It's done. Ernie is gone. It was heartbreaking. He cried all the way there in the carrier, he definitely did not want to go. Then once we got there, I opened the door of the carrier & just rubbed his head, & he calmed down & started purring deeply. He purred up until the moment he died. At one point, he stared right into my eyes, & I swear he understood. I couldn't believe how fast the injection worked...he was gone in about 10 seconds. He died with his eyes open & his tongue hanging out a little, in a sweet, cute way. He was such a big cat, he almost took up the whole exam table. I just pet him & told him I loved him...but he was already gone.
I keep reminding myself he is in a better place. A friend pointed out something sweet. Wednesday would have been my mom's 59th birthday, so Ernie is a belated birthday present for her. Ernie & my mom are in Heaven together, taking care of each other.
It was one of the saddest, hardest things I have ever had to do. I am not sure staying with him was wise, because I can't get the image of him that way out of my head. I have never watched an animal die...particulary one I loved. I still can't believe how quickly he was gone....
And then I left wondering, why can't humans be given that injection & be put humanely out of their misery? Why do we just end the suffering of our pets, why not us, too?
Oh well. God bless you Ernie. You were a great kitty. I love you. *wave*
sad