I’ve been writing a weekly blog for just over 18 months now and my most read and commented on blog was entitled “It Still Hurts.” The title of this one is similar, but the basic idea is the same. Loss hurts.
A couple of hours ago Jan and I had to put down our cat. She had been sick for a couple of weeks and got worse and worse and nothing the vet did helped. We didn’t want her to suffer and we believe we did the right thing. But believing (knowing?) you did the right thing doesn’t take away the hurt.
Spiff (a crazy name given to her by Jan) had been ours for almost nine years. A couple of months earlier we had taken in a stray dog someone had dropped off at our church property. Then this stray cat starting hanging around our house. I didn’t like cats and discouraged Jan from feeding her, but she stayed. Finally I told Jan the cat could stay in our garage but we were not going to have a stinking cat in the house. It didn’t take long for me to fold and she was welcomed into the house. She and Macy (our dog) hit it off with no problems and I became a cat lover.
I have tears rolling down my cheeks as I reflect on the way that cat became a part of our family and my life. Rob played with her, Jan took care of her, and I loved on her as she sat in my lap as I read, studied, and watched TV. I’m more emotional than I ever thought I could or would be over the loss of a cat! But loss hurts.
It seems a little strange to me that I am writing about my hurt from the passing of a cat when at the same time I have a friend grieving the loss her husband and another friend grieving the loss his mother. Our loss is not in the same category as theirs; but the truth is loss hurts, doesn’t it?
Loss and the hurt that accompanies it are a part of life. But it doesn’t take away the joy, satisfaction, and enrichment that what we lost gave us. If I had it to do over again I would encourage Jan to feed that cat right away and skip the time in the garage!
(If you would like to read “It Still Hurts” you can at https://bobmmink.com/2016/04/06/it-still-hurts/)
Feel free to leave a reply below and/or share this post on Facebook.
Pastor Bob Mink 
I am sorry for the loss of your cat please give Jan our regards too. I can relate to the pain you feel in the loss of a beloved pet. I pray God’s peace and comfort to you both
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry to hear about your loss. We just had to put our dog down, so we know how you feel. She was a member of the family for 16 years.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bob and Jan I am so sorry for the loss of your cat… I know the feeling oh so well. I had a dog previously named Trooper that was given to me… He was a part of our family for about 14 years. The most lovable dog you could ever meet! I too had to make the choice to put him down when he became very ill and could not walk anymore or eat or go to the bathroom. I broke down and cried so hard and it took me quite a while to get over the loss of our sweet sweet dog. Even still when I think about it I get so choked up. I am so happy he was a part of my life though and gave us all so much joy. Now I have my dog Momo Who is around 11 or so and it took a while but she has become my best friend. I did read your article “it Still Hurts” also. I cannot just want to tell you how sorry I am for your loss… I know it hurts. Love you guys!
LikeLike
So sorry for your loss Spiff was more than a cat but an important part of your life. Prayers.
LikeLike
So sorry for your loss. Our pets become our family. 💔
LikeLike
It’s been just a bit over a year since my dad died, and the pain of the loss is still with me. Loss does indeed hurt, but I think the memories of what was loss, plus a willingness to learn and grow from the loss helps in the grieving person. I know some people who have lost someone dear to them, and I hope that we all can pray for people going through the grieving process!! Thanks for your honesty Pastor Bob!
LikeLike
Yes. It still hurts. It’s a selfish hurt. I know how much better off my Mom is, not being bound by an earthly body that was failing her in so many ways. But it still hurts.
LikeLike
So sorry for your loss Pastor Bob and Jan. Anyone who has a pet they grow to love as family will experience the hurt, it’s natural, but it doesn’t make it any easier!! As a dog owner for many years we have gone thru this same loss many times, it is never easy!! It hurts!
LikeLike
So sorry to hear of your loss. No matter a cat, dog or even a rate – we become very attached. Praying for peace for you and Jan.
LikeLike
Insightful. Thx Bob. We grieve a lot more in life than maybe we even realize.
LikeLike
Bob,
I remember Spiff’s gradual transition from stray, to, garage, to indoors. She was a sweet kitty and was well loved in your home. She obviously won your heart and converted you to the ranks of cat lovers. Having lost both a cat and a parent last year I agree that some losses are greater than others but it does hurt to lose a pet family member!
I’ve been praying for both you and Jan; that the Lord will comfort your hearts.
LikeLike
Bob I’m so sorry for your loss & understand your hurt as I have had to put my 16 year old dog & 12 year old cat down to stop their suffering. Although for my dog, Honey, & 13 years for my cat, Tinker, I still hurt because I miss them. We rescued our little terrier, Baby, who shares our bed & fills our heart with love but Honey & Tinker will always have a piece of our heart
LikeLike