Today is a very, very bad day.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

One of our two beloved cats, Charlie, died last night.

I had to take him down to the vet this morning; they're going to do an autopsy to try and figure out what happened to him to make sure there's nothing we should be worried about for our other cat (Bonnie) in case it's a bad batch of food or something.

Yesterday evening he was fine - ate normally, played around a bit, prowled his territory (pretty much our entire place here), etc. No signs whatsoever that anything was wrong. He was his normal self. When I got up this morning he was just lying in the hallway (one of his favorite spots), already gone. I'm sort of beating myself up wondering "if I'd only gotten up earlier" or "if I'd only stayed up all last night like I wanted to originally, maybe I could have done something".

I keep trying to tell myself that if it had to happen, I guess the way he went was the best way - suddenly and apparently in his sleep without any apparent pain or suffering or anything. It just kills me because he was young for a cat - only about five. He was in his prime and to see him just struck down so quickly by seemingly nothing is heartbreaking to say the least.

Needless to say, having to take him out of our home for the last time and hand him over to a total stranger was probably one of the least pleasant experiences I've ever had to go through in my life. I feel like I just got kicked in the gut. He literally was like a child to me; he had more personality and energy than most people I know, much less pets. My wife and I don't have kids - him and Bonnie (his stepsister) WERE our kids.

He actually would communicate with you. No joke. People who think animals can't talk or converse are very much mistaken. He was VERY interactive and once you figured out his language, you'd realize how much he had to say and talk about. He always made me smile and brought me more happiness than I can express.

I always figured he'd be around for a long, long time given how active and happy and healthy and strong he was. This is just a lightning bolt out of the clear blue sky. . . I'm just sick to my stomach and miss him like crazy already. Bonnie knows something is wrong; I imagine this is going to be a very hard week on her too. My wife is pretty torn up about it. Can't say I'm exactly "100%" either.

So far, 2008 is turning into a pretty *****ty year. Between the loss of Warren here on the board, "Carrera" (racerblvd's cat), and now this, I'm really losing optimism fast about the prospects for this year turning out well.

I'll talk to the doctor tomorrow and see if they can determine what happened. We're probably going to have him cremated and keep him here with us. I suspect when the time is right we'll end up adopting another cat but I sort of don't want to think about that right now. I need to make sure my wife and I have had enough time to reflect on this - and it also depends on how Bonnie does with it. I know she's going to be kind of messed up for a while trying to figure out "where the other cat is".

I'll let you know what I find out when I know more, but I think for now I'm going to go on a very long, long, long bike ride or something and try to get my mind off this. It's pretty painful.

It does kind of put things in perspective though. All the other stuff in my life that I constantly get so wrapped up with and passionate about seems pretty damn unimportant right about now. .

Here are some pics from "better days". These are the ones I hope I remember. Not this one.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

More pics. God I miss him.

[dhoward]

Sorry to hear this. Hope you find out what happened...

[stomachmonkey]

Sorry to hear.

Hang in there.

[dewolf]

Sad news, sorry. We lot a cat in similar circumstances a few years ago. Turns out he was bitten by a spider.

[rudderboost]

Oh, man. That's a tough one. I know loving these guys is worth going through the pain when they're gone, but it's no fun having to prove it. We're thinking about your family.

[Chocaholic]

There are no words to lessen your pain. It's never easy. Sorry for your loss.

[KFC911]

Very sorry Jeff...he was a beautiful cat, and I know you and your wife are hurting right now. Some days just suck, and I feel for ya...

[Rick V]

It's funny how much our pets can effect our lives. I have always had cats, and it is never easy having to say goodby. Your pain will ease, and all you will remember is the fun, and friendship you shared. Don't forget to be there for Bonnie. She will need you as much as you will need her.
Sorry for your loss.

[Sonic dB]

sorry to hear about the loss of such a beautiful friend...keep us posted please
if you find out what happened.

[JCF]

That is very sad. So sorry.
What a beautiful cat.

I had a very healthy cat suddenly die on me .
Was a congenital heart defect.

There is often nothing that can be done - except lov'em when they are with us.

[TerryH]

Very sorry to read this, Jeff. My condolences.

[VINMAN]

Jeff, so sorry to hear. Hang in there. It's rough to see so many of us here losing our pets.

[motion]

Jeff,

I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. I will make sure to treasure my cats that much more. I had a friend who lost his border collie tell me that he was so sad because his dog never had a bad day in his entire life. That really is so true. Its tough to see our pets go because it really is a loss of a wonderful life.

[many944s]

I'm sorry for your loss. My cats were the only friends I had through my divorce (and really the only ones that stuck with me through it all) They truely become more than pets, the comforting that goes both ways between them and ourselves is amazing. Just remember you gave him a wonderful home and a comfortable life!

[trekkor]

Jeff, sorry to hear this.

I love cats. Those pictures were fantastic. It looked like he had a bit of an "attitude".

Again, I'm sorry to hear the bad news.


KT

[Buckterrier]

My condolences. I lost my Manchester terrier last summer after 15 years. It certainly isn't easy. Prayers that it isn't the food.

[lm6y]

Sorry to hear this news.

It's been a tough couple of months for Pelicanites, and our friends.

Charlie looks just like my Mother's cat, KC (Krazy Cat).

I know it's been said ad nauseum, but it's true, all we can do is love them while they are here, and give them the best life we can give them. Looking at those pics, it looks like you did both, very well.

[nostatic]

god speed

[Evans, Marv]

My condolences also. Seems like it's happening a lot. Cats can be such great companions in such a quiet way.