Thank-you folks for all your "likes". The old joke that dogs have families and cats have staff is not far off. Look at his expression, and you see who is in charge. Bear was getting older, he had a collapsed lung and asthma, but he kept on trucking. The vet took one look at him and said it was time, I wasn't expecting to let him go that day, but I knew she was right. I have had to let go of many other pets over the years, it never gets any easier.
I love my two brother cats. They are gorgeous, stupid , and evil at the same time. They are in the winter of their lives. Have sworn three times in my life I would never go through that pain again. Then the universe laughs...
Being in my mid 60's, I have had many cats and dogs come and go over the years...and you are both right. It's not any easier to let them go than it is if they were human family. I have bawled my eyes out many times.
