My sweet Willow went to the Rainbow Bridge

Post a prayer for a cat or dog in need, or words of encouragement for owners suffering the loss of a loved one
Post Reply
User avatar
Tina B and crew
Posts: 2536
Joined: Fri Apr 25, 2003 9:48 am
Location: Virginia

My sweet Willow went to the Rainbow Bridge

Post by Tina B and crew »

I know I haven't posted in a while...finishing up with school took a lot out of me. Then my dad passed away in August, a dear family friend and an uncle both passed on Sept 2. My grandson was born Sept. 8...joy there!!

But I really wanted to come here and let you all know that my dear, sweet, soulmate, Willow, died early this morning. I am devastated, heartbroken, angry at God, in deep despair, and full of grief. She was healthy by all accounts. She was due for her yearly but it had been put off because of all the deaths and the birth in our family. Yesterday was one of the first days I had been home all day in a while and Willow relished having mommy's lap to snuggle on. She was playful, happy, eating, drinking...everything seemed normal. We went to bed last night and she did her usual routine of getting lots of petting while she walked up and down the bed until she finally settled at my feet. At about 3 this morning I woke up because it felt like she swatted at my foot. I turned my cell phone on for light and heard her make a yowl, and then growl. I couldn't see her so I turned the light on and discovered she was under a lightweight cover I keep on the bed, but I think I had just kicked it over top of her when I jumped out of bed at her noises. At that point she was lifeless. No heartbeat, no breath. I was so desperate to bring her back I did mouth to nose. Nothing worked. She was gone.

Willow was no more than 10 years of age...I just don't understand. I'm hurt, confused, and just don't feel much like going on. We have an appointment to take her into the vet at 10:30 to have her cremated. I don't think we will do a post-mortem...it's not going help me I don't think. I'm just so confused.

Safe and gentle journey my sweet Willow...I miss you and will see you again soon. I love you. You are a very special cat with a huge place in my heart.

Image

Image

Image
Tina B and "what a crew!"

How we behave towards cats here below determines our status in heaven ~Robert A. Heinlein
User avatar
k9Karen
Posts: 3687
Joined: Fri Apr 25, 2003 7:20 pm
Location: Heart of Florida

Post by k9Karen »

I'm so sorry Tina. Losing any pet is unbelievably difficult, but losing one you are so close too is just terrible. We all know the hurt and other feelings you're describing. And on top of all the other sadness you've recently been through. It's never the right time and it always seems so unfair. Please know you aren't alone in your grief.
"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." ~ Josh Billings.
User avatar
Traci
Site Administrator
Posts: 15325
Joined: Wed Apr 16, 2003 1:27 pm
Location: USA
Contact:

Re: My sweet Willow went to the Rainbow Bridge

Post by Traci »

Oh Tina, my heart is just breaking for you, so many losses, so much pain, I'm so very very sorry!

I wish I could answer your why's, I can only guess, it might have been her heart, or a stroke etc. But, there may have been little you could have done. I've been there and it is so painful to lose them so suddenly.

I know if Willow could, she would tell you that the rhyme and reason of things does not so much matter as that of all the love, happiness and joy you gave her in her life, and she will carry that with her onto her new journey. She will always be close in your heart, she has not left you in spirit.

*****TEARS******

Safe and gentle journey, beautiful Willow, so much loved and missed....((((((HUGS)))))))
..........Traci
User avatar
Tina B and crew
Posts: 2536
Joined: Fri Apr 25, 2003 9:48 am
Location: Virginia

Re: My sweet Willow went to the Rainbow Bridge

Post by Tina B and crew »

That's what the vet said, Traci...probably a heart attack or stroke. Nothing could be done, nothing would have prevented it. She spent her last day snuggling with her mommy, that's important. It was so hard to leave her at the vet's this morning. They were great though, and gave us all the time in the world. The vet even said a nice prayer over her. They cut a lock of fur and her whiskers and are making a clay paw print for me. The funeral home will make an ink print for me. We opted to use a funeral home instead of the regular crematory because they would pick her up today rather than her having to be stored in the freezer until the next pick up. The cost was the same. If I wanted I could have went and stayed with her until it was time but I'm a mess and it's so far to drive now.

It was heart breaking to walk into our home and not have her greet me. To know she won't ever grace my lap again, or give me nose kisses, or pressies. She use to bump her head into my lips when I kissed her head and I'll miss that too. I'll miss everything about her. I've lost pets before, but none have hurt so very much as losing my Willow. She had a bond with me that I just can't explain, but most pet owners know what I'm talking about. We love them all, but sometimes there is a special one that really holds a special place in our hearts. I'm grateful for the 8 years I had with her, but it was not nearly long enough. I miss my little Oosta :cry:
Tina B and "what a crew!"

How we behave towards cats here below determines our status in heaven ~Robert A. Heinlein
User avatar
E's
Posts: 1756
Joined: Fri Apr 25, 2003 2:10 pm
Location: Austin/New Orleans

Re: My sweet Willow went to the Rainbow Bridge

Post by E's »

Oh Tina, what an awful event! My heart goes out to you. These sudden, unexpected (and usually never completely explained) demises have got to be among the top emotional blows we pet lovers can suffer!

I wish there were really helpful links and things I could say right now - but please know you are, and will be, in my thoughts. Be brave!

Dot B
Austin
User avatar
Traci
Site Administrator
Posts: 15325
Joined: Wed Apr 16, 2003 1:27 pm
Location: USA
Contact:

Re: My sweet Willow went to the Rainbow Bridge

Post by Traci »

I know what you mean, Tina, and Willow was truly a beautiful little girl, even more special about her.

I know it does nothing to ease the pain, but I hope you can feel some comfort in knowing it is the special ones (and all of them), that teach us not to take things for granted. I know you know this, and I hope the pain is soon eased with memories of how special Willow is to you, what she brought you, what she taught you, just how very much she loved you....(((((HUGS))))))
..........Traci
User avatar
momPaws
Posts: 3540
Joined: Fri Apr 25, 2003 8:13 am
Location: Beautiful USA

Re: My sweet Willow went to the Rainbow Bridge

Post by momPaws »

Tina, am so sorry...hugs go out to you and prayers.
User avatar
Marty
Posts: 2763
Joined: Fri Apr 25, 2003 5:26 pm
Location: GA

Re: My sweet Willow went to the Rainbow Bridge

Post by Marty »

Hugs, Tina...I know how hard it is.
User avatar
Tina B and crew
Posts: 2536
Joined: Fri Apr 25, 2003 9:48 am
Location: Virginia

Re: My sweet Willow went to the Rainbow Bridge

Post by Tina B and crew »

Chunk seems rather sad and quiet....it's a beautiful day today...I miss my little Willow sunning by the window :cry:

Image


Bend, little willow, wind's gonna blow you
Hard and cold tonight
Life, as it happens, nobody warns you
Willow, hold on tight

Nothing's gonna shake your love
Take your love away

No one's out to break your heart
It only seems that way, hey

Sleep little willow, peace gonna follow
Time will heal your wounds
Grow to the heavens, now and forever
Always came too soon

Little willow

Nothing's gonna shake your love
Take your love away
No one's out to break your heart
It only seems that way, hey

Bend, little willow, wind's gonna blow you
Hard and cold tonight
Life, as it happens, nobody warns you
Willow, hold on tight
Tina B and "what a crew!"

How we behave towards cats here below determines our status in heaven ~Robert A. Heinlein
Cleo
The Mod Squad
Posts: 1911
Joined: Fri Apr 25, 2003 9:28 pm
Location: New York
Contact:

Post by Cleo »

Tina, I'm so very sorry and know every pain and emotion you are feeling right now. My Simon went to the Bridge 12 days ago. Almost the same scenario as your Willow. He settled in on my lap and within a few moments, let out a howl and a growl and was gone. We just had checkups last month and all was okay. He was only 6, I had him since he was 2 weeks old. Indoors only and at the vet annually and inbetween. He was my first boy, my best boy and autopsy revealed a very healthy kitty. Vet suspects a fatal arrhythmia but he had no known heart abnormalities.

Without a reason, I have no closure and I am just as angered. My cats are my life and my home and heart is broken without him here. I have his 3 sister littermates and his mom as well and wake up everyday wondering if they're next. This was the first death I've experienced in the 10 years I've had cats so I'm devasted beyond any words.

Not to take away from your loss and thread. I just wanted to let you know I'm crying with you as well.
Post Reply