Losing Stinky

For a very long time, my cat Stinky has been the very best friend I could ever have. She died on Friday July 17, 2009. As I typed the date of her death for the very first time, I just felt a crescendo of sadness erupt. I’ve had her since I was twelve years old. I received her as a birthday gift. Now I am 29 years old. My Mother is a Veterinary technician and did all she could for her and she empathized with me greatly when Stinky died. Other than my mom, I don’t feel like there is anyone I can really talk to about my feelings. I feel weird to feel this way about a cat. With all the unfortunate events happening in the world, this level of grief that I’ve been feeling for losing Stinky does not feel rational. I’ve never had any pet as long as I have had her. But only after losing her have I fully realized how much she has meant and what I have lost.
   
Near the end of her life she was unable to walk. She could move her front and back legs but was unable to get up, stand or walk on her own. But despite her paralysis she would still purr when I pet her. She was the coolest cat I ever had and I guess that why losing her hurts all the more. I have been reading some of the posts on this forum and have gain some solace in knowing that my feelings are normal. But losing her feels like I have actually lost a family member and it just hurts so badly. I just can’t bear it.
   

I'm sorry. I understand. Fred was one of those cats, for me. And Minerva, especially for my husband.
   
You did a good job. That's all we can do, since we will outlive almost all of our pets.
   
Cry for a couple of weeks, then go out and rescue somebody else. It'll help.