Ragdoll Cat Forums

I was there when Thorne was born 12 years ago, instead of going to his mother for milk, he came to me and pressed his tiny thorn like claws into my leg looking for milk and earning his name.

Thorne was half Ragdoll, and his presonality matches Ragdoll descriptions to a t.

I have had a few pets over the years, but Thorne was different, I had a bond with him that I have never felt with any other, human or pet and I fear I will never feel that bond again. THorne was there for me through all of my hardships and triumphs, he was there when I met my wife, and there when we were married.

He followed me arround like a shadow, always slept in the crook of my hip at night, and never wanted to leave my lap. He loved belly rubs and rbeing cradled in my arms like a baby, but hated to be kissed on the head.

He always patted my arm to get my attention and looked at me with such love in his eyes, that it always overwhelmed me. He hated to be away from me and if I had to leave for a few days, he would stop eating.

He was my best friend, my shadow, my heart and my warmth.

Yesterday morning I woke up, and he had no strength and was barely breathing. We rushed him to the emergency clinic and the news was not good, they wanted to keep him and run some tests. I kept getting worse and worse news throughout the day as test results came in. In the end his condition was so bad, that they were afraid the shock of the cold ness of an ultrasound would kill him and they could do no more tests without a blood transfusion. Even then they thought that procedure would kill him. He was severely anemic & they thought he had developed some cancer of the blood.

I made the decision with my wife that we needed to let him go. Everyone was pretty sure he wouldn't survive the night, and I didn't want him to pass alone and without me there, he hated being away from me.

I will always miss him, and I feel so alone right now, and have no idea what to do with myself. I have never felt this much sorrow and pain, even when I lost both my grandparents this year.

I don't know why I'm writing this, no one here knows me, but it just feels like the right thing to do.

I miss my baby so much and can't stop crying. How does someone get past this?

I am so sorry for your loss of such a dear companion. I know it is not easy to deal with, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

I'm so sorry for your loss of Thorne last night. Thank you for sharing his story with us...and his pictures too. He was beautiful. My thoughts and prayers are with you also...

Wow... Clyburn, (is that your name? Clyburn?) I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Gregg and I have talked about what we would do if and when we lose Dolly. She is the most increadible pet either of us has ever had. I can only imagine the pain you must be going through. ANd we've only had her for 5 months!
I will post a poem/story someone has posted on another thread that I thought was really great. I hope you like it and find some peace in it's message.

Quote:Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

One does not get over things like this, but a time comes when the fond memories dominate again. It is good that you clearly have so many of those to eventually push out much of the sadness of the loss.

It is difficult. I lost my what I call my soul cat in April of 2005 and didn't think I'd survive. Mine was a sudden loss also, and as Jan says, you never get over it but it does become less painful and you'll be able to recall those great memories and talk about them. Just sitting here reading what you feel brings back so many memories of that time and I have tears streaming down my face. I remember talking to another person who had lost her dog that she was devoted to a couple of months before I lost Simon. It did help to know that she felt the way I did and that she did make it through - it gave me some hope. Now I have a scrapbook of photos and tons of wonderful memories. My husband and I bring him up often and talk about his little quirks and things he would do.

I'm glad you came and posted. Thorne was beautiful and you wrote such a great remembrance of him.

I am very sorry for your loss, Thorne was a very special friend for you and your wife and I can tell how much you loved him as I am sure he loved you, I lost my beloved Chole of 16years in May and I am still heartbroken but as each day passes the sadness fades and the lovely happy memories we share are what I feel.

Thankyou for posting your story and sharing with us your love for Thorne, it is very important for the heart and soul to share your grief and make room for the healing process please continue to let us know how you are going.

Thank you all for the kind words. I am feeling better than I did this morning. I never new wrting how I felt would help me so much, but oddly enough it did. It still feels like a hole is in me, but at least I don't feel like a leaky faucet right now, though I probably will tommorrow when I wake up and Thorne still isn't there.

My wife asked me if I had thought about getting another cat at all, and of course I am not ready yet, but the idea did make me feel better. I contacted a couple of breeders that may have kittens ready in February or March. I know I can never replace Thorne, nor would I want to try, but having someone else to give love to...that idea makes it easier for me. By the time kittens are ready, I know I will be too. I couldn't imagine owning any other pet than a ragdoll though, I've been too spoiled by Thorne to ever go back to the average alloof cat.

Though for now, while the thought is helping me, I still would give anything for 5 more minutes of lap time with my boy.

clyburn Wrote:Though for now, while the thought is helping me, I still would give anything for 5 more minutes of lap time with my boy.

Gosh! I Ache for you Clyburn! I Really feel for you.
I think another cat will also give you a distraction and help you get over it faster. So if you can't wait until February, there are lots of ragdolls for adoption around the US. I don't know where you are, but if you're in the US, there's quite a few on Petfinder.
Lots of breeders also have retired breeders for adoption too. It's not a kitten, but from what everyone on here says, They're just as loveable!
I hope you stick around and post more pictures and stories of your Thorne. Like How did you find yourself at his birth and how did he get to be half Ragdoll?
I'm sure we'd all like to hear about your search for your next "Furbaby" too.

I am so sorry for you loss I know how heavy your heart is at this time.Your letter made me cry. I lost my Magoo 3 weeks ago ..I got a new kitty and all tho I will never forget little Magoo he was just a baby when I lost him, he will all ways have a special place in may heart .But Cello my new little boy has help me heal my heart.Be sure and stay around, people here are great they will help you get through this sad time.