I just got off the phone with the Veterinarian,

[JMCKUSICK]

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.

[biophile]

1. It seems that you are doing him a kindness

They are so good at hiding pain and discomfort because they don’t show it the way we do. They don’t loudly complain - they stop eating or hide. You are most likely saving him pain and giving him relief and a dignified passing with you there by his side.
Wishing all of you peace….

[erronis]

10. Exactly. We can give them a quiet and gentle passing.

But we can't do that for ourselves.

[JMCKUSICK]

18. I know you're right, and I feel right doing it,

It's the conversation I have to have with him first that's gonna be hard.

Slight understatement.

Thank you Biophile

[catrose]

39. Cuddles knows you love him. Maybe he wanted to stay with you as long as he could

[JMCKUSICK]

43. Your avatar looks like him, he had a round happy face

[catrose]

67. Really? Then I know he wanted every possible minute with you.

Those cats are so loving l

[JMCKUSICK]

68. He so loved our walks,

I'd start getting ready and I'd talk to him, like getting psyched up, and he would get up and always beat me to the door.

The long ones were the best, on those 70 degree days where we'd lay out in the sun by the pond, him either on me or nestled right next to me, I'd be talking to Butterflies and Dragon Flies and he'd be humming along with his purr.

[debm55]

2. I am so sorry. John. Love, debbie

[JMCKUSICK]

19. Thank you Debbie, you're the best.

[Attilatheblond]

3. Do NOT beat yourself up. Life is finite and, yeah, that hurts

but you can't fail when EVERY life has an expiration.

I have a psychologist pal who is also pretty spiritual in non-traditional sense. He always says, watch for a sign in about 3 days. Chances are something will get a message if you are open to receiving. And that's hard when you are grieving.

My pal always said to watch the behavior of any other pets in the house, sometimes they receive what we ignore or miss. My old dog and female cat moped for 2.5 days after we had to have the young cat put down due to a lung failure. Late on that third day, dog and female cat got REAL happy and seemed to be playing joyfully with something we couldn't see. They got much better after that and both started eating again after refusing food after we lost Pete. It was weird, but my friend just said 'Told ya'.

[JMCKUSICK]

9. I'm certainly open to that, I still talk to his sister Snuggles every single day.

[johnp3907]

4. 😢

[JMCKUSICK]

11. How beautiful JohnP3907

Every pet owner needs to see this on that day.
Thank you.

[BonnieJW]

22. I love this piece

I have it saved in my email file.

[bamagal62]

33. 😢

[SheltieLover]

5. Oh no, John! What did the vet say is wrong with him?

My heart goes out to you, my friend.

Let's keep hoping for an overnight miracle!!!

[JMCKUSICK]

12. His kidneys have just shut down

[SheltieLover]

13. Oh no!

I am so sorry to hear this, John!

Hugs to you and your sweet kitty.

[JMCKUSICK]

21. Thank you SheltieLover

I don't know if this makes sense, but for the second time in my life, I get to say good bye the right way.

For a man that spent decades hiding from his feelings, I get to honor him most by having them and giving him comfort as he leaves for the rainbow 🌈 bridge.

It means I'm a better person than I was twenty years ago.

[SheltieLover]

25. You are a great guy, John

[Alephy]

6. I am so sorry to hear this

It is so hard to let go of our little friends.

[JMCKUSICK]

63. Thank you Alephy

[Faux pas]

7. It's so hard 😫 i know

It is the right thing. Sending healing and coping vibes. 💓

[Niagara]

8. I'm sorry John

It's a painful decision and you didn't fail Cuddles, his body failed him.

[SuzyandPuffpuff]

14. Yu always do yr best

We do what we can at the time. Bottom line you're there for him when he needs yu the most. Yuk ... its never ez...he needs Yu to b strong during this so don't add to his stress. cry after. Sorry ... such visceral pain

[Omaha Steve]

15. So sorry

[FakeNoose]

16. I'm sorry for your loss, it's something every pet owner eventually has to face

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.

[LatteLady]

17. Love in action, for the benefit of another

I know this is so hard and I’m sorry. But please please know, they depend on us to alleviate their suffering. This is a gift you give, of mercy and release. I’ll be thinking of you all.

[TBF]

20. I'm so sorry - it is the very worst part of pet ownership.

[JMCKUSICK]

57. I remember being thirteen and understanding that pain is the price we pay

For love lost. It's only right and the best way to honor my Cuddles is to welcome the bill.

[Nanuke]

23. I am so sad for you, John.

[JMCKUSICK]

58. Thank you so very much Nanuke,

I know he's been a part of our communication over time, so please give Nora and Samson extra hugs and kisses.

[Scrivener7]

24. I'm so so sorry. Peace to you, John

[Ocelot II]

26. I'm so sorry!

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.

[The Wizard]

27. "We who choose to surround ourselves

with lives even more temporary than our own live within a fragile circle"
(Irving Townsend)
RIP Cuddles

[MustLoveBeagles]

28. I'm sorry

Please don't blame yourself.

[Walleye]

29. So sorry so sad. I know how it feels. I'm going through it too stay strong.

[Polly Hennessey]

30. JohnP reminded us of what they would say if they could talk to us, Thanks for everything. I had a wonderful time.

Tiger knows this and he also knows that he was loved in return. Loving our pets is one of the best things we do. You loved yours and you bridged that space that gave to them the understanding that some humans are worthy of their respect and love. Grief is such a crushing emotion but one that we must accept for the love and loyalty they give to us.

I hope tomorrow will bring the sunshine back but if it doesn’t happen to just remember the wonderfulness of Tiger’s love.

And, by chance, if another Tiger should come into your life know that will be the greatest tribute you can give Tiger - loving another perfect creature.

[littlemissmartypants]

31. ❣️🫂

[JoseBalow]

32. I'm sorry you are suffering through this painful time.

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.

[bamagal62]

34. I am so sorry. ❤️

[Fla Dem]

35. I am so sorry for you. I've had to let a pet go twice. It is always heart wrenching. He'll always be with you.

[yardwork]

36. I'm so sorry. This is hard.

Don't beat yourself up.

[Botany]

37. Been there

This will hurt no matter what you do but if you have to do what is needed to be done
and your buddy doesn’t have to suffer anymore that is the right thing to do.

[LuckyCharms]

38. John...

You are the best buddy to him, and you made his life better.

Remember that, his life was better because of you.

Tomorrow will be two weeks since we put our dog down.

I'm still crying several times a day. but it slowly gets just a bit better each day after the first week. Kind of.

You'll get through this. And the only way out of it...is through it.

We can go through this together if you want.

Send me a message if you need someone to grieve with.

It will be alright John. I promise you.

Just understand that there are many here who know exactly how hard this is.

You're not alone.

I asked my dog to come to me in a dream after he passed. He did come to me in a dream, and it was joyful.

Ask Cuddles to come to you in a dream before he passes. And he will at some point.

Again, you're not alone.

[MIButterfly]

40. Oh no, John, this is not what any of us wanted to hear

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.

[kacekwl]

41. So sorry for you. I had to put my

19 year old Min pin mix down yesterday.

[SheltieLover]

52. Deepest condolences to you

Healing vibes on the way to you.

[kacekwl]

82. Thanks

[Bayard]

59. Sorry to hear this, kacekwl

[kacekwl]

81. Thank you

[MIButterfly]

65. I am so sorry for your loss, kacekwl

You have my deepest sympathy.

[kacekwl]

80. Thanks

[niyad]

70. Lady of the Beasts, please take Your little one gently home in Your

loving arms, and send peace and comfort to their grieving loved ones.

So very sorry for the loss of your precious baby.

[3catwoman3]

42. Just an hour ago, I posted this in a different thread. maybe it will help a little.

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.

[JMCKUSICK]

45. That's a fantastic perspective, and I'll keep it with me tomorrow.

[angrychair]

44. So very sorry

I hope a miracle does happen. Hoping for the best possible outcome.

[JMCKUSICK]

47. Thanks for the reminder that a miracle is indeed possible Angrychair.

[mwmisses4289]

46. gentle 🫂

[Ilsa]

48. I lost my "big dog" about five weeks ago.

He didn't seem to be in much pain, and knowing how much he hated going to the vet, I decided to wait until he showed more signs of discomfort. He went pretty quickly, just one scary moment, but I had my arms around him, telling him to go to Daddy. I don't regret how I handled it.

Peace to you, fellow dog lover. You've made a difference in the world.

[JMCKUSICK]

51. Thank you Ilsa, I appreciate the sentiment.

[SheltieLover]

53. Deepest condolences to you

Healing vibes on the way to you.

[AllaN01Bear]

49. ""

[orangecrush]

50. Sorry to hear this

I almost lost my fur baby, she had emergency surgery last week but pulled through.

Deeply sadddned.

[sinkingfeeling]

54. I'm so very sorry.

[JMCKUSICK]

79. Thank you Sinkingfeeling.

[MN2theMax]

55. I'm so sorry for 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.

[JMCKUSICK]

56. Thank you MN2theMax,

Choosing the time wasn't an issue here as he literally went from playing and seemingly enjoying life to spending his last 24 hours on my bed not eating or moving much.

When the Vet says it there's been no improvement, or a lot of time to mess with.

And I've never been a never again guy, each cat I've had has made me a better friend to the next one I've gotten. All but one, rescues of the best kind, right off the streets, and even Petunia, she was found on the streets before ending up in a few shelters. And all wonderfully unique.

[Bayard]

60. I'm so sorry, John

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.

[JMCKUSICK]

61. Thank you Bayard, I'll truly be honored to do that for him,

as much as he's done for me.

[LoisB]

62. I really am so sorry.

[JMCKUSICK]

64. Thank you LoisB, I know and feel it from here.

[niyad]

66. My dear friend, I am so very sorry to hear this. Please know that you

and your precious boy have all our love and support in this heart-and-gut-wrenching moment. He knows that you love him, and he knows you did your best. When the time comes tomorrow, if he does not leave tonight, know that we are there for both of you. And know that the love in your eyes and heart are what he will carry with him. I am sending my babies to the Bridge to wait for him. He will not be alone, and neither are you.

[JMCKUSICK]

69. Thank you Niyad, you must be an answer to one of my prayers,

Because I asked for friendly greetings when he crosses, for someone to keep him safe and happy til I come home, and of course to see his sister Snuggles again.

Tell your babies he's a little shy at first, but will be the best friend they could ask for.

[niyad]

71. They will take good care of hm and his sister. And do not be surprised

if either of them come to visit you.

[JMCKUSICK]

74. I fully expect something to happen, it's crazy how

It always seems to.

[Laurelin]

72. Thinking of you, and Cuddles

Saying goodbye is awful.
So is kidney failure. I've lost two cats and a dog.to it. Deciding to let go is awful. I always feel like I wait too long, but I think if Cuddles was playing last week he still had quality of life, so don't blame yourself.

IIn the Netherlands they say "sterkte." I think in German i its "mut." I wish you strength in this difficult time.

[JMCKUSICK]

78. Thank you Laurelin.

[KitFox]

73. Oh John, 😞 I am so sorry you are having to face this. Know that the deep sadness you feel is the true evidence that

your precious Cuddles had the very best home and life. Sending love and gentle hugs. 🩷🩷

[JMCKUSICK]

75. I've thought that in heaven, he will be a story

Teller, he had quite the adventure for a life for such a short time.

Thank you for the kind words KitFox

[Dunc]

76. Just be there with Toby.

Petting him caressing him telling him you love him.

[JMCKUSICK]

77. Good morning Dunc,

Forgive me for not clarifying in my post that Toby is my roommate, but I am taking your advice with Shadow and Petunia.

Shadow looks completely lost, like she's waiting for him to get home. She's been off to herself since yesterday afternoon. She's losing her sweetest friend, as Cuddles so warmly embraced her coming into our house last December. They became thick as thieves.