I am DEVASTSTED!! HELP!!

[kathmerkin]

I don't know where to go on the net but I did find this message board.. On Saturday (3 days ago) I accidentally started my clothes dryer with my 1 year old kitty inside and she died. I have raised cats my whole life and have never ever done anything so HORRID! I think she crawled in while I emptied the lint trap (I never keep the dryer door open).She crawled in there EVERY day when EVER I was washing clothes, and would refuse to get out and I would have to go in and pull her out. This time SOMEHOW she was hiding.. I found her about an hour after the clothes had STOPPED.. I had to go on tranquilizers on Saturday. I have been a MESS,,, and the guilt is KILLING ME! Then I had to tell my 12 year old daughter who LOVES her.. I did not tell her HOW this happened, just that the cat died at home. This has been absolutely the HARDEST thing to deal with in my life I think...I have 2 other much older cats and a big dog in my house to love, but I can't stop grieving over this baby kitty we all loved SOOO much. Her name was Layla. Please say a prayer for her and all of us too. It's been SOOO SOOOO hard.. and I feel just AWFUL!!!!!!!!
ALso, to ALL of you out there. don't EVER run your clothes dryers or washers without checking for cats first.. apparently, this is not so uncommon I am reading.. Kathie

[Traci]

I know that you will now double-check again and again but I can't stress it enough. Double check, and double-check again and for a third time if necessary before ever turning on the dryer. Lift all clothes, take them out if necessary just to be certain. For your other cats, or any new kittens, train them early on that the washer/dryer area is off-limits, do whatever is necessary to keep them away from these appliances.

I'm so sorry for your loss..my heart goes out to you. Safe and gentle journey, sweet Layla

(((HUGS)))

[Guest]

I came to this board today because my 20 year old cat is dying. I saw your post and had to send you my wish for you to heal from this tragedy. I have a cat who is in love with the dryer too and I always have to double check. Even when I'm sure he isn't in there I feel compelled to open it up and look again. I can only imagine how you must feel. I'm so sorry. You are living my worst nightmare. Please be good to your self. It was an accident. Try not to think about what the kitty went through. That will make you crazy with guilt. I guarantee you that s/he understands and forgives you. Karen d.

[kathmerkin]

Karen,
I am so sorry about your cat... I had one who died at 17 1/2 from kidney and organ failure (old age) and it was really sad...she had become such a part of our family!! Thank you so much for your reply. I'll say a prayer for your kitty and you . Kathie

[Cleo]

I am sorry I'm just reading this now and so very sorry to hear of your tragic loss. My heart goes out to each of you and my prayers will continue to ask for your comfort and pain to ease.

Cleo

[Wanda]

I can only imagine what you are going through, my Dolly gets in the dryer ever now and then too, I certainly will be more careful! Tragic accidents happen, you can not help it now forgive youself, your baby knew the love you had for her, that is what matters. You may have saved some others by this post giving us a wake up call. I am so very sorry, come and talk anytime. Wanda

[oconnorjoy]

I am so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers your way

Joy

[Tambrey]

I am sooooo sorry for your loss

My cats love the dryer also, I think most do....and I am always checking, even if I just checked...for fear one is in there somewhere...

Prayer for Layla's safe journey over the bridge and for you to get through this difficult time...know that Layla forgives you...you need to forgive yourself now...

[kathmerkin]

YOu all are sooooo awesome. I thank you guys for all your support and love.. Yes, it is sooo hard.. My daughter, who is 12, is taking it REALLY hard too and sobbed last night into the night again.. (I was thinking maybe she was getting over it.. )well, if nothing else, I DO hope that this will be a wakeup call for all other cat owners.. Oh, by the way, I washed my clothes 2 days ago, and just tonight FORCED myself to dry them. I kept checking the dryer over and over for a cat (I have 2 others), and I was sooo paranoid to start it, and I just hated pushing the start switch.. It was really weird.. And I threw away ALL those clothes that were in there, even though my boyfriend washed them all after and they looked fine. Hopefully this may get easier some day... Love you ALL!! Kathie

[Wanda]

You sound pretty awesome yourself, just hang in there and take it a day at a time. I am praying for your daughter also. Just surround her with your love and your other pets, a lick from another beloved pet sometimes does wonders. Please keep us informed, and come in on the other forum boards, you can feel free to vent in "the other room" and in "kevin's room" and then the health forums when your pets have a health problem, hope to see you in other areas. All the best, Wanda