This morning I buried Laura. Laura was a little kitten (about 10 weeks old) that appeared at my property fence two days after another favorite cat of mine died. It was uncannyd how much she looked like the other cat. I took her in and she was a bright spot in my life for a few months. She was a tiny little cat, full of life, playful and ahe would jump into the lap of anyone who came to visit. Two weeks ago she was diagnosed with FIP, a horrible disease in cats that takes protein out of the blood and lets it build up around the intestines and organs and leads to death in a few weeks due to depletion of protein in the blood. For the next two weeks I was her only companion because she had to be isolated from the other cats. I spent as much time with her as possible. If I had to work away from the house I would check on her every hour or two and talk to her and hold her in my lap. At night she would curl up on my chest or shoulder and sleep. Each morning I would take her out into the yard for fresh air and to see the sights. She was very alert and noticed everything. But each day I could see the slow decline of her strength and the buildup of fluid. Yesterday, after a conference with the veterinarian, I knew I had to make the hardest choice of my life. I knew that Laura was very weak and possibly feeling some pain. I went home and held her for a while then picked up the phone to call the veterinarian then changed my mind back and forth a dozen times. I knew I would be selfish to try to keep her alive as long as possible in her condition. I finally mustered enough courage to push the button and tell the vet that I was bringing Laura in to be put to sleep. After it was over I brought her home and cried like a baby. As a matter of fact I am having to wipe tears out of my eyes as I type this letter. I realize that in the last two weeks Laura had become my best little pal and that in that time I had learned to love her even more than I had before. It literally broke my heart to have to part with her but I loved her too much to watch her waste away any longer and die an agonizing death. Sleep peacefully, little Laura.

John from Texas

ilost my biffy after having him for 17 ana ahalf years. i still cry for him he was my best friend. i always say if pepople dont like dogs they dont like people. iknow how you feel mark and i admire you for speaking out about sprite god bless.

Liz from New Jersey

Alex is our 16 year old adopted greyhound. We rescued him in Hollywood, FL when he was 4 years old and coming off the track. He is such a wonderful member of our family along with our 15 year old female greyhound Aspen. They are like an old married couple. They are both getting up there for big dogs especially former atheletes. We will enjoy them and make them comfortable until the end.

Jay from Louisiana

I can relate with you regarding Sprite. Since 2004, I had to have my dog Oaken (13 yrs),
2005, my cat Spunky (11 yrs), Oaken’s best friend and just Monday my car Princess Isis (not sure of age,but at least a senior),. She was a gift from my daughter and son-in-law after Spunky was put down. It is so hard emotioanlly. Princess Isis was having seizures all day Sunday and continued after taking her to emergency pet hospital. The doctors informed me of tests, but those would cost at a lot and no guarantee of the outcome should she go under surgery. I felt the best would be to have her put down.The one consolation, which is very important, is that she had in her last 26 months a good quality of life.
Oaken was given to me by a friend when she 11/2 years old. She was a beautiful Australian Shepherd Mix.
Spunky we got her from a pet shop that was giving the kitttens away that were found
in a dumpster behind the pet shop.
My daugher and son-in-lay also had to put their cat Figaro down in 2006 .

I presently have 2 dogs that i adopted Toby , who I saw before putting Oaken down. I thought it would be a good idea for Oaken to have a friend. The following I had to put Oaken down. That weekend I aaopted Toby, who looked just like a smalled Oaken, but is an Australian Cattle Dog. I adopted Kaysee shortly after moving to Florida from Californai. My daughter and son-in-law got me another kitten shortly after they give me Priness Isis.
These animals are absolutely amazing–almost like little kids. I could write more about my dog and cats past and present. I will say I have learned much from my dogs and cats.

Eva from Florida

My history with dogs starts from before I was born. Shortly after getting married, my parents bought a German shepherd. They named her Sheba. She was a very hyper dog, but a very good dog. This was my first dog. She was very good with me, and with my younger brother’s when they came around. The story of how we “actually” lost her was not revealed to me until I was much older, but here is that story. We had gone out of town, and left her at a local kennel. When we returned, we had still not gone to pick her up. I went into my Mom’s bedroom, ( I was in kindergarden at the time). She just hung up the phone and was crying. Come to find out, Sheba had “died” while in their care. They refused to give my parents the body. It was a very weird situation. Come to find out, the vet that was associated with that kennel had rumors about him stealing pure bred dogs while in his care and selling them. While this has not been proven, it makes a lot of sense.
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Mark,
First let me say that I am sorry for your lost in Sprite. My story begins five years ago. My fiance at the time suprised me with a wounderful blessin for my birthday. She gave me the greatest gift in a small Pembrooke Welsh Corgi. His name is Roqi. Shortly after I ask my fiance to leave and I kept Roqi for myself. he has been my best friend ever sice. The love is unconditional. Let me tell you about our fall Saturday tradition. I come home from work and I see him and his nub of a tail start to waggle. He knows that it is time for our pregame ritual. I smoke ribs the night before. He is always at my feet hoping that a treat finds it way to him (as always do). During kick off I always say Roll Tide. As I say roll Tide, Roqi sits by my side and barks in tune with me. It is a special moment that we share. Roqi is so funny that he knows and follows the game. It gives me great pleasure to tell you this story of Roqi the Alabama Crimson Tide dog fan. I dread the time when Roqi will not be there when I come home one day, yet I will always cherrish the time we have an continue to have.
Thank you for the time and Roqi says Roll Tide

Brian from New Jersey