This is the hardest post I’ve ever had to write. On Saturday we had to say goodbye to our little buddy, Bearcat, and it was one of the most difficult things we’ve ever had to do. I know many of you were following his status, and praying for him to heal and we can’t thank you enough for your support over the past few months.
As many of you know, he has had some health issues over the years and in November he was diagnosed with pancreatitis. Short of a few flare ups the past few months, he seemed to be doing fine until about a month ago.
I won’t go into all the details, but the week we left on our trip, we brought him into a specialist to research what our vet thought to be a hiatal hernia. After an x-ray, ultrasound and scope, it was determined he did have a hiatal hernia but that finding was likely incidental and not the cause of the issues we were seeing. They did, however, find that he had pretty severe inflammatory bowel disease. They took a biopsy and the specialist suggested we leave Bearcat with him while we were in Europe. We received regular phone calls with updates on his status and he seemed to be doing okay while we were away. The specialist asked to do another scope before we got home to see if the aggressive treatments they had started were helping.
Thursday when we got home, we picked him up first thing in the morning. He had not been eating (but had been receiving IV fluids) and had lost several more pounds and was skin and bones. The results of the biopsy came in, and not only had the IBD not improved, it had worsened and they found carcinoma. The cancer was untreatable. We sat by his side for two days straight but it was very clear he was suffering and in pain. He also wouldn’t eat or drink.
Late Saturday morning, we were forced to say goodbye to him, and needless to say, it’s been a rough few days for us. I like to keep things light and uplifting on the blog, but I also know many of you were invested in his status so I wanted to share his story.
We already miss him fiercely and our house doesn’t feel the same without him here. He was the best little sidekick and cuddle buddy. But, we’re also relieved he is no longer suffering. While we’re all adjusting, we’ve been pouring out love on the other three since we’ve (very unintentionally) neglected them these past few months being so focused on Bearcat.
I have a few posts already scheduled for the remainder of the week and early next week, but otherwise, I’ll be signing off for the next week or so. If you’ve messaged me on the blog or social media, commented, or emailed over the past week, please know I’m not ignoring you and will respond soon but it may be a week or so before you hear back.
I greatly appreciate all of your love and support!
I am weeping as i read this. Losing a beloved pet is so difficult but remembering all the joy and laughter Bearcat gave you will help. There is nothing that will ease the pain but time. You will be in my prayers.
Sarah, I am so sorry for your loss. We’ve had to say goodbye to a dog that way & I know it’s just awful. While we don’t want them to suffer, it’s hard not to hang on. I’m glad you have other babies to love on! I will be thinking of you & praying for you in the coming days. ❤️
I am so very, very sorry. It’s such a hard thing to go through. Our 16 year old cat has pancreatitis, so I am dreading what is probably coming. I’m glad you shared so much love, and just wish it had been longer and without suffering.
I am SO SORRY for your loss; I know that they become our little “children in fur coats”, and losing them is nearly as hard, I think, as losing a human child would be. They give us so much, and they ask so little, and saying “goodbye” and moving on is more than difficult. I have loved and lost so many of these “furry children” during my lifetime so my heart goes out to you, knowing just HOW MUCH that it hurts. I often tell my current cat Jazelle that she is the best behaved of any of my daughters. I don’t know what I would do without her, because she is often my comforter and my confidante.
I am so sorry for your loss. What a precious fur baby! I will pray for your hurting hearts.
Oh Sarah – tears flowing while I read your post – we lost our beloved Jasmine to pancreatitis – it was so very hard – you will be in my thoughts & prayers
I’m so sorry for your loss. I understand all to well. 💔😔
We just lost our dog, of 11 years, a few weeks ago. Hardest thing ever!!! Thinking of you.
I’m so sorry, Sarah. I’m glad he’s no longer suffering however my heart breaks for you guys. Love you sweet friend!!!
Dear Sarah, all of our hearts are breaking with you & your sweet family as you suffer your darling fur baby’s loss. When one suffers, all do too‼️‼️
Keeping y’all prayed up and sending lots of hugs 🤗 your way.
Please take all the time you need to grieve, we will be patiently waiting for you, dear Lady❤️
So sorry Sarah and Kurtis…love and hugs to all of you!
So, so sorry for the loss of your precious Bearcat. There is is a comfort in knowing he leaped over the rainbow bridge pain free! Prayers for a quiet week with your other three fur babies.
Prayers to you and your husband and fur babies on the loss of Bearcat. I have so enjoyed your posts on decorating and also on your kitties. Seeing you with your 4 encouraged me to adopt our 3rd cat Blondie. Only time and love from your babies will help you heal.
Best,
Darrah
So sorry for your loss and we pray God will hold you close. It’s so hard to lose a beloved pet who was such a part of your family.
I’m so sorry to hear this, our pets so quickly become our family. I’m glad he’s no longer suffering and pray for comfort for you.
Karen
I am so sorry for the loss of Bearcat. I had a cat a few years back with the same thing. Being a cat lover, it is one of the hardest things to do, but we know we have to give them peace. Sending hugs, prayers and love your way.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved Bearcat. I felt your pain as I was reading your post and when I saw the picture of Bearcat it brought back memories of my orange tabby. Losing a pet is losing a member of your family but take comfort you did all that you could, gave Bearcat a wonderful life, and gave him peace at the end of his journey.
Thinking of you as your mourn the loss of sweet Bearcat. I had to put my first kitty, Playdoh, down because he had a tumor on his stomach. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. <3 Praying for strength and healing for you and Kurtis.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is always heartbreaking. Sending thoughts of comfort and peace to you during this difficult time.
So very sorry for your loss Sarah… It breaks my heart to think about losing our baby someday and having to go through the same thing. Honestly reading your post kind of scared me because we just went through a bout of pancreatitis with our chihuahua and I pray we don’t continue to see issues down the road. I will be saying prayers for you and Kurtis as you go through this difficult time.
I’m so so sorry. ❣️
We’re so sorry for you and Kurtis! Lots of love coming your way!
XO
Sending you bigs hugs. We lost of sweet Oreo two years ago and we still don’t know exactly why. He was only three but started vomiting and basically shut down. We knew he was suffering and had to let him go. It was so hard on our kids who were extremely attached to him. Now we have a new fur baby but that was a hard decision to make. But we love him so much and are so glad we decided to love again.
Sending my love and prayers! Sarah, I am so, so sorry! I know these little babies bring so much love with them, thank heaven we get to share our lives with them. They make us better. But letting them go is so painful. I’ll be praying for you guys and thinking of you!
It is said our beloved pets give us years of enjoyment and happiness with one very sad day. I am so sorry for loss. 🙏🏻
May the Lord comfort your precious hearts and may your hearts overflow with cherished memories.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Sarah. It’s so heartbreaking and I’m giving you big hugs my friend. xo
So so sorry to hear this … as you said, saying good-bye to a beloved pet is one of the hardest things in life – and it almost takes you by surprise how much it hurts. We have had to say good-bye to two sweet cats in recent years, and just thinking about those days still brings tears to my eyes. I hope you, too, will feel a sense of relief in not having to watch him suffer any more and having that constant worry lifted. Hang in there – time helps. And having other cats does too!
Aw, big hugs Sarah. Losing a pet is so hard. Thinking of you, friend.
He was an absolute beauty. What a face, and those eyes! Sounds like you were all amazing blessings in each others lives. I don’t know if it is any comfort, but so many of us share and understand your grief. God bless you.
Rest in Peace Bear Cat. You were loved! Will miss seeing him in all your posts.
It is truly heartbreaking. I know all to well. So very sorry.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending all my love <3.
Sarah, I’m so sorry for your loss. Praying for your broken hearts to be filled with peace.
So very sorry about beautiful Bearcat Sarah! My heart breaks for you – losing a pet is truly awful. I will miss seeing him on your photos. Many hugs to you!
I am so sorry, Sarah! Keeping you and Curtis in my thoughts! ❤️
Sarah, my sympathy to you and Kurt!! Losing one of your kids is so hard! (I had to have 2 of my cats put down in the past so I can relate.) It’s good that you have the other babies to love on now also. Big Hugs to you!! Becky
Oh goodness Sarah, sending heartfelt condolences on the passing of your fury baby Bearcat. It’s a hard time when a part of your family leaves us physically so I wish you peace and comfort from the wonderful memories you will always hold close to your heart ❤️
Sarah,
I am so sorry to hear about Bearcat. I have enjoyed seeing all of your cats when you show them on your stories or have pictures of them on your blog. I am a cat owner, too and have had to put down one of ours because of sickness. I wish you peace and comfort during this time. ❤️
So very sorry to hear that you have had to say good bye to your cuddle buddy, Bearcat.
Prayers to you and Kurtis.
Oh Sarah, I am so sorry! Pets are so much a part of the family and I can relate to how hard this is. Thinking of you!
I’m so sorry Sarah. Praying comfort for your family during this sad time.
I”m so sorry, Sarah. We, too, have to lay our cat to rest this weekend. Never is an easy thing to do. Hugs!
From one cat mom to another, my heart breaks for you. I’m so sorry to read of Bearcat’s passing. It’s amazing how each cat has their own personality and the specific ways only they brighten our day. Prayers for peace and comfort in the days ahead as everyone readjusts…
So sorry for your lost. Fur babies are so special. Praying for you!
Oh my…I’m so sorry about Bearcat. It’s so hard to lose our fur babies. Hugs to you all.