain, and
it is always a lovely summer day, and she is THANKING you! Please know
that you made the bravest decision a person can make, to give mercy to a
being at the expense of the joy you might take in that being's company. A
wise man once said that there is no greater love than to give your life
for a loved one; and yet, I can argue that the greatest give of all is to
give mercy, to ease the pain of a fellowbeing, with full knowledge that to
do so will give you grief.

Betty is from Elizabeth and means Consecrated to God, and this is what you
have done, to give your loved one into the care of the One who will heal
her and you too. She lives in the stars now, perhaps giving her love and
joy to one of the poor little kids who left this world after the tragedy
in Indonesia or a person who died alone on the earth. This is what angels
do; so I believe. And when the time comes for you to meet again, she will
come running healed and strong and thank you for the greatest love you
could have given her.

I know it doesn't make sense now. I know the empty feeling, the wandering
about the house where my Fritzie slept, the whys and what-the-hells of a
little one dying when I was too young to have understood and he wasn't
around long enough to know...and the coldness in my arms where a cat
should be. Life is not meaningless. Betty loved you, and in loving you she
taught you to give love, and this is your meaning: her legacy to you. She
will not leave you, for the love you shared. Please be strong, and know
I'm offering up prayers for your healing and Betty's gentle crossing. You
have great love to give; don't let it get corked up. Grieve among us and
your loved ones, and Betty will take care of you from her place in the
stars.

Blessed be,
Baha

Try to think of this as being released from the horror of her illness
instead.

Almost three years ago, Presto very suddenly started going downhill.
His hind legs gave out on him. He was weak. He was very obviously
suffering. Yet he used the very last of his energy to reach me and to
cuddle up in my arms. He died, purring in my arms, and I will never
forget him. Today, I still miss him horribly.

Little Feet, perhaps feeling my intense pain and loss, became much
less aloof and a lot more loving. That, and the love of my friends
here helped me through it.

While nothing can replace Betty, you might consider adopting another
cat. It won't stop the hurt, but will bring another loving presence
into your life.

It is very painful to lose our beloved ones. But the best way to
honor them is to just go on. Your heart will mend, but there will
always be a sore spot from the loss. You made what life she had
comfortable and loving. When it was time to go, you helped her go
painlessly.

Hugs and Purrs,
Mark

Oh Tak:  I've been thinking of you all day today and are crying for you too.
I'm sending you my best thoughts for the days ahead.

Susan M
Otis and Chester

Dear Tak,

Am 03.06.2006 schrieb Takayuki:

all I wanted to say is already said by the other posters here. And there
are not really words to comfort you...

We mourn with you and give you a big {{{{{{{{{{{{{{hug]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]
Volker & Inge and the catgang

I'm so sorry Tak. You took such good care of her, and gave her a
wonderful life. Many hugs and purrs to you at this difficult time.

-Caroline S.

Our thoughts are with you. Betty was truly a special character.

I'm so sorry, Tak.  I don't have any answers.  I only want you to know
that you did the absolute best for her and she knows that.   Hugs and
purrs,

Oh Tak. You'll cry, and you'll miss Betty, but after a while the pain
WILL go away and become a smile as you remember your good times
together.  At least that's the way it was with me when I held Tribble,
my companion of 17 years, in my arms as he was PTS several years go.

Betty was a special girl, and you'll always her your memories of her.
And when the time is right, she'll make sure you find a new companion,
not to take her place, but to keep you company and happy in her stead.

Purrs and candles for you both.

Jeanne Hedge, as directed by Natasha

============
http://www.jhedge.com

I'm so very sorry, Tak.  Know that you are in our prayers and that
Betty, whole and happy, waits for you.  

--Kim and the whole Chigger Ranch Crew

Tak,

My deepest condolonces, Betty is now at peace and no longer in pain.

Hugs and Prayers,
Randy

(gentle snip)  I want her back in my arms.

Tak,
She is in your heart. Now it is time to take care of yourself so that Betty
will live on within you.

She has enriched your life.  Cherish your memories and acknowledge your
grief.  Keep your heart open for love.  Nobody can tell you what will
happen, but eventually, you will move forward while keeping the past alive
and continue use the gifts Betty has given you.
hugs and tears
Annie

I remember when you mentioned you might want to have a cat, and how
you weren't left alone about it until you found Betty. I believe
Betty was put in your life because she would soon need someone in a
really big way, and it couldn't be just anyone. You were both lucky
to have found each other, and I grieve with you now. If someday
soon you feel a pull toward another creature that feels too strong
to ignore, it might just be another one who needs you just as much.
It isn't fair, but it just ... is.

Take care of yourself, and I hope you feel better soon.

((((HUGS))))

It seems that several here are dealing with losses in the family.
Reading things like this bring back the memories of Babies whom I
have known.  The waters still flow from my eyes for what was and
what can be no more.

I cannot tell your future, Tak.  I can only relate my past and
hope that it has some bearing--and I do hold out that hope.

If you are like me, then the memory of your Baby will remain with
you forever, too.  Our Babies are family, a part of us, and that
never changes.

I will forever mourn the loss of every Baby that I have ever
lost; each one is special, and that does not change with the
Baby's departure from this earth.  This does not keep me from
going on, though, and finding new Babies to love.  For my
latest, when I found him, the Grim Reaper was standing over
him, and, with a little help from the Kitty Doctor, I sent
the old angel packin'.  I swear it looked like he was smilin'
as he left, though.  I'm sure he's had worse days on the job.
And my new Baby has lived up to the billing--he is special
in ways that none of my other Babies ever were.

That's the point.  The Babies of my past don't serve to
make my new Baby seem lesser in my eyes--quite the contrary.
Knowing that there will never be another makes each one
especially precious.

That is why, after I mourned The Tigger, after I mourned
The Most Highly Ascendant Fritz, I took My Sweetie into
my life--and it's a move that I have yet to regret.

{{{{{{{TAK}}}}}}}

I'm so sorry Tak.  If Betty is like most owners we've all had, she will
recognize your worth as a slave and send another owner to help heal your
heart.  Right now, the idea of having another cat in your life probably
seems like the last thing you want, but a new owner will not be the same
as Betty, and will charm their way into your heart in their own way.

Betty was one of the sweetest and most loving cats I've ever read about.
 You were owned by one of the best and I'm sure that she won't let you
go now.  You did everything, and more, that a slave can do and she won't
forget that.  Purrs and kind thoughts from us to you and we hope that
you won't give up on us here in catdom land.

Pam S on behalf of her entire clowder

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ Tak }}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
Please don't look at it that way.  You didn't "watch her die", but
rather watched her begin her journey to the Rainbow Bridge where she'll
patiently wait for you to join her.

Of course you'll miss her presence for quite a while yet.  Please try to
keep in mind that you did everything you could for her pleasure and
comfort while she was alive.  And when nothing else could be done for
her, you helped to ease her pain.

Tak

I'm so sorry to hear this. I've been following Betty's story

All I can offer is hugs and prayers

Lesley

Slave of the Fabulous Furballs

Between computer problems and company this weekend I haven't had a chance to
read the group - I'm so sorry.

I knew Betty had her "realease me" appointment on Saturday, and I lit all
the candles in my house, and left them lit all day, to help light her way.
Our thoughts and our hearts are with your now, Tak - I know how incredibly
hard this is for you.  There *IS* a light at the end of the tunnel, just
hang on with everything you've got and eventually you will see that you've
done the best thing for Betty and you will take comfort in the fact that she
is well and whole and young again and will be running and playing with all
the other rpca kitties while she waits for you at the bridge.

I am so sorry Tak.  My thoughts are with you and Betty.  She is at peace
and pain free now.  I know that it will take time for you to recover.
You did all you could for Betty, even to helping her to Rainbow Bridge
when her time came.  {{{{{Tak}}}}}

Debbie
dberry@mitre.org

((((((((((Tak))))))))))

Gennie

HUGS!!!
Elisabet

{{{{{Tak}}}}}}

I know how you feel, and have been there many times.  It is never
easy, and the pain seems unbearable.

Do what you need to for yourself right now.  Cry when you need to.
Try the best you can to do gentle things for yourself.  Know that
Betty does NOT blame you, and knows how much you love her.

You may want to check out http://www.petloss.com for further help.

Know that my thoughts are with you.

Blessings,

Ginger-lyn

Home Pages:
 http://www.moonsummer.com
 http://www.angelfire.com/folk/glsummer (homepage & cats)
 http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~summer/index.htm (genealogy)
 http://www.movieanimals.bravehost.com/ (The Violence Against
                        Animals in Movies Website)

We are here for you, Tak, and we are sending lots and lots of purrs and
hugs just for you. Please take care of yourself,
Polonca and Soncek

I am so, so sorry to read this!

I know there are no words in the world that will take away the grief. Only
time will ease that pain.

So instead, I will say prayers for you, that you'll be consoled and
receive the strength to make it through this painful time.

Keep posting here. Having a place to express your grief freely is
important. We might not be able to take the grief away, but we can support
you while you're going through it.

Take care.

Donna

Tak, the others have said all the things that I would have. You have my
sympathy, and are in my thoughts.

With love

Jeanette

I'm sorry I was out of town, tak... but you will cry for a long time.  It's
hard to believe how much a cat, or any pet, can get into your heart.  I am
so sorry,