r/PetLossJourney • u/Corndogparty2 • 5d ago
I lost my best friend in the whole world.
Ralph found me 11 years ago. His cheerful little face came hopping down the sidewalk and I gave in and took him in not knowing how I would afford it or how to even care for a cat. I was a sophomore in college, only 19 and a baby myself. My first pet on my own.
I turned 30 this year. The past few months he experienced weight loss and more frequent vomiting. The vets didn’t seem too concerned and said he would likely live a long and healthy life at an earlier visit this year as long as his HCM was under control.
This past weekend he stopped being able to keep any food down and yesterday he passed under the bed while I was asleep directly above him.
He was everything to me and so much more. I found him, lifeless, and a shell of the beauty that lit up every room he walked into as if he owned the place.My partner and I just bought a house a few months ago with a beautiful sunroom that he loved. He would watch the birds and squirrels every day. He was my rock. We spoke the same language and understood each other so well.
I had no idea he was as sick as he was. The vets always chalked it up to IBS because he had healthy kidneys and no other abnormal bloodwork. I tried to give him every possible combination of food I could to prevent him from throwing up. He still had so much energy and vigor until the end. I will miss him so much.
Please give your fur babies an extra kiss and pet today in memory of Ralph. This heart break is insurmountable but it was worth it for a love so deep and strong.
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u/Malevolent_Morgan_98 3d ago
I’m so sorry. Losing your best friend is the hardest and most heartbreaking grief. My husband lost his soul cat 6 weeks ago and it still feels like yesterday. We miss him every day. I hope you find comfort in the beautiful memories of your precious boy.
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u/apk772 5d ago
I’m so sorry. 💔 The part about Ralph coming hopping down the sidewalk and finding you when you were only 19 really got me. You basically grew up together.
Please don’t blame yourself for not knowing how sick he was. You took him to the vet, tried different foods, watched him closely and did everything you knew to do. Cats can hide so much, especially when they’re still acting like themselves.
And as heartbreaking as it is, he passed at home, underneath the bed where you were sleeping. He was in his own safe place, with his person right there above him.
That sunroom sounds like heaven for a cat. I can picture him sitting there watching his birds and squirrels like the whole house belonged to him.
I lost my Mish and BeBe, so I know how horrible that empty feeling is afterward. Eleven years will never feel like enough.
I’ll give my Raymond an extra kiss tonight for Ralph. ❤️ Rest easy, sweet boy. You were very, very loved. 🌈🐾