Re: OT....ya never know what the day brings

[Guest guest]

Thank you Beth! We have shared memories all afternoon. Sammy was a unique cat, being more human than most. He and Bran were so, so close and he has so many memories he has been sharing. He refuses to put down the towel he was carrying the cat in. He has it around his neck as I type.......

Thanks again! DonnaSee what's free at AOL.com.

[Guest guest]

Thank you , I do agree. My boys are so compassionate and sometimes over sensitive but I would not have it any other way..........

DonnaSee what's free at AOL.com.

[Guest guest]

Donna I am so sorry! We have gone through

things like this with our kids, and watching their grief is so hard, no matter

who has passed. My suggestion is that you let him grieve as he needs to. There

is no right or wrong way, no set time table. Follow what you feel in your heart

as to what is best to say. We recently had a close death for our 17 yo daughter

and her grief was so intense I was so afraid and hurt for her. We let her

grieve how she needed to and talk about her friend when she needed to. Sometimes

just listening while they talk is the best thing for them.

When our dog had to be put to sleep, it

was hardest for because he was so close to her. We had already gotten a

new puppy about a year before and having the other dog did help. However, I

would definitely leave it up to your son if he feels ready. You do not want him

to think you are trying to replace Sammy which would be impossible as you know.

He may want to wait, or he may want to have an animal to help him grieve.

I know it is hard to watch him cry, but

this is an unfortunate part of life. I have kind of felt in a way thankful that

I have raised children who are sensitive and kind enough to care about other

people and animals that they would feel so strongly when one leaves us. I hope

I am saying this right.

Hugs to you, and your whole

family, Michele ( 20, spondy)

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of ajaoky@...

Sent: Friday, May 25, 2007 11:54

AM

;

ajao_young_adults ; beth.foster@...;

barbara.parker@...

Subject: OT....ya never know

what the day brings

Ya never know what each minute of our

days will bring us......

A few days ago we noticed one of our cats

had a swollen ear. We called the vet who said bring Sammy in because it sounded

like a hematoma. We were about 1/4 mile from the vet when Sammy started

hollering, thrusting about and drooling.

was panicked and screaming at me. " Mom " something's wrong with him,

help mom " . I rushed into the vet parking lot and Matt quickly ran Sammy

through the doors and into a receptionists arms. Before we can turn and go find

a seat the vet called us in to say Sammy did not make it. He either threw

a clot or had a heart attack. My boys, especially were in total tears

and almost beyond my control.

My boys have never dealt with a close

death, human or animal. They know a lot of people who have passed but no one

really close. I have never witnessed (in my kids) the pain is feeling. I feel so bad for him. He

called his grandma and grandpa and cried and cried. Grandma is giving him the

money to have Sammy cremated and we are leaving soon to do this.

Sammy was purchased by after he had saved his allowance and

had enough money to buy him and get his initial shots, neutering, etc. They

have been very, very close for 4 years and just took a photo a few days ago of

Sammy on his skateboard and said he was teaching him to roll on it. I am

heartbroke watching Bran cry and cry.....any advice????

has had such a tough 6 months. First his grandfathers fall, then

my cancer scare, then grandmas heart scare and now this...Luckily school is out

for Summer and he can concentrate on fun but for now he is so sad. My niece's

cat just had kittens..do I let him go get one or is too soon? I know this may

all sound minor but it is huge to him........

hangin tight..................

Donna

See what's free at AOL.com.

[Guest guest]

Donna:

It is never easy losing a loved one. I think on kids pets are especially hard. We had our beloved Beagle put sleep just a few months ago because she had liver cancer and an enlarged heart ...so I know how you feel. Hannah still grieves for Nikki. We have decided to just let Hannah be. When she is ready for another dog she will let us know. She hasn't asked yet, so I think for her its too soon. Let make the call. If he feels this would help him, I say go for it. If he's not ready he will let you know. In the meantime, let him cry, talk, look at pictures, whatever he needs.

Sending hugs to you & the kids.

Beth & Hannah, 10, unspecified arthritis; asthma; gerd; migraines

Sending prayers & happy thoughts,

Beth :-)

OT....ya never know what the day brings

Ya never know what each minute of our days will bring us......

A few days ago we noticed one of our cats had a swollen ear. We called the vet who said bring Sammy in because it sounded like a hematoma. We were about 1/4 mile from the vet when Sammy started hollering, thrusting about and drooling. was panicked and screaming at me. "Mom" something's wrong with him, help mom". I rushed into the vet parking lot and Matt quickly ran Sammy through the doors and into a receptionists arms. Before we can turn and go find a seat the vet called us in to say Sammy did not make it. He either threw a clot or had a heart attack. My boys, especially were in total tears and almost beyond my control.

My boys have never dealt with a close death, human or animal. They know a lot of people who have passed but no one really close. I have never witnessed (in my kids) the pain is feeling. I feel so bad for him. He called his grandma and grandpa and cried and cried. Grandma is giving him the money to have Sammy cremated and we are leaving soon to do this.

Sammy was purchased by after he had saved his allowance and had enough money to buy him and get his initial shots, neutering, etc. They have been very, very close for 4 years and just took a photo a few days ago of Sammy on his skateboard and said he was teaching him to roll on it. I am heartbroke watching Bran cry and cry.....any advice????

has had such a tough 6 months. First his grandfathers fall, then my cancer scare, then grandmas heart scare and now this...Luckily school is out for Summer and he can concentrate on fun but for now he is so sad. My niece's cat just had kittens..do I let him go get one or is too soon? I know this may all sound minor but it is huge to him........

hangin tight....... ......... ..

Donna

See what's free at AOL.com.

[Guest guest]

as most of you know my kids and husband and I are all animal lovers but with each pet you get so attached and sometimes for different reasons. We have 2 other cats, actually our original 2 and Tigger who is 8 has even had a rough time missing Sammy today. We had Sammy in pet coffin until my husband came home and Tigger knew something (Sammy) was in the box. He would rub on it, take his paw over it, and give a low cry. Of course this made all of us cry more.......I have not said anything to Bran yet about another cat and decided as most of you have suggested to let him come to me....well............

Last Sunday (another Donna story) my hubby wakes me up in this rather sweet voice, "baby, look at what I got" and I rolled over to see him holding two adorable puppies. Seems someone left momma dog (beagle) and two pups in our drainage ditch. I posted signs in case they were lost but as of yet no one has called....They are precious but aint they all...lol.....pups look nothing like their momma. Perhaps a terrier dad, they are black and white with lil short legs........anyway, has asked if he can keep the littlest pup and make it an indoor dog. I am not particularly liking this idea as we are gone so much and cats are so independent its not the same issue as a pup inside......geeeeez, what is a mom to do.........

hugs and thanks to all for their very kind words.

DonnaSee what's free at AOL.com.

[Guest guest]

Donna,poor ...loss is alway so difficult, but it sounds like with all that has preceded the past 6 months, this just was too much to bear. Give him a couple days to grieve, then perhaps suggest, that, while you know no cat could ever replace Sammy, he may choose another kitten from your niece's cat's litter...tell him no pressure, just make it available, then give him time to process it and see what he will do. My prayers are with him, (, 17, spondy?, fibro, migraines, cvid)ajaoky@... wrote: Ya never know what each minute of our days will bring us...... A few days ago we noticed one of our cats had a swollen ear. We called the vet who said bring Sammy in because it sounded like a hematoma. We were about 1/4 mile from the vet when Sammy started hollering, thrusting about and drooling. was panicked and screaming at me. "Mom" something's wrong with him, help mom". I rushed into the vet parking lot and Matt quickly ran Sammy through the doors and into a receptionists arms. Before we can turn and go find a seat the vet called us in to say Sammy did not make it. He either threw a clot or had a heart attack. My boys, especially were in total tears and almost beyond my control. My boys have never dealt with a close death, human or animal. They know a lot of people who have passed but no one really close. I have never witnessed (in

my kids) the pain is feeling. I feel so bad for him. He called his grandma and grandpa and cried and cried. Grandma is giving him the money to have Sammy cremated and we are leaving soon to do this. Sammy was purchased by after he had saved his allowance and had enough money to buy him and get his initial shots, neutering, etc. They have been very, very close for 4 years and just took a photo a few days ago of Sammy on his skateboard and said he was teaching him to roll on it. I am heartbroke watching Bran cry and cry.....any advice???? has had such a tough 6 months. First his grandfathers fall, then my cancer scare, then grandmas heart scare and now this...Luckily school is out for Summer and he can concentrate on fun but for now he is so sad. My niece's cat just had kittens..do I let him go get one or is too soon? I know this may all sound minor but it is huge to him........ hangin

tight.................. DonnaSee what's free at AOL.com.

Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Games.

[Guest guest]

I so hate to hear this as I know has such a

BIG heart. Bless his heart! You are a great mom.

Follow your heart and instincts,you know what is

right... I would let him do as he needs to

grieve..cry, look at pictures, and of course laugh at

the memories. as I'm sure he has alot of them. Of

course he can't replace Sammy, but he can always have

another buddy if and when he is ready. LOVE

YA!(((HUGS))) Carla

--- ajaoky@... wrote:

>

> Ya never know what each minute of our days will

> bring us......

> A few days ago we noticed one of our cats had a

> swollen ear. We called the

> vet who said bring Sammy in because it sounded like

> a hematoma. We were about

> 1/4 mile from the vet when Sammy started hollering,

> thrusting about and

> drooling. was panicked and screaming at me.

> " Mom " something's wrong with

> him, help mom " . I rushed into the vet parking lot

> and Matt quickly ran Sammy

> through the doors and into a receptionists arms.

> Before we can turn and go find

> a seat the vet called us in to say Sammy did not

> make it. He either threw

> a clot or had a heart attack. My boys, especially

> were in total tears

> and almost beyond my control.

> My boys have never dealt with a close death, human

> or animal. They know a

> lot of people who have passed but no one really

> close. I have never witnessed

> (in my kids) the pain is feeling. I feel so

> bad for him. He called his

> grandma and grandpa and cried and cried. Grandma is

> giving him the money to

> have Sammy cremated and we are leaving soon to do

> this.

> Sammy was purchased by after he had saved

> his allowance and had

> enough money to buy him and get his initial shots,

> neutering, etc. They have been

> very, very close for 4 years and just took a

> photo a few days ago of

> Sammy on his skateboard and said he was teaching him

> to roll on it. I am

> heartbroke watching Bran cry and cry.....any

> advice????

> has had such a tough 6 months. First his

> grandfathers fall, then my

> cancer scare, then grandmas heart scare and now

> this...Luckily school is out

> for Summer and he can concentrate on fun but for

> now he is so sad. My niece's

> cat just had kittens..do I let him go get one or is

> too soon? I know this may

> all sound minor but it is huge to him........

> hangin tight..................

> Donna

>

>

>

>

> ************************************** See what's

> free at http://www.aol.com.

>

________________________________________________________________________________\

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[Guest guest]

Oh Donna, that is so hard. I know after our cat Mickey died I told my daughter we weren't going to get another since I am not a cat person and she was getting ready for college in a year etc. Well, I went to an AF event that talked about Pet therapy etc. She was at Girls Camp with our church and I went right home and to the humane society. They made me feel guilty and offered a 2 for 1 so we got two cats. She was thrilled when she got off the bus. Sadly, they were crazy cats and snuck out one day never to be seen again. So, Again I said no Cats. Well, 5 months later we got a call that someone found one of the cats, her fav of the 2. We got it home for about 6 weeks and again it snuck out, never to be seen again. Again, I say no cats. When she is not feeling well she would lay and cuddle with her cat, but I still said no cats since she was a month from university. So, we are at the store and their is a russian girl and her mom trying to give away kittens. I picked one

up and it clung to me. It was so tny, too young to be away from its mama. Then all the kittens were gone except the one I had. Everyone tried to grab it from me and I took it home. (It baptized my son by urinating on him on the way home-he'll never forget that). He is a sweet cat, and she looks forward to coming home to see him. In the meantime, he thinks my husband and I are its pillows at night. so, yes I have a cat LOL As for the dog, yes they can be more work than a cat since not as independent but you can crate train them and sounds like the kind of boy who would be willing to train it to be a responsible pet, and you will soon love that dog like I love this silly cat I didn't want. eajaoky@... wrote: Ya never know what each minute of our days will bring us...... A few days ago we noticed one of our cats had a swollen ear. We called the vet who said bring Sammy in because it sounded like a hematoma. We were about 1/4 mile from the vet when Sammy started hollering, thrusting about and drooling. was panicked and screaming at me. "Mom" something's wrong with him, help mom". I rushed into the vet parking lot and Matt quickly ran Sammy through the doors and into a receptionists arms. Before we can turn and go find a seat the vet called us in to say Sammy did not make it. He either

threw a clot or had a heart attack. My boys, especially were in total tears and almost beyond my control. My boys have never dealt with a close death, human or animal. They know a lot of people who have passed but no one really close. I have never witnessed (in my kids) the pain is feeling. I feel so bad for him. He called his grandma and grandpa and cried and cried. Grandma is giving him the money to have Sammy cremated and we are leaving soon to do this. Sammy was purchased by after he had saved his allowance and had enough money to buy him and get his initial shots, neutering, etc. They have been very, very close for 4 years and just took a photo a few days ago of Sammy on his skateboard and said he was teaching him to roll on it. I am heartbroke watching Bran cry and cry.....any advice???? has had such a tough 6 months. First his grandfathers fall, then my cancer scare, then grandmas heart

scare and now this...Luckily school is out for Summer and he can concentrate on fun but for now he is so sad. My niece's cat just had kittens..do I let him go get one or is too soon? I know this may all sound minor but it is huge to him........ hangin tight.................. Donna See what's free at AOL.com.

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[Guest guest]

I am so sorry this happened. I would

let him decide if he wants another cat just yet, some kids want another one

right away and others need to mourn. My heart goes out to you all.

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of ajaoky@...

Sent: Friday, May 25, 2007 9:54 AM

;

ajao_young_adults ; beth.foster@...;

barbara.parker@...

Subject: OT....ya never know

what the day brings

Ya never know what each minute of our

days will bring us......

A few days ago we noticed one of our cats

had a swollen ear. We called the vet who said bring Sammy in because it sounded

like a hematoma. We were about 1/4 mile from the vet when Sammy started

hollering, thrusting about and drooling.

was panicked and screaming at me. " Mom " something's wrong with him,

help mom " . I rushed into the vet parking lot and Matt quickly ran Sammy

through the doors and into a receptionists arms. Before we can turn and go find

a seat the vet called us in to say Sammy did not make it. He either threw

a clot or had a heart attack. My boys, especially were in total tears

and almost beyond my control.

My boys have never dealt with a close

death, human or animal. They know a lot of people who have passed but no one

really close. I have never witnessed (in my kids) the pain is feeling. I feel so bad for him. He

called his grandma and grandpa and cried and cried. Grandma is giving him the

money to have Sammy cremated and we are leaving soon to do this.

Sammy was purchased by after he had saved his allowance and

had enough money to buy him and get his initial shots, neutering, etc. They

have been very, very close for 4 years and just took a photo a few days ago of

Sammy on his skateboard and said he was teaching him to roll on it. I am

heartbroke watching Bran cry and cry.....any advice????

has had such a tough 6 months. First his grandfathers fall, then

my cancer scare, then grandmas heart scare and now this...Luckily school is out

for Summer and he can concentrate on fun but for now he is so sad. My niece's

cat just had kittens..do I let him go get one or is too soon? I know this may

all sound minor but it is huge to him........

hangin tight..................

Donna

See what's free at AOL.com.

[Guest guest]

Oh Donna, so sorry to hear about the cat! That must have been so traumatic for and for all of you. I vote for letting him have a kitten now, but you should know that I am crazy when it comes to animals. I currently have 9 animals. Animals can help people in ways that nothing else can help. I grew up dealing with abuse issues and would not have survived without having pets around me. Anyway, just my two cents worth...--- & Elaney(13 Oligo ext JA, heart defects, scoliosis)ajaoky@... wrote: Ya never know what each minute of our days will bring us...... A few days ago we noticed one of our cats had a swollen ear. We called the vet who said bring Sammy in because it sounded like a hematoma. We were about 1/4 mile from the vet when Sammy started hollering, thrusting about and drooling. was panicked and screaming at me. "Mom" something's wrong with him, help mom". I rushed into the vet parking lot and Matt quickly ran Sammy through the doors and into a receptionists arms. Before we can turn and go find a seat the vet called us in to say Sammy did not make it. He either threw a clot or had a heart attack. My boys, especially were in total tears and almost beyond my control. My boys have never dealt with a close death, human or animal. They know a lot of people who have passed but no one really close. I have never witnessed (in my kids) the pain is feeling. I feel so

bad for him. He called his grandma and grandpa and cried and cried. Grandma is giving him the money to have Sammy cremated and we are leaving soon to do this. Sammy was purchased by after he had saved his allowance and had enough money to buy him and get his initial shots, neutering, etc. They have been very, very close for 4 years and just took a photo a few days ago of Sammy on his skateboard and said he was teaching him to roll on it. I am heartbroke watching Bran cry and cry.....any advice???? has had such a tough 6 months. First his grandfathers fall, then my cancer scare, then grandmas heart scare and now this...Luckily school is out for Summer and he can concentrate on fun but for now he is so sad. My niece's cat just had kittens..do I let him go get one or is too soon? I know this may all sound minor but it is huge to him........ hangin tight.................. Donna See what's free at AOL.com.

Get the free toolbar and rest assured with the added security of spyware protection.

[Guest guest]

Donna, I read this AFTER posting about the kitten. So now I have

to " vote " for letting keep the puppy! Your family sounds a

little like my family. We are always having animals left at our home.

I guess people know that we are suckers!!! I recently took in a

Cockatoo who has her own issues...--- & Elaney(13 oligo ext,

heart defects, scoliosis)

>

> as most of you know my kids and husband and I are all animal lovers

but with

> each pet you get so attached and sometimes for different reasons.

We have 2

> other cats, actually our original 2 and Tigger who is 8 has even

had a rough

> time missing Sammy today. We had Sammy in pet coffin until my

husband came

> home and Tigger knew something (Sammy) was in the box. He would

rub on it, take

> his paw over it, and give a low cry. Of course this made all of us

cry

> more.......I have not said anything to Bran yet about another cat

and decided as

> most of you have suggested to let him come to

me....well............

> Last Sunday (another Donna story) my hubby wakes me up in this

rather sweet

> voice, " baby, look at what I got " and I rolled over to see him

holding two

> adorable puppies. Seems someone left momma dog (beagle) and two

pups in our

> drainage ditch. I posted signs in case they were lost but as of yet

no one has

> called....They are precious but aint they all...lol.....pups look

nothing like

> their momma. Perhaps a terrier dad, they are black and white with

lil short

> legs........anyway, has asked if he can keep the littlest

pup and

> make it an indoor dog. I am not particularly liking this idea as we

are gone so

> much and cats are so independent its not the same issue as a pup

> inside......geeeeez, what is a mom to do.........

> hugs and thanks to all for their very kind words.

> Donna

>

>

>

> ************************************** See what's free at

http://www.aol.com.

>

[Guest guest]

-Donna,

I am so sorry for yours and 's loss. Lossing a beloved pet can

only be understood by those who have pets. It is not a trivial

matter, but the loss of a member of your close family. I feel your

pain.

We had a cocker spanniel called Coco, who had pups the same day I had

. In fact hubby was delievering puppies while I was timing

contractions. When we left for the hosptial we forgot to turn the

window air conditioner off and when Dan went back to check on them

after Matt was born they were frozen. So instead of spending a happy

time at the hospital with our new born over labor day weekend, Dan

was hunting for emergency vets. Long story short only one puppy

survived, a solid black girl who was born at midnight. Seeing as how

Matt and Midnight ( what else could we call her!) were born the same

day we didnt have to heart to sell her ( the plan was to sell all the

puppies) So Matt and Midnight grew up together.

Fast forward 9 years, the dogs were outside dogs and it was Matt job

to pick up dog poop. Well one day Matt went out there and got side

tracked ( he has ADHD) and left the plastic bag in their cage. Next

morning we went out to find Midnight had somehow got her head inside

and in her struggle to get out, got it tighter on her neck and it

killed her.

Matt was beside himself with guilt and sadness. It was an awful time.

hubby took the day off work, built a coffin and we all wrote messages

to midnight on the lid. The kids all put her favorite toys and food

in there and drew pictures.I took plenty of photos. That evening we

went up to papa's farm and buried her under a big old oak tree.

I didnt think Matt would ever get over it, but he did, in time, he

forgave himself but he still never gets close to any animals we have

now. Its like his defense, he cannot get hurt again if he doesnt fall

in love in the first place.

I would let take the lead and see what he says....

hugs Helen and (9,systemic)

-- In , ajaoky@... wrote:

>

>

> Ya never know what each minute of our days will bring us......

> A few days ago we noticed one of our cats had a swollen ear. We

called the

> vet who said bring Sammy in because it sounded like a hematoma. We

were about

> 1/4 mile from the vet when Sammy started hollering, thrusting about

and

> drooling. was panicked and screaming at me. " Mom "

something's wrong with

> him, help mom " . I rushed into the vet parking lot and Matt quickly

ran Sammy

> through the doors and into a receptionists arms. Before we can turn

and go find

> a seat the vet called us in to say Sammy did not make it. He

either threw

> a clot or had a heart attack. My boys, especially were in

total tears

> and almost beyond my control.

> My boys have never dealt with a close death, human or animal. They

know a

> lot of people who have passed but no one really close. I have never

witnessed

> (in my kids) the pain is feeling. I feel so bad for him. He

called his

> grandma and grandpa and cried and cried. Grandma is giving him the

money to

> have Sammy cremated and we are leaving soon to do this.

> Sammy was purchased by after he had saved his allowance and

had

> enough money to buy him and get his initial shots, neutering, etc.

They have been

> very, very close for 4 years and just took a photo a few

days ago of

> Sammy on his skateboard and said he was teaching him to roll on it.

I am

> heartbroke watching Bran cry and cry.....any advice????

> has had such a tough 6 months. First his grandfathers fall,

then my

> cancer scare, then grandmas heart scare and now this...Luckily

school is out

> for Summer and he can concentrate on fun but for now he is so sad.

My niece's

> cat just had kittens..do I let him go get one or is too soon? I

know this may

> all sound minor but it is huge to him........

> hangin tight..................

> Donna

>

>

>

>

> ************************************** See what's free at

http://www.aol.com.

>

[Guest guest]

Donna:

I'm still getting caught up from the weekend....did you keep the pup? Our dog Nikki who we put to sleep a few months ago (she had cancer) was a beagle. She was the most affectionate of all the dogs we have ever owned....just thought you'd like to know if your still on the fence

Beth (Hannah, 10, unspecified arthritis; asthma; gerd; migraines..I hate it when they all flare at once..makes for a cranky Hannah)

Sending prayers & happy thoughts,

Beth :-)

Re: OT....ya never know what the day brings

as most of you know my kids and husband and I are all animal lovers but with each pet you get so attached and sometimes for different reasons. We have 2 other cats, actually our original 2 and Tigger who is 8 has even had a rough time missing Sammy today. We had Sammy in pet coffin until my husband came home and Tigger knew something (Sammy) was in the box. He would rub on it, take his paw over it, and give a low cry. Of course this made all of us cry more.......I have not said anything to Bran yet about another cat and decided as most of you have suggested to let him come to me....well.. ......... .

Last Sunday (another Donna story) my hubby wakes me up in this rather sweet voice, "baby, look at what I got" and I rolled over to see him holding two adorable puppies. Seems someone left momma dog (beagle) and two pups in our drainage ditch. I posted signs in case they were lost but as of yet no one has called....They are precious but aint they all...lol... ..pups look nothing like their momma. Perhaps a terrier dad, they are black and white with lil short legs........ anyway, has asked if he can keep the littlest pup and make it an indoor dog. I am not particularly liking this idea as we are gone so much and cats are so independent its not the same issue as a pup inside...... geeeeez, what is a mom to do.........

hugs and thanks to all for their very kind words.

Donna

See what's free at AOL.com.