Goodbye Dex . . . Our Little Sweetheart . . .

salttram

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We just took our Dex in yesterday after realizing her life had become too difficult for her. This is my wife's tribute to her:

Sunrise Sunset . . .

Our little kitty cat girl of 22 years will soon be over the rainbow bridge. We are taking her to be put to sleep tomorrow. She has been the best little girl in in world – but her health is failing. This morning Brian came out of the bedroom and found her in a sorry state - she was not able to use her back legs to get to her litter box, which she has never failed to use in all those years. So we cleaned her up and have been showering her with even more love and attention since then, carrying her to her food, water, and litter box. Brian will stay up tonight and make sure she will be OK and comfy.

Dexter has been the best cat one could ask for. Brian's always said: "if all cats were like Dexter, everyone would have a cat". She loved everybody, even small children and would let them hold and carry her in ways she did not tolerate with me. In her younger days, she never tired of jumping in the air to catch a ball in her paws! – then bring it back to us. She was good at climbing high which scared me often. And unlike most cats, she loves to have her belly rubbed.

First Meeting: I was a dog person before Dex (Dexter). She ran up to Brian in the backyard from the alley at night some 21 years ago when he called to her. Brian has always been a cat person. We had a can of food from babysitting our neighbor’s cat and fed her. At first our relationship was more like “you have to make sure she is outside before you leave for work.” But that soon became "you have to make sure she is inside and safe before you go". I think the day Dex and I really bonded was when I received news that a very good friend of mine had died. I was out-of-my-mind distraught. Brian was gone on a trip. I cried and cried… on the couch, on the floor… and at one point I realized this ball of fur was sitting next to me – gently comforting me with her presence in a way she never had before. I felt a vibe from her like “It’s ok, I am here”. Then and there, she was forever my best friend, and Brian was happy to come home to a newly-minted "cat person".

So now as we take her to go to sleep, to journey over that rainbow bridge, I hope she hears my whispers – “It’s okay – I am here”. I love you Dex.
 

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catlover73

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Welcome to TCS and I am sorry you joined us due to such sad circumstances. Dexter’s tribute is beautiful.

No one is ever ready to say good bye know matter how much we know it is time. This is always a very difficult decision made from a place of love. The bond you shared can never be broken. Your love has helped guide Dexter to the rainbow bridge. A piece of her love will always live on in your heart. Dexter is now an angel watching over both of you. I share tears and offer hugs.
:angel::grouphug2::rbheart:
 

les26

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My heart weeps when I read of so many sweethearts passing on this site but it cries a bit more when they are Tuxedos as my baby boy is one as you see his picture, I am so so sorry for your loss, what a sweet kitty she was and to have her for 22 years, well, that is quite amazing, you are very fortunate even though no time with them is enough. But she is just fine now, no more issues, just fine and healthy and you will meet again someday and it will be wonderful.

"Their last breath on Earth is their first breath in Heaven" :rbheart:

I am so sorry, she was beautiful, I hope your hearts heal a bit more each day, God Bless.....:alright: :grouphug: :rbheart:
 

tarasgirl06

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We just took our Dex in yesterday after realizing her life had become too difficult for her. This is my wife's tribute to her:

Sunrise Sunset . . .

Our little kitty cat girl of 22 years will soon be over the rainbow bridge. We are taking her to be put to sleep tomorrow. She has been the best little girl in in world – but her health is failing. This morning Brian came out of the bedroom and found her in a sorry state - she was not able to use her back legs to get to her litter box, which she has never failed to use in all those years. So we cleaned her up and have been showering her with even more love and attention since then, carrying her to her food, water, and litter box. Brian will stay up tonight and make sure she will be OK and comfy.

Dexter has been the best cat one could ask for. Brian's always said: "if all cats were like Dexter, everyone would have a cat". She loved everybody, even small children and would let them hold and carry her in ways she did not tolerate with me. In her younger days, she never tired of jumping in the air to catch a ball in her paws! – then bring it back to us. She was good at climbing high which scared me often. And unlike most cats, she loves to have her belly rubbed.

First Meeting: I was a dog person before Dex (Dexter). She ran up to Brian in the backyard from the alley at night some 21 years ago when he called to her. Brian has always been a cat person. We had a can of food from babysitting our neighbor’s cat and fed her. At first our relationship was more like “you have to make sure she is outside before you leave for work.” But that soon became "you have to make sure she is inside and safe before you go". I think the day Dex and I really bonded was when I received news that a very good friend of mine had died. I was out-of-my-mind distraught. Brian was gone on a trip. I cried and cried… on the couch, on the floor… and at one point I realized this ball of fur was sitting next to me – gently comforting me with her presence in a way she never had before. I felt a vibe from her like “It’s ok, I am here”. Then and there, she was forever my best friend, and Brian was happy to come home to a newly-minted "cat person".

So now as we take her to go to sleep, to journey over that rainbow bridge, I hope she hears my whispers – “It’s okay – I am here”. I love you Dex.
You've been inducted into the unique bond that only a cat and his or her beloved share. salttram salttram . I was born "with cat" and will always love all cats. My heart breaks for you both. *Fly free, whole, healthy, and forever Loved, sweet angel Dex. Watch over your beloveds until you are reunited in due time.* My deepest condolences for your loss. Any other words are trite.
 

flory

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I'm moved to comment on your beautiful tribute. I'm so happy for you and Brian that you got to share so many wonderful years with such a special friend. I'm so happy for Dexter that she found her family with you both. It was meant to be. My heart goes out to you.
 

di and bob

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22 years of her sweet love. What a testimony to the wonderful home and care she received. Her frail body could not support the great heart and soul she carried, somehow you found the strength in your love to free her from her misery.
After so long, the house will seem so empty without her in it, without that sweet girl watching and joining in the routine you established. It will take time to learn a new life's order without her in it. I pray you can focus on the years you did share, not the end, she gave you so much joy and happiness, those years are so much more important. Do not let the end take precedence over the years she spent loving you. Just think if you had never met her, had never known her sweet love. She was in your life for a reason and you are so blessed to have shared those years with her.
"Death cannot take that which never dies" so your love will keep her alive through your memories and your feelings. The bond you built over those years is incredibly strong, it can never be broken. It will tie your souls together until that glorious day your life paths meet again in the future. Send her thoughts of happiness and joy in the meantime, just as she would want for the ones she loves above all else. just as you would have wanted for her if you were the first to go.
My heart goes to you, I know how much this hurts. It helps to surround yourself with people who understand, it helps to let time soften the sharp edges of grief and not to rush the grieving process. A broken heart takes a long time to heal.
RIP beautiful Dex. You will never be forgotten, you will always have a secure place in loving hearts. May the good Lord bless and keep you until you meet again. May you always send those words of comfort to those who will always be listening, "It's OK , I am here".......
 

davidc59

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Sorry to hear the news about Dex ,i have recently lost one of my cats ,don't think the guilt and sorrow will ever go away.
 
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salttram

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Thank you all so much for your beautiful replies. We did not realize at first how helpful it would be to share our story. But your words, although reminding us of our sadness, ultimately reveal the very happy story that Dex was in our lives. Thank you.
 

betsygee

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Ah, sweet Dex. What a lovely tribute. It's beyond heartbreaking to lose them when they've been such a beloved family member for so long. I'm very sorry for your loss.

RIP, little girl. :rbheart:
 

Mamanyt1953

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Rest you gentle, Dex, dream you deep. Your pawprints are on your family's hearts forever.

What a beautiful tribute to a lovely cat. Love does not die, you know, it only changes form, and continues on, still Love. Love abides. Dex is with you still. She has put off that heavy coat of flesh that could no longer support her loving heart and sweet spirit. She dances on starlight now, ever near, ever loving. Someday, in the fullness of time, you and your wife with dance with her there.
 

Baja Annie

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My heart weeps when I read of so many sweethearts passing on this site but it cries a bit more when they are Tuxedos as my baby boy is one as you see his picture, I am so so sorry for your loss, what a sweet kitty she was and to have her for 22 years, well, that is quite amazing, you are very fortunate even though no time with them is enough. But she is just fine now, no more issues, just fine and healthy and you will meet again someday and it will be wonderful.

"Their last breath on Earth is their first breath in Heaven" :rbheart:

I am so sorry, she was beautiful, I hope your hearts heal a bit more each day, God Bless.....:alright: :grouphug: :rbheart:
Thank you
 

Baja Annie

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Rest you gentle, Dex, dream you deep. Your pawprints are on your family's hearts forever.

What a beautiful tribute to a lovely cat. Love does not die, you know, it only changes form, and continues on, still Love. Love abides. Dex is with you still. She has put off that heavy coat of flesh that could no longer support her loving heart and sweet spirit. She dances on starlight now, ever near, ever loving. Someday, in the fullness of time, you and your wife with dance with her there.
How beautiful, thank you
 

Baja Annie

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Welcome to TCS and I am sorry you joined us due to such sad circumstances. Dexter’s tribute is beautiful.

No one is ever ready to say good bye know matter how much we know it is time. This is always a very difficult decision made from a place of love. The bond you shared can never be broken. Your love has helped guide Dexter to the rainbow bridge. A piece of her love will always live on in your heart. Dexter is now an angel watching over both of you. I share tears and offer hugs.
:angel::grouphug2::rbheart:
Your words are precious - thank you
 

Baja Annie

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You've been inducted into the unique bond that only a cat and his or her beloved share. salttram salttram . I was born "with cat" and will always love all cats. My heart breaks for you both. *Fly free, whole, healthy, and forever Loved, sweet angel Dex. Watch over your beloveds until you are reunited in due time.* My deepest condolences for your loss. Any other words are trite.
You words are heart felt and precious - thank you
 

bobingersoll

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What a wonderful story...and it sounds a tad familiar...
About 12 years ago we had a stray kitten show up in our back yard, black as the night. He was on the border of being feral I guess and it took close to a week of feeding him out under the camper shell before he would let us get close enough to pet him. He has been with us ever since...and his name is Dexter.
Here's to the Dexter's, and the wonderful life they have had.
 
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