|
Replies: 16
| visibility 2,201
|
110%er [6729]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 8298
Joined: 7/23/05
|
Rough night last night.
3
64
3
64
Oct 21, 2023, 9:20 AM
|
|
Last night was rough for my family. We said goodbye to our oldest cat, Reilly. I adopted him one year after graduating from Clemson (20 years ago!). He had seen a lot over his years…He saw me get married and have two wonderful children (still married by the way!). He witnessed Clemson football struggle and then win countless ACC titles and play for four and win two National Championships. Believe me he saw, he was always sitting beside me on the sofa curled up in his Clemson blanket. He also saw the Braves team I have watched since I was a kid win the World Series beating the Astros (Please let the Rangers beat them in their series!). He saw Clemson basketball…well, I’ll leave that one alone for now, maybe my other, much younger cats will have better luck there!
Yesterday he lost the ability to use his back legs so my wife and I curled him up in his favorite Clemson blanket and took him, along with my recently turned 10 year old daughter to the Vet.
As expected the Vet wanted to run a number of tests but also as expected they said it was really a quality of life decision. They may be able to extend his life a few months or even a year but he was almost 21 and likely had underlying health issues (most likely heart related).
We made the decision to let him finally rest and he passed in my arms with my daughter and wife beside me. This was a first for my daughter (third for me though it never gets any easier) and I could see she truly understood the finality of the decision as the tears streamed down her eyes.
We all knew it was the right, though most difficult, decision. We came home and looked through our pictures of Reilly and had some laughs and cried a bit more. I’m tearing up again as I write this!
I wanted to share this story not to depress anyone but to remind those that need reminding what really is important in life. I needed reminding.
Clemson sports will always be a huge part of my life and enjoy watching them, win or lose. I do wish some of our fans (not going to get into percentages) would be a bit more thoughtful and respectful when posting about our teams here on T-Net but, as with Clemson losses in any sport, I’ve learned not to take anything too seriously.
Keep your expectations high Tiger Nation just don’t let them impact your life in a negative way. it’s not worth it.
Ok, now go hug your loved ones and/or your furry friends and get ready for a beautiful Saturday (here in Charlotte anyway), and I’ll see y’all back here tonight for Tiger Football!
RIP Reilly.
|
|
|
|
 |
CU Guru [1064]
TigerPulse: 98%
Posts: 798
Joined: 10/12/99
|
Re: Rough night last night.
9
9
Oct 21, 2023, 9:26 AM
|
|
Nice post. Great job Dad. Pets make life easier.
|
|
|
|
|
|
All-Conference [436]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 166
Joined: 3/10/20
|
Re: Rough night last night.
7
7
Oct 21, 2023, 9:29 AM
|
|
I needed this today, thank you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Letterman [278]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 212
Joined: 1/7/13
|
Re: Rough night last night.
6
6
Oct 21, 2023, 9:30 AM
|
|
Sorry for your loss. Looking a pictures helps. I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Legend [18792]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 12823
Joined: 11/30/95
|
Ole Reilly was a 100% er.
9
9
Oct 21, 2023, 9:31 AM
|
|
By which we all are!
Sorry for your loss, we have a old cat and dog ourselvs and cherish each day with them.
Unless they throw-up on the new couch that is!!
Go Tigers!
|
|
|
|
|
|
CU Medallion [65528]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 33280
Joined: 12/3/03
|
Always tough to lose a beloved pet, but you made the right decision.
8
8
Oct 21, 2023, 9:31 AM
|
|
20 years is a LONG life for a cat. No animal should be kept alive in pain, when that is all they have to look forward to. I have seen pets suffer when families did NOT have enough love to make that decision, and it was heartbreaking to watch the pet, in this case a small dog, suffer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
All-TigerNet [11028]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 4985
Joined: 10/31/03
|
Re: Rough night last night.
15
15
Oct 21, 2023, 9:44 AM
|
|
I'm sure there are people reading your post that will not "get it". I do, and I'm sorry you have lost a valuable, constant, and supportive member of your household.
Cats know your secrets. They are there when you wake up and they are there when you go to bed. They are no different than old friends...only you don't have to tell them anything because they see it all. We currently have six. Each was found at various times towards the end of our long driveway where it is (apparently) a convenient, hidden place to drop off unwanted animals. The vet bills are tough, but each of these creature brings their own personality and they seem appreciative of simply being wanted.
You will never forget Mr. Reilly. Nor should you! If a Clemson man needs no introduction, then a Clemson cat knows when it's time to leave. Trust his decision, and yours. Mr. Reilly was a great friend, a capable assistant, and a patient psychologist. Hats off to a life lived well.
|
|
|
|
|
|
All-TigerNet [10469]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 7016
Joined: 5/14/01
|
Wonderful post
6
6
Oct 21, 2023, 10:17 AM
|
|
Thanks for sharing
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trainer [41]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 13
Joined: 11/22/01
|
Re: Rough night last night.
1
6
6
Oct 21, 2023, 10:52 AM
|
|
Thanks for posting this life story. We lost our 14 year old Australian Shepard last Saturday to lung cancer. We knew this was coming for some time, but it didn’t make it any less devastating. Our lives have changed because of him. His impact was immeasurable.
So sorry for your loss.
Excuse me, I have something in my eye…
|
|
|
|
|
|
CU Guru [1271]
TigerPulse: 87%
Posts: 1307
Joined: 8/17/11
|
Re: Rough night last night.
4
Oct 21, 2023, 10:58 AM
|
|
Pets are a big part of families but they are pets...
|
|
|
|
|
|
110%er [5101]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 2260
Joined: 6/8/06
|
Re: Rough night last night.
4
Oct 21, 2023, 10:58 AM
|
|
20 years, man that's a long life. I have one that's 13 and has never been to the vet except to get spayed. Maybe we will be as fortunate. Thanks for sharing and putting things in perspective.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Orange Blooded [4459]
TigerPulse: 91%
Posts: 4244
Joined: 1/1/19
|
Re: Rough night last night.
6
6
Oct 21, 2023, 11:15 AM
|
|
Wow, what a wonderful post. This is what I like about tiger net. I too have two very old cats and share sympathy for the loss of your cat. We have been thru instances with them as well. Yes, I’m going to love my tigers win or lose and do my best to be positive. Yes, the fun is in the winning but character is built in being able to lose gracefully. Go Tigers please beat the canes. I will sleep much better tonight if you do.
|
|
|
|
|
|
All-In [25943]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 3277
Joined: 7/28/12
|
Re: Rough night last night.
5
5
Oct 21, 2023, 12:00 PM
|
|
So sorry for your loss. I lost my beloved cat named Sable a couple of years ago, and I still mourn her loss. Kudos for handling this in such a compassionate manner.
|
|
|
|
|
|
110%er [7497]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 15420
Joined: 2/2/01
|
Sounds like saddle thrombus - our kid lost a cat that way.
1
Oct 21, 2023, 2:00 PM
|
|
Sorry for your loss. It’s a crappy way to lose a cat but you did the right thing if that is what it was.
|
|
|
|
|
|
All-TigerNet [13700]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 4839
Joined: 9/17/05
|
Re: Rough night last night.
1
Oct 21, 2023, 2:05 PM
|
|
People who haven’t had a pet as part of their family have a tough time relating to those who have. You explained it well. I hurt for you too. Time is the only remedy, not a cure.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Orange Blooded [3223]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 1548
Joined: 11/9/11
|
Re: Rough night last night.
1
Oct 22, 2023, 8:17 AM
|
|
Aww, man. I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve lost two this year. It never is easy. They become your children. They love so unconditionally. The pain never goes away; we just deal with it better as time passes. I pray your family has serenity and peace beyond all understanding. Fly high Reilly.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Letterman [278]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 392
Joined: 11/30/13
|
Re: Rough night last night.
Oct 22, 2023, 3:16 PM
|
|
|
|
RIP Reilly "True Clemson Cat Forever"
I am sorry for your loss. Our furry critters really make our lives better while asking for so little! Rest assured he loved you and your family, he will carry the Clemson flag with him across the rainbow bridge proudly! I lost my Brutus to cancer after almost 20 years back in 2018. I have tried to attach the "Rainbow Bridge" story.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Replies: 16
| visibility 2,201
|
|
|
50
