I just got off the phone with the Veterinarian,
Barring a miracle, I'm going to have to go have Cuddles put down tomorrow morning.
Oh God, this is so shocking to me. Both Toby and I are heartbroken.
I guess it's my turn to pay for all that love that he gave me, yet I can only sit here in gratitude for how he became so very very important to me living at all.
Toby was his "dad", but I was his buddy, and he mine.
I failed him these last couple of weeks, my gut knew, I swear it. And I didn't trust it.
I have to say I'm sorry to him tomorrow and pray for forgiveness, right along with all the thanks I owe him.
I only had three names for him and Toby had one, Percy. Mine were Pretty Boy, Cuddles and My Good Boy.
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Every pet owner needs to see this on that day.
Thank you.
My heart goes out to you, my friend.
Let's keep hoping for an overnight miracle!!!
I am so sorry to hear this, John! 
Hugs to you and your sweet kitty.
I lost my Buddy a year ago and I still think of him every day. It's hard to say goodbye, but you'll be there when it's time for him to cross the Rainbow Bridge. He'll see your face and hear your voice, and he'll know that you love him very much. He'll know he's a Good Boy.
It's so hard. But you don't have to be sorry; you didn't fail him. You loved him and that's what matters.
Please don't blame yourself.
I know how difficult it is to face this inconsolable sorrow. There's no way to make it easier, or to hurt less. I hope you can take some comfort from knowing that, like your sweet Cuddles, you are not going through it alone.
Last edited Mon Jul 13, 2026, 11:38 PM - Edit history (1)
My heart breaks for you and for Cuddles. You know he would never leave you unless he had to. I know how difficult it is. I wish I had the right words of wisdom at this sad time, but I really don't think there are any. Just please know I share your pain and sorrow and I extend to you and Toby my deepest sympathy.
Please don't beat yourself up. You didn't fail Cuddles. Cats are very good at hiding symptoms when they're sick until it's practically too late. It's an instinct, their way of survival in the wild that's inbred in all of them. You loved Cuddles and he loved you and that's all that matters.
Healing vibes on the way to you.
You have my deepest sympathy.
In our family, we have chosen to call this “liberating the spirit.” It was my idea. Being a word nerd, and picky about accuracy, I was never comfortable with ‘put to sleep’ - how we wish they were only sleeping. ‘Euthanize’ is accurate, but feels very cold and impersonal, and ‘put down’ calls to mind bullying behaviors between humans.
Liberating the spirit, at least for me, sounds soft and compassionate, and makes that difficult decision infinitesimally less wrenching.
Healing vibes on the way to you.
It is the hardest thing to lose a beloved companion. Been through it many times, and always, I say “never again!” (That never works.)
To know when it is time is the hardest thing. I wish you comfort and peace. I’m sure that you did all that you could do.
My heart goes out to you.
It never gets any easier to lose a beloved fur kid, I know from much experience.
I've always held any of mine that had to leave me. It really helps them not be scared, and they take the pettings and sound of your loving voice with them. You're doing the right thing.
as much as he's done for me.
It always seems to.
