August 28th, 2001 6:45AM, I tried to feed my dear Poddy and brushed her. About 10AM I held her in my arms and we went outside for her last look at the world. Backyard, front stoop, all around the outside of the house.

She smelled a morning glory, a zinnia (which I still have), the trees and plants. She felt the warm sun on her face and smelled the fresh breeze for the last time. Poddy enjoyed that so very much and she was happy.

10:45AM I held her bowl while she had her last meal of her favorite tuna. She had such a very hard time eating...but she tried so very hard to eat. It was getting impossible now. But we spent her last hours very peacefully and in joy together, as we always had.

She went downhill very so badly between Saturday and Tuesday. I had to call my dear Vet Dr. Garner. He was so gentle and loving with Poddy and I. He's a very good and wonderful man.

He gave her the first shot about 2:05pm and then she was very relaxed and we talked to her , kissed her and she was told a million times how much she was loved. I carried her round and cuddled her.

Then he laid her on my table and shaved her wee arm. (he gave me her fur to keep amongst her whisker's I had collected over the years) at about 2:16 the second shot was given and we held her head and body and stroked her. I knelt down to look right into her eyes the whole time and spoke to her. I kissed her a lot , told her how much I loved her.

She passed very peacefully , about 2:20pm and I kissed her gently, told her I loved her for the last time while she was here on this earth and Doc Jim took her. As he left I said "Goodbye Poddy". He turned around and spoke for Poddy and said "Goodbye Mommy." Thanks Doctor Garner....

I had a private cremation and received her ashes back on August 31, 2001. They rest on a little stained glass table by my window, under my ficus tree. A shrine to my beloved Poddy. Along with some of her picture, fur, whiskers I have collected over the years, her St.Francis medal, Guardian angel cat, all her cards and her two favorite toys.

I am lost without her. I still cry a lot of course, not because she Isn't Suffering anymore, but only because I miss her so very , very much.

She is at peace with Jesus now and at Rainbow Bridge. She is whole again! With all 4 legs back, no tumor, arthritis and no deafness. She is a new kitty once again and I know she is there, but still here in this house in spirit with me too. I can feel her here so very much. And one day , I shall be reunited with her. I know that for sure!

Yes, I look in all her favorite places and talk to her , call her for dinner and brekkers.... I think I even see her. I know I do for even though she is in Rainbow Bridge, I know she visits me in spirit too.

Thank You to everyone who offered prayers and kind words of comfort and sent cards, lovely poems and flowers. And I wish to thank Our Dear Lord for giving me the miracle of being able to have Poddy in my life for so many happy years. Poddy thanks everyone and 'HIM'...she can thank in person now. May God Bless You ALL and ALL of your precious furbabies!

Rest in the peace of Rainbow Bridge my dear sweet Poddy. I know you will play with all our furbabies who have left this world and are now in a better one. I love you with all my heart and soul. You were my life dear sweet Poddy and always will be. I know too, dear Poddy, you await my arrival HOME and when I get there we shall be united once again. I will hold you in my arms, feel your silky fur on my hands, I will kiss you and we will be very happy indeed for eternity!

I stood by your bed last night, I stopped to take a peek.
I could see that you were crying; you found it hard to sleep.
I purred to you softly as you brushed away a tear.
"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here!"
I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour your tea.
You were thinking of the many times your hands reached down to me.
I was with you at the shops today, your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels; I wished I could do more.
I was with you at my grave today, you tend it with such care.
I wanted to reassure you that I'm not lying there!
I walked with you toward the house as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said, "It's me!"
You looked so very tired and then you sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know that I was standing there.
It's possible for me to be so near you every day,
And tell you with certainty, "I never went away".
You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew.
That in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.
The day is over...I smile and watch you yawn,
And say, "Goodnight, sweet dreams, God Bless, I'll see you in the dawn.
And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush to greet you and we'll stand together, forever side by side.
I have so many things to show you, there's much for you to see...
Be patient, live your journey out...
Then come home and be with me.

A best friend closed her eyes last night
As her head was in my hand
The doctor said she felt no pain
But she had no strength to stand.
The thoughts that scurried through my head
As I cradled her in my arms, were of her younger kitty years
And of...her many charms.
Today, there was no gently nudge,
WIth an intense 'I Love you gaze'.
Only a heart thats filled with tears,
Remembering our joy filled days.
But an Angel just appeared to me
And he said 'You should cry no more.
God also loves our kitty friends,
He's installed a Kitty door'

1997 Mary Ellen Arthur HEAVEN'S DOGGY DOOR

Alan, from the The Wistaston Cat Refuge (a wonderful shelter that saves kitties!) has graciously added Dear Poddy to his Lovely Chapel of Rest. Please go see this wonderful memorial site and visit this most wonderful refuge!

Our dear friend Nancy and Poddy's dear Andy have added a Memorial Tribute to Poddy over at Nancy's Kitty Kondo please go see it won't you?

Also take a look at this very special and beautiful site Kami's Rainbow Bridge Page Poddy is on her memorial Plaque there.

Thanks so very much D'Boxer, Alan, Nancy & Andy and Kami!

Pet Loss Support Page We all encounter this sometime in our lives. I have and know how sad and devastating it is to deal with. Here's a page that may help you. Join in the Monday Night Candle Ceremony for your pet, you can add their name there and to their Tribute Pages also. I have added my Dear Tripod also. Make sure you see Rainbow Bridge while you are there too.

IF I SHOULD GROW FRAIL

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain does keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done
for this - the last battle -can't be won.
You will be sad I understand
But don't let grief then stay your hand.
For on this day, more than the rest
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.

Take me to where my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end.
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don't grieve that it must now be you
Who has to decide this thing to do.
We've been so close - we two -these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

(author unknown)

Here are some of Poddy's Furrends. I know she would want them here with her on her page.