My Story

[JUDY S]

I'm so sorry to hear about Cody. He sounds like a very smart, special cat. You did the best you could for him, and he had a safe and cared for life with you. He was very lucky.

[LisaT]

I REALLY appreciate the condolences! Its so very nice of all of you.......


These past few days have really been tough.....Man, I cant believe I havent run out of tears by now......I picked up Codys cremains on Monday....I have a little 3 tiered corner shelf thing that I have turned into a bit of a shrine....and Im putting together a great photo album about him....(Better than the previous album that was just a 'cats in general' kind of thing...)


I have one question---my surviving kitty, Scotty, is also getting close to 16...He seems fine, but what is the best food for him to be eating? He doesnt like Codys kd food-(he only liked it when it was supposed to be Codys... ) We are spending a lot of time together....theres no doubt he misses Cody too...


I also did this at a place I found online:


http://www.in-memory-of-pets.com/person ... p?ID=67171



I cry every time I look at it.......

[Tambrey]

I cried when I looked at it too....what a sweet picture of Cody....believe it or not...it does get easier in time...I know it is impossible to imagine right now...but each day is easier...but we still never forget them...I remember all of my critters...

I am not sure what to say on the food...Traci or mama would be better for that question...

[Traci]

Please have Scotty examined plus bloodwork and thyroid function testing each year, or twice-yearly if your vet feels necessary. If he is in good health, chances are you can feed him a senior or less active formula, but do talk to your vet in the event he feels Scotty may have other nutritional needs (weight, health status, activity level, etc). There is virtually no way to prevent renal disease from occuring, it occurs mainly due to age, and due to our kitties living longer, therefore, it is recognized more. Yearly checkups and bloodwork to keep ahead of any underlying illness is important to detect disease early on and treat effectively (or, to slow progression of some diseases).

I cried too when I saw Cody's tribute, it is so obvious he was your soul-mate, and that you both loved each other so much and so unconditionally. As Tambrey says, it will get better in time, but take the time to grieve because you should, it is a healing process. One day soon, you will find your grief is replaced with the best, most loving memories of your sweet Cody, and the pain is so much less severe, I promise you. He will never leave your heart and your memories, Lisa, never, he is always with you!

I love your idea for the shrine, this too is a good way to heal, reflect and to remember all the happy times you've had.

((((((HUGS))))))))

[ginnah]

I just read through all 5 pages here. It is so sad to hear everything that you and Cody went through. I don't know much to say except I am sorry and glad you are looking upon the great memories you had together.

I lost a cat, Simon, he was about 3 years old, maybe older, maybe younger even, due to kidney failure. It was hard to go through, and I don't think we caught it even as early as you did. Or, being as young as he was it may have just took over quickly. I know the vet had said that Kidney Failure often happens in neutered male cats...

Again, I am so sorry for your loss, but you had great times together, and with the love and care you showed for him towards the end, I'm sure he will appreciate it and miss you just as much as you will appreciate and miss him.

Best of luck. <3

[Tina B and crew]

Oh Lisa I am so sorry and I know exactly how you are feeling and what you are going through....the pain does subside in time and you will always have Cody close to your heart. We had to say goodbye to our Frodo in February and I still cry over here when I see her picture or look at her bed (which still hasn't been moved)

As far as your other kitty goes...I agree with Traci, at least yearly or biannual checkups for them. My Gizmo who is 15 goes in twice a year at the minimum for blood work.

(((Lisa))))


I tried looking at the tribute but it wouldn't load for me for some reason...I'm sure it's beautiful

[LisaT]

Thank you all...so much...



(Tina, try again....I had trouble loading it earlier too, but its working now...)


I have read about Frodo...and all the other beloved pets...there are so many..... My heart goes out to you....to ALL of you, because I know that we are, or have been, experiencing the EXACT same sadness & loss...

I have gotten so much consolation online....and in doing my awesome photo album....I cant lie though, I cry often, just wanting to hold Cody for a couple of minutes...Just wanting to sing to him..."Cody is my loveyyyyy...Codee, Codee, Codeeeeee" and other such silly rhymes that I sang through the years...."Cody Coyote, Cody's Mamas lovvvvvey.."


Good grief! I SO love(d) that cat....

The vet gave me a darling kitty with angel wings pin that I wear over my heart....Im hoping for a sign from Cote thats everythings OK....That may be far fetched, but if I see what I think is one---Ill belive in it!!!


Tomorrow morning marks 1 week without my Cody............

[LisaT]

Maybe I should have started another thread somewhere...but also, maybe this is an appropriate PS to this one...

Good morning my friends here--I just woke up a little while ago after having the strangest dream....and I wanted to share it with you--


In the dream, my husband & I were outside (not here at the house, but you know how we make up places in dreams that are supposed to be our home) Anyway, sort of 'across the street', on top of 2 buildings, (tho they didnt seem very far away or very high)...I saw a cat jump across...then catch a mouse....then jump down and proceed to bring gross dead mouse w/ neck wound to Tom & me....Then I realized..Look!! Its Cody!!! Codys back!!!!! Then, he was just wanting me to hold him, I couldnt put him down or hed scramble to get back up...(gross mouse was gone at this point) I remember telling Tom, in the dream, that I had written all these things online about him being dead...and now I would feel silly telling everyone he was back after all...but I also thought that everyone would be happy for me-- (not annoyed that Id been so upset)
Then the dream went on to me showing Cote to my Mom, and other people, saying, "Look! Do you see who it is??!!" It was so exciting to be going around telling everyone that he was back...I can still remember how I felt in the dream...


Anyway, I woke up a little while later, remembered what I dreamt, said "Oh God" and started crying......Then I decided to write it down here, while fresh on my mind.....

Any dream interpreters out there?
The only thing I can figure out is that the mouse catching was significant to show that it was Cody, not Scotty...because Scotty never really caught anything, but Cote used to bring me a creepy dead thing once in a while...Also, the way he acted kind of 'frantic' his last couple weeks (jumping out of the litterbox, or up on the shower stall) was the same way he was acting about me picking him up and holding him in the dream...He seemed more like a small child than a cat....
It was weird......but truthfully, it was great to be holding him, if even in a dream......

[Traci]

I've had a few dreams of my angel babies that were very similar. In the dream it feels bittersweet, because your conscience reminds you, yet, the joy you feel in the dream overcomes.

If you have a strong faith in a higher power or spirit, you may allow yourself to feel this is a spiritual sign and that Cody came to you to tell you that he is ok, that he is happy and safe, and that he is watching over you, never leaving you. Many people believe that when we lose a loved one, and if our grief is too much to bear, our loved one stays near to watch over us and to "help" us through the pain, just long enough to see us through. I don't think one has to be of particular faith or spiritual to believe that is true.

It could also be that your grief and sadness are overwhelming for you, and that missing Cody is getting the best of you, and your subconsious needs to heal itself by finding peace and comfort. No matter how you look at this, you had a wonderful dream experience and you should take it to mean what you feel it means, to you. Does that make sense? Personally, when I have dreams like this, I have a sense of relief and joy that my babies are indeed letting me know they are still with me, and letting me know that they carry my love with them infinately, to me, there's no greater feeling when I can have a fleeting moment to hold them again, to "see" for myself that they are happy, healthy, even if only in a dream.

(((((HUGS)))))

[mamabear]

I think Traci is right. I wished I dreamed more of my babies but the ones I do have are so special.

HUGGIES