We Lost Turtle Today
We learned from ultrasound and lab tests this week that our blind cat Turtle's cancer had returned ... not only into her intestines again, but it had now spread to her bones. The growth we noticed around her left eye turned out to be not an infection but an extremely aggressive bone cancer. It was just four weeks ago that she had come through major intestinal surgery, which our vets thought at the time had successfully removed all the cancerous tissue. As it happened, the cancer had already seeded itself elsewhere.
This sweet, affectionate girl was just wasting away, and with the new diagnosis, we knew the time had come to let her go. So Alayne drove to the vet clinic today, where Turtle had been since Sunday, to hold her while we put her to sleep. Even at the end, Turtle was still purring as Alayne stroked her. I've never known a cat who would purr at the sound of our footsteps approaching, but that was Turtle. She just adored people. She was truly one of the sweetest, nicest, and most loving cats I've ever known. Bless her little heart.
Hi all!
Great book. I just want to say what a fantastic thing you are doing! Good luck!
Bye
Posted by: tovorinok | July 05, 2007 at 04:08 AM
Oh my sweet friends, I am ever so sorry for your loss. We may have never physically met, but I sit here just bawling over your story as if we have known each other forever.
We (my dogs, cats and I) lost our precious Pebbles to the same kind of bone cancer. She, too, was a sweet tortie with a beige blaze on her nose.
I am grateful to know that you could be physically with her when it was time to go. Unfortunately, I was not with my Pebbles when God came knocking on her doorstep and I have felt such guilt over it all, but it must not have been meant to be that way.
Later on, it became clear to me that I was with her in love and spirit instead when that time did come.
Thank you for all that you do and give of yourselves each and every day. Turtle was so grateful.
Love, Maria
Nicolette (wheelie girl)- woof!
Maggie Mae - woof!
Lokey - mew!
Wendy - mew!
Posted by: Maria Mariani | May 19, 2007 at 04:08 PM
Somehow I missed this post and only found out now that dear Turtle had passed.It's so hard to let go of something you love so much.Bless you Steve & Alayne for taking the best care of her and all the other animals that have ever had the blessing of having a place like RDR to call home.You were there for her during her short special life and at her passing and she knew she was loved.that's all an animal wants is to love and be loved,and boy was she loved.God watch over all of you and stay strong. Love Elaine & the 4 boys
Posted by: Elaine Miller | May 17, 2007 at 10:44 PM
it always will break my heart to hear of having to put our little loved ones to sleep ...i`ve had to do the same with a cat i had for 15 years.....i still have tears sometimes...but just the same turle`s in kitty heaven...and no more pain...you guys are doing absoultely wonderful things for the unwanted ,helpless animals...bless you both.....kathy cayton
Posted by: kathy cayton | May 17, 2007 at 09:23 AM
So sorry to hear about Turtle. It's very painful to have to make that decision but I am so glad that you made the trip to be there for her. I feel so strongly about being there for that moment. She had a wonderful life and a gentle relief from her pain. Her little motor is her way of saying "Thank you".
Posted by: kim | May 10, 2007 at 09:03 PM
I am so sad to hear about Turtle. My heart goes out to you both at this difficult time. It's a good thing that Alayne was able to be there at the end for Turtle....she knew she was loved and cared for.
Posted by: Nina | May 10, 2007 at 08:50 PM
oh guys I am so sorry. So sorry!
So sorry... Those losses just hurt more than anyone can express. I lost my best cat friend to that deadly disease about 6 months ago and to this day I can not really get over not having her around. My apartment does not seem the same. Missing something very special and it hurts. Again, I am very sorry.
Posted by: Karen | May 10, 2007 at 06:41 PM
Thank you for taking such good care of Turtle. She loved you so much...how sad that she has gone.
Posted by: NANCY in Monterey | May 10, 2007 at 02:41 PM
i am so sorry. i know how hard it is to let them go; even when you know in your head it is the right decision because they are suffering, your heart just wants them to be there healthy with you always, the way it used to be.
Posted by: m | May 10, 2007 at 02:12 PM
Steve and Alayne,
I'm so sorry for the loss of your sweet girl Turtle. Thank you for doing everything you could for her and all the other happy animals at your Sanctuary. We are all lucky to have people like you in the world.
Posted by: Heather | May 10, 2007 at 01:21 PM
Thank you for being there with Turtle at the end and for all the exceptional care you gave her. Imagine her on the other side, with eyes and a full healthy body having a gleeful romp. Best wishes to you all.
Posted by: Miranda | May 10, 2007 at 12:24 PM
I'm so sorry for you all. Turtle sounds so special and clearly a dear fighter that has been through so much. Your compassion to be with her with safety and comfort to the end is a blessing. Our sincere sympathy to you all and admiration for your kind work.
Posted by: Margaret | May 10, 2007 at 12:23 PM
Dear Steve and Alayne
I'm so sorry you had to let Dear Turtle go. You gave her so much and I'm certain she knew it. Thoughts are with you, Turtle.
Posted by: Roz | May 10, 2007 at 11:48 AM
Alayne and Steve, you gave her love to the very end and that's a sweet, beautiful way to go. I recognized from the previous posts that Turtle's time was near. You made the right choice, even when it's difficult. She trusted you to take good care of her and you did. She loved you to the end and you loved her back. We should all be so lucky to leave this life purring.
Bless you both and all the critters.
Posted by: Debbie Burke | May 10, 2007 at 11:19 AM
I'm always touched that these animals, often so unloved and so abused in Life Before RDR, are then marked and mourned by so many ... bless, indeed, Turtle's little heart.
Posted by: Alanna | May 10, 2007 at 09:41 AM
I'm so sorry to read the sad news about Turtle. She certainly was a precious kitty to still purr at the sound of the arrival of footsteps of Alayne to be with her at the end of her journey. God speed, Turtle. I'm so sorry you had to endure so much.
Special hugs to you, Alayne & Steve, for loving so much.
ginger & Tobias
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | May 10, 2007 at 09:29 AM
Glenn and I are so very sorry. We always waited for updates on her. We only wish it had not been this. Bless you both for being so loving and for Alayne to not let her leave this place without her loving touch.
Posted by: Nicci | May 10, 2007 at 09:22 AM
Steve & Alayne, we just wanted to say that we are
sorry for your loss. You did all you could do for her
and she knew it. We are so blessed by the love and friendship that animals bring to our lives and I really believe that they teach us that there is dignity in knowing that it is o.k. to say farewell when our life here ends and our spirits go to a place where there is no pain and suffering. She had a peace of heaven at Rolling Dog Ranch and now she is with all the others that you have loved and cared for. Thank you both for your love and dedication to each of your critters and for letting us share with you in their lives.
Posted by: Lynn | May 10, 2007 at 09:18 AM
What a sweet angel. Rest in peace Turtle.
Posted by: Mary | May 10, 2007 at 09:16 AM
It never ceases to amaze me the love and affection and dignity you give to each and every animal day in and day out. And what love you've given Turtle to drive to the vet (no small feat) to be with her as she died. Thank you.
Posted by: kimmer | May 10, 2007 at 07:57 AM
My heart goes out to you both and to Turtle. What a sweet soul she was. At least now she is free of pain and able to run with the others.
Posted by: Linda O'Neill | May 10, 2007 at 07:46 AM
I'm so sorry to learn of Turtle's passing.
My sincere condolences to you and Alayne. Thank you, Alayne, for being by Turtle's side as she left her body. You're a strong and compassionate woman.
Sweet purring Turtle is a blessed spirit now; as she was also blessed to be loved and cared for by you.
Posted by: Leilani | May 10, 2007 at 07:43 AM
I'm so sorry about little Turtle, she looked like such a sweetie you can almost hear her purring just looking at her picture. You certainly did everything you could to fill her life with love and affection, and I'm sure she knew it. Bless you!
Posted by: Katy | May 10, 2007 at 07:28 AM
Isn't that the best way to cross the bridge, in the arms of one you love? In a comment that got lost somewhere this week I wished her a gentle passing if there was no cure, I am happy (with tears) that she had one...
My heart is going out to you both, for having her light around you only in Spirit and not in her body. Even though it is good for her it can be so hard not to be able to touch her body anymore...
She had the best time of her life with you!
Posted by: Jessica, NL | May 10, 2007 at 07:13 AM
I am so sorry for your loss. Turtle was a special little girl, and your decision to give her peace was the right thing to do. I will sure miss reading about her! Nothing can make up for her loss, but be comforted knowing you gave her the very best life she could have had. My heart goes out to you!
Posted by: CrazyOldLady | May 10, 2007 at 06:35 AM