Dignity

[dinahsmum]

As I walked to town to get some chocs to take to my lunch-time hostess, I was thinking about the sad stuff that's been on the forum over the last few days and tried to rationalise. I came up with this, for what it's worth.

The essence of cats is self-awareness anddignity. Leave aside those mad moments when they are chasing a fierce leaf, or play-fighting their feline friend, back legs kicking, or the embarrassing moments when they just have to wash their bits, moistly and noisily when you have visitors, cats are nothing when they lose their dignity.

Dogs are fools, surrogate babies and enjoy nothing more than being fussed - you say where, you say when, they say - more please. Cats say 'you may stroke me now; or you will stroke me now' but if they don't want it, they won't have it.

So, we should preserve our cats' dignity and exercise our final responsibility (our final and greatest privilege) unselfishly, when the sad time comes.

Hugs to anyone affected. My girls are getting on - I dread the day. But, I've had to intervene for 2 of the 3 cats I've lost and both times. afterwards, I wished I had done it 'a day too early'. I hope I'll remember when the sad day comes.

[Fran]

Thank you DM....your thoughts are so true and very close to my heart today x

[Kazz]

DM Your words stike a chord with me too for obvious reasons.

Take care all, and remember when the time comes to smile even thought your heart is breaking because they need you. Karen

[Luke]

It is just so true DM, many a time we have been faced with this road to take, sadly not allways with oldies which sometimes makes it worst when one is so young and havent lived properly yet
Hopefully i don't have to face that option with my girls for a long time, but whenever their time comes their dignity shall be put first, i can't imagine CLementine being happy being a soppy oldy who cant go out hunting or for a wander! And my thoughts are with those whom are having to go down this road at the present

[yola]

Wise and thoughtful words. Thanks DM for clarifying so eloquently what most of us are probably thinking.

We owe it to our furry companions to care for them in the right way, and that sometimes includes making the most difficult decisions.

I'm hoping that those amongst us who are dealing with this dilemma right now have the courage and strength to do what is right.

[Kay]

Lovely words. Now I am in tears ...again.

[Donna]

Very well said DM.

I just pray that when it comes to my turn I can do the right thing too. My kitties have already given me much love and affection in the short time I have had them, hopefully there will be many more moments.

But I know I have to do the right thing too. My thoughts are with those going through this terrible time.

[Moli]

Vey wise and true words DM, I hope I too will be able to do the right thing when the time comes.............

[Mags]

Very touching words DM.........

[Emm]

very nice words