Just finished up a long night, holding and petting our oldest cat. We picked her up from the vet about 14 years ago in Las Vegas. She was between 1 and 2 at that time.

She was raised with dogs and for the longest time acted like one. She would set at the window and bark at things going by, or what she thought was a bark. She would chase interlopers out of the yard whenever they dared to trespass.

She may have been a full blooded Maine Coon, if not she sure had all the characteristics of one. She was big, had a thick coat and would talk to us all the time.

She has gone off to a better place I hope, one where her spot in the sun never goes away and she can chase all of the mice and birds that she wants.

This picture is from about a month or so ago, as she had already started winding down.

I was waiting until the vet opened this morning to put her down but she took her last breath just before they opened.

So long Abbey, you were a great companion. I will miss you on my lap. It is amazing how pets become more than pets, they are part of the family.



bob

Bless you and the joy Abbey brought to your life!

Beautiful cat....I'm sure she led a life fit for a loving family member. I too get closely attached to my pets. Sorry for your loss. You need another one and another one needs you too.

Bless both of you. I am sure that Abbey passed peacefully in the home and with the people who loved her and whom she loved too.


Bullseye

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Five screws and 3-1/2 inches.

I too have experienced the loss of a valued family member and the memories even now are still painful. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.

Very sorry for your loss.

Whenever I see a post like this, I know I better grab some kleenex. My sympathy to you and yours Bob. It's never easy, but it always helps to know that the one we lost had the best of everything, and an abundance of love. Enjoy your new life at the Rainbow Bridge Abbey. Be strong Bob, and God bless.

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Misty

Although no longer with you, Abbey will live on in the memories of those who knew and lover her.

Bekeart

Sorry for your loss, man

R.I.P from me and my cat. They are members of our family.I'm 66 years old and have had cats since i was little.

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WALSTIB

Bob, I am so sorry for your loss.

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Dom

When I was a teenager my Mom had cats and they nearly killed me (allergy problems). Even though I consider myself a dog-man, cats do have a way of taking a place in your heart. In spite of the misery they caused me, I hated to see them go. My Mom's cat that looked just like your Abbey was named Princess. Still remember her. Sorry to learn of your loss. Abbey will be waiting for you in the sunny spot.

Between cats, dogs and a few horses my heart has been broken...just like yours is now....two dozen times. The only downside to our pets is the love they give us takes such a toll when they finally leave us.

But have a little story... Knew a Lady who died on the Operating table, was clinically dead for several minutes, but was brought back to life. I asked her what did she experience?

She stated that she went into a bright light and when she could make out objets, as the light dimmed, it was beloved Family members and friends who had passed away eyars previously...AS WELL AS...ALL of her pets who had died earlier!!

I'm not a religious person...but her story has always made the thought of death a LOT easier.

Hang in there.

FN in MT

When I read these stories, I'm reminded of my little Cindy the Weiner. I miss her so much.
I know what you're going thru.

Bob, sorry for your loss. R.I.P. Abbey.
Chuck

Very sorry that you lost your friend and companion. It hurts.

...Sorry for your loss. That's the hard part about our animal pals: their lights burn bright but not long enough. She was a beautiful example of Maine Coon Cat...what a great photo.

The important thing is that you did right by your non-human friend. May she rest in peace after her full happy life.

All the best,

Mike

Always hard, You've got a good heart; blessings on you and Abby.
TACC1

I'm very sorry for your loss.

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"I also cook."

She was a beautiful animal. I'm a cat guy. Heck I like dogs too. Got two cats and a dog. They become fixtures of the home. Another personality to live with. They are missed when they go. I'm truly sorry for your loss.

I too am sorry for your loss.

In 5 days it will be exactly one year since I came on here after having to put the best friend I ever had to sleep. I miss him like it was yesterday. I feel your loss, and know it'll be a long time if ever that the hurt will go away. God bless you.

Sorry for your loss, Bob. Maine Coons are unique cats and have a personality all their own, as you know. We also used to have one until he disappeared one day, about the same age as your Abbey. Our Jay was a true character, too. May you once again find another love-able lap warmer.

and your pets too.

the loss is a tough one. i lost a 17 year old about 6 weeks ago . still have 6 cats and one big dog.

two of my cats are 16 & 17 ....moma and one of her babies. i am divorced and live with my pets, girlfriend and i have 12 pets between us.

my mighty akita dog is about eleven now and she has arthritis in her hind quarters pretty badly which i medicate her for . she still is a decent watch dog , but not as mobile as a couple of years ago.

have buried around my property several cats my x and i lost over the years....they all were really tough so i know what you are going thru .

best wishes rock

Good pets never last long enough. Abbey had a good life and she made yours better as well. Rest in peace, Abbey.

I had a big beautiful tom cat that we thought was a female when we first got him, and we named him Fredina. We later shortened it to Fred. He lived a long time and became part of the family. He got feline diabetes and I had to put him down. That may have been about the worst day in my recent memory. I know how you must feel. God bless all ya'll.
Peace,
gordon

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better have that checked

I'm so sorry for your loss.

I'm a real 'cat person', so I know what you mean. Cats are far more than just a 'pet'.

She was a VERY pretty cat, and sure looks like a Maine Coon.

I'm glad you were with her at the end; I'm sure it was a real comfort to her.

Goodbye Abbey and Happy Hunting!
It sounds as if you gave a gift to a Family that many of us consider priceless.........the gift of love.