It's with a really heavy heart that I write this Flashback Friday, for last Friday our family had to say goodbye to our long-lived cat, Baxter.

Baxter, as I've said before, was about 18 years old.  Over the summer Baxter's appetite seemed to decrease some, and he shed a few pounds.  As a neutered male indoor cat that was basically inactive most of the time, he was...well..he was fat.  At his heaviest he weighed around 23 pounds.  The last time I took him to the vet about a year ago, he weighed 17.  I would say that over the summer he'd lost 3-4 pounds, but in the past couple of weeks, he had pretty much stopped eating, and when we took him in last Friday, he weighed a mere 8 pounds and could barely stand.

We're not really sure what was wrong with him beyond just old age, but whatever it was, took over fast.  I mean I just photographed him on a skateboard a couple of weeks ago!  My main goal was to prevent any further suffering because he had been such a good pet for us for so many years, so we made the difficult and tearful decision to have him put to sleep.  About a year or so ago, I blogged about his history (in an embellished sort of way), which you can read about here.

It was just me and Baxter those last few minutes, and honestly I don't know how aware of his surroundings he was by that point, but I am thankful that I was there to stroke him and tell him I loved him as the life breathed out of him.

I know this may seem sappy and emotional and over-the-top to some of you, but I can't think of any better way to spend a Flashback Friday than to look back over the last fifteen years that Baxter was a part of our lives....

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Posted by lahbluebonnet

How sad. When you sort of foreshadowed that something happened, I thought, I hope Baxter is okay. I remembered seeing him on the skateboard and I remembered you saying he was 18. My cat is 19 and was never over 10# but is now down to about 5#. She hardly eats. It's kidney disease. Every year I think this is her last and she somehow keeps going. She has arthritis and doesn't get around as well as she used to. But she is up and down all day to get to her food and litter box, then back up stairs to lay under dd's bed. She can't hear anymore. But she's still getting around and I don't know how she does it. I don't know how I'll make it when I have to take her in to the vet that one last time...
Blessings,
Laurie

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Posted by CrossView

I'm so sorry! =(

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Posted by proverbsmomof3

I can so relate to your sorrow. I am shedding tears now as I remember my own beloved cat who past a way about a year or so ago and I relate to how you are feeling. I honestly feel your pain. Pets are such a huge part of our families. I think the hardest part is remembering those last few moments before they leave us. I'm sure my Midnite was there to greet Baxter when he arrived and they are having a wonderful chat over some catnip and milk.:) Keeping you & the family in prayer.

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Posted by 4sweetums

I think you remembered Baxter in a lovely way. It is so hard to say goodbye to a pet.
Blessings,
Dawn

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Posted by sadie423

I'm so sorry for your loss. I still miss my dog Bailey, and it's been since January...

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Posted by Debbles107

Well now you've done it. You made me cry! I'll miss Baxter. Maybe not him sleeping on my head making my allergies go nuts! But he was such a sweet cat and just always there.

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Posted by teachingmisssmartypants

I'm sorry for your loss. :(

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Posted by Prodoceo

I can't imagine life without my cats!! I fully understand your sorrow! How are the kiddos doing? My girls would be devastated.

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Posted by Arby

That's a tough thing to do. We did the same with a 15 year old beloved dog last year. I'm sorry to hear that you had to go through it.

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Posted by homeschoolingKatt

Okay I know I am supposed to cheer you up...snub...snub...but I think I need a good cry.
I had to make that difficult decision a few years back with my 14 year old kitty. Then last year I lost 3 rescued kittens to FIP.
Just wanted to say I feel your pain. You will have to stop by my blog and see my silly cat Luna. I have a picture of her and her crazy sleeping position. Hope that will bring you a laugh today.
Vicki

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Posted by flmom

I'm so sorry for the loss of your sweet fur friend. (((((HUGS))))) May his memory fill your heart will smiles and laughter forever.

http://a-skip-in-my-step.blogspot.com/

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Posted by jenn4him

I am so sorry. I know the day we have to say good bye to our cat, who is almost 15, will be a tragic day as she is the queen of our home. I pray the Lord will comfort you all.
Jenn

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Posted by solidrock

What a wonderful tribute to a dear friend. Your dear Baxter looks so much like our Squeeky. We have 5 furbabie felines. We have had to let a few go over the years.

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