Friday, July 22, 2011

Dealing With The Loss of A pet:

Sammy doing his Puss In Boots Impersonation

As most of you know, I have not had good pet luck the last couple of years. Partially my fault. I mean to say, that I don’t kill my animals off, but rather that is to be expected when one adopts older dogs and kitties. Not that it makes it any easier, but it is what it is. And my first instinct is to go out and get another cat. But I need time to grieve. But to honor Sammy Kat, I thought I would tell you how I cope with his belongings and such.

Pet Dishes- Sammy had a number of ceramic kitty bowls. So I just reuse them as puppy bowls for Romeo. I don’t think Romeo minds eating out of a bowl that says “Tuna Fish Dreams”.

Pet Food- When Sammy passed, he had a whole unopened bag of IAMS here. And five cans of cat food. They all went to the food bank. The local pet store has a donation bin.

Litter-While Sammy put up with me experimenting with different litter (from wood pellets to Shredded Newspaper) he also left a whole bag of kitty litter… Which I will keep. I can use it this winter for traction in case of snow and ice and my car gets stuck. It can also be used for cleaning oil on the garage floor. And vomit. (Just sprinkle it on the offense and it should clump up- sweep and toss). Not that anyone around here just vomits. Just thought I point that out for those of you that have small children.
Litter Box- Gave away on Free Cycle.
Leashes, harnesses- I am keeping those for the next kitty. (I know me and I know the probability of another Cat in the house is huge! Open packages of food and treats go to Mom’s cat, as well as Flea Treatment.
Cat furniture- Sammy’s cat condo, scratch post, beds and such will remain (Again for a new cat)

Sammy was a Low Impact Cat in life and in death and is Buried under the plum tree in the front yard were he would look at birds all day from the front windowsill.

2 comments:

Chile said...

I'm sorry to hear about Sammy passing, Rob. I know you love your animals and I'm sure every one of them has enjoyed spending their final years with you.

Both of our current dogs are wearing collars that previously belonged to our other two dogs. They are chewing on their old toys and using some of their dishes. The harnesses are new because these two are pullers!

EcoCatLady said...

It's so hard to lose them. I've been through it more times than I care to think about.

Recently I was de-cluttering and happened upon a long unopened box full of odds and ends. As I pulled stuff out I came across an old chew toy that was my childhood dog's favorite toy. I sat there and cried for half an hour, but was grateful for all of the memories it brought back.

Take care of yourself and don't worry... the universe will send you a new cat when the time is right.