“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”– Anatole France
I lost my cat, Billy, in 2004 and life just stopped. I was lost in sorrow and eventually sent this email to “those who would understand.” If you are reading this, I know you will understand also………

They’re Not Just Pets

The following is probably more of a catharsis for me than it is an explanation to you of why I haven’t been sending any e-mails lately. I believe most of you know that I have a “team” at home which consisted of five of the most wonderful cats. My senior cat, Billy, had been ill for quite a while and I knew the day was coming when I would have to put him down. I always said it would break my heart, but I would do what was best for Billy. Well, last week my heart broke because I had to do what was best for Billy. It left me devastated. Even knowing that letting him go was the right thing to do didn’t bring me much peace. (more…)

I had an 18yr old indoor cat that i got at a shelter. THEY named him Milo after the popular movie Milo and Otis. He waited for me at the door everyday, slept with me every night. He started losing weight and vomited lots all tests were negative he was put on prednisone for years. Eventually i brought him to the vet for urinating outside his box turned out xrays said he had an intestinal tumor. Although it was difficult to see but the vet felt it. Within 5 weeks the vet said it was time he stopped eating. I said when he acts like he is dying I will. For 3 days I fed him with a syringe, he did not mind he even cleaned himself after, he nibbled food, and he walked around, used the box purred I just could not do it. On the 4th day he slept under the blankets as usual but this time he laid his head on my arm and fell asleep, he just looked weak and sad his purring was very soft, he did not seem like himself. So I called my husband to take him I could not. (more…)

A german shepherd whose father was a police dog and mother who had a really bad disposition. He wobbled up to me as a puppy and our eyes met and he and I fell in love at first sight. Max as we referred to him actually saved my life once with trespassers. When we bought our property it was a favorite hangout for druggies and beer parties, we didn’t know that but with our three shepherds and their barking we lived a safer life than. One particular incident involved him barking to alert me to someone trespassing on our property. I started up the truck, he jumped in the back and off we went, only to find two grown men (late 30’s) entering our property, The one approached the truck on the passengers side reaching to open the door and I heard such ferocious barking that at first I didn’t know where it came from. (more…)

mark, i am listening to you on rush’s show. we had to put our dog maggy down. she had a blood disorder. it will be two years on feb 28. she still tugs at my heart every day. we did adopt another stray to be a companion to our cockapoo. we have always had at least 2 dogs. i care for them more than most people i’ve met. dogs are a gift from heaven.

Richard from CA

I also lost a family member recently. Kenya my cat passed away on Wednesday, March 14, 2007 at 11 years of age. She used to belong to my niece but when she exhibited some behavioral problems (i.e. peeing!) my sister threatened to take her the SPCA. I offered to take her because I wanted a cat anyway. I figured I’d give her a chance and then if things didn’t improve I would go ahead and give her up. From day one, Kenya was happy in my apartment and with me. I gave her the undivided attention that I think she longed for (my sister had 3 other cats and 2 dogs).

Kenya had some recurring health problems that weren’t too problematic and always easy to resolve with a quick trip to the vet’s office (Kenya went kicking and screaming though!). I took her to the vet faithfully for the entire 3 years that I owned her. She was my baby and I was going to give her the best care I could. (more…)

I have listened to you on Sean and Rush and heard about your book. Just this past Tuesday we had to put our dog Sugar down. She had been sick for a long time with several different things, all of which were leading to her eventual death. We too prayed for God to take her, but He said no.

Karen from MN